Ethiopia has banned off-campus education and ordered private universities to close degree programs in law and education. The closing of the teaching and law programs affects 64 private institutions, while the banning of distance education also affects Ethiopia’s 23 public universities. The approximately 75,000 students enrolled in affected programs will be allowed to complete their coursework. Education Ministry spokesperson Abera Abate Abebe says the directive was issued to maintain the country’s education standards, explaining that several private institutions were more interested in profit making than in providing quality education. The ruling, however, has garnered a negative reaction from representatives of private universities, including Wondwosen Tamrat, founder of the private St. Mary’s College in Addis Ababa. Tamrat admits that there are some disreputable private colleges in Ethiopia, but he points out that St. Mary’s students have been driving national standards in some areas. Abera says that the directive will be strictly enforced, but he suggests the rules could be eased once institutions issuing worthless degrees are forced to close.Source: Voice of America