Centers Of Excellence: A Look At Africa's Top 10 Universities

Aug 16, 2024 10:00AM ● By Okechukwu Nzeribe

Image Source: Freepik

Africa is not just a continent with a rich history of language, tradition, and culture, it is also home to some of the finest Universities around the globe. As citadels of learning, many of these Universities are committed to research, innovation, and academic excellence, thereby providing the continent with the next generation of leaders ready to shape the future of Africa.

Below is a look at ten of Africa’s top universities.

1. University of Cape Town – South Africa

Established in 1829 as the South African College, the institution was formally established as the University of Cape Town as various departments such as Mineralogy and Geology, Education, Engineering, and the establishment of a Medical School saw a rise in the status of the institution to a full-fledged University.

UCT as it is commonly referred to has established itself as a reputable research and teaching institute. With more than 80 specialist and research units focused on providing supervision for postgraduate work, the famed “Moscow on The Hill” (a name coined as a result of its approach in the fight against apartheid) institution is recognized to hold a good number of A-rated researchers.

Source: Adrian Frith, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

2. Cairo University - Egypt

Operating as a private University in 1908, the Egyptian University would later be converted into a state University which later on became Fu’ad University in 1940. It would later on be named the Cairo University in 1954 with Egypt’s push to retain the country’s heritage while offering a Western-style University education.

Known for its reputation and excellence in engineering, medical sciences, and humanities. The university’s research institutes, such as the National Cancer Institute and the Faculty of Engineering, are at the forefront of scientific and technological advancements in the region.

Known for its excellence in the fields of Medicine, Humanities, and Engineering, the University boasts a National Cancer Institute and remains at the forefront of technological and scientific progress in the Northern region of Africa.

Source - Cairo University, Egypt Admission 2024-25 | Fees Structure, Ranking

3. University of Nairobi - Kenya

Established in 1970 after the post-independence push saw a weakening of colonial influence in the affairs of many African states, the University of Nairobi broke off from the initial arrangement in place by colonialists for a learning institute to serve the educational needs of its East African region comprising Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika.

As the premier University, the University of Nairobi is recognized for its research in various fields such as Agriculture, Engineering, and Medical Sciences. The University currently runs a Development Studies Institute which is instrumental in tackling development challenges in the East Africa region.

Source- University of Nairobi Kenya 2024-25: Fees, Ranking, Course, Admission

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3. University of Ibadan – Nigeria

Began its journey as the University College, Ibadan (UCI) which was founded in 1948. The then Institution enjoyed what was referred to as “a scheme of special relation” with the University of London but by 1962, the institution had transformed into an independent University of Ibadan (UI).

As Nigeria's premier University, the institution is at the forefront of academic excellence and research. Its contributions to medicine, humanities, and agriculture continue to offer sustainable development measures for the country.

Source- A Complete Guide On Everything About University Of Ibadan - unischolars blog

4. University of Dar es Salaam – Tanzania

Established in 1961 as an affiliated college of the University of London, the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) was formerly known as the University College Dr es Salaam (UCD) before it was fully changed through Act No. 12 of 1970 to the current name the institution bears.

The University of Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's premier institution and plays a strong role in research and community service. Its faculty of business is renowned for its influence in fostering Tanzania’s economic development and entrepreneurship.

Source- University of Dar es Salaam - Wikipedia

5. University of Ghana – Ghana

Established in 1948 as the University College of the Gold Coast by the ordinance of August 11, 1948, its purpose was to provide Higher Education to the British colonies. The Asquith Commission had recommended the setting up of University Colleges as affiliates to the University of London.

Enjoying the same “scheme of special relation” as its Nigerian counterpart, the University College of the Gold Coast was allowed to prepare students for the external degree examinations of the University of London.

After independence, the country changed the name of the Institution to the University of Ghana in 1961. As the oldest University in Ghana, its reputation for research across various academic disciplines is a testament to the University’s growth over the years.

With its Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy (LECIAD), the institution continues to remain instrumental in promoting regional and global diplomatic studies.

Source - THIS IS THE UNIVERSITY OF GHANA-LEGON|A must watch | NANCY OWUSUAA

6. University of Nigeria – Nigeria

Also known as the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in Enugu State, the institution was founded by Nnamdi Azikiwe in 1960 and became the first full-fledged indigenous and first autonomous University in Nigeria, the first land-grant University in Africa, and one of the reputed Universities in Nigeria.

With 17 faculties and 102 academic departments, the University continues to offer several programs for its graduates and undergraduates since its continuous growth as a full-fledged University from the moment of its inception.

The institution currently boasts one of the biggest libraries in Africa with a fully functional ICT hub that focuses on educating undergraduates on the digitization of library resources, web blogging, web mastery, and website design. Its successes especially in the Department of Medicine and Surgery remain a testament to the institution’s role in the development of the health sector of the country.

Source: University of Nigeria - Wikidata

7. University of Addis Ababa – Ethiopia

The University of Addis Ababa was established in 1950. It is one of the oldest Universities in the country and was formerly known as the University of Addis Ababa, then renamed Haile Selassie 1 University before being changed to the current name it bears.

As a reputable institution n Ethiopia, the University of Addis Ababa is known for its research and academic programs in various fields such as humanities as well as the social and natural sciences. Its Institute for Ethiopian Studies is focused on the preservation of the country’s culture and heritage.

Source- Joint PhD with Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia | International Institute of Social Studies | Erasmus University Rotterdam

8. University of Pretoria – South Africa

Established in 1908, the University of Pretoria (UP) commenced its academic year with just four professors and 32 students. Over the years, it has become reputed as one of the largest research Universities in South Africa.

Its research centers such as the Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control have contributed immensely to the fight against malaria and also initiated strategic scientific programs.

Source- About Us | University of Pretoria

10. Makerere University – Uganda

Founded in 1922, Makerere University is also one of the oldest Universities in Africa. Its journey as an institution started as a technical school named Uganda Technical College where programs like carpentry, building, and mechanics were the initial subjects offered by the institution.

As the college grew, it began offering other subjects in Agriculture, Veterinary Sciences, Teacher Training, and Medical Care. Later on, it would expand to offer higher education and post-school certificate courses.

It would later on benefit from the “scheme of special relation” with the University of London as enjoyed by its Nigerian and Ghanaian counterparts.

In 1970, Makerere University became an independent national university after its relationship with the University of London came to an end in 1963.

With its research on agricultural innovation and tropical diseases, the institution continues to play an impactful role in the health and economic development of Uganda.