The increase in tertiary student enrollment in African universities is a trend that will have a significant impact in Africa considering that the majority of the population is young. As more youth pursue higher education, there are greater potential advantages for Africans to control their economic destiny.
A highly educated workforce is critical for economic innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. Graduates contribute new skills and information to the job market, which may boost economic activity and promote development in a variety of industries.
Significant talent shortages exist in several vital industries in Africa. More students enrolling in tertiary institutions can contribute to closing these skills gaps.
Additionally, higher institutions aim to cultivate conversant and active citizens in addition to academics. Students exposed to varied viewpoints, especially political, during their university education, are more likely to participate in civic activities, campaign for social justice, and take on leadership responsibilities in their communities and nations.
Simply put a higher number of students enrolling in universities increases the chances of participation, in economics and in politics as well as in every other facet of society where education rarely permeates. There is also the prospect of cultural exchange which leads to more tolerance, and shared ideas.
Below are the 10 African universities in Sub-Sahara Africa with the most students according to a report by Times Higher Education.
Top 10 African universities with the highest number of students
| Rank | University | Country | Number of students |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
University of South Africa |
South Africa |
233,897 |
|
2. |
National Open University of Nigeria |
Nigeria |
128,864 |
|
3. |
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology |
Ghana |
85,349 |
|
4. |
University of Ghana |
Ghana |
59,741 |
|
5. |
Ahmadu Bello University |
Nigeria |
55,217 |
|
6. |
Universidade Eduardo Mondlane |
Mozambique |
44,590 |
|
7. |
Bayero University |
Nigeria |
43,912 |
|
8. |
Tshwane University of Technology |
South Africa |
42,641 |
|
9. |
University of Ibadan |
Nigeria |
41,616 |
|
10. |
University of Pretoria |
South Africa |
41,583 |
