In the latest rankings of best universities in the world by the Centre for World University Rankings, the University of Ibadan, the University of Nigeria, the University of Lagos, and the Ahmadu Bello University have made a remarkable achievement by being ranked among the best universities globally.
Out of the 20,531 universities assessed, 2,000 made the high-ranking list. Among the Nigerian universities, the University of Ibadan was placed first, ranking at 1,163rd position globally, while the University of Nigeria followed closely behind in second place with a global ranking of 1,784. The University of Lagos and Ahmadu Bello University occupied third and fourth positions, respectively, with global rankings of 1,875 and 1,881.
The rankings were based on metrics such as faculty, research output, employability, and education rank. At the global stage, Harvard University in the United States, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, also in the United States, Stanford University, again in the United States, were ranked first, second and third, followed by the University of Cambridge and University of Oxford in the United Kingdom rounding up the top five.
Dr. Nadin Mahassen, the President of the Centre for World University Rankings, who commented on the national picture, said the ranking was an encouraging achievement for Nigeria. However, she added that adequate funding is required to promote the development and reputation of Nigeria’s higher education system, suggesting that the country needs to create an environment that attracts the top academics and students in the world while increasing the enrollment capacity and teaching capability.
This recognition of our universities on the global stage is a positive development for the nation and is indicative of the academics’ and students’ hard work. Nigeria must take bold steps to ensure that it sustains this development and makes higher education more competitive in the global arena.
