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Only 21 Nigerian Varsities Make Global Ranking, Say Educators [FULL LIST]
Published
10 months agoon
By
Editor
An expert in Ecclesiastical Theology and Human Development, Prof. Moses Idowu, said only 21 Nigerian universities were recognised in the recent Global Ranking, out of a total of the 274 universities in the country.
He expressed concerns that the latest global rankings reflected the misgovernance and maladministration prevalent within Nigerian universities and the nation as a whole.
Idowu in an online post noted that two universities; Covenant University and Landmark University, both affiliated with the Living Faith Tabernacle and led by Bishop David Oyedepo ranked in the top tiers, specifically Bands A and B.
He further elaborated that among the 21 universities recognised in the global ranking, 19 were categorised in Bands B-D, with 15 being federal universities and four state universities.
He said, “Here are the shocks: no federal or state university made the list of the top 1,000 universities, and only Covenant and Landmark universities from the private sector ranked in the first two categories. Of the 21 universities, six are located in the North, while 15 are in the South.
“In the South, 10 are in the Southwest, three in the Southeast, and two in the South-South. In the North, three universities are in the Middle Belt (North Central) and two in the Northeast.
“Notably, of the three in North Central, Landmark University and the University of Ilorin are situated in the same state, Kwara.”
Idowu stated that among Nigeria’s first-generation universities, only Obafemi Awolowo University and Nsukka did not rank in Band B like their counterparts.
Nsukka was placed in Band C, while OAU fell into Band D.
READ ALSO: FULL LIST: Covenant Emerges Nigeria’s Best university For 2024
He further analysed the rankings, stating, “Here are the results according to former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Peter Okebukola:
“Band A (801-1000): Only Covenant University made the list in this category. Band B (1001-1200): Four universities are included here: Ahmadu Bello University, University of Ibadan, Landmark University, and University of Lagos.
“Band C (1201-1500): This band comprises six universities: two Federal Universities of Technology (Akure and Minna), Bayero University, and the Universities of Benin, Ilorin, and Nsukka.
“Band D (1501 and below): Ten universities made this list, including four state universities: Lagos State University, Ekiti State University, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University. Additionally, seven federal universities are included: Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Obafemi Awolowo University, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, University of Port Harcourt, University of Ilorin, and Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.”
Idowu criticised stakeholders who celebrated the rankings, describing it as demeaning that a private institution, Covenant University, which had no access to public funds, was ranked as the best in the country.
He pointed out that out of over 274 universities in Nigeria, only one made the list of the top 1,000, classified as Band-A universities.
“Prof. Okebukola and others who view this result as impressive and worthy of celebration, I do not. I see this as an emblem of national shame, a tragic reflection of the misgovernance and maladministration not only of our universities but of the Nigerian nation as a whole,” he stated.
READ ALSO: UK Police Officer Cleared Of Murder After Black Man Shot Dead
“What is particularly disheartening is that the only university to make the list is neither a federal nor a state university, but a private, mission-based institution. It receives no taxpayer money, public budget support, or alumni backing. It saddens me that a private organization without access to public funds is achieving such noteworthy results with its two universities, while a first-generation federal university like Ife struggles to compete. Great Ife, once renowned and respected globally, has now become a Band D university, outperformed by Landmark University, which was established less than 10 years ago. I am especially disheartened by the situation at Ife because I remember what this university represented in the days when scholarship was the hallmark of higher education. This decline highlights how Nigeria has mismanaged this once-great institution.”
A senior lecturer and Head of the Department of Mass Communication at Dominican University, Ibadan, Dr Ifeanyi Onyike, advised that for Nigeria to get things right, the government must lead by example and demonstrate that foreign certificates were not superior to those obtained in Nigeria.
“What I’m emphasising is that beyond the conversations and workshops we hold daily, we need strong policies to improve our educational system. These policies should ensure that both government and private firms prioritise the employment of homegrown graduates.
“Lastly, I believe the government should step back from the educational system, particularly in senior secondary and tertiary education. The government has consistently shown an inability to address the educational needs of citizens at these levels. Currently, students are out of school due to a hike in tuition fees, and students from other federal universities are protesting as well.
“Educational subsidies are a crucial measure that the Tinubu administration must seriously consider, as its actions and inactions have contributed to parents struggling to afford their children’s tuition. However, if subsidies cannot be implemented, I advocate for the privatisation of all federal universities so they can operate as profitable ventures. Maintaining the status quo while increasing fees will only benefit those exploiting the system and further harm the country.”
