In an unprecedented move, three high-level officials in the field of education were assigned over the week as envoys overseas.
Thus, Kassa Tekle-Berhan, minister of federal affairs and pastoralists as well as board chairman of Addis Ababa University, Admassu Tsegaye (Prof), president of the university, and Shifreaw Tekle-Mariam (PhD), minister of education, were all appointed as ambassadors extraordinary and plenipotentiary.
Other officials receiving similar appointments include Aster Mamo, Berhane Gebre-Kirstos and Merga Bekana (Prof), a former board chairman of the National Electoral board. In addition Ewentu B. Debela, assistant to the prime minster, was appointed ambassador.
The reshuffle of the three officials from the higher education sector came following a scrutiny against Addis Ababa University for mismanagement of public funds, according to commentators.
It is to be recalled that successive reports by the Office of Auditor General have indicated that the university has serious issues in its utilization of the public coffers.
The overseas places of assignment of the newly-appointed ambassadors have not yet been disclosed.
By Dawit Endeshaw
