Africa is often celebrated as the cradle of civilization, the birthplace of humankind, and a land of cultural and intellectual wealth. What many people do not realize is that Africa is also home to some of the oldest universities in the world, not just the continent. Long before the rise of modern European universities, centers of learning in Africa were already flourishing — blending religious studies, science, mathematics, philosophy, and law.
The history of higher education in Africa is deeply connected to the growth of Islamic scholarship, ancient kingdoms, and later colonial education systems. From the medieval university of Al Quaraouiyine in Morocco (the world’s oldest existing university, founded in 859 AD) to the universities of Egypt, Tunisia, and beyond, Africa’s institutions have shaped intellectual progress for over a thousand years.
This article provides a detailed list of the top 10 oldest universities in Africa, their founding years, cultural importance, and contributions to global education. It also highlights how these universities influenced both Africa and the wider world.
We’ll cover:
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A summary table of the 10 oldest universities in Africa
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Rank-by-rank deep dive into each university’s history, significance, and academic traditions
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The role of Islamic scholarship and colonial systems in shaping African universities
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FAQs about old universities in Africa
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A conclusion on Africa’s academic heritage and its future
Summary Table of the Top 10 Oldest Universities in Africa
| Rank | University | Country | Year Founded | Key Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Al Quaraouiyine | Morocco | 859 AD | Recognized by UNESCO as the oldest existing and continually operating university in the world |
| 2 | Al-Azhar University | Egypt | 970 AD | Global Islamic learning center and one of the most prestigious religious universities |
| 3 | University of Ez-Zitouna | Tunisia | 737 AD (institutionalized in 13th century) | Ancient Islamic university, key in Islamic jurisprudence and theology |
| 4 | Fourah Bay College | Sierra Leone | 1827 | First Western-style university in Sub-Saharan Africa |
| 5 | University of Cape Town | South Africa | 1829 | Oldest university in South Africa, initially a boys’ high school |
| 6 | University of Algiers | Algeria | 1909 | Founded during French colonial rule, hub of law and sciences |
| 7 | Makerere University | Uganda | 1922 | Oldest university in East Africa, produced many African leaders |
| 8 | University of Ibadan | Nigeria | 1948 | Nigeria’s first university, initially affiliated with the University of London |
| 9 | University of Khartoum | Sudan | 1902 (formalized in 1956) | Oldest higher learning institution in Sudan, influential in politics |
| 10 | Cheikh Anta Diop University (formerly University of Dakar) | Senegal | 1957 | Major Francophone African university, central in post-independence education |
How Oldest Universities in Africa Were Established
Before going into the top 10 individually, it is important to understand how these universities came into existence. Unlike modern universities that are mostly secular, many of Africa’s oldest universities were deeply rooted in religion, especially Islam.
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Islamic Influence: From the 8th to 12th centuries, Islam spread across North Africa, bringing with it centers of learning. Mosques often evolved into universities where students studied theology, mathematics, astronomy, law, medicine, and literature.
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Colonial Era: By the 19th and 20th centuries, colonial administrations established Western-style universities. These were modeled after European institutions but served as bridges for Africans to access global education.
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Post-Independence Expansion: After independence, many universities transformed into national centers of higher learning, producing leaders, intellectuals, and professionals for nation-building.
This dual heritage — Islamic scholarship and colonial education — shaped Africa’s universities into what they are today.
1. University of Al Quaraouiyine (Morocco) – 859 AD
The University of Al Quaraouiyine, located in Fez, Morocco, is officially recognized by UNESCO and Guinness World Records as the oldest existing university in the world. It was founded in 859 AD by Fatima al-Fihri, a visionary woman who invested her inheritance into building a mosque and center of learning.
Key Features
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Began as a mosque but expanded into a full university.
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Offered courses in natural sciences, astronomy, medicine, mathematics, music, and Islamic law.
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Played a central role in preserving classical Greek knowledge during Europe’s Dark Ages.
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Influenced European universities like Bologna and Oxford.
Legacy
Al Quaraouiyine remains a symbol of Africa’s intellectual contribution to global civilization. It highlights how African and Islamic scholarship preserved knowledge that Europe later used during the Renaissance.
2. Al-Azhar University (Egypt) – 970 AD
Located in Cairo, Egypt, Al-Azhar is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious Islamic universities. Established by the Fatimid Caliphate, it became a beacon of Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and Arabic grammar.
Key Features
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Founded in 970 AD, attached to the Al-Azhar Mosque.
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Known as the “Vatican” of Sunni Islam.
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Offers degrees in Islamic studies, sciences, medicine, engineering, and humanities.
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Has one of the largest Islamic libraries in the world.
Legacy
Al-Azhar continues to shape global Islamic thought. It attracts students worldwide, making it a hub of religious diplomacy and interfaith dialogue.
3. University of Ez-Zitouna (Tunisia) – 737 AD (formalized later)
The University of Ez-Zitouna, located in Tunis, Tunisia, has roots as early as 737 AD, though it became formalized in later centuries. It is one of the earliest Islamic universities in North Africa.
Key Features
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Established around the Great Mosque of Zitouna.
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Specialized in Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and Arabic literature.
