Graduation
Day at Makerere University, 2013: A milestone celebration of academic
excellence and achievement.Photo:Courtesy
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.