Ephrem Tekle
Yacob

Dr. Ephrem Tekle Yacob earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Dr. phil.) in Education from the University of Heidelberg, Germany, in October 2018. He also holds an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Addis Ababa University and a B.Ed. in History from Bahir Dar University. In 2019, Dr. Ephrem served at the former Ministry of Science and Higher Education as a member of the national study team tasked with differentiating Ethiopia’s higher education system. Based on this study, the system was restructured into three categories: Research Universities, Universities of Applied Sciences, and Comprehensive Universities. He also contributed as a member of the national team that developed the Framework for Universities of Applied Sciences and designed the implementation strategy for differentiation. Currently, Dr. Ephrem is a full-time faculty member at Kotebe University of Education (KUE). He was quality coordinator of college of Educational Sciences, Director of Research and Publication and Acting Vice President of Research and Community Engagement. He coordinates three major projects: • F.A.I.T.H and MaDE, an EU-funded initiative aimed at transforming applied education in Ethiopia toward labor market outcomes. • Education and Vocation Counselling Training (EVCT), funded by APPEAR. Previously, he lectured at the Institute of Educational Science, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, teaching Education in Developing Countries. His courses explored challenges and opportunities in educational access, quality, equity, and relevance, as well as education in conflict zones and global education agendas such as Education for All (EFA), Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030. From 2005 to 2015, Dr. Ephrem worked as a teacher, vice principal, and head of the education office of a sub-city in Addis Ababa. He has published numerous research works and actively engages in community service. He currently serves as a board member of the Ethiopian Catholic Secretariat and the KAAD Partner Committee, which oversees scholarship selections. Dr. Ephrem’s extensive experience spans practice, leadership, and research within Ethiopia’s education system. His deep involvement in general education and research makes him a valuable asset to the sector.