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Produced renowned scholars who influenced both North Africa and Andalusia (Spain).
Legacy
Ez-Zitouna was a bridge between African and Andalusian scholarship. Many of its scholars contributed to Spain’s Golden Age of science and philosophy.
4. Fourah Bay College (Sierra Leone) – 1827
Moving away from Islamic universities, Fourah Bay College in Freetown, Sierra Leone, holds the title of the oldest Western-style university in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Key Features
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Founded by the Church Missionary Society in 1827.
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Initially designed to train teachers and missionaries.
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Later became affiliated with the University of Durham (UK).
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Nicknamed the “Athens of West Africa.”
Legacy
It produced Africa’s first Western-educated elites, including lawyers, doctors, and teachers. Fourah Bay College played a crucial role in spreading Western education in West Africa.
5. University of Cape Town (South Africa) – 1829
The University of Cape Town (UCT) is South Africa’s oldest university. Established in 1829, it began as a boys’ high school before transitioning into a full university.
Key Features
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Founded as the South African College.
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Became a university in 1918.
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Offers degrees in science, commerce, engineering, humanities, and medicine.
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Known as one of Africa’s top-ranked universities globally.
Legacy
UCT has been central in shaping South Africa’s intellectual life. During apartheid, it was one of the few universities that stood against racial segregation in education.
6. University of Algiers (Algeria) – 1909
Founded during French colonial rule in 1909, the University of Algiers became Algeria’s first modern higher institution.
Key Features
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Initially focused on law and medicine.
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Expanded into sciences, engineering, and humanities.
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A hub for anti-colonial intellectual resistance during Algeria’s independence struggle.
Legacy
After Algeria’s independence in 1962, the University of Algiers transformed into a national institution, producing leaders, policymakers, and professionals.
7. Makerere University (Uganda) – 1922
Known as the Harvard of Africa, Makerere University in Uganda was established in 1922 as a technical school before becoming a full university.
Key Features
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Started as a technical college with vocational courses.
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Expanded into medicine, agriculture, and education.
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Produced famous African leaders like Julius Nyerere (Tanzania) and Milton Obote (Uganda).
Legacy
Makerere remains East Africa’s most prestigious university and a symbol of intellectual independence in Africa.
8. University of Ibadan (Nigeria) – 1948
The University of Ibadan (UI) is Nigeria’s oldest university, founded in 1948 as a college of the University of London.
Key Features
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Gained full autonomy in 1962.
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Known for research in medicine, agriculture, and humanities.
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Produced Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka.
Legacy
UI is a pillar of Nigerian education, producing leading scholars, politicians, and cultural figures.
9. University of Khartoum (Sudan) – 1902 (formalized in 1956)
The University of Khartoum began as Gordon Memorial College in 1902 before being upgraded to a university after Sudan’s independence in 1956.
Key Features
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Focused on law, medicine, and engineering.
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Became a symbol of Sudanese nationalism.
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Played a major role in political debates and independence movements.
Legacy
It remains one of Sudan’s top institutions, though political instability has affected its progress.
10. Cheikh Anta Diop University (Senegal) – 1957
Located in Dakar, Senegal, this university was founded in 1957 as the University of Dakar, later renamed after Senegalese historian Cheikh Anta Diop.
Key Features
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Oldest French-language university in West Africa.
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Offers a wide range of courses in science, law, medicine, and social sciences.
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Attracted students from across Francophone Africa.
Legacy
It became a hub for post-independence education and cultural revival in West Africa.
Broader Impact of Africa’s Oldest Universities
These universities shaped:
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Islamic scholarship and global knowledge transfer
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Colonial and post-colonial education systems
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African nationalism and independence movements
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Modern global research and innovation
They are more than schools; they are pillars of Africa’s cultural identity and intellectual history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the oldest university in Africa?
The University of Al Quaraouiyine in Morocco (859 AD) is the oldest in Africa and the world.
2. Which is the oldest university in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Fourah Bay College in Sierra Leone (1827).
3. Which African university is oldest in West Africa?
Fourah Bay College.
4. What is the oldest university in East Africa?
Makerere University in Uganda (1922).
5. What is the oldest university in South Africa?
University of Cape Town (1829).
6. Which African university produced the first Nobel laureate?
The University of Ibadan produced Wole Soyinka, Africa’s first Nobel Prize winner in Literature.
7. Are Africa’s oldest universities still operational?
Yes, all listed universities are still functioning today.
8. What role did religion play in old African universities?
Islamic scholarship dominated North Africa’s oldest universities. Christianity shaped Fourah Bay College.
9. Which African university has the oldest library?
Al-Azhar University in Egypt has one of the oldest libraries.
10. Are Africa’s oldest universities recognized internationally?
Yes, universities like Al Quaraouiyine, Al-Azhar, and UCT are globally respected.
Conclusion
Africa’s oldest universities tell a powerful story of knowledge, resilience, and influence. From the medieval Islamic institutions of Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt to the Western-modeled universities of Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Nigeria, these universities remain central to Africa’s identity.
They prove that Africa is not only the cradle of humanity but also a pillar of global intellectual heritage. For students, historians, and global learners, understanding these universities is key to appreciating Africa’s contribution to world education.