The University of Johannesburg has earned the distinction of being the top university in sub-Saharan Africa according to the Times Higher Education (THE) 2024 rankings, surpassing its historic rivals, the University of Pretoria and the University of the Witwatersrand. This marks a significant achievement for the university, as it claims the number one spot in the region.
The ranking, which is only in its second edition, places four South African universities in the top 10. Additionally, universities from Rwanda and Ghana secured two positions each, while Uganda and Somalia also made notable appearances. Nigeria, with 41 universities represented, had the most entries in the ranking, with the American University of Nigeria leading the country at 12th place overall.
The ranking was compiled based on a variety of important metrics, including African research citations and co-authorship, accessibility for disabled people, and employability. According to Phil Baty, THE’s chief global affairs officer, these criteria are particularly relevant for the development of nations in sub-Saharan Africa.