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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Nigerian Universities Ranking Advisory Committee (NURAC) has commended the Nigerian university system for the remarkable improvement in the global rankings of some Nigerian universities in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject, released on January 21.
NURAC, a strategic body dedicated to enhancing the global visibility and ranking performance of Nigerian universities through data-led advisory and ranking of Nigerian universities, noted that, for the first time, 24 Nigerian universities were listed in the global rankings, making Nigeria the most represented country in sub-Saharan Africa.
The rankings cover 11 subject areas, including Arts and Humanities; Business and Economics; Computer Science; Education Studies; Engineering; Law; Life Sciences; Medical and Health; Physical Sciences; Psychology; and Social Sciences.
Reflecting on the newly released data, Professor Emeritus Peter Okebukola, who is chairman of NURAC and a former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), described the performance as a testament to the resilience and burgeoning academic prowess of Nigeria, noting that the nation’s institutions are increasingly breaking into elite global tiers across a diverse range of disciplines.
Prof Okebukola, in a statement, said: “This is coming at a time when the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government has given a huge boost to the welfare package of university staff and planned improvement in teaching, learning and research environment in our universities.”
He also stated that the feat recorded was built on the gains of previous administrations, noting the impact of Prof Abubakar Adamu Rasheed as former Executive Secretary of the NUC.
He explained that to be ranked in a specific subject for 2026, universities had to meet two main criteria: a publication threshold – a minimum number of research papers published in that subject over the last five years (for example, 500 for Engineering and 100 for Law) – and a staff threshold – a minimum percentage or absolute number of academic staff working in that specific field.
Prof Okebukola said the 2026 rankings highlight a significant shift in global recognition for Nigeria’s professional programmes. “Most notably, the University of Ibadan and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka have broken into the top 400 worldwide for Law, both placing in the prestigious 301–400 band.
“In the field of Medical and Health, the University of Ibadan maintains its position as a global leader in the 301–400 band, followed by the University of Lagos in the 401–500 bracket. Other medical powerhouses include Ahmadu Bello University, Bayero University Kano, the University of Benin, the University of Jos and the University of Nigeria Nsukka, all ranking within the 601–800 band globally, while institutions like Babcock, OAU and the University of Ilorin secured spots in the 801–1,000 range. LAUTECH, LASU, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, the University of Calabar and the University of Port Harcourt earned spots in the 1000+ band.
Speaking further, Okebukola noted that Nigeria’s technological institutions have also shown remarkable strength in Computer Science, led by Landmark University in the 501–600 band, with Covenant University and the University of Ilorin following in the 601–800 group.
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In the Physical Sciences, a strong cohort led by the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Landmark University and the University of Ilorin all secured placements in the 601–800 band.
In the 801–1,000 band are Covenant University, the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and the University of Calabar.
In the 1001–1250 band are Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Bayero University, Kano, the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, LAUTECH and the University of Lagos.
Featuring in the 1250+ band are the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, the University of Benin, the University of Ibadan, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and the University of Port Harcourt,” he stated.
He further observed that Social Sciences continue to be a stronghold for the nation, with Covenant University and the University of Ibadan achieving a 501–600 global ranking. The University of Lagos is placed in the 601–800 band, while in the 801–1,000 band are Landmark University, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, the University of Ilorin and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
In the 1000+ band are Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Delta State University, Abraka, the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Lagos State University (LASU), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and the University of Calabar. Furthermore, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka distinguished itself as the sole Nigerian representative in Psychology, ranking in the 501–600 band.
Okebukola emphasised that these rankings are the result of one of the world’s most demanding evaluative frameworks, adding that universities must meet strict publication thresholds, such as producing at least 500 papers over five years for STEM subjects or 100 for Law and Education.
“The Times Higher Education (THE) subject rankings utilise 18 performance indicators grouped into five key pillars, namely: Teaching (the learning environment), accounting for approximately 30 per cent of the score; Research Environment, evaluating productivity, income and reputation (approximately 29 per cent); Research Quality, measuring citation impact and research excellence (approximately 30 per cent); International Outlook, assessing the ratio of international staff, students and research (7.5 per cent); and Industry (Knowledge Transfer), highlighting industry income and patents (4 per cent),” Prof Okebukola stated.
“Nigerian universities are no longer just participating; they are competing at a level that demands global respect. We are seeing a new era where Nigerian research in Law, Medicine and the Sciences is influencing global thought leadership. However, we must not rest.
“NURAC will continue to work with the NUC to ensure this upward trajectory becomes a permanent feature of our educational landscape.”
