It's very #interesting and #surprising at the same time to see the #2024 Times Higher Education ranking of #Sub-#Saharan#Africa#University.
The ranking evaluated #126 universities in #22 countries.
The ranking is based on the following factors:
#1- Resources and Finance
#2- Access and fairness.
#3- Student engagement.
#4- Ethical leadership.
#5- Africa impact.
Looking at this ranking, there is a lot we can say about education and the #AU Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 2016-2025).
#1- Aims to revitalise higher education and research across Africa.
#2- Focuses on building partnerships, improving quality, and fostering innovation.
#3- Encourages African states to allocate at least 1% of GDP to research and development (R&D).
Is your country on the track?
To read more about the ranking:
https://lnkd.in/e-CcWcTU#Education#Research#Development
Chief Global Affairs Officer, Times Higher Education (THE). Director General, Education World Forum. Creator of the World Academic Summit and convenor of the Global Sustainable Development Congress.
University of Johannesburg is the new number one in the Times Higher Education Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings 2024 - a unique performance evaluation supported by Mastercard Foundation to assess the impact of universities in addressing the policy priorities in the region.
South Africa takes all three of the top positions, as University of Johannesburg moves up from second place to take top spot in the 2024, followed by University of Pretoria in 2nd and University of the Witwatersrand in 3rd. The University of Rwanda is the highest ranked newcomer in 6th place and this year sees Somalia join the top ten, with SIMAD University taking 7th place.
In an evaluation system described by Mastercard Foundation president Reeta Roy as "a bold shift from traditional institutional ratings", the rankings are calculated based on five performance pillars: resources and finance; access and fairness; student engagement; ethical leadership; and Africa impact. This year, the rankings second year, saw new metrics introduced on leadership, ethics and African heritage.
A total of 129 universities are ranked from 22 countries, with five new countries joining the rankings this year: Namibia, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde and Eswatini.
Nigeria is the standout nation in terms of representation with 41 universities ranked, up from 37 last year. This is more than double the amount of any other SSA country. Nigeria’s highest ranked university is American University of Nigeria at number 12. Kenya has 15 institutions ranked and Ghana follows with 11. Somalia and South Africa each have 10 universities in the table.
You can view the full results here: https://lnkd.in/esVMC9Pb
Launching the rankings last year, Mastercard's Roy said: "The project assesses the impact of universities in addressing challenges within their region... Ultimately, these rankings are about African universities leading the conversation about what excellence and success for higher education means for our context and for the communities we serve." #THEUniRankings#SSARankings#Africa#Vision2063
The African School of Economics is transforming the tertiary education landscape in Africa with its bold vision for equal-opportunity access to the highest standards of learning and research.
Through our innovative multi-campus model, we are aligning our programs directly with labor market demands.
By embedding entrepreneurship and vocational training into every program, we equip our students with #knowledge and practical skills to lead and thrive in diverse #workforces.
Be a part of what #ASE is doing in #Africa
The Rising Power of African Universities
Africa’s universities are not just growing in numbers; they’re making waves globally. With 1,700 institutions and counting, the continent is becoming a hub for world-class research, education, and innovation.
Why This Matters:
1️⃣ Educating over 14 million students annually, universities are shaping Africa’s workforce and intellectual capital.
2️⃣ They address pressing global challenges like climate change, health crises, and food security.
3️⃣ Cross-regional collaborations are breaking barriers, showcasing Africa’s potential in research and tech innovation.
As we look to the future, African universities hold the key to unlocking untapped potential, not just for the continent but for the world. Let’s invest in and support these academic powerhouses.
#InvestInEducation#FutureLeaders#AfricaInnovation#TertiaryEducation#StudyInAfrica#WorldClassEducation#Africa#StudentMobility#ASI
Let’s prioritize #research quality in higher education institutions for #industrial growth-Prof. Nathaniel Boso
International business expert at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Prof. Nathaniel Boso is urging higher education institutions to prioritize research and innovation for sustainable development in Africa.
He believes it will be the driving force behind industrial growth.
“Higher education institutions are now expected to prioritize major groundbreaking research, innovation and entrepreneurship to sustain their relevance and legitimacy.
“Our research clearly shows that African businesses are ready to consume high quality research outputs to inform their decisions to take risk to pioneer new innovations," he said.
Speaking at his professorial inaugural lecture, he however pointed out indigenous research outputs should be at par with international standards.
“Africa’s position as the next frontier in international business and trade can only be boosted if the quality of research on African businesses and environment are perceived to be at the same standard as research from other parts of the world,” he said.
Prof. Boso is therefore calling for “national policy orientation across the continent that prioritizes, finances and rewards high quality research and evidence-based decision-making in business organization and public institutions”.
Prof. Boso’s lecture was on the topic “International Business: Why care about Africa?”
The lecture further delved into efforts made over the years to advance Africa context research in different higher education institutions on the continent. These efforts include establishments of centres of excellence and research chairs to strengthen research capacity of African business and management researchers and students.
