The University of Ibadan (UI), Oyo State, has been ranked Nigeria’s best university in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.

The ranking, released on Thursday via THE’s official website, placed UI within the 801–1,000 band globally—reclaiming a position it last held in 2023. The institution moved up from fourth place in the 2025 rankings to surpass Covenant University, which had topped the list in 2024 and 2025.

THE evaluated of 2,191 institutions from 115 countries based on 18 performance indicators grouped under five key areas: teaching, research environment, research quality, industry engagement, and international outlook.

Following UI in Nigeria’s ranking are the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Bayero University, Kano (BUK), and Covenant University (CU), ranked second, third, and fourth, respectively.

The 2026 global ranking also reflected a changing higher education landscape, drawing on 174.9 million citations from 18.7 million research publications and survey responses from over 108,000 scholars worldwide.

Among Nigerian universities, UNILAG achieved the highest score in research quality, with 66.7 points. BUK ranked best for international outlook, while Covenant University led in industry engagement.

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Of the 51 Nigerian universities featured in the 2026 ranking, only UI and UNILAG were placed within the 801–1,000 band. BUK, CU, and Landmark University were ranked between 1,001–1,200, while Ahmadu Bello University, Federal University of Technology Minna, University of Ilorin, University of Jos, and University of Nigeria Nsukka fell within the 1,201–1,500 range.

Additionally, 14 Nigerian universities were placed above 1,500, while 27 institutions were listed as “not ranked.”

THE is a globally recognised independent organisation that provides data and insights on higher education performance.

Universities are considered for the rankings if they teach undergraduates, produce multidisciplinary research, and have published at least 1,000 research papers between 2020 and 2024, with a minimum of 100 annually.

See the full list below:

1. University of Ibadan (801–1000)

2. University of Lagos (801–1000)

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3. Bayero University (1001–1200)

4. Covenant University (1001–1200)

5. Landmark University (1001–1200)

6. Ahmadu Bello University (1201–1500)

7. Federal University of Technology, Minna (1201–1500)

8. University of Ilorin (1201–1500)

9. University of Jos (1201–1500)

10. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1201–1500)

11. Babcock University (1501+)

12.Delta State University, Abraka (1501+)

13. Ekiti State University (1501+)

14. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (1501+)

15. Federal University of Technology, Akure (1501+)

16. Federal University of Technology, Owerri (1501+)

17. Federal University Oye-Ekiti (1501+)

18. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (1501+)

19. Lagos State University (1501+)

20. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (1501+)

21. Obafemi Awolowo University (1501+)

22. University of Benin (1501+)

23. University of Calabar (1501+)

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24. University of Port Harcourt (1501+)

25. Admiralty University of Nigeria

26. Akwa Ibom State University

27. Al-Hikmah University

28. Augustine University

29. Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti

30. Bauchi State University, Gadau

31. Bayelsa Medical University

32. Baze University

33. Bells University of Technology

34. Bowen University

35. Evangel University, Akaeze

36. Federal University of Lafia

37. Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun

38. Fountain University

39. Godfrey Okoye University

40. Igbinedion University Okada

41. Kaduna State University

42. Lagos State University of Education

43. Lagos State University of Science and Technology

44. Lead City University

45. Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria

46. Nasarawa State University, Keffi

47. Redeemer’s University

48. Rivers State University

49. Thomas Adewumi University

50. University of Cross River State

51. University of Delta.

Elon Musk has urged his 227 million social media followers to cancel their Netflix subscriptions, accusing the streaming platform of promoting what he describes as transgender propaganda.

In his latest culture war campaign, the Tesla tycoon joined a trend launched by conservative social media account Libs of TikTok that cited the animated series “Dead End: Paranormal Park” and Netflix’s corporate diversity efforts as a cause for dropping the streaming service.

The show’s creator, Hamish Steele, is accused of making social media remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination in September that were seen by conservatives online as disrespectful and led to the backlash.

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Netflix’s shares fell two percent on Wednesday when the controversy gained traction and were down as much as another two percent Thursday on Wall Street.

“Cancel Netflix,” Musk wrote in a Wednesday post on X, the platform he owns, quoting another post made by Libs of TikTok.

That post shared screenshots of a Netflix company report that said it had increased the number of non-white directors and lead actors on its programs.

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In a later post on the issue, Musk encouraged his followers to “Cancel Netflix for the health of your kids.”
Steele addressed the controversy in a few Bluesky posts that have since been deleted: “It’s all lies and slander!”

Musk, the world’s wealthiest person, has a personal connection to transgender issues. His eldest daughter, Vivian
Jenna Wilson, publicly transitioned in 2022 and legally changed both her name and gender identity.

Musk has claimed his child was “killed” by the “woke mind virus” instilled at an elite California school.

Veteran broadcaster, business icon, and diplomat Christopher Kolade has died at the age of 93.

The family announced the elder statesman’s death in a statement on Thursday.

According to the statement, the late former Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc died peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

Below are the things to know about the elder statesman

Born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, to an Anglican missionary father, Kolade’s early years were shaped by faith, discipline, and learning.

He attended Government College, Ibadan, before proceeding to Fourah Bay College, Freetown, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from one of West Africa’s most prestigious universities.

Broadcasting trailblazer

Kolade began his professional career in the 1950s as an Education Officer in the Western Region. However, following Nigeria’s independence in 1960, he transitioned to broadcasting — a move that would define the early part of his illustrious career.

At the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (now the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Kolade rose through the ranks to become Director-General.

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Those who worked under him remember his professionalism, dignity, and insistence on ethical journalism — qualities that set him apart in Nigeria’s early broadcasting years.

His collaboration with the late Segun Olusola helped lay the foundation for modern television and radio in the country.

Corporate leader

After nearly two decades in broadcasting, Kolade joined Cadbury Nigeria Plc in 1978 as Administration Director. He later became Managing Director, Chief Executive, and eventually Chairman, leading the company through what many described as its “golden era.”

Beyond the corporate boardroom, Kolade was a champion of ethical business practices. He chaired both the Integrity Organisation and The Convention on Business Integrity, long before “corporate governance” became a popular phrase in Nigeria’s business lexicon.

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Teacher, mentor, and voice of values

Even after retiring from corporate life, Kolade continued to shape minds and values.

At the Lagos Business School, he taught Corporate Governance, Human Resource Management, and Leadership, where generations of business executives recall him as a mentor who began each class with questions about values rather than profits.

He later served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Pan-Atlantic University, which houses both LBS and the School of Media and Communication, and as Chancellor of McPherson University, Ogun State.

Diplomat and devout Anglican

From 2002 to 2007, Kolade served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, earning widespread respect for his diplomacy, humility, and integrity.

A devout Anglican, he received the Order of St Augustine Medal from the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1981 and was later installed as a Lay Canon Emeritus at Guildford Cathedral, United Kingdom. He was also organist and choir director at St Peter’s Church, Faji, Lagos, a testament to his lifelong commitment to faith and service.

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Despite his towering résumé, which includes Fellow of the Institute of Directors, Past President of both the Nigerian Institute of Management and the Institute of Personnel Management, and recipient of the Commander of the Order of the Niger, Kolade remained remarkably humble.

Family life

He was married to Beatrice Egochukwu Ukogu, with whom he had two sons. Those close to him describe him as a devoted husband and father who balanced public duty with family warmth and simplicity.

Kolade’s life was anchored in family, faith, and service — values he lived and passed on to all who encountered him.
Enduring Legacy

In business circles, Kolade will be remembered as a leader of principle, while in academia, as a mentor who shaped minds with moral clarity and in diplomacy, as an envoy who carried Nigeria’s name with dignity.