The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has been recognised as the best university in the world for providing quality education under the Sustainable Development Goal 4.

The university gained the recognition in the 2023 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings on Thursday.

The 2023 Impact Rankings, in its fifth edition, encompassed a total of 1,591 universities from 112 countries/regions.

The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings are the sole global performance tables that evaluates universities based on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Employing carefully selected indicators, THE provides comprehensive comparisons across four key areas: research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching.

Demonstrating unparalleled excellence, the KNUST secured the top position globally with an outstanding score of 93.1, surpassing all other universities worldwide.

The SDG 4 - Quality Education category evaluates universities' contributions to early years and lifelong learning, research, and their dedication to inclusive education.

This year, an impressive 1,304 universities from 109 countries/regions participated in the category.

The 2023 feat is a massive improvement over the 2022 rankings which placed the University at number one (1) in Africa and 14^th globally in terms of SDG-4.

In response to the latest ranking, Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, said the achievement reflects the substantial and strategic investments made by the university's management over the years.

She praised the past and current administrations for the investments in infrastructure, ICT, and e-learning resources, which have significantly enhanced the educational experience at KNUST.

The school has over the last few years commenced the Support One Needy Student with One Laptop (SONSOL) programme initiated by Professor Mrs Rita Akosua Dickson to support brilliant but needy students.

The initiative is aimed at bridging the digital divide.

The school has provided various scholarships covering accommodation, food, clothing, and special vehicles to enhance mobility of persons with disabilities.

These accomplishments reflect KNUST's commitment to inclusivity.

University Relations Officer, Dr. Daniel Norris Bekoe, commended the university’s administration for their proactive implementation of policies pertaining to gender, anti-sexual harassment, mentorship, quality assurance, teaching and learning, research, and professional evaluation of teaching and disability.  

“These policies serve the important purpose of guaranteeing high-quality service provision and safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable members within the university community. The university is committed to consistently making strategic decisions and investments aimed at enhancing the quality of education,” he said.

He also highlighted that the institution is assisting emerging researchers through financial support and facilitating the pursuit of impactful research initiatives with transformative implications for the university.

Dr. Bekoe further emphasised the need for all staff and students to sustain the diligence and perseverance spirit.

“This steadfast dedication is driven by the overarching goal of nurturing students who possess not only a profound understanding of their subjects but also exemplary character traits. By steadfastly adhering to this principle, KNUST aspires to equip its students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel not only within Ghana but also on a global scale,” he said.

This significant achievement stands as a testament to the collective efforts and unwavering commitment exhibited by the entire KNUST community.

For more info. on THE rankings visit: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/rankings/impact/2023/quality-education.