The Nigerian Universities Ranking Advisory Committee (NURAC) has hailed the Nigerian university system for its remarkable improvement in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject, released on January 21.
For the first time, 24 Nigerian universities made the global rankings, making the country the most represented 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.
Professor Emeritus Peter Okebukola, NURAC chairman, 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.
“This achievement coincides with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration boosting university staff welfare and improving teaching, learning, and research environments,” Okebukola said, acknowledging the foundations laid by former NUC Executive Secretary, Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed.
The rankings reflect two main criteria: publication thresholds—minimum research output over five years—and staff thresholds, ensuring a sufficient proportion of academic staff in each field.
Key highlights include:
Law: University of Ibadan and University of Nigeria, Nsukka, entered the top 400 globally (301–400 band).
Medical and Health: University of Ibadan leads in the 301–400 band, followed by University of Lagos (401–500). Other universities, including Ahmadu Bello University, Bayero University Kano, and University of Nigeria, Nsukka, ranked within 601–800 globally.
Computer Science: Landmark University ranks in the 501–600 band, followed by Covenant University and University of Ilorin in 601–800.
Physical Sciences: Federal University of Technology Minna, Landmark University, and University of Ilorin secured 601–800 placements.
Social Sciences: Covenant University and University of Ibadan ranked 501–600, with University of Lagos in 601–800 and others in the 801–1000 and 1000+ bands.
Psychology: University of Nigeria, Nsukka, is Nigeria’s sole representative in the 501–600 band.
Other fields such as Arts and Humanities, Business and Economics, and Engineering also saw strong global representation, showcasing Nigeria’s growing influence in higher education research and teaching.
Professor Okebukola emphasised that the THE Subject Rankings are among the world’s most rigorous evaluation frameworks, measuring teaching quality, research environment, research excellence, international outlook, and industry engagement.
“The data speaks for itself. Nigerian universities are no longer just participating; they are competing globally. Research in Law, Medicine, and the Sciences is influencing international thought leadership,” he said.
NURAC also called for increased investment in research infrastructure, competitive grants, international partnerships, and industry linkages to further strengthen Nigeria’s global standing.
NURAC’s membership includes leading academic figures across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, with Okebukola as chairman, representing a strategic body committed to enhancing the global visibility and competitiveness of Nigerian universities.
“Whether an institution ranks in the 301–400 band or beyond 1250+, their presence in these global league tables is itself an achievement,” Okebukola concluded.
NURAC Lauds Nigerian Varsities in 2026 World Subject Rankings
