FG lauds UI, UNILAG, others over world university rankings
The Federal Government has applauded Nigerian universities for recording their strongest performance yet in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, describing the achievement as a clear indication that ongoing reforms in the nation’s education sector are beginning to earn global recognition.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, gave the commendation in a post on his X handle on Saturday, noting that 24 Nigerian universities made this year’s global rankings—up from 21 in previous editions—making Nigeria the most represented country in Sub-Saharan Africa.
According to the minister, 17 of the ranked institutions are federal universities, a development he said reflects the progress being made in repositioning Nigeria’s public higher education system through sustained investments and policy reforms.
He specifically congratulated the University of Ibadan, the University of Lagos, Bayero University, Kano, and other Nigerian universities recognised in the prestigious global rankings.
“Our Renewed Hope Education reforms are delivering measurable results. I’m pleased to see Nigerian universities record their strongest performance yet in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
“This year, 24 Nigerian universities were ranked globally, up from 21 in previous years, making Nigeria the most represented country in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Even more encouraging, 17 of those institutions are federal universities, reflecting the progress we are making in strengthening our public higher education system,” Alausa wrote.
The minister stressed that the improved rankings go beyond international prestige, saying they demonstrate that the Federal Government’s investments in research, innovation, digital transformation, quality assurance, infrastructure and institutional governance are beginning to translate into measurable global success.
He added that 27 more Nigerian universities participated in this year’s assessment, describing the development as a strong indication that institutions across the country are embracing transparency, international benchmarking and continuous improvement.
“These rankings are not just about prestige. They are evidence that our investments in research, innovation, digital transformation, quality assurance, infrastructure and governance are beginning to translate into global recognition.
“Even more encouraging, 27 additional Nigerian universities participated in this year’s assessment, demonstrating a growing commitment to transparency, benchmarking and continuous improvement,” he added.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to improving higher education, Alausa said the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration would continue to strengthen universities to produce globally competitive graduates, cutting-edge research and innovations capable of driving national development.
“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we remain committed to the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), ensuring our universities produce the knowledge, innovation, and talent that will drive Nigeria’s future. The work continues,” he said.
The latest recognition comes just days after Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, emerged as Nigeria’s highest-ranked institution in the 2026 Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings, placing 72nd globally and becoming the country’s only university in the global top 100.
According to the sustainability rankings, Covenant University and Redeemer’s University were placed in the 201–300 band, while Landmark University ranked within the 301–400 category. The University of Lagos was listed in the 601–800 band, alongside several other Nigerian institutions, including the American University of Nigeria, Lagos State University, Obafemi Awolowo University, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Babcock University and Nile University of Nigeria.
THE said universities qualify for the overall rankings by submitting data for Sustainable Development Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and at least three other Sustainable Development Goals.
The organisation also disclosed that the 2026 edition featured first-time participants from Mali, Nicaragua, Niger and Tajikistan, while the Philippines recorded the highest number of participating institutions, with 160 universities represented.