Insights And Rankings: Top 10 Universities in Sub-Saharan Africa

The Times Higher Education has released its inaugural rankings for universities in Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the region’s top institutions and addressing local higher education challenges.

Here are the top 10 universities according to this report:

1. University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
Score: 81.9

Located in Johannesburg, South Africa, the University of the Witwatersrand, commonly known as “Wits,” leads the list.

The university is renowned for its five faculties: sciences, commerce, law and management, engineering, health sciences, and humanities.

Notable alumni include Nelson Mandela, Nadine Gordimer, Aaron Klug, and Sydney Brenner.

2. University of Johannesburg, South Africa
Score: 79.6

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) ranks second. With four campuses, UJ boasts eight colleges and faculties, including business and economics, art, design and architecture, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, law, and science.

The Johannesburg Business School is also part of UJ.

Also Read: Leading Educational Systems in Africa: Top 10 Countries in 2024

3. The Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Tanzania
Score: 79.2

Situated in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Muhimbili University focuses on medicine, dentistry, public health, nursing, and allied health.

It operates from two campuses and is known for its 571-bed teaching hospital at Muhimbili Hospital.

4. University of Pretoria, South Africa
Score: 78.7

Established in 1908, the University of Pretoria has become one of South Africa’s largest research universities. It offers programs across nine faculties, including economics, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, law, natural sciences, theology, and veterinary science, alongside the Gordon Institute of Business.

5. Makerere University, Uganda
Score: 72.1

Makerere University, the oldest in Uganda, was founded in 1922. Originally a technical school, it now offers diverse agricultural sciences, business, computing, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and law courses. The university operates across three campuses in Kampala.

6. University of the Western Cape, South Africa
Score: 71.1

Ranked sixth, the University of the Western Cape in South Africa is known for its contributions to teaching, research, and community service, especially in the humanities and social sciences.

7. Covenant University, Nigeria
Score: 70.0

Covenant University, situated in Nigeria, is the country’s highest-ranked institution. The university excels in diverse fields such as engineering, business, and social sciences.

Established with a strong Christian mission ethos, Covenant University is dedicated to pioneering excellence in education. The institution operates with a dynamic vision to cultivate a new generation of leaders for the African continent.

Covenant University is committed to holistic human development and emphasizes an integrated learning curriculum designed to nurture well-rounded individuals. Its mission is to develop students into proactive and impactful leaders who will significantly advance their communities and beyond.

Also Read: Report Indicates Decreased Interest of Nigerian Students in Pursuing Education in the UK

8. University of Global Health Equity, Rwanda
Score: 68.3

The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) in Rwanda focuses on creating global health leaders and is known for its innovative approaches to education and healthcare.

9. Ashesi University, Ghana
Score: 67.9

Ashesi University in Ghana is recognized for its strong emphasis on ethical leadership and entrepreneurship. It offers programs in business administration, computer science, and engineering.

10. Ardhi University, Tanzania
Score: 67.1

Ardhi University in Tanzania completes the top 10 list. It is notable for its architecture, construction, environmental science, and urban planning programs.

Insights from the Ranking

The Times Higher Education ranking for Sub-Saharan Africa included 88 institutions from 20 countries. South Africa has the most institutions in the top 10, while Nigeria is the most-represented nation overall, with 37 ranked institutions.

The ranking methodology considered teaching, impact, research, resources, access, and student engagement. A survey of over 20,000 students provided key insights into the quality of education and university life across these institutions.

This ranking aims to spotlight the best universities in Sub-Saharan Africa and contribute to addressing the region’s higher education challenges.