News: Ministry of Education raises daily university meal budget to 100 birr per student amid rising costs

Addis Abeba– The Ministry of Education has announced an increase in the daily meal budget for university students from 22 birr to 100 birr, with efforts underway to standardize menus across all higher education institutions.

The Ministry explained that the adjustment follows a study on the “current rise in food prices.” It also noted that experts are working to make food menus at universities “more uniform.”

Solomon Abreha (PhD), Executive Director of Administration and Infrastructure Development at the Ministry, said the adjustment was necessary to address the significant rise in food prices. He explained that the budget increase, now raised to 100 birr per student, will be tailored to the number of students at each university.

This change comes as budgetary constraints have significantly impacted universities across Ethiopia. Rising inflation and limited resources have strained institutions’ ability to provide adequate meals for students.

A previous report by Addis Standard revealed that some universities, such as Ambo University, were forced to reduce meals and student stipends due to resource shortages. “Previously, the allocation for one student was being split between two,” an Ambo University instructor disclosed.

This crisis culminated in an unprecedented decision earlier this year, where students were instructed to leave campuses immediately after midterm exams. “We were forced to leave the campus before the final exam, having only just finished our midterms,” a student shared. AS