Top African Universities with Best Teaching Skills Highlighted by Times Higher Education

By Adonis Byemelwa

Education is a powerful catalyst for Africa's economic transformation, and the heartbeat of any university experience lies in the quality of its teaching. In a continent teeming with youthful potential, exceptional teaching is crucial.

It not only shapes future leaders but also bridges the skills gap critical for sustainable development. The spotlight now turns to the top African universities that excel in delivering unparalleled educational experiences, as ranked by Times Higher Education.

Great teaching skills are especially important in African countries because higher education institutions play a critical role given the continent’s youthful population.

Business Insider Africa has compiled a list of the top 10 African universities in Sub-Saharan Africa with the best teaching quality, based on the teaching index from Times Higher Education. This ranking reflects the universities' ability to provide a high-quality educational experience that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the job market and contribute meaningfully to their communities and countries.

The University of Cross River State in Nigeria ranks number one on this list, showcasing its commitment to excellence in teaching. Following closely are Benson Idahosa University, also in Nigeria, and Rongo University in Kenya. Ghana's Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development and Tanzania's Ardhi University also feature prominently, highlighting their significant contributions to education in their respective countries. Other notable institutions include Umaru Musa Yar’adua University in Nigeria, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, ISBAT University in Uganda, Ashesi University in Ghana, and the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa.

In many African economies, there is sometimes a sizable skills gap since the demands of the job market are not always met by the educational system. Effective teaching could bridge this gap by giving students information and skills that apply to real-world situations.

 According to Times Higher Education, several African countries via its top universities in Sub-Saharan Africa rankings, boast the finest teaching skills in higher institutions. African countries have high development goals, such as alleviating poverty, economic growth, and sustainable development. Universities can help with these goals, and excellent education is at the core of this endeavor.

In Tanzania, the state of universities presents a mixed picture. While some institutions like Ardhi University are gaining recognition for their teaching quality, many others face significant challenges.

 According to retired Prof. Justinian Galabawa from the University of Dar es Salaam, the main issues include underfunding, outdated curricula, and a lack of resources which hinder the ability of these institutions to provide top-notch education.

Dr. Joviter Katabaro, also from the University of Dar es Salaam, emphasizes the need for a more robust linkage between academia and industry to ensure that graduates possess the skills that are in demand in the job market.

Education management lecturer Dr. Apolo Mugyenyi from Tumaini University Makumira notes that while there is an increase in the number of universities, the quality of education and the employability of graduates remains a concern.

He argues that there is a pressing need for educational reforms that focus on improving teaching methods, updating curricula, and ensuring that lecturers are well-trained and motivated.

The Times Higher Education's teaching index is a significant measure as it collects data directly from universities, current students, and bibliometrics data from THE’s partner Elsevier.

The student survey, a first in Sub-Saharan Africa, with over 20,000 responses from 88 universities, highlights four critical areas: resources, engagement, outcomes, and environment. These pillars are crucial in assessing the overall quality of teaching and the ability of universities to provide an enriching educational experience.

In essence, the quality of teaching in African universities is pivotal to the continent's development goals. While institutions like the University of Cross River State and Benson Idahosa University are leading the way, there is a need for continuous improvement across the board.

By addressing the challenges faced by universities, particularly in countries like Tanzania, African nations can ensure that their higher education systems contribute effectively to national development and the empowerment of their youthful populations.