Nigeria Dominates Sub-Saharan Africa in 2026 University Rankings with 24 Institutions!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

Nigeria has emerged as the leading force in Sub-Saharan Africa’s higher education landscape, with 24 universities featured in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings — the highest number from the region.

What We Know:

• The rankings assessed over 1,900 universities globally, evaluating teaching, research, international outlook, and industry income.
• Nigeria outperformed South Africa (17 universities) and Kenya (11 universities) in Sub-Saharan entries.
• University of Ibadan, Covenant University, and Obafemi Awolowo University ranked among the top-performing Nigerian institutions.

Statements:

• Times Higher Education regional editor, Dr. Phil Baty, said Nigeria’s surge reflects “growing academic output and institutional reforms.”
• Nigeria’s National Universities Commission (NUC) hailed the milestone as proof of “policy impact and academic resilience.”

Why It Matters:

• The achievement signals progress in Nigeria’s education sector despite funding and infrastructure challenges.
• It positions Nigerian universities for increased global recognition, student mobility, and international research collaborations.

Citations:

1. Times Higher Education – 2026 World Rankings
2. NUC Press Brief – Oct. 2025
3. Guardian Nigeria – www.guardian.ng/education

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