Finally, the lecture advances several policy recommendations as a way of pushing forward the frontiers of quality of African context research including recommendation to prioritize research quality in higher education institutions and create truly autonomous research-intensive universities.#Tekresearch
We need to change the Narrative about #Africa
I recently had a thought-provoking conversation with a staff member at the International Relations Office of the University here in Italy. During our chat, she posed an intriguing question: was the reason African students come to Europe for their studies due to a lack of universities in Africa?
Well like many, I found that question surprising, but it also presented a valuable opportunity. It became clear to me that there are still many people in Europe who believe that Africa lacks educational resources, which is far from the truth.
This was my chance to share my own experience, explaining that I am a #global person, yet I earned my #PhD in #Cameroon, where there are numerous universities and highly #skilled researchers and #professors. I emphasized that my degree holds equal value to those from European institutions and pointed out that, due to our unique circumstances, we are often better prepared to #thrive in #high-pressure environments than our European counterparts.
While #Africa may be less #developed than Europe, it certainly does not mean we lack #potential. We are capable individuals who can achieve remarkable things. It's essential for every African, whether in #Africa, #Asia, #Europe, or #America, to embrace this truth and take #pride in their #heritage.
The tide will eventually shift, and we are all committed—both individually and together—to creating the positive changes we wish to see for our children's future.
WHAT DEFINES A GOOD EDUCATION?
💡 A truly educated individual possesses the power to articulate and convey innovative ideas with clarity and precision. This fundamental skill serves as a beacon, illuminating the effectiveness of an education system. Conversely, a failed education system is often characterized by the inability of African scientists to pioneer solutions to the continent's pressing challenges.
💡 The prioritization of science is crucial, as it fuels the engines of progress in developed nations. However, the formulation and expression of ideas by many African scientists remain significant hurdles. Paradoxically, brilliant ideas are often refreshingly simple, not convoluted. The capacity to distill complexity into simplicity is a hallmark of exceptional education.
💡 On the other hand, when individuals view challenges as insurmountable and overly complicated, it may indicate a flawed education. Quality #education makes complex concepts accessible and understandable. Unfortunately, our current education system often perpetuates an illusion – that theoretical knowledge alone suffices.
💡 In reality, hands-on experience and practical application are vital. Regrettably, Africa's education system frequently neglects these essential elements, focusing predominantly on theoretical foundations. Many science teachers lack industry experience, leaving them ill-equipped to inspire and guide students. As a result, learners are deprived of the #experiential learning that sparks curiosity and fosters innovation.
💡 The cornerstone of scientific understanding lies in observation and experimentation. Relying solely on theoretical frameworks stifles creativity and limits breakthroughs. To revolutionize Africa's scientific landscape, we must integrate practical, real-world experiences into our education system.
💡 Moreover, Africa's scientific community faces a critical challenge: the inability to think beyond published research. We urge our scientists to think critically, integrate African perspectives through interdisciplinary approaches, and contextualize knowledge. Yet, this call to action often falls on deaf ears.
💡 Consequently, our development is hindered by this disconnect between scientific theory and practical application. To bridge this gap, we must foster a culture of innovative thinking, cultural relevance, and collaborative problem-solving.
💡 By doing so, we empower the next generation of #scientists and innovators to tackle Africa's unique challenges. It's time to bridge the gap between theory and practice, nurturing a culture of creativity, experimentation, and progress.
💡 Only then can we unlock the full potential of African minds, harnessing science to drive transformative change and propel our continent forward.
Follow Patrick Ssempeera as we put #africa on the correct #sustainabledevelopment path.
STEM FACT: You need to know this!
South Africa is a leading force in STEM in Africa, backed by a strong higher education system and notable technological innovation.
Academic excellence: The country is renowned for its prestigious universities.
Technological advancements: It is recognized as a frontrunner in technology.
Publications: South Africa ranks among the top three African nations for science and engineering publications globally.
#southafrica#bestSTEMafricancountry#STEMfact#STEMadvocacy#UN#africaSTEMinitiative#korabeaconeducationconsult
AFRICAN UNIVERSITY OF & FOR THE FUTURE: It is time African university leaders stopped talking about the Future of African Universities or the Future of African Higher Education. Instead, they should start talking about African Universities of and for the Future. The Future of African Universities or Higher Education is so yesterday. Apart from sounding so much like the British magazine The Economist’s articles on the Future of Africa. Articles that often have gloomy predictions. In this formulation nobody has to do anything now. Kick the can into the ever receding horizon. During Covid 19 talk moved on to a more promising Reimagining African Universities. Time to act on it – now - and move on. Systemic transformation driven by transformative vision is necessary. Vision that must be implemented with a sense of urgency, energy and creativity. Inspirational, qualified, experienced university leaders are needed who can identify enduring problems and emerging issues in higher education and society. And can enable future focused knowledge based solutions co-created by academics, students and stakeholders in society. The new African university must drive transformative impact for sustainable futures for Africa and the world. #thefutureisnow
