Academic Excellence at Home, but Where Is the Global Recognition for Nigerian Universities?

 

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

The 2025 release of the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings has once again laid bare a painful reality: no Nigerian university has made it into the top 10 or even the top 200. While Covenant University continues to lead the charge as Nigeria’s best university, the broader picture for higher education in Nigeria remains disappointing. Institutions such as Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) and the University of Ibadan (UI) are celebrated domestically, but they fall far behind in the global rankings, struggling to compete with their counterparts in other regions of the world.

As a Nigerian journalist deeply embedded in the academic and social fabric of the country, I cannot help but voice my concern. It is disheartening to see Nigeria—once recognized for its vibrant academic tradition—slip in these rankings. Even more frustrating is knowing that our institutions have the potential to excel but remain held back by systemic challenges.

At the forthcoming convocation of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN), Vice-Chancellor, announced that 256 students will graduate with first-class honors, spread across disciplines including Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Veterinary Medicine. In total, 12,042 students will receive their degrees. This achievement is commendable, showcasing the academic excellence of Nigerian students, but it begs the question: why can’t this local success translate into global recognition?

The performance of Nigerian universities in the Times Higher Education Rankings speaks volumes about the neglect of our higher education system. The ranking system takes into account key factors such as teaching quality, research output, citations, international outlook, and industry income. Nigerian institutions, while producing bright minds, consistently underperform in areas like research output and international collaboration. Though Covenant University is a leader, there remains significant room for improvement across the country.

Professor Egbewole’s announcement highlights the quality of education Nigerian students receive. Yet, there is a growing disparity between the number of outstanding graduates we produce and the global impact our universities have. What can we do to bridge this gap between local success and global recognition? How can Nigerian universities—filled with talented students—lag in critical areas like research output, international partnerships, and industry engagement?

Nigeria is home to the largest population in Africa, with some of the brightest minds on the continent. However, our universities are often overshadowed by institutions in South Africa and Egypt. The University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University have consistently been Africa’s top representatives in global rankings. With strong government support and international networks, these universities thrive while ours struggle with inadequate funding, outdated infrastructure, and the loss of academic talent to brain drain.

The Nigerian government, private sector, and educational institutions must collaborate to reverse these trends. A ranking is more than just a measure of academic performance; it reflects a nation’s commitment to innovation, research, and knowledge generation. We need targeted policies that incentivize international collaborations, improve research funding, and promote industry partnerships if we are to elevate our universities on the global stage.

The upcoming convocation at the University of Ilorin serves as a symbol of hope. It showcases the academic potential that Nigeria possesses. However, the poor performance of our universities in global rankings should serve as a wake-up call.

To compete globally, Nigeria must make bold investments in education, research, and international partnerships. Only then can we reclaim our place among the world’s academic elite and ensure that Nigerian universities become global centers of excellence.