Technology adoption in the education sector of Ethiopia has largely been sluggish and unsatisfactory. But it can help address the fundamental issues that are causing the low exam pass rates.
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Everyone’s getting used to bad news when it comes to the national exam results. This year saw only 8.4 % of the examined students achieving the passing marks. The remedial program, initially expected to be discontinued, will continue because of the alarmingly high failure rate among students. This outcome has generated widespread concern and criticism, highlighting that the current model cannot provide a sustainable approach to education. In this article, we focus specifically on the question: “How can technology address this crisis?”
What’s Been Done So Far?
Technology adoption in the education sector of Ethiopia has largely been sluggish and unsatisfactory. The Ministry of Education has started efforts towards implementing E-learning in universities. Digital examination has also been implemented in the National Exams, though the implementation has been far from smooth. These initiatives have faced multiple challenges, including limited infrastructure, unreliable internet connectivity, a shortage of trained instructors, and resistance to change from institutions accustomed to traditional teaching methods.
How Can Technology Help?
It’s difficult to say that technology will increase exam pass rates. However, the adoption of technology in education has resulted in better learning for students, which ultimately should lead to better results. In Malawi, for example, the introduction of interactive learning tablets has significantly improved foundational literacy and numeracy. These tablets, which adjust to individual learning levels, have led to an average literacy improvement of 4.2 months over 13 months of use. Such adaptive learning tools can cater to Ethiopia's diverse student population, providing tailored support to those struggling academically.
Although Ethiopian schools generally have an anti-mobile policy, a UNESCO study has shown that mobile phones are instrumental in enhancing reading habits in developing countries. In Ethiopia, where mobile penetration is high, utilizing mobile platforms for educational content delivery can bridge access gaps, especially in rural areas with limited infrastructure.
These are just some of the examples in which technology has resulted in better learning outcomes. When talking about “improving education,” it’s important to have a wider lens than merely the exam pass rate. A richer, more engaging learning experience naturally leads to higher exam performance, but its true value lies in fostering deeper understanding and long-term skills.
TLDR: Technology can help address the fundamental issues that are causing the low exam pass rates.
A Caveat
Technology certainly has a role in addressing Ethiopia’s education crisis, but deeper structural issues must also be tackled. It is crucial to recognize that technology is part of a broader solution, not the solution itself. Time, however, is not on our side. Each year that passes without meaningful reforms leaves hundreds of thousands of students unable to access higher education. These numbers compound over time, posing serious long-term consequences for the nation’s social and economic future. The immediate priority, therefore, is to cultivate a national sense of urgency and mobilize coordinated action to implement both technological and systemic reforms.
