The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has applauded Nigerian universities for their strongest performance yet in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, stating that the outcome shows measurable results from the Federal Government's education reforms.
Alausa made the statement on his X handle on Saturday.
According to him, Times Higher Education ranked 24 Nigerian universities globally this year, compared with 21 in previous editions and Nigeria is now the most represented country in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Why Has The Ranking Been Described As A Major Result?
The minister said the performance reflects progress within Nigeria's higher education system, especially across public universities, as 17 of the 24 ranked universities are federal universities.
He congratulated the University of Ibadan, the University of Lagos, Bayero University, Kano and other Nigerian universities recognised in the rankings.
Alausa stated that the achievement goes beyond prestige, since the ranking points to gains from investments in research, new ideas, digital change, quality assurance, facilities and governance.
What Did The Minister Say About Federal Universities?
The minister said 17 ranked universities are federal universities and he linked that result to the ongoing effort to strengthen public higher education.
His position was that the public university system has started to earn wider global recognition through improved standards, benchmarking and openness to assessment.
He also said 27 other Nigerian universities participated in this year's assessment, which shows growing interest in transparency, benchmarking and continuous improvement.
What Is The Federal Government's Position?
Alausa reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.
He said the government remains committed to ensuring that Nigerian universities produce knowledge, new ideas and talent that can support Nigeria's future.
The minister closed his remarks by stating that the work continues.
Which Nigerian Universities Were Mentioned In The Minister's Remarks?
The minister specifically congratulated the following universities:
- University of Ibadan
- University of Lagos
- Bayero University, Kano
- Other Nigerian universities recognised in the rankings
The statement also noted that 24 Nigerian universities were ranked globally, with 17 of them being federal universities.
What Recent Sustainability Ranking Result Was Also Mentioned?
The latest Times Higher Education rankings came days after Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, emerged as Nigeria's highest-ranked university in the 2026 Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings.
Afe Babalola University placed 72nd globally and became Nigeria's only university listed among the global top 100.
Which Nigerian Universities Are Listed In THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026?
| Global Ranking Band | Nigerian Universities |
|---|---|
| 72nd | Afe Babalola University |
| 201-300 | Covenant University; Redeemer's University |
| 301-400 | Landmark University |
| 601-800 | University of Lagos |
| 801-1000 | American University of Nigeria; Lagos State University |
| 1001-1500 | Babcock University; Federal University Oye-Ekiti; Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria; Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike; Nile University of Nigeria; Obafemi Awolowo University; Pan-Atlantic University; University of Nigeria, Nsukka |
| 1501+ | Al-Hikmah University; Bells University of Technology; Caleb University; Evangel University, Akaeze; Godfrey Okoye University |
How Do Universities Qualify For The Overall Sustainability Ranking?
Times Higher Education said universities qualify for the overall ranking by submitting data for Sustainable Development Goal 17, Partnerships for the Goals and at least three other SDGs.
This requirement places SDG 17 at the centre of the overall ranking process, while other SDG submissions support wider assessment.
Which Countries Were Newly Represented?
Times Higher Education said the 2026 rankings introduced universities from Mali, Nicaragua, Niger and Tajikistan for the first time.
The organisation also said the Philippines had the highest number of participating universities, with 160 universities represented.
What Should Readers Take From This Update?
The update confirms that Nigerian universities have gained wider visibility in the 2026 Times Higher Education rankings, while the Federal Government has linked the result to its current education reform agenda.
It also places two ranking outcomes side by side: Nigeria's wider representation in the World University Rankings and Afe Babalola University's 72nd global position in the Sustainability Impact Rankings.
