AMN Plus – June 27, 2026
Addis Ababa University (AAU) today celebrated its 76th commencement ceremony in a vibrant and festive atmosphere, conferring degrees upon 6,417 students who successfully completed their studies across various fields of education. Of the total graduates, 2,646 are women, reflecting the university’s continued commitment to expanding educational opportunities and promoting gender inclusion in higher education.
According to the university, 3,542 students graduated with first degrees, 2,241 earned master’s degrees, and 377 received doctoral (PhD) degrees.
Speaking at the ceremony, AAU President Samuel Kifle(PhD) announced that the university has successfully completed its long-anticipated transition to an autonomous governance system, marking a historic milestone in the institution’s evolution.
He noted that this year’s graduation holds special significance as it coincides with the university’s 75th Diamond Jubilee anniversary, making the occasion not only a celebration of academic achievement but also a reflection on the institution’s remarkable legacy and future aspirations.
Samuel explained that the newly adopted autonomous governance framework will enable the university to expand academic programs, admit qualified students based on its own admission criteria, strengthen institutional management, and enhance its overall competitiveness at both continental and global levels.
Highlighting the university’s recent academic achievements, the president revealed that 91 percent of the 3,960 AAU students who sat for the national exit examination passed successfully. He further stated that students from 18 academic programs achieved a remarkable 100 percent pass rate, demonstrating the university’s strong academic performance and commitment to educational excellence.
The president also emphasized that AAU continues to maintain its position among the leading universities in Africa and East Africa, earning recognition in internationally respected ranking systems, including the QS World University Rankings and the Center for World University Rankings.
In addition, he highlighted that AAU ranks among Africa’s top five universities in annual research publication output. Having produced more than 300,000 graduates over the past seven decades and played a pivotal role in Ethiopia’s national development, the university is well-positioned to capitalize on its autonomous governance status and further strengthen its reputation as a center of academic excellence, innovation, and research.
Addressing the graduating class, Samuel encouraged graduates to transform the knowledge they have gained into wisdom, creativity, and innovation. He urged them to become problem-solvers capable of turning challenges into opportunities, particularly at a time when the world is grappling with climate change, technological transformation, and economic uncertainty.
The 76th commencement ceremony stands as another significant milestone in Addis Ababa University’s distinguished history, reflecting its enduring contribution to human capital development, research, and national progress.
By Birhanu Workneh
