Nigeria is leading the pack with four universities in Africa’s top 10 tertiary institutions known for the best teaching skills. This recognition comes from a report by Times Higher Education (THE).
Education is a pivotal tool in shaping Africa’s socioeconomic growth. However, many often complain about the teaching quality in Africa’s tertiary institutions compared to their counterparts in Europe or the United States. With Africa’s large youth population, exceptional teaching skills in universities across the continent are crucial. Higher education institutions play a significant role in developing and equipping young people with the necessary skills for the future.
Experts believe that effective teaching is the solution to the skills mismatch in many African labor markets. They argue that a significant skills gap exists in many African economies. This gap calls for a practical education system at the tertiary level to bridge it.
According to Times Higher Education, several African countries boast top universities with excellent teaching skills. Research indicates that many African nations face development constraints in areas like poverty alleviation, economic growth, and sustainable development. It is believed that having high-quality teaching in universities can help address these challenges.
The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), also known as UNICROSS, is a state-owned institution with four campuses across four local government areas of Cross River State in Nigeria. Established in August 2002 as Cross River University of Technology, it was renamed in 2021. According to Times Higher Education rankings, UNICROSS tops the list of African universities with the best teaching quality index, scoring 85.3.
Benson Idahosa University, a private Christian university in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, is second on the list. Founded in 2002 as Christian Faith University, Benson Idahosa University has a teaching quality index score of 84.9.
Rongo University in Kenya started as a technical school in the 1970s and gained university status in 2011. It partners with many international institutions such as Brighton and Nottingham Trent University. Rongo University is third in the ranking of African universities with the best teaching quality index, scoring 84.2.
Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development in Ghana, known as AAMUSTED, focuses on technical and vocational education and training, and entrepreneurship. AAMUSTED ranks fourth with an 83.7 teaching quality index.
Ardhi University in Tanzania is a public academic institution established under the Ardhi University Charter of 2007. Known as ARU, the university has offered training for over 60 years. ARU is fifth in the ranking, with a teaching quality index of 81.6.
Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, initially founded as Katsina University in 2006 by the state government, was renamed in 2010 in honor of the former governor. This university ranks sixth in Africa for teaching quality, scoring 80.7.
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), established in 1988 by the Nigerian federal government, ranks seventh. FUNAAB has a teaching quality index of 79.0.
ISBAT University in Kampala, Uganda, recognized for its experiential learning output, ranks eighth. Founded in 2006 and recognized as a university in 2016, ISBAT University scores a teaching quality index of 79.0.
Ashesi University in Ghana is known for preparing students for leadership and service. Founded in 2002, the university aims to educate ethical, entrepreneurial leaders in Africa. Ashesi University ranks ninth with a teaching quality index of 78.5.
The University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, commonly known as Wits, is a public research university founded in 1922. Wits ranks tenth in Africa for teaching quality, scoring 77.9.
The methodology used by Times Higher Education to rank these universities involves gathering data directly from current students and bibliometrics. For the teaching index, THE focuses on four critical areas: resources, engagement, outcomes, and environment.
Effective teaching in universities plays a crucial role in equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in the labor market. The universities recognized in the Times Higher Education report are setting a standard for excellence in teaching, demonstrating that African institutions can compete with the best in the world.
