Top 10 African universities with the most respected certificates

A respected university certificate opens doors, to top-tier jobs, competitive postgraduate programmes, and professional accreditation. Across Africa, several universities stand out for their academic excellence, robust research output, global rankings, and industry alignment. These attributes bolster the confidence of employers both within Africa and abroad.

According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, the top African universities are spread across 19 countries, from Uganda in the east to Nigeria in the west, Morocco in the north to South Africa in the south.

While South Africa dominates the top 10, Egypt and Algeria are the most represented overall, with 35 and 26 institutions respectively. Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Egypt, and South Africa all feature universities ranked within the top 1,000 globally.

READ MORE: 10 university course combinations that’ll make you a hot cake on Ghana’s job market

10 African universities whose certificates are widely respected

1. University of Cape Town (UCT) – South Africa

UCT sits majestically at the foot of Table Mountain and is South Africa’s oldest university, founded in 1829. International students make up 18% of its population. It boasts six faculties: Commerce, Engineering & the Built Environment, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, and Science. UCT is globally renowned for its research and commitment to transformation and social justice.

READ MORE: Agradaa’s brother allegedly locks out Angel Asiamah from her property

2. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) – South Africa

Known as Wits University, this Johannesburg-based institution began as a mining school and has evolved into a research powerhouse. It offers programmes across five faculties, including Africa’s most comprehensive medical school. Its Disability Rights Unit is recognised for pioneering inclusive education in Southern Africa.

READ MORE: 'Be strong, Noko love' – Angel Asiamah sends message to his jailed wife, Agradaa

3. American University in Cairo (AUC) – Egypt

AUC is a premier English-language institution in North Africa, offering American-style liberal arts education. Its certifications are widely accepted across the US, Europe, and the Middle East. Key strengths include Political Science, Engineering, Journalism, Business, and Social Sciences.

READ MORE: Agradaa’s jail sentence won’t stop Empress Gifty’s defamation case – Lawyer

4. University of Nairobi – Kenya

As one of East Africa’s most prestigious institutions, the University of Nairobi is especially respected for its programmes in Law, Medicine, Agriculture, and Engineering. Its partnerships facilitate licensing and practice across the region, especially in health and legal professions.

READ MORE: Nana Agradaa convicted of false advertising and fraud by pretence

5. University of Ibadan – Nigeria

Founded in 1948, the University of Ibadan is Nigeria’s oldest tertiary institution and a major centre for research in West Africa. It is respected for strong outputs in Social Sciences, Health, Education, Agriculture, and Engineering. Its graduates occupy leadership roles regionally and internationally.

READ MORE: Nana Agradaa jailed 15 years with hard labour for false pretence fraud

READ MORE: More trouble for Agradaa as court summons her over pastor’s leaked video

6. Mohammed VI Polytechnic University – Morocco

Established in 2016, this university is part of Morocco’s Green City initiative. It focuses heavily on sustainability, innovation, and research. With five academic clusters and modern infrastructure, it has quickly earned a reputation for excellence in engineering, technology, economics, and applied sciences.

READ MORE: Agradaa’s jail sentence won’t stop Empress Gifty’s defamation case – Lawyer

7. Makerere University – Uganda

Founded in 1922, Makerere is one of the oldest and most reputable institutions in Africa. Its alumni include numerous African heads of state, academics, and activists. It is particularly strong in Development Studies, Public Health, Agriculture, Architecture, and Journalism.

READ MORE: Top 6 universities in Ghana whose certificates employers respect

8. University of Ghana, Legon – Ghana

The University of Ghana is the country’s flagship public institution and a member of several global research networks. It is noted for excellence in Law, Humanities, Engineering, and Health Sciences. Its international collaborations and research centres add to the global weight of its qualifications.

READ MORE: All the ongoing court cases involving Agradaa you may have forgotten

9. Stellenbosch University – South Africa

Located in the Western Cape, Stellenbosch is known for its scenic beauty, academic strength, and research focus. It offers instruction in both Afrikaans and English, and is particularly strong in Science, Engineering, and the Arts. The university is home to the celebrated Stellenbosch Choir and boasts extensive research output.

READ MORE: I inspired the movement - Samini fires back at Stonebwoy's Afro-Dancehall claims

10. Université de Tunis El Manar – Tunisia

Why These Universities Stand Out

Rigorous academic programmes - Ensures graduates possess critical thinking and strong technical knowledge

International accreditation - Validates quality and makes global transitions (e.g. postgraduate study) smoother

Read Full Story