Educational ties between the Nizhny Novgorod Region and Ethiopia reach a new level

Today, 6 June, during the Global Digital Forum at the Nizhny Novgorod Fair, an agreement on cooperation was signed between Dobrolyubov State Linguistic University (DSLUN) and Addis Ababa University (AAU).

As planned earlier—during the Dobrolyubov State Linguistic University delegation’s visit to Ethiopia in February this year—an AAU delegation paid a return visit to Nizhny Novgorod.

“We see enormous potential on the African continent for cooperation with the Nizhny Novgorod Region. Our region is already building dialogue with almost thirty African countries, and relations with Ethiopia stand out for their special dynamism, as evidenced by the fact that more than 1,000 African students study at our universities. Today’s signing between Dobrolyubov State Linguistic University and AAU is a fine indicator of how our ties are strengthening, opening new opportunities for education and cultural exchange and fostering mutual understanding between peoples,” — Olga Guseva, Minister of International and Interregional Relations of the Nizhny Novgorod Region.

“The agreement between Dobrolyubov State Linguistic University and Addis Ababa University is an important step toward strengthening educational and cultural links between Russia and Ethiopia. It opens new prospects for students and lecturers, creating a platform for sharing knowledge and experience. Together we can reach new heights in education and cultural interaction, promoting friendship and understanding between our nations,” — Nikita Avralev, Acting Rector of Dobrolyubov State Linguistic University.

Dobrolyubov State Linguistic University has opened a Russian Language Centre in Ethiopia with the support of the Russian-African Network University Consortium. University scholars have already conducted a cultural-educational marathon and a series of intensive courses in elementary Russian for Ethiopian learners.

In addition, the Dobrolyubov State Linguistic University delegation organised a consultation training for specialists teaching Russian at the Russian House in Addis Ababa (Rossotrudnichestvo). Staff conduct classes via synchronous video links, providing methodological workshops and basic Russian courses two or three times a week. These activities are systematic, and a government grant application has been submitted to enable on-site training in Ethiopia.

Under the agreement, Amharic—the state language of Ethiopia—will be taught at Dobrolyubov State Linguistic University by lecturers from Addis Ababa University.

“A systematic approach to teaching creates a sustainable educational environment in which students can effectively master both Russian and Amharic. This will allow a deeper immersion in the learning process and further strengthen ties between our two universities,” — Mulugeta Vondwossen, Vice-President for Infrastructure and Digitalisation, Addis Ababa University.