Mesfin Zegeye
21 October 2009
Addis Abeba — A book on auditing relating to local features of Ethiopia was launched at a ceremony organized by the Department of Accounting and Finance of the Addis Ababa University on Monday at the Faculty of Business and Economics hall. The book is authored by Professor Yohannes Kinfu and Ato Engida Bayou. Panel discussion took place in which many stressed the huge contributions of a book on auditing relating to the ground realities of Ethiopia rather than mere theoretical assertions.
The book is entitled Auditing: Introduction to Principles and Practice. The book was a result of more than four decades of teaching experience and materials accumulated, inputs from new blood lecturers, and students' influence toward the same end, Professor Yohannes said. He also mentioned the case of a student called Zenebe Haile on the occasion. 'You cannot transfer your teaching ability' but you can transfer the content of the lessons you deliver through a book, Professor Yohannes said Zenebe used to say.
Professor Yohannes belonged to the first batch of graduates, was the first Ethiopian lecturer as well as the first dean of the department, Chairman of Accounting and Finance Department said. He has also served as member of the university senate and in many other capacities, he added.
In an opening remark, representative of AAU President on his part said Professor Yohannes has contributed immensely as a researcher, instructor and for institutional building of the Faculty of Business and Economics.
This is a modest attempt made possible by the painstaking editing of Ato Engda Bayou as well as the financial and time support from Sheikh Mohammed Hussein Ali Al Amoudi, Professor Yohannes said. Of not less importance is his advice to be patient, of which Professor Yohannes said he can only hope to emulate just a fraction of what his benefactor has.
Ato Zikre Nigatu, one of the panelists, said Professor Yohannes was a product of the Ethiopianization endeavour at the time to show Ethiopians can take over as lecturers and the running of this higher institution of learning. That was a good start but what happened to it, he mused.
Relating and tying up the theoretical logic with the peculiar reality on the ground in the country has always been a serious challenge when it comes to delivering lessons in class. The book, thus, helps in contextualizing a field of study otherwise has only international face, it was reiterated on the occasion.
Lack of reference material in the past was a serious problem and such a book could have been a godsend, were it available then, it was indicated. Today a lot of resources are available for students to resort to; although these cannot replace the role the book can play. Even today, it is an important contribution because materials particularly in connection with Ethiopia on the area are very difficult to come by, many participating in the ceremony echoed.
The work by no means addresses the need for a text book, Professor Yohannes stressed and added, it could only be an encouragement for others to follow suit.
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