Features That Make a University Prominent

The beauty of a university is not just only in the name, or just being established to satisfy some selfish desire, but in making itself a sought-after institution that is attractive both locally and internationally.

University is the seat of knowledge and power that should promote knowledge to advance and transform humanity in social, political and economic endeavours.

To achieve this, it must embrace everything that will make it a first-class institution that will rank with the Ivy League schools. 

Here we look at those features a university should have in its arsenal to rank as the best.

Infrastructure

The infrastructural facilities in a university must be top-notch, such that it can make for an excellent learning environment. Lecture theatres, well-equipped laboratories, excellent information and communication technology centres, world-class libraries and other facilities must be available.

Products/alumni

To be ranked favourably, a university must be able to parade an array of products or alumni who have graduated from the university and who occupy good positions in blue chip companies, industries, government and private establishments and agencies.

The graduates of the university must be drivers of the economy and politics. They must be a member of think-tank in both government and private circles.

A university must be able to draw valuable alumni who are shakers and movers of endeavours both nationally and globally.

Teaching/Learning Environment

The teaching-learning environment must be conducive. The ratio of lecturer to students must be desirable. Lecturers must be seasoned, experienced and highly qualified. They must be renowned and be the best anywhere.

Research

For a university to be well ranked, it must invest in research, and such research must be of recognisable quality that can be published by academics elsewhere.

The research must be productive and adaptable for use by industries if it is science-based. Contemporaries in other universities must rate the research high and also must be published in both local and international journals.

The research must be cited by other scholars, academic journals and publications. Also, the research must generate income showing that it is highly valued. Funds can also be sourced for research.

Ranking

One of the things that make a university attractive is its ranking, both locally and globally. It must rank well among its peer to get recognition.

International Connection/Affiliation

International connection or connectedness is one way to determine a prominent university. A University must have and maintain a good relationship and collaboration in areas of research, and exchange programmes in academics with other universities outside its locality. Competition with the other university in the world is paramount.

Studentship

A university must be able to attract excellent students from all over the world and not just only within its locality. It must be able to draw International students. Attracting foreign students will show how good the university is, nay show that it is given recognition all over the world.

Funding

The prominence of a university will depend on how it can draw up an endowment, government funding, and injection of funds by private individuals and companies to run itself.

Autonomy

Autonomy is a measure of independence that will allow a university to operate effectively and thrive. It must operate in an environment that will allow and encourage critical thinking, scientific inquiry, creativity, innovation and competitiveness. It must not be bedevilled by external control and bureaucracy.

Accreditation/Approval

It is not enough to offer courses domiciled in different departments and faculties, but those courses must be accredited and approved by relevant regulatory bodies.