Have you ever wondered what it will be like if you were pursuing your academic dreams in a west African university? It is loaded with some of the greatest experiences you can ever imagine especially if you are in love with Mother Nature. Let us discuss some of the best universities in West Africa.
As we all know, Africa is a blessed continent that any time you visit or enroll in any of the schools you will have no regret.
It has a lot of fascinating places to visit and the best Universities you can enrolling into. So relax and read on to see the best universities in West Africa.
Table of contents
- Higher Education in Africa
- 15 Best Universities in West Africa
- #1. The University of Ghana
- #2. The University of Ibadan
- #3. Covenant University
- #4. The University of Lagos
- #5. Ahmadu Bello University
- #6. The University of Ouagadougou (University of Ouagadougou)
- #7. Obafemi Awolowo University
- #8. University of Cheikh Anta Diop
- #9. University of Ilorin
- #10. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology
- #11. The University of Nigeria
- #12. Université d’Abomey- Calavi (National University of Benin)
- #13. Université de N’Djaména (University of N’Djaména)
- #14. Addis Ababa University
- #15. Université de Dschang (University of Dschang)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
- RECOMMENDATION
Higher Education in Africa
Africa is the second largest continent in terms of area and population. More than a billion people live in large parts of Africa and participation in education is lower than anywhere else in the world. Only about half of the African children are enrolled.
Higher education in Africa often suffers from poor institutions and faculties lured to the West for greater economic opportunities. As a result, it is of utmost importance for those seeking higher education in this world region to find quality schools in Africa.
Higher education is an essential aspect of learning and a strong urge to raise knowledge to higher standards. For this reason, it is interesting to discuss various West African tertiary institutions, based on their classification as the top 15 universities in West Africa in 2024.
In West Africa and even worldwide, there are changes in the ranking of universities. This is mainly because these universities are evaluated because of academic standards such as stability, infrastructure development, and provision of educational facilities. Let us see some of the best universities in West Africa.
15 Best Universities in West Africa
#1. The University of Ghana
Legon, Ghana
The University of Ghana was founded in 1948 and is the most prestigious university in Ghana. It is Ghana’s largest university and also the oldest university in the country. It is notable among the best universities in West Africa.
At the time of its founding, the university was known as University College of the Gold Coast. It served as a subsidiary university under the University of London.
Before the absolute university status, it achieved in 1961, the University of Ghana was under the supervision of the University of London. In Ghana, the University of Ghana is the most populous university, with almost 40,000 students studying in various disciplines.
#2. The University of Ibadan
Oyo State, Nigeria
In Ibadan – the famous and populous capital of the state of Oyo – the University of Ibadan is one of the largest Nigerian universities in terms of landmass and population.
The University of Ibadan is not only one of the best and most competitive universities in the Southwestern United States but is also prized for its impressive academic standards.
UI existed before Nigeria’s independence, which is undoubtedly why it is the oldest university in Nigeria and among the best universities in West Africa.
The University of Ibadan is apparently in the wilderness of Ibadan. For this reason, it is about 8 kilometers from the center of Ibadan – the largest city in West Africa.
Besides Unilag, OAU, and Unilorin, the University of Ibadan is one of the prestigious universities that many Nigerians seek approval for.
Like many other universities owned and funded by the federal government, the University of Ibadan envisages that candidates for postgraduate and undergraduate degrees can enroll.
These courses are offered in various areas of study, including medical science, art, engineering, social sciences and science.
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#3. Covenant University
Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
Covenant University is one of the best Nigerian universities and private universities in the country, as well as one of the best universities in West Africa. Covenant University is a Christian university in Ogun, Nigeria.
It is an accredited university with membership status in the Association of Commonwealth Universities. In 2015, Webometrics honored Covenant University as the best university in Nigeria.
#4. The University of Lagos
Lagos, Nigeria
The University of Lagos is located in the southwestern zone of Nigeria, right in Lagos. It was founded in 1963 by the federal government and is usually referred to as Unilag. In Nigeria, Unilag is one of the most populous universities.
In terms of enrollment, the university enrolls nearly 10,000 candidates a year, making it one candidate for admission to Nigerian universities. Unilag is the second-best university in Nigeria in terms of academic institutions and one of the best universities in West Africa.
#5. Ahmadu Bello University
Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Ahmadu Bello University was founded in 1962 and is the first university in northern Nigeria. The University of Zaria in northern Nigeria is also considered the largest university in Nigeria, sub-Saharan Africa, and the second-largest in Africa, behind Cairo University in Egypt and earned her strides as one of the best universities in West Africa.
It offers generally recognized academic programs such as pre-bachelor’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees in various fields of study.
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#6. The University of Ouagadougou (University of Ouagadougou)
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
The University of Ouagadougou is located in the capital of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso. Right in Ouagadougou is the University of Dawn Van Noord.
Founded in 1974, the University of Ouagadougou is the best in Burkina Faso and comprises an institute with seven training and research units.
At the University of Ouagadougou in 1995, the UPB (University Polytechnique of Bobo) was founded. The UPB is located in Bobo Dioulasso, the second campus dedicated to vocational training.
The following year (1996), the third campus was established as a teacher education center in Koudougou. The university now comprises seven training and research units and one institute.
