Modern Education Vis-à-Vis Indigenous Knowledge in Ethiopian School Curriculums

Many scholars have undermined indigenous knowledge for many years. Western scholars considered it backward knowledge and had nothing to do with modern science. However, recently, the issues of the relationship between modern education and indigenous knowledge at school have gotten scholars’ attention. This paper explores the nexus between indigenous knowledge and modern education in Ethiopian school curriculums. It addresses the definition of indigenous knowledge, the difference between modern science and indigenous knowledge, the significance of indigenous knowledge, and the Ethiopian school curriculum and indigenous knowledge issues. It mainly focuses on the Gadaa system indigenous knowledge, the beginning, and the importance of Gadaa system teaching. The paper argues that teaching Gadaa indigenous knowledge system assists the Oromo community in rediscovering the Gadaa system values, ethics, norms, cultures, politics, economics, religion, and environmental concepts. It also allows teaching others about how Oromo transfer power peacefully and the harmonious living of the Oromo community among themselves and with others.