Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, an alumnus of Addis Ababa University (AAU), delivered a guest lecture today titled “The Role of Intellectuals in National Prosperity” to mark the 75th anniversary of the institution.

The lecture took place in the presence of academic leaders and senior government officials, serving as the concluding event for a weeks-long series of commemorative programs and lectures held at the university.

During his address, the prime minister explored the fundamental question, “Who is an intellectual?” In his remarks, he emphasized that an intellectual is not defined by emotional impulses but rather by a specific set of characteristics focused on the following pillars:

Characteristics of an Intellectual:

- Respectful of ideas and a lover of knowledge

- A deep thinker and persistent questioner

- An avid reader and alert analyst

- A problem-solver and seeker of solutions

The Prime Minister stated that his presentation was designed to examine these core themes. This marks the conclusion of a series of lectures and programs that have been held over the past few weeks to commemorate the anniversary.