Ethiopia’s education ministry has banned distance learning as part of a controversial set of measures that largely affected private higher-education providers, reports Addis Fortune, an Ethiopian business publication. The ban applies to both public and private universities, but it was seen as an effort to curb the growth of private providers in the country, many of which focus on distance education. The ministry said the steps were intended to improve the quality of teaching and learning in the country, and the country did not need distance learning to meet its education needs. University leaders, however, objected to the new rules. “Our association sternly objects to this,” said Mihreteab Workineh, vice chairman of the Ethiopian Private Higher Education Institutions Association, which represents around 50 institutions. In addition to the prohibition, the ministry said private universities can no longer teach law or train teachers.