21+ Best Universities In West Africa 2023 | Study In Africa

Best Universities in West Africa 2022: Do you desire to study in one of the best schools in Africa? Are you interested in visiting one of the Wakanda regions? Do you want to know about the oldest university in Africa?

Is studying in Africa a good option? What is it like studying at a West African university?

I’m sure the above questions and more are running through your mind.

Guess that’s one of the reasons you resort to asking us.

This guide answers your questions and more. In it, you will find top-ranking universities in West Africa.

All having been proven to offer quality and outstanding education.

Welcome Aboard, Scholar!!!

Why Study in Africa?

When it comes to area and population, Africa is the second-largest continent. Over one billion people live in Africa. Making it a good place for human interaction.

If you’ve ever wanted to have a fill of Mother Nature come to Africa. Saddled with a lot of historic places and cultural heritage. Africa is one of the blessed continents.

Is that why you should study in Africa?

Of course not.

Below are some of the reasons why you should study in Africa;

Studying in Africa will give you a unique study abroad experience.

The kind you don’t get when you study in USA or study in Australia.

What is Higher Education in a West African University Like?

Studying for higher education in Africa is quite interesting. Although it comes with many challenges that might not be encouraging.

Higher education participation is lower in Africa than anywhere else in the world. Only about half of the African children get to study in tertiary institutions.

Also, 60% of the countries in the continent are faced with poor institutions and faculties. Although this affords greater economic opportunities, it can be really daunting.

Amidst these not-so-good challenges, higher education in Africa offers quality education.

In West Africa, most of her universities rank as one of the best in 2022.

What this means is that you’re sure to get a quality education in Africa. But you have to enroll in one of the best West African universities. These universities are evaluated on the basis of academic standards such as stability, infrastructure development, and provision of academic facilities.

Find out about some of them below!!!

The Best Universities In West Africa 2023

Now that you have decided to study in Africa, which school in Africa is best?

In this section, you will find the list of the best schools in Africa.

Kindly note that the ranking is based on factors such as stability, infrastructure development, and provision of academic facilities.

Now, I present to you the best universities in Africa in 2022.

#1. University of Ghana

Location: Legon, Ghana

Institution Type: Public

The University of Ghana is one of the oldest in Africa established in 1948.

When it served as a subsidiary of the University of London, it was known as the University College of the Gold Coast. It is Ghana’s largest university and also notably among the best universities in West Africa

In Ghana, the University of Ghana is the most populous university with almost 40,000 students studying in various disciplines.

#2. University of Ibadan

Location: Oyo State, Nigeria

Institution Type: Public

The University of Ibadan came into existence before Nigerians’ independence. Undoubtedly this makes it the oldest university in Nigeria.

Also, it is among the best universities in West Africa owned by the government. 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.

Admission into the University of Ibadan is highly competitive and selective. This is so because of its impressive high academic standards.

At UI, you can study medical sciences, art, engineering, social sciences and science, and so on.

#3. Covenant University

Location: Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria

Institution Type: Private

When talking about the best schools in Africa, Covenant University is one. It is one of the best Christian universities in West Africa in 2022.

Though accredited, the university is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.

In 2015, Covenant University was honored by Webometrics as the best university in Nigeria.

#4. University of Lagos

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

Institution Type: Public

The University of Lagos is one of the best populous universities in Nigeria, Africa in 2022.

Due to its academic programs, the university receives almost 10,000 candidates a year. This accounts for its highly competitive and selective admission policy.

Currently, 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

Location: Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Institution Type: Public

Ahmadu Bello is one of the oldest universities in the Northern part of Nigeria, West Africa. Founded in 1962 and is the first university in northern Nigeria.

It’s the largest university in Nigeria, and the second-largest in Africa after Cairo University in Egypt. A.B.U has earned its place in the list of best universities in West Africa.

Most of the academic programs in the university are pre-bachelor, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in various fields of study.

#6. University of Ouagadougou

Location: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Institution Type: Public

Established in 1974, the University of Ouagadougou is one of the best schools in Burkina Faso, Africa. The University of Ouagadougou is located in the capital of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso. Right in Ouagadougou is the University of Dawn Van Noord.

The university consists of seven training and research units in an institute.

Also, the university makes use of a modular credit-based education system. This combines both basic education and vocational training.

#7. Obafemi Awolowo University

Location: Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

Institution Type: Public

OAU as it’s popularly known is one of the best universities in Africa in 2022. Obafemi Awolowo University is located in Ile Ife, Osun State, one of the states in southwestern Nigeria. 

Just like Unilag and the University of Ibadan, it’s a very competitive university. Having a highly selective admission policy. Nonetheless, OAU is one of Nigerians’ pride institutions owned by the government.

Also, this oldest university in Niger, Africa offers programs such as medical science, art, engineering, social sciences, science, humanities, and so on.

#8. University of Cheikh Anta Diop

Location: Dakar, Senegal

Institution Type: Public

Are you considering Senegal as your study destination in Africa? then the University of Cheikh Anta Diop should be at the top of the list.

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. 

This is the pride of Senegal when it comes to the best universities in Africa in 2022.

It is one of the most competitive Senegalese universities with a high number of admissions searchers.

#9. University of Illorin

Location: Kwara, Illorin, Nigeria.