There is a modular credit-based education system that combines both basic education and vocational training. There are about 40,000 students enrolled.
#7. Obafemi Awolowo University
Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
Obafemi Awolowo University is located in Ile Ife, Osun State, one state in southwestern Nigeria. Obafemi Awolowo University, known as OAU, is one of Nigeria’s most competitive universities. This results from many applicants who are always seeking approval.
As part of the prestigious federally owned and funded federal universities, the OAU envisages enrolling candidates for postgraduate and undergraduate programs.
Meanwhile, these programs are offered in various study areas, including medical science, art, engineering, social sciences, science, humanities, etc.
#8. University of Cheikh Anta Diop
Dakar, Senegal
Cheikh Anta Diop University is also considered the University of Dakar and is the best university in Senegal. It is located in the Senegalese capital Dakar. It is one of the most competitive Senegalese universities, with many admissions searchers.
Although the university is also referred to as the University of Dakar, the University of Cheikh Anta Diop is attributed to a significant Senegalese, an anthropologist, historian, and physicist.
#9. University of Ilorin
Kwara, Nigeria
The University of Ilorin is located in Ilorin, in the state of Kwara; one state in the north-central zone of Nigeria. It is undoubtedly the best university in this area and one of the most prestigious universities in Nigeria.
The University of Ilorin (popularly called Unilorin) is owned and funded by the Federal Government. Unilorin is one of the best Nigerian universities and one of the largest universities in terms of population and landmass.
It is currently the most populous Nigerian university, and this is because it has the highest number of admissions searchers in Nigeria.
Over the years, Unilorin has undergone improved infrastructural development, and more departments have been created to expand the capacity of the university.
As an accredited tertiary institution, Unilorin offers candidates the opportunity to be admitted to their postgraduate and undergraduate programs.
Likewise, these programs are offered in various faculties, including basic medical science, management science, social sciences, science, engineering, law, etc.
#10. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology
Kumasi, Ghana
The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is a university in Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana. Founded in 1952 and since its founding as a university in Ghana, it is a top-notch university in Ghana.
KNUST is a world-renowned university that is considered the leading African center of excellence in teaching science and technology, research and entrepreneurship education in science and technology for the development of Ghana and Africa. It has a reputation amongst the best universities in West Africa.
#11. The University of Nigeria
Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
The University of Nigeria, commonly referred to as UNN, is a federal university in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. Founded in 1955 by Nnamdi Azikiwe and officially opened on October 7, 1960.
The University of Nigeria was the first full-fledged indigenous and first autonomous university in Nigeria modeled on the American education system. It is the first Land Grant University in Africa and one of the five universities in Nigeria with the highest reputation.
The university has 15 faculties and 102 academic departments. The university offers 82 undergraduate and 211 postgraduate courses. This university celebrated its 50th anniversary in October 2010.
#12. Université d’Abomey- Calavi (National University of Benin)
Benin Republic
The country’s most important university is the National University of Benin. The school, founded in 1970, began as a technology institute and, in 1971, received full university status.
The National University has grown to six campus locations and 19 institutions. The total number of enrolled students is 40,000, including full and part-time students. Diploma and certificate programs are offered up to postgraduate studies.
The university has many academic and research-related connections worldwide. These compounds include USAID, the Ford Foundation, the United Negro College Fund, and the Nigeria R & D and Development Council.
#13. Université de N’Djaména (University of N’Djaména)
N’Djaména, Chad
The University of N’Djaména was founded in 1971 as the University of Chad. It was later renamed in 1994. The school has modeled its academic programs on French universities.
As such, the school has organized its academic courses in five major faculties. The University continues to be a member of the International Association University Group and has partnerships with the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie and the Association of African Universities. There are currently about 6,000 students present.
#14. Addis Ababa University
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
As one of Ethiopia’s top universities and amongst the best universities in West Africa, the University of Addis Ababa was founded in 1950. The 14 locations offer 70 Bachelor’s degree programs, 221 Master’s programs, and 72 Ph.D. programs.
There are 10 colleges and four teaching and research institutes divided into 55 departments, 12 centers, 12 schools, and two teaching hospitals. The university manages six other institutes for research purposes.
#15. Université de Dschang (University of Dschang)
Dschang West, Cameroon
The University of Dschang is located in the town of Dschang, West Cameroon, about 425 kilometers northwest of Yaoundé. It has its roots in three agricultural training schools and evolved from an agricultural institution to a university in 1993.
By 1993, the UCD was upgraded to a full-fledged university and given the name, Dschang University. It has over 800 academic staff and 14000 students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Université de Dschang is located in Cameroon.
The University of Nigeria, commonly referred to as UNN, is a federal university in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. It was established in 1955 by Nnamdi Azikiwe and officially opened on October 7, 1960.
UI existed before Nigeria’s independence, which is undoubtedly why it is the oldest university in Nigeria and among the best universities in West Africa.
Conclusion
Studying in Africa especially in West Africa, can be an exciting experience of a lifetime you will deeply cherish.
Even though most of the universities in West Africa are plagued by poor facilities and effective teaching tools, some have broken the jinx against all odds and can fairly compete with Schools in the western world.
Most of these West African universities are reputed to be the best Universities in West Africa. Choose wisely.
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