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The recent global rankings of world universities released by the Times Higher Education for 2024 has revealed the dynamic and competitive nature of the academic landscape of higher education in Nigeria.
These rankings, which evaluate universities based on various criteria including teaching, research quality, industry engagement, and international exposure, provide a valuable assessment of the academic standing of Nigerian institutions.
Nigeria is home to a diverse range of higher education institutions, numbering nearly 130, encompassing federal, state-owned, and private universities.
One notable highlight is the substantial 225 per cent increase in the number of Nigerian universities featured this year, from 12 to a total of 39 institutions.
In terms of the university rankings, there have been intriguing shifts at the top. The University of Ibadan which ranked first in 2023 moved to the second position in the latest ranking, while Covenant University leaped from its previous third-place standing to claim the top spot.
Conversely, the University of Lagos, which once held the second rank, has now slipped to the fourth position, while the Federal University of Technology, Akure, moved from the 5th rank in 2023 to an impressive third place in the 2024 rankings.
In addition, Bayero University, which previously held the 4th position, experienced a slight dip, now securing the 5th place.
However, on a continental scale, the University of Cape Town has secured the leading position in Africa, showcasing a significant advancement from the 237th to the 173rd position on the global scale.
Following closely, the University of the Witwatersrand has claimed the second spot on the continent, securing the 264th position worldwide.
Stellenbosch University has exhibited remarkable progress by ascending from its 454th position last year to a commendable 283rd position this year, solidifying its standing as the third-best university in Africa.
While South Africa boasts the highest number of highly ranked universities, Egypt stands at the forefront in terms of the total number of universities featured on the list, boasting an impressive count of 15 institutions. South Africa closely follows with 11 institutions, showcasing an increase from the previous year’s count of nine universities.
Nigeria’s universities ranked 16th, 19th, 31st, 35th and 48th positions in Africa. Factors such as inadequate funding, outdated infrastructure, limited research output, and a lack of international collaborations contribute to this predicament.
The rankings which show the global reputation of Nigerian higher education, act as a catalyst for universities to strive for excellence across various academic dimensions, as universities must adapt and innovate, ensuring that the quality of education and research aligns with international standards.