West Africa is one of the most developed zone in Africa. They are made up of a total of 17 countries. These countries has established universities with standards capable of pitting them against other varsities in the world.
Going by their cultural heritage, Education is regarded as the bedrock of development.
Despite this, a good number of the varsities in the region are performing below par as evident in world ranking while a few has competed well.
Moreso, West African countries has strong ties with each other. They are made up of Togo, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Mali, Saint Helena, Ghana, Niger, Mauritania, Benin, Cape Verde, Gambia, Burkina Faso, Ivory coast, Nigeria, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau and Benin.
Truth be told, ranking of best universities has to do with infrastructural development, quality of lecturers, good student welfare system, standard facilities and equipment, academic prowess and international affiliations.
Having said that, Here are the list of the top 10 best universities in West Africa.
1. University of Ghana
The University of Ghana is located in “Legon” at the country’s capital city Accra. It was established in 1948 – making it the longest standing university in Ghana.
History has it that the university was formerly known as University college of Gold Coast
Gold Coast is the former name of Ghana prior to it’s independence in 1961. Before independence, it is noteworthy to mention that the university was affiliated to the University of London by Great Britain.
The growing University has a wide range of postgraduate, Undergraduate and Doctorate program to cater for the increasing population of students.
They also offer courses on nuclear engineering and atomic physics.
2. University of Ibadan
The University of Ibadan, formerly known as the University college of Ibadan was founded in 1948 – just as that of the University of Ghana.
It is located in the ancient Western city of Ibadan in Oyo State, Nigerian.
It is generally regarded as the most oldest and prestigious institution in Nigeria. The University is among one of the largest university in West Africa per Land mass and student population.
According to Times Higher Education Rankings – a British magazine outlet based in London, the university was ranked among the top 1000 in the world making it the first in Africa to achieve such feat.
3. Zenith University College, Ghana
This university is located in Accra. It is a private university that was established in 2001.
At the initial stage, it was a tutoring college for some international students until the year 2005 where it was converted to a degree awarding university. The University is very welcoming to visitors especially to those from Nigeria. Here, O level (WAEC and co) results are used to process admission.
Basically, it was created to give high quality education of international recognized standards to it’s visitor. They started with professional studies but the high influx in the number of applying students has caused for additional faculties to both postgraduate and undergraduate programs.
4. University of Lagos
The University is one of Africa’s best university. It is located in Nigeria’s commercial hub – Lagos. It was founded in 1962 and it has 2 campuses, one in Akoka, Yaba and the other in Idi-Araba, Surulele.
The university of Lagos is commonly known as UNILAG for short. It has 12 faculties with a growing number of applicants all year round.
5. Universite de Ouagadougou
In English, this is known as the University of Ouagadougou. It was established in 1974 in Burkina-Faso’s Capital city “Ouagadougou.” It has standard facilities and conducive learning conditions with over 50,000 students on board.
6. University of Nigeria, Nsukka
The University of Nigeria was established by the first Nigerian president – Nnamdi Azikiwe in 1955. It is also known as UNN. The University has 3 campuses in Enugu state – Nsukka, Enugu, Ituku-Ozalla and 1 in Aba, Abia state.
It is the first land-grant University in Africa, first indigeneous university in Nigeria and also among Nigeria’s top elite institution.
The University has 15 faculties,102 department and a host of postgraduate and undergraduate degree programs.
7. Houdegbe North American University
Houdegbe North American University was established in 1997. It is located in the city of “Agblangandan” – a division under Seme-Kpoji in Benin Republic.
It is regarded as the best university in Benin and is gradually ranking high to West Africa’s standards.
The University is a private operated institution that are welcoming to foreigners. Nigerians are the major student force and also, admission is given without SSCE unlike other neighbouring West African States.
8. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife
Obafemi Awolowo University also Known as OAU is a public University that was established in the ancient city of the great Ile Ife in Osun State, Nigeria. It was founded in 1961 and is one of the most sought institution In West Africa.
Structurally, it has one of the most accessible and coordinated buildings in Africa.
The University is the leading pioneer for the faculty of Pharmacy in the entire West Africa.
9. University of Ilorin
The University of Ilorin was established in the capital city of kwara state “Ilorin” in 1975. Due to the fast growing rate of academic progress, the University is regarded as one of West Africa’s best University.
It has a huge 5,000 land capacity with 15 faculties on board to cater for it’s growing student population.
The University also has a touch of class in medical courses.
10. Universite Cheikh Anta Diop
This university is located in the country’s capital city “Dakar” in Cheikh Anta Diop. It is the best University in Senegal so far with the highest number of students. The University is affiliated to Cheikh Anta Diop University who was a great scholar.
There you go, those were the best universities in West Africa. If you find the post educative, Kindly hit the like and share button and follow me for more.