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Published 14 May, 2024

Exploring the Academic Roots: 10 Oldest Universities in Africa

Written By

Emmy Igho

Exploring the Academic Roots: 10 Oldest Universities in Africa

  1. University of Al Quaraouiyine, Morocco (Founded: 859 AD):
    The University of Al Quaraouiyine in Fez, Morocco, holds the title of the oldest existing, continually operating higher educational institution in the world according to UNESCO and the Guinness World Records. Established in 859 AD by Fatima al-Fihri, it served as a center for learning in various fields including theology, law, and science.


  2. University of Ez-Zitouna, Tunisia (Founded: 737 AD):
    Founded in 737 AD in Tunis, Tunisia, the University of Ez-Zitouna is one of the oldest Islamic universities globally. It has been a prominent institution for Islamic studies, jurisprudence, and theology throughout its history, playing a significant role in shaping Islamic scholarship in North Africa.

  3. University of Cairo, Egypt (Founded: 970 AD):
    Established in 970 AD, the University of Cairo is one of Egypt's oldest institutions of higher learning. It has been a hub for academic and intellectual pursuits, contributing to advancements in various fields such as medicine, literature, and engineering.

Al-Azhar University, Egypt (Founded: 970 AD):
Also founded in 970 AD, Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, is renowned as one of the most prestigious centers of Islamic learning in the world. It has been a beacon of Islamic scholarship, offering education in theology, Arabic language, and Islamic law for over a millennium.

  1. University of Karaouine, Tunisia (Founded: 732 AD):
    Located in modern-day Tunisia, the University of Karaouine was established in 732 AD, making it one of the oldest universities in Africa. It has a rich history of scholarly pursuits, particularly in Islamic studies and Arabic literature.

University of Timbuktu, Mali (Founded: 982 AD):
The University of Timbuktu, founded in 982 AD in present-day Mali, flourished as a center of learning during the Mali Empire. It gained renown for its contributions to Islamic scholarship, mathematics, astronomy, and medicine.

University of Sankore, Mali (Founded: 989 AD):
Also situated in Mali, the University of Sankore, established in 989 AD, was a prominent center of Islamic learning during the medieval period. It attracted scholars from across the Islamic world and played a crucial role in the spread of knowledge throughout West Africa.

University of Fez, Morocco (Founded: 1249 AD):
Founded in 1249 AD, the University of Fez in Morocco has been a significant hub of learning in North Africa. It has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, particularly in the fields of Islamic studies, law, and philosophy.

University of Tunis El Manar, Tunisia (Founded: 1945):
While not as ancient as some of its counterparts, the University of Tunis El Manar in Tunisia traces its roots back to 1945. It has evolved into one of the leading institutions of higher education in the region, offering a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities.

University of Ghana, Ghana (Founded: 1948):
Established in 1948, the University of Ghana holds the distinction of being one of the oldest universities in sub-Saharan Africa. Over the decades, it has grown into a prestigious institution known for its academic excellence and research contributions across various disciplines.


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