Education wields great clout as its two potent pillars, teachers and students, being the potential change agents invariably shape up the ethos of our society. Hence, Ethiopian government, wants all 31 universities to contribute towards the strengthening of secular fabric of our nation, says the Inter-governmental Religion Adviser to Ministry of Federal Affairs, Mr Samson Abate, in an exclusive interview; following is the excerpts.
Answering the query as to what prompted government machinery - Faith & Trust building wings to start this sort of training, he stressed, ‘‘It’s purely a training to be given to the teachers, students and administrative staff in which govt. expects university community to be the part of its fight against the religious extremism.

We expect them to imbibe the specific provisions enshrined in Ethiopian Constitution that will help them to comport accordingly. And educated people will know how to keep the religious, social, and cultural fabric of our nation intact,’’ he said.
In Ethiopian context, universities are core to any development, thus, working with university community, government wants to reverse the possible infiltration of religious intolerance in our society.
Likewise, even semi-educated mass can contribute; keeping this aspect in mind, Education & Federal Affair Ministries would vigorously collaborate with the universities to impart knowledge to them through periodical training to build their capacity.
Replying to a question, whether Ethiopia is experiencing any religious discord, he replied, ‘‘We think extremism hasn’t started from anywhere, yet it’s ubiquitous. Yes, it’s paradoxical yet a stark reality! Ethiopia has recently witnessed a murder of one of the religious leaders in Wollo. It’s a threat perception, and we want to take serious measures to head off possible worsening of social, religious & political situations.’’
On whether government has any mechanism or legislation in place to tackle the eventuality, he said, ‘‘With this kind of trainings government seems to be nipping the possible scourge of religious intolerance in the buds. Similarly, we intend to achieve social and religious harmony on the basis of our Constitution. Our Statute has several Articles i.e. Article 3, 11, 25, 27, 90 and Sub-Article 2, which talk as to how religion should be followed.
Article 90 & Sub-Article 2, state as to when any religious activities need to be restricted; especially those affect society, create dissention, discord; promote violence and harm the moral fabric of our community need to be restricted.’’
Article 27, allows her citizen to practice, profess, promote and proselytize any religion in the country; but governmental institutions are barred from such activities. Therefore, no individual, group or organization is allowed to carry out such activities in their respective organizations.
Article 11 clearly states about the separation of government and religion. And anyone found creating disharmony and trespassing the fundamental principles of Constitution, will be lawfully penalized. If found sufficient incriminating evidence against the errant person, he or she will be forthwith arrested.
Elaborating about government’s next course of action, he adds, ‘‘After such trainings, we will enforce law of the land and take strict cognizance of such crimes. We want to exert that Ethiopia is the land of different religions and in all our earnestness we would keep it unharmed.’’
This training was started by the Education and Federal Affairs Ministries on September 16; we have almost completed our first phase. In the second, we would like to train fresh & senior students of the 31 universities, which may start after few weeks, he averred.
By Philips Joseph