Times Higher Education (THE) is set to bring significant changes to the methodology of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) University Rankings 2024, signalling a commitment to addressing the distinctive challenges faced by academic institutions in the region. Launched in June and specifically designed for Africa, the SSA University Rankings 2024 has undergone a meticulous review process based on feedback from universities, the public, and an 11-member advisory board representing the SSA region.
The forthcoming second edition of the rankings will feature a notable addition – the introduction of an Ethical Leadership Pillar. Acknowledging the crucial role of ethical leadership in the SSA region, this new pillar emphasizes the impact universities can have in fostering ethical values and leadership skills. Two additional metrics within this pillar will assess universities' contributions to providing platforms for students to develop ethical skills and values.
In another significant development, the Africa Impact Pillar will include a new metric evaluating how universities contribute to students valuing their African heritage. This involves assessing efforts to record or preserve African cultural heritage, as well as incorporating African achievements in curricula to instil a sense of pride in being African.
To accommodate these additions, adjustments have been made to the overall structure of the methodology. Several indicators have been consolidated into single metrics, and certain metrics and pillars have undergone renaming. These changes, detailed in the Sub-Saharan African University Rankings 2024 methodology set to be published next year, aim to strengthen the ranking's robustness and alignment with its objectives.
By incorporating measures of ethical leadership and African heritage, the rankings aim to provide a more comprehensive and nuanced evaluation of universities, aligning with Africa's Agenda 2063 and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The Ethical Leadership Pillar reflects the commitment to holistic university evaluations that extend beyond academic achievements, recognizing the pivotal role universities play in shaping ethical leaders and preserving African heritage.
Article by Jed Mwangi
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