Elucidating Enclosed Truths in Ethiopian Education System during Imperial Periods: a Realist Review

Abstract

Ethiopia undertakes inordinate opportunities and challenges to shape its education system. Notwithstanding the positive connotations of understanding the Ethiopian educational system, the exact educational configuration should be clarified. Thus, this realist review examined Ethiopian education during the imperial period, its growth patterns, external and internal challenges, and the colonial influences that hindered education transformation. The diversification of political party-oriented leadership in the education system from internal perspectives and hidden neo-colonialist ideology-oriented support from external bodies were identified as enclosing the truth offered by the imperial government in education development. Furthermore, it has been found that the enclosed facts that the imperial government sacrificed for generations to advance education for nation-building have been covered in dust by prudish politicians in the last three decades. It also identified the inhibiting and promoting efforts of international partners during the imperial period in education in Ethiopia.