Federal Government commends University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, and other institutions for their global university standings

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has commended Nigerian universities for achieving their highest ever ranking in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, citing this as proof that the Federal Government's education reforms are producing tangible outcomes.

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Alausa announced this on his X handle on Saturday, highlighting that 24 Nigerian universities have been ranked globally this year, a significant increase from the 21 featured in previous editions, thereby making Nigeria the most represented country in Sub-Saharan Africa.

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According to the minister, 17 of the ranked institutions are federal universities, which he believes demonstrates the advancements being made in fortifying the country's public higher education system.

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He extended his congratulations to the University of Ibadan, the University of Lagos, Bayero University, Kano, and other Nigerian universities that were recognized in the rankings.

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Alausa stated, "Our Renewed Hope Education reforms are delivering measurable results, as evidenced by Nigerian universities recording their strongest performance yet in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, with 24 institutions ranked globally, up from 21 in previous years, making Nigeria the most represented country in Sub-Saharan Africa.

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He further noted that 17 of the ranked institutions are federal universities, reflecting the progress being made in strengthening the public higher education system.

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Alausa emphasized that the recognition of Nigerian universities in the rankings is not merely a matter of prestige, but rather a testament to the fact that investments in research, innovation, digital transformation, quality assurance, infrastructure, and governance are starting to garner global recognition.

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He wrote, "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.

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Alausa also mentioned that 27 additional Nigerian universities participated in this year's assessment, demonstrating a growing commitment to transparency, benchmarking, and continuous improvement.

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The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative under President Bola Tinubu's administration, ensuring that the country's universities produce the knowledge, innovation, and talent that will drive Nigeria's future.

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He said, "Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we remain committed to the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative, and the work continues.

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The latest Times Higher Education rankings come 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.

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Nigeria's universities in THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026 include Afe Babalola University, ranked 72nd, Covenant University and Redeemer's University, ranked 201–300, and Landmark University, ranked 301–400.

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Other universities ranked include the University of Lagos, ranked 601–800, American University of Nigeria, and Lagos State University, ranked 801–1000, as well as Babcock University, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, and Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, ranked 1001–1500.

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Additionally, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nile University of Nigeria, Obafemi Awolowo University, and Pan-Atlantic University, and University of Nigeria, Nsukka, are ranked 1001–1500, while Al-Hikmah University, Bells University of Technology, Caleb University, Evangel University, Akaeze, and Godfrey Okoye University are ranked 1501+.

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THE stated that institutions qualify for the overall ranking by submitting data for Sustainable Development Goal 17 and at least three other SDGs.

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The organisation also noted that the 2026 rankings introduced universities from Mali, Nicaragua, Niger, and Tajikistan for the first time, while the Philippines had the highest number of participating institutions, with 160 universities represented.