Africa’s academic landscape is shifting, and Nigeria is right at the center of the evolution. The latest AD Scientific Index ranking has spotlighted the continent’s best-performing private universities, revealing a field dominated by Morocco and Egypt, but with Nigeria making undeniable strides.
Morocco’s Mohammed VI Polytechnic University leads the continent, ranking 1st in Africa and 138th globally, powered by 31 top-tier scientists. Egypt follows close behind, with the American University in Cairo in 2nd place and Future University taking the 4th spot.
But the real standout for West Africa is Nigeria’s Covenant University, ranked 3rd on the continent and 221st globally. With 16 high-impact researchers, Covenant is now the most formidable private institution in West Africa—proof that Nigeria’s investment in research-driven education is paying off.
The country also secured another top-10 position with the Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), ranked 10th.
Across the continent, private universities are rapidly becoming engines of innovation, signaling an era where African-led research shapes global knowledge.