Another lecturer in the Department of Microbiology at Adeleke University and the Founder of Helix Biogen Institute in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria, Dr Oladipo Kolawole, for Nigerian universities to achieve higher global rankings, several strategies could be implemented, including an improvement in research output and quality.
“Encouraging more research, particularly in STEM fields and the social sciences, can significantly enhance rankings. This involves promoting innovation, securing funding, and publishing in reputable international journals. Universities should also focus on high-impact and collaborative research initiatives.
READ ALSO: How Nigeria Became Burial Ground Of Policies —Obasanjo Laments
“Additionally, adequate investment in education infrastructure by both the government and private sector is crucial. Modern laboratories, libraries, and digital resources enhance learning experiences and research capabilities.”
He called for increasing international collaboration and exchange programs, saying it was another important strategy. “Partnering with globally ranked universities for joint research projects, faculty exchanges, and international student programs can improve visibility and elevate academic standards. Recruiting and retaining highly qualified academic staff is essential. Providing opportunities for professional development and fostering international research collaborations can enhance teaching quality and research output.”
Kolawole maintained that enhancing the student experience was vital by emphasising student-centered learning, reducing overcrowded classes, and improving access to resources can lead to better learning outcomes and overall satisfaction, especially in public universities.
“Digital transformation is also necessary for modernization. Implementing technology in teaching, learning, and administration, such as online courses and digital libraries—can attract global attention to Nigerian universities.
“Lastly, universities should consider focusing on areas of specialization, aiming to become global leaders in fields such as agriculture, health sciences, or technology to improve visibility and relevance.
“In conclusion, implementing these strategies holistically could gradually enhance the global rankings of Nigerian universities,” he said.
News
FG Predicts Heavy Rainfall, Flood In Seven States
Published
8 hours agoon
August 23, 2025By
Editor
The Federal Ministry of Environment on Saturday predicted possible flooding in seven states and 25 locations across Nigeria.
The ministry, in its flood alert warned that heavy rainfall expected between August 23 and 24 could lead to flooding in the listed areas.
The alert was signed by the Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Bokani.
He further directed residents of communities along the flood plain from Jebba to Lokoja to evacuate immediately as the River Niger’s water level continues to rise.
READ ALSO:NiMet Predicts 3-day Thunderstorms, Rains
“Due to the rise in the water level of River Niger, communities on the flood plain from Jebba to Lokoja are advised to evacuate,” he said.
The states and communities expected to be affected include Benue State (Abinsi, Agyo, Gbajimba, Gogo, Makurdi, Mbapa, Otobi, Otukpo, Udoma, Ukpiam); Borno State (Briyel, Dikwa, MaiduKamba; Gombe State (Bajoga, Dogon Ruwa, Gombe, Nafada); Kebbi State (Gwandu, Jega, Kamba); Nasarawa State (Agima, Keana, Keffi, Odogbo, Rukubi); Niger State (Lapai); and Yobe State (Gashua, Gasma, Potiskum).
On Friday, the National Emergency Management Agency urged residents in high-risk flood plains to evacuate to safer and higher grounds.
READ ALSO:Again, NiMet Predicts Three-day Thunderstorms, Rain From Saturday
The states at high risk according to the agency are Kebbi, Niger, Kwara states that share borders with Benin Republic.
This was disclosed in a press statement signed by the agency’s Head of Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel.
The Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, also directed all NEMA offices covering communities along the River Niger to intensify advocacy and mobilization for flood preparedness following alerts of rising water levels in the upstream of the river in the Republic of Benin.
READ ALSO:NiMet Predicts 3-day Rains, Thunderstorms Across Nigeria From Sunday
“In an urgent directive conveyed to the operations offices, Mrs. Zubaida Umar instructed them to sensitize communities to remain vigilant and advise residents in high-risk flood plains to evacuate to safer, higher grounds, especially those in Kebbi, Niger and Kwara states that share borders with Benin Republic.
“She further urged the State Governments of the identified high-risk areas to support their Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) in activating contingency plans and preparedness measures to mitigate the potential impact of this year’s flooding.
“The Director General reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to ensuring coordinated actions to safeguard lives and livelihoods along the River Niger,” the statement noted.
