Observations and Reflections of the Higher Education Teachers on the Quality of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education in Ethiopia

Abstract

Human resource development is one of the policy tools to enhance national development of a country. Ethiopia being first in Africa in livestock population, the presence of a higher institute in leather and leather products technology enables the country to get maximum benefit from skin and hides (Ethiopia’s second highest export commodity next to coffee). The Ethiopian Leather and Leather Products Technology Institute (LLPTI) was established in 1998, and has been producing skilled manpower at the certificate and advanced certificate level. Recently, the institute commenced higher level technical and vocational training with the objective of preparing middle level technicians and managers in the areas of leather processing technology, leather goods technology, leather garments technology and footwear technology. Accordingly, this study aimed as examining the development trends, problems and prospects in the LLPTI. A descriptive survey method was employed to carry out this study. The data was gathered through questionnaires, interviews and documentary survey. After analyzing the data in qualitative and quantitative terms, the problems and prospects of the institute were reviewed in light of qualification of trainers, quality of training equipment and raw materials, availability of funds and demand for the graduates. Finally, conclusion and recommendations were drawn so as to improve the existing situation of the institute