Many people around the world want their children to attend the best universities because they believe getting the best education is part of what prepares you for the future.
This is not different in Africa, as elites and those in the upper class of the continent are striving to get their children to attend the best universities.
In the quest for the best, many private organizations, individuals, investors, and even stakeholders are now establishing private universities all over the continent.
In Africa, universities are constructed and owned by either the federal or state governments or private organizations and investors. This article will focus on the top 10 privately owned universities in Africa, highlighting some of the features that make them stand out.
There are many private universities scattered all over different countries on the African continent that have been ranked good or even best, and it’s from these best that we would explore the 10.
1. American University of Cairo
The American University of Cairo, Egypt, was established in 1919 and has been ranked the best private university in Africa. It has a world ranking of 1202.
It is an English-speaking institution for students in and out of Egypt.
The tuition for this university currently stands at about $14,500.
As of 2023, it is the best private university in Africa.
Its president is Francis J. Ricciardone. The provost of the school is Ehab Abdel-Rahman, and the academic staff of the university functions full-time.
2. Covenant University-Nigeria
Covenant University is a private Christian university that is located in Ogun State, western Nigeria.
It is the second-best private university in Africa and ranked 1780th in the world.
It is an affiliate of the Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners Chapel.
It began its operation in 2002, and the Chancellor of the University is the founder, Bishop David Oyedepo, and the Vice-Chancellor is Professor AAA Atayero.
Covenant University is part of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, the Association of African Universities, and the National Universities Commission.
Its tuition fee should be around $3000.
3. British University, Egypt
The British University in Egypt is the third-best private university in Africa. It is ranked 2912 in the world.
The school has been functioning since 2005 and offers its learning in British style and language.
The degree certificates given by the university are first confirmed by one of its partners, the University of the United Kingdom.
The tuition at the institution currently stands at about $3800.
The current president of the school is Professor Ahmed Hamad, and the vice presidents are Professor Leslie Croxford and Professor David A. Kelly.
4. German University, Cairo
This is number 4 on the list of the top private universities in Africa, with a world ranking of 3035.
The German University was established in Cairo, Egypt, in 2003, and its current tuition fee stands at $3500.
This private institution runs its academic affairs on three campuses located in New Cairo, Egypt, and Berlin, Germany.
Professor Dr. Yasser Hegazy is the president of the university.
5. Afe Babalola University, Nigeria
Afe Babalola University is the fifth-top private university in Africa.
It is located in Ekiti State, southwest Nigeria, and has a world ranking of 4070.
The university operates under a non-profit policy. It was established in 2008 by a philanthropist called Afe Babalola.
He is also the chancellor of the school, while Professor M.O. Ajisafe is the vice chancellor.
The tuition for the institution is estimated to be about $2500.
6. MISR University of Science and Technology-Egypt
This University of Science and Technology was established in 1996, and it currently has over 20,000 students.
It is the 6th-best private university in Africa and number 4607 in the world.
Every degree certificate presented to students in this school is compulsorily awarded and accredited by the Supreme Council of Universities.
7. Landmark University-Nigeria
The 7th best private university in Africa is Landmark University, which is also a private Christian university in Nigeria.
It is located in Kwara State and is also affiliated with Living Faith Church.
It came into existence in 2011 with Dr. David Oyedepo as its Chancellor and Professor Adeniyi Olayanju as its Vice-Chancellor.
8. Strathmore University, Kenya
The 8th-best private university in Africa is located in Nairobi, Kenya, with a world ranking of 4718.
Strathmore University is a school that accepts all forms of religion, social lifestyles, and races.
The school was established in 1961.
The Chancellor of the University is Msgr. Fernando Ocariz, and the Vice-Chancellor is Professor John Odhiambo.
9. Universite Internationale de Rabat, Morocco
This Moroccan private university is ranked 9th on the list of the best private universities in Africa.
It is ranked 165th in Africa and 5031st in the world.
It came into existence in 2010.
The president of the school is known as Noureddine Mouaddib, and the vice president is Ahmed Ezbakhe.
10. Ashesi University, Ghana
The 10th-best private university in Africa is Ashesi University in Ghana.
One unique thing about this university is that it focuses on entrepreneurship in Africa.
It began operation as a university in 2002 and is regarded as one of the finest institutions in Africa due to its focus on educating students on how to be independent and financially buoyant through entrepreneurship.
Its founder is known as Patrick Awuah.
One striking thing about these private universities that they all have in common is that they are expensive schools.
However, there is no doubt that the establishment of an increasing number of private universities on the continent has proven to be a step in the right direction for African education enthusiasts.
Africans can only hope that with time, the disparity in education on the continent will be bridged and more people will have the opportunity to get the best education to live a more fulfilled life and sustain growth.