News
‘Court Of Corruption’ — Obasanjo Knocks INEC Chairman, Judiciary In New Book
Published
9 hours agoon
August 23, 2025By
Editor
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticised the Nigerian judiciary, saying it has been “deeply compromised” and that corruption among judges has turned courts into “a court of corruption rather than a court of justice.”
In his new book, Nigeria: Past and Future, Obasanjo laments the steady decline of the Nigerian judiciary’s integrity, warning that justice has become commodified in Nigeria.
“The reputation of the Nigerian judiciary has steadily gone down from the four eras up till today. The rapidity of the precipitous fall, particularly in the Fourth Republic, is lamentable,” Obasanjo wrote.
He expressed concern that the judiciary’s decline poses a significant threat to the nation’s stability.
READ ALSO:EFCC Raids Obasanjo’s Hotel, Arrests Suspected Internet Fraudsters At Pool Party
Obasanjo recounted an incident where a governor showed him six duplex buildings belonging to a judge who allegedly acquired them from money made as chairman of election tribunals. This anecdote, he said, illustrates the depth of corruption in the judiciary.
The former president also accused Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, of undermining the electoral process since 2015.
“No wonder politicians do not put much confidence in an election which the INEC of Professor Mahmood Yakubu polluted and grossly undermined to make a charade,” he said.
Obasanjo further alleged that politicians believe the outcome of election disputes depends on the will of tribunal judges, court of appeal judges, and supreme court judges.
READ ALSO:Obasanjo Blames Loss Of Values For Democracy’s Failure In Africa
“No matter what the will of the people may be, the Chairman of INEC since after the 2015 election had made his will greater and more important than the will of the people,” he added.
Moreover, Obasanjo directly accused the late former President Muhammadu Buhari of colluding with the judiciary during his election cases.
“Buhari threw caution to the wind, no matter what had transpired between him and the judges who did his bidding. In his election cases, financially, he topped it up with appointments for them no matter their age and their ranks,” Obasanjo alleged.
The former president concluded that the current state of the judiciary and electoral system in Nigeria is alarming, saying, “After a false declaration of results, making losers winners and winners losers, the victim of the cheating is advised to go to court, which is a court of corruption rather than a court of justice.“

Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday inaugurated a state-of-the-art leather processing and manufacturing hub in Mushin, projected to create 10,000 direct jobs and generate over $250 million in annual export turnover when fully operational.
In a press release sent to PUNCH Online, the governor said the facility was formally inaugurated on Saturday by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during her three-day official visit to Lagos.
He added that the hub was named in her honour to recognise her grassroots initiatives in social investment and economic empowerment, with 70 per cent of its employment slots reserved for women and youths.
The hub is equipped with modern machinery to support Nano, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (NMSMEs), enabling mass production of shoes, bags, belts, packaging materials, and other leather products.
READ ALSO:I Will Snub Gov Sanwo-Olu Again – Mr Macaroni
It is designed to ease production bottlenecks, scale operations, and position Lagos as the leather logistics capital of West Africa.
Speaking at the inauguration, Tinubu described the hub as a “trailblazing project” aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to diversify Nigeria’s economy through industrialisation, manufacturing, and innovation.
The Lagos State Leather Hub in Mushin, formally commissioned by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday, 23 August 2025.
“Leatherwork is a traditional craft that has stood the test of time. This facility will empower artisans, scale up leather goods production, and enable them to compete confidently in both local and international markets,” she said, urging entrepreneurs to dedicate themselves to excellence and continuous learning.
Sanwo-Olu said the project would provide training and start-up support to over 150,000 artisans, boost the local economy, attract investments, and strengthen trade links with fashion districts, e-commerce platforms, and future rail services.
READ ALSO:Sanwo-Olu Unveils Bus Terminal, Slashes Red Line Fares By 30%
“Hides and skins that once left our shores unprocessed will now be transformed here in Lagos into world-class footwear, garments, and accessories proudly stamped ‘Made in Lagos, Made in Nigeria’,” the governor said.
He pledged to expand the facility through transparent regulation and continuous infrastructure upgrades, adding: “True dividends of democracy are best felt when they reach the cobbler in Mushin, the tanner in Oko-Oba, and the young fashion designer in Yaba.”
Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, said the hub would lower production costs and raise quality standards, positioning Lagos-made leather products for dominance in both local and export markets.
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