The University of Cape Coast (UCC) and the University of Ghana (UG) have emerged among the leading tertiary institutions in West Africa, following the release of the 2026 global university rankings.
According to Thenationonlineng.net, which cited a combination of recent global rankings and regional academic performance indicators, the two Ghanaian universities stand out prominently in the subregion’s academic landscape.
Global league tables such as the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings and the QS World University Rankings have played a significant role in spotlighting this progress.
Using indicators including academic reputation, research impact, international outlook and graduate employability, these rankings provide insight into how West African universities compare globally.
The University of Cape Coast has emerged as one of West Africa’s strongest academic institutions. It was placed in the 801–1000 band of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, making it one of the highest-ranked universities in the region.
UCC bows to GTEC to appoint interim vice chancellor after sanctions
The University of Ghana, Legon, continues to solidify its status as a leading research and teaching institution.
In the QS World University Rankings 2026, UG was recognised as one of West Africa’s top universities, performing particularly well in employment outcomes and international research networks.
Other top universities in West Africa
Several other institutions across Nigeria and Senegal also featured prominently in the 2026 rankings:
University of Ibadan (Nigeria): Nigeria’s oldest degree-awarding institution entered the THE World University Rankings 2026 within the 801–1000 range. It remains widely respected for research excellence across the sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
University of Lagos (Nigeria): The university secured a place in the 801–1000 band of THE’s 2026 rankings, reflecting its rising research impact and expanding international collaborations.
Cheikh Anta Diop University (Senegal): Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar entered the THE rankings for the first time in 2026, marking a significant milestone for Francophone West African universities.
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana): Although not listed in THE’s top 1000 for 2026, KNUST remains one of Ghana’s leading institutions, particularly in STEM disciplines, with expanding research partnerships.
Obafemi Awolowo University (Nigeria): Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most prestigious universities, OAU is known for strong programmes in engineering, law, humanities, and the sciences, despite its absence from THE’s latest global list.
Bayero University Kano (Nigeria): Ranked in the 1001–1200 band of THE 2026 rankings, the university continues to record steady growth in research strength, particularly in science and social science disciplines.
Covenant University (Nigeria): One of Nigeria’s leading private institutions, Covenant University also appeared in the 1001–1200 range of THE’s 2026 rankings, driven by strong industry partnerships and consistent research output.
Delta University for Science and Technology (Nigeria): The specialised institution has gained recognition for its focus on science, technology, engineering, and applied research, positioning itself among the region’s rising academic centres.
AM
Meanwhile, watch the excitement, divisions over Agradaa’s reduced sentence
Copyright © 1994 - 2026 GhanaWeb. All rights reserved.
