Saharan Africa with 24 universities in 2026 Global rankings

Nigeria has recorded its highest ever performance in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, with 24 universities earning global recognition, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has announced. In a statement shared on X, Alausa said the latest ranking marks an improvement from previous years, when 21 Nigerian institutions were listed. The development also positions Nigeria as the most represented country in Sub-Saharan Africa in the global rankings. According to the minister, 17 of the 24 ranked institutions are federal universities, a development he described as a clear sign of progress in strengthening the country’s public higher education system under ongoing reforms. Among the recognised institutions are the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, and Bayero University Kano, alongside several others across the country. He wrote, “Our Renewed Hope Education reforms are delivering measurable results. “I’m pleased to see Nigerian universities record their strongest performance yet in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings. “This year, 24 Nigerian universities were ranked globally, up from 21 in previous years, making Nigeria the most represented country in Sub-Saharan Africa. “Even more encouraging, 17 of those institutions are federal universities, reflecting the progress we are making in strengthening our public higher education system. “Congratulations to the University of Ibadan, the University of Lagos, Bayero University Kano, and every Nigerian university recognised in this year’s rankings. Related News ‘Poverty lab to transform how Nigeria responds to poverty’ 'Cassava can power Nigeria's industrialisation' Can Nigeria's cassava resources turnaround the economy? “This achievement belongs to the entire higher education sector and demonstrates what is possible when institutions are committed to excellence.” The minister noted that the achievement reflects the growing impact of investments in research, innovation, infrastructure, digital transformation, and quality assurance across Nigerian universities. Alausa added that the rankings go beyond prestige, serving as evidence that reforms in the sector are yielding tangible results. He further disclosed that an additional 27 Nigerian universities participated in the 2026 assessment process, highlighting increasing interest in global benchmarking, transparency, and institutional improvement. Read Also: Nigeria universities and third-stream income “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. “Even more encouraging, 27 additional Nigerian universities participated in this year’s assessment, demonstrating a growing commitment to transparency, benchmarking, and continuous improvement.” The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to education sector reforms under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly through the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), aimed at positioning universities to drive innovation, knowledge creation, and national development. He congratulated all institutions featured in the rankings, describing the recognition as a collective achievement for Nigeria’s higher education sector. “Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, we remain committed to the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), ensuring our universities produce the knowledge, innovation, and talent that will drive Nigeria’s future,” he wrote. --> --> TAGS: Nigeria