African students in a university lecture hall

Best Universities in West Africa

In recent years, West Africa has become a hub for education and research. With many universities and colleges springing up across the region, it can be difficult to know which ones are the best. In this blog post, we will explore the best universities in West Africa, based on their research output, teaching quality, and international outlook. We will also provide an overview of each institution so that you can make an informed decision about where to study. 

Ghana

The universities in Ghana are well-regarded for their quality of teaching and research. Many of their graduates go on to successful careers in Ghana and beyond. These institutions offer a great education, and students can expect to receive a top-notch education if they attend one of these universities.

The University of Ghana is the oldest and largest university in Ghana, founded in 1948. It is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in Africa, and has produced many notable alumni, including several presidents of Ghana.

A large sign for University of Ghana under a terra cotta roof and manicured shrubbery

University Of Ghana 

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is another leading university in Ghana. KNUST was established in 1952 and is named after Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah. The university has a strong focus on science and technology, and produces graduates who go on to make significant contributions to these fields in Ghana and around the world.

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology campus, with a large statue of an eagle in the middle with the acronym KNUST, in the middle of a manicured pathway

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology


Other notable universities in Ghana include the University of Cape Coast (UCC), which was founded in 1962; the Accra Institute of Technology (AIT), which was established in 1967; and Ashesi University, which was founded in 2002. All of these institutions offer excellent educational opportunities for students from Ghana and beyond.

Nigeria

Nigeria is home to some of the best universities in West Africa, including the University of Lagos, the University of Ibadan, and Obafemi Awolowo University. These schools offer a variety of degree programs and are highly respected in the region.

The University of Lagos is the largest university in Nigeria and is located in the city of Lagos. It was founded in 1962 and has over 37,000 students enrolled in its various programs. The University of Ibadan is also located in Lagos and was established in 1948. It is the oldest university in Nigeria and has a student population of over 20,000. Obafemi Awolowo University is located in Ile-Ife and was founded in 1961. It has over 30,000 students enrolled in its programs.

The front of the University of Lagos, with emblem and geometric structures

University of Lagos

Concrete gate of the University of Ibadan featuring crest, column, and and what seems to be an observation deck

University of Ibadan

Building for Obafemi Awolowo university with manicured lawn in front.

Obafemi Awolowo University 

All three of these universities are highly respected for their academic rigor and offer a variety of degree programs that will prepare students for successful careers. If you are looking for a top-quality education in Nigeria, be sure to consider one of these excellent schools.

Senegal

Some of the top universities in Senegal include the University of Dakar, Cheikh Anta Diop University, and the Senegalese Institute of Higher Education and Research. These schools offer a variety of programs and degrees, ranging from business to engineering. Senegal’s universities are attracting students from all over Africa and beyond. This is due in part to the quality of education these institutions provide. But it is also because Senegal is increasingly seen as a stable and welcoming place to study.

The Cheikh Anta Diop University is another top university in Senegal. It was founded in 1957 and is named after the Senegalese scholar who pioneered the study of African history. The Cheikh Anta Diop University offers programs, including engineering, medicine, and business.

Chiekh Anta Diop University with geometric square patterns on its facade of terracotta buildings. In the middle is a blue crescent.

The Cheikh Anta Diop University

Ivory Coast

The Ivory Coast, also known as Cote d’Ivoire, is a west African country with a population of around 24 million people. The official language of the Ivory Coast is French, although there are many other languages spoken in the country, including English and Portuguese.

The Ivory Coast is home to many excellent universities, which offer a wide range of courses and programs to students from all over the world, The major higher education facility in Côte d’Ivoire is called the Université Félix Houphouet-Boigny (UFHB), formerly known as the University of Cocody-Abidjan (French: Université de Cocody or Université de Cocody-Abidjan). It is situated in the Cocody neighborhood of Abidjan. The UFHB has approximately 50,000 students and offers degrees ranging from two-year undergraduate to professional academic, medical, legal, and specialized degrees through its 13 faculties and numerous research centers. It remained the primary site of the national University of Abidjan system from 1964 to 1996. The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is its owner and operator. 

Gateway of Universite De Cocody Abidjan

University of Cocody


If you are looking for an excellent education in a west African country, the Ivory Coast should definitely be on your list!

Guinea

There are a number of reasons to consider studying in Guinea. The country is home to a rich culture and history, and its people are warm and welcoming. Additionally, the cost of living and tuition fees are relatively low when compared to other countries. If you’re looking for an exciting and affordable place to study, Guinea should definitely be on your list

Some of the best universities in Guinea include the University of Conakry, and the University of Kankan. These schools offer a mix of undergraduate and graduate programs, and each has a strong reputation in the country.

With the help of the Soviet Union, the university was founded in 1962 as the Institut Polytechnique de Conakry, the country of Guinea’s first higher education institution. It was founded during a time of steady economic growth in the nation following independence. After the well-liked Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, the institution was renamed the Institut Polytechnique Gamal Abdel Nasser de Conakry (IPGAN) in 1970. It was renamed once more in 1989, becoming the Université Gamal Abdel Nasser de Conakry.

Orange and gray modern building of the University of Konacry

University of Conakry


The University of Kankan is a tertiary education institution located in Kankan, Guinea. It is the oldest and largest university in the country. The university was established in 1968 after the Julis Nyerere Normal School that preceded it was turned into a national university in affiliation with the Gamal Abdel Nasser University in Conakry. Alumni include the writer Mariama Kesso Diallo. The University of Kankan has eight faculties: Arts and Humanities, Business and Economics, Education, Engineering, Law and Political Science, Medicine, Sciences, and Social Sciences.

Pink and white building of the University of Kankan

The University of Kankan


If you’re looking for a top-ranked university in Guinea, you can’t go wrong with any of these three institutions.

How to choose the best university for you

When it comes to choosing a university, there are many factors to consider. In West Africa, there are a number of excellent universities to choose from. So how do you go about finding the best university for you?

Here are some tips:

1. Do your research

Before making any decisions, it’s important to do your research and find out as much as you can about the universities in West Africa that interest you. Read up on their history, their academic programs, and their student life. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, you can start to look more closely at each university.

2. Consider your budget

One of the most important considerations when choosing a university is your budget. Make sure to consider the cost of tuition, accommodation, and living costs before making your final decision. There are a number of scholarships and financial aid programs available for students studying in West Africa, so be sure to investigate those options as well.

3. Consider your location

Another important consideration is where you want to study. Do you want to be in a big city or a smaller town? Do you want to study in English or French? These are all important factors to take into account when choosing a university in West Africa.

4. Ask around

Finally, don’t forget to ask around! Talk to friends, family members, or anyone else who might have experience with universities in West Africa. They may be able to give you some advice.

There are many great universities in West Africa, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. It can be difficult to choose the right one, but hopefully this list has given you a good starting point. Do your research and figure out which university is best for you. Good luck!

Minna Davies is a creative writer and a thespian with a degree in theatre arts from the University of Lagos.  He has been privileged to have some of his works featured on Nigeria’s big stages.  It is important to dream, but if no one gets to see it, it is as good as dead.