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The 10 most beautiful
universities in Africa
They say that beauty is in the eye of the
beholder, but you’d be hard pressed not to see
the beauty in these 10 African universities
Best universities in
November 23 2018
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Africa is home to some of the world’s most
diverse landscapes, from towering
mountains to sweeping plains to lush
forests, and some of these stunning
features end up being part of a university
campus.
At Times Higher Education Student, we’ve
looked through lots of pictures of African
universities to whittle them down to the
ones that are the most aesthetically
pleasing – those with interesting
architecture or that use the lay of the land
as a prominent feature. The most beautiful
universities in Africa can be found across
the continent in South Africa, Uganda and
Senegal.
We know that you shouldn’t really pick a
university based on how pretty it is, but it is
also important that you find a university
environment that aligns with the type of
experience you want to have. Whether it’s
out in the mountains or in the middle of a
city, a university’s setting can play a huge
part in your experience as a student.
1. The University of Cape Town, South
Africa
Founded in 1829 as a high school for boys,
the University of Cape Town often tops the
list of the world’s most beautiful
universities.
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2. Stellenbosch University, South Africa
Although it began life as the Stellenbosch
Gymnasium in 1866, it is hard to believe
that the Stellenbosch University campus
was used for anything but studying and
learning, with its breathtaking mountain
view. Located on the banks of the Eerste
River, the university is in the heart of South
Africa’s wine country and is a mere 50km
from Cape Town.
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3. The University of Pretoria, South
Africa
The University of Pretoria began its journey
in 1908 as an English-language institution
based in a four-bedroom house in the
centre of Pretoria, and it is now considered
one of South Africa’s “heavies” on the
higher education front. It has six huge
campuses, with its main one in Pretoria,
the capital of Gauteng province. The city is
known for its beautiful lilac jacaranda trees,
which blossom over the campus. Perhaps
the most picturesque location is the Old
Arts building on the Hatfield campus, which
was built in 1910 and was declared a
national monument in 1968. The sandstone
beauty boasts a clock tower, Oregon pine
floors and slate staircases, as well as a
stunning view over the sprawling,
immaculate lawns.
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4. Gaston Berger University, Senegal
Spread over 240 hectares, Gaston Berger
University is 13km from the Senegalese city
of Saint-Louis, home of the world-famous
annual jazz festival. The campuses are
spread over two towns on the northern tip
of Senegal, Sanar Peulh and Sanar Wolof.
Although the towns are dotted with
colourful French colonial-era architecture,
the buildings on campus are more modern;
the central point is the library’s tower,
which can be seen from the national road
running from Richard-Toll to the
Mauritanian border. The campus is packed
with shady courtyards, so students are
spoilt for choice of tranquil study spots at
Gaston Berger.
5. University of Ghana, Ghana
Originally an a"liate college of the
University of London, the University of
Ghana was founded in 1948 and sits on a
huge area of land just 12km from Accra. Its
architecture is a real strong point – the
beaming white walls and red roofs pair well
with the plants, trees and flowers growing
on campus. The Balme Library is the
nucleus of the campus and is regarded as
one of the best libraries in West Africa,
complete with a freshwater pond. The
university has been featured as a backdrop
in many films and TV programmes,
including the Ghanaian hit series Sun City.
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6. Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria
Founded in 1961 as the University of Ife, it
was renamed the Obafemi Awolowo
University (OAU) in 1987. Located on 53km2
of land in Ife-Ife, an ancient Yoruba city in
Osun State, south-west of Nigeria, the
university comprises both natural and
architectural wonders. There are
sculptured busts of famous Nigerians
dotted all over the campus and many
buildings are characterised by a modern
slanting style, especially the Spider
building, which – according to students –
looks as if it might be slowly seeping into
the ground.
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7. The University of Lagos, Nigeria
In terms of flora and fauna, the University
of Lagos ticks all the boxes. It boasts an
entrance way lined with palm trees, shady
courtyards, parks, a “love garden”, a
botanical garden and even a zoo, and
students will soon become accustomed to
the chatter of monkeys, tweeting birds and
bugs. A breezy grove looks out on the crab-
filled Lagos Lagoon, as well as the third
Mainland Bridge – the second-longest
bridge in Africa.
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8. Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria
Founded in 1962, the Ahmadu Bello
University was named after the Sardauna
of Sokoto, Alhaji Sir Ahmadu Bello, the first
premier of northern Nigeria. It is spread
over the Samuru main campus and Kongo
campus in Zaria, Kano State, and students
can expect modern structures, water
features, topiary and plenty of green space
to kick back in.
9. Uganda Christian University, Uganda
The Uganda Christian University is in a
suburban area of the town of Mukono, on
the former location of Bishop Tucker
Theological College, one of Uganda’s oldest
colleges. There are extensive sports
grounds dotted with plants, grasses and
trees, as well as the lush green Agape
Square areas. The recent addition of the
Hamu Mukasa Library has wowed students,
particularly when it is lit up at night.
10. Covenant University, Nigeria
While some sub-Saharan universities are all
old glory and history, Covenant University
is more of a modern wonder. Located in
Ota, Ogun State in Nigeria, it is complete
with a swimming pool, a football pitch, and
basketball and volleyball courts. Expect
plenty of green space and some stunning
cherry trees.
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Read more: The 10 most beautiful
universities in Europe
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