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Demystifying the University of Nairobi’s Academic Quality through Third Party Ranking Assessment

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Listed:
  • Li Hongbo

    (Jiangsu University, Kenya)

  • Joseph Muiruri Thige

    (Jiangsu University, Kenya)

  • Ssali Max William

    (Jiangsu University, Kenya)

Abstract

University of Nairobi is in a race to become internationally and academically viable to an increasingly interconnected world. Its rankings have gradually become an issue of concern in its management of academic stratification in a globally competitive community. Several mechanisms with different methodologies by these ranking systems have been developed to rank the university. Ranking of University of Nairobi (UON) has been done qualitatively and quantitatively. While most of the ranking systems are qualitative, there are those that are quantitative and this study makes a comparison of a qualitative and quantitative assessment of UON through two ranking systems while drawing a correlation with other ranking systems to establish the trajectory of such ranking system and identifying academic bias in their assessment. To achieve this, the study uses a qualitative review to highlight a number of inconsistencies in the methodologies applied to rank UON. Five main ranking tools commonly applied to the world’s universities are reviewed, namely Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), Webometrics ranking (WRWU), Times Higher Education (THE), U.S News.com and Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). The study established that bias exists in the rankings thus causing inconsistencies in UON’s placement in different rankings. Suggestions for academic transparency through timely publications and quick access to departmental and institutional data for better ranking exercises are proposed.

Suggested Citation

  • Li Hongbo & Joseph Muiruri Thige & Ssali Max William, 2021. "Demystifying the University of Nairobi’s Academic Quality through Third Party Ranking Assessment," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 5(7), pages 765-772, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:5:y:2021:i:7:p:765-772
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    References listed on IDEAS

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