Institution Type: Public

Popularly called Unilorin is one of the oldest universities in Africa. It’s one of the best schools in Africa funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The University of Ilorin is located in Ilorin, in the state of Kwara – one of the states 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

Also, the university has the highest number of admissions searchers in Nigeria.

Over the years, Unilorin has seen improved infrastructure development and new departments have been created to expand the university’s capabilities.

As an accredited university, Unilorin offers applicants the opportunity to be accepted into their postgraduate and undergraduate courses.

Likewise, these programs are offered in various faculties, including basic medical sciences, economics, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, law, etc.

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#10. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology

Location: Kumasi, Ghana

Institution Type: Public

This West African university in Kumasi is one of the best universities in West Africa in 2022.

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.

Its prowess is beyond Ghana. It stretches to Africa at large.

The university has a reputation as one of the best universities in West Africa.

#11. University of Nigeria

Location: Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

Institution Type: Public

UNN is one of the best universities in Nigeria, West Africa.

The university is modeled on the American education system. This makes it a highly reputable university in West Africa.

The University of Nigeria was the first full-fledged indigenous and first autonomous university in Nigeria.

Also, the university is one of the oldest in Africa. It has 15 faculties and 102 academic departments. The university offers 82 undergraduate and 211 postgraduate courses. The university celebrated its 50th anniversary in October 2010.

#12. Université d’Abomey-Calavi (National University of Benin)

Location: Benin Republic

Institution Type: Public

This is a university that enrolls 40,000 students in one admission entrance. Although it began as a technology institute, in 1971 it received full university status.

Basically, the university offers full and part-time diploma and certificate programs for postgraduate studies.

Also, the university has numerous affiliations with academic and research-related connections worldwide.

Such include; USAID, Ford Foundation, United Negro College Fund, and Nigeria R & D and Development Council.

#13. Université de N’Djaména (University of N’Djaména)

Location: N’Djaména, Chad

Institution Type: Public

This West African university has modeled its academic programs on French universities. The university was founded in 1971 as the University of Chad and later renamed in 1994

As such, it has many membership with various international associations. Such as the International Association University Group.

Also, this West African university has partnerships with the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie and the Association of African Universities.

#14. Addis Ababa University

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Institution Type: Public

Being one of the top best universities in Ethiopia, West Africa, it’s also top-rated worldwide.

As one of the oldest universities in Africa, the school has 14 study locations and all offer a total of 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. Another six institutes are managed by the University for research purposes only.

#15. Université de Dschang (University of Dschang)

Location: Dschang West, Cameroon

Institution Type: Public

If you desire to study any agricultural-related course in Africa, then the University of Dschang is your best bet.

This is one of the best schools in Africa that has its roots in three agricultural training schools. Basically, it evolved from an agricultural institution to a university in 1993.

#16. Lagos State University

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

Institution Type: Public

LASU as it’s popularly called is one of the best public schools in Africa. Actually, it’s the second-best West African university according to Times Higher Education.

It runs via three campuses in Ojo, Ikeja, and Epa.

Also, it covers varieties of courses ranging from business, arts, education, law, management sciences, social science, etc.

#17. University of Cape Coast

Location: Cape Coast, South Africa.

Institution Type: Public

This West African university top is on the list of best universities in West Africa.

According to THE, the University of Cape Coast is the fourth-best university in Africa in 2023

It runs via two main campuses: The southern and Northern Campus and four colleges.

Also, it’s open for graduate studies.

#18. University of Cape Town

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Institution Type: Public

Since its establishment in 1874, the University of Cape Town has been one of the best public universities in West Africa.

This West African university is recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training of South Africa.

Meanwhile, it’s one of the universities in West Africa that has a selective admission policy.

Admission is based on entrance examinations. Also, students’ past academic records and grades are considered.

#19. University of Pretoria

Location: Pretoria, South Africa.

Institution Type: Public

This is one of the largest universities in South Africa. It has over 45,000 students

UP as it’s popularly known as provides several academic and non-academic facilities.

Also, it’s one of the best universities in West Africa that has exchange programs and online courses.

#20. University of the Witwatersrand

Location: Gauteng, South Africa.

Institution Type: Public

The University of the Witwatersrand offers higher education degrees such as bachelor, master, and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

It has stood the taste of the time for 98 years. Making is one of the oldest and best universities in Africa.

Also, WITS provides both academic and non-academic facilities.

#21. Universiteit Stellenbosch (University of Stellenbosch)

Location: Tygerberg, Bellville, and Saldanha; South Africa.

Officially, the University of Stellenbosch offers courses and programs that award students an internationally recognized certificate.

This 102-year West African university is one of the oldest in South Africa.

#22. North-West University

Location: Mafikeng and Vanderbijlpark, North West, South Africa.

Institution Type: Public

Although this university is just 17 years old, it ranks top I’m on the list of best universities in West Africa 2023.

It is one of the universities with a high acceptance rate of 60-70%.

Many say it’s one of the best schools in South Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Universities In West Africa

Conclusion: Universities in West Africa

Studying in Africa will bring to reality an amazing study abroad experience. One you will cherish for a lifetime.

Aside from the fact that West African Universities are plagued by factors that are not favorable, it will be worth your time.

Most of these best universities in West Africa have broken the jinx against all odds. And some of them can compete with schools in the western world.

Go through this article again and make a choice.

And just so you know, the universities are a click away.

Welcome to Africa!!!!

Reference

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