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Only 21 Nigerian Varsities Make Global Ranking, Say Educators [FULL LIST]

Published

1 year ago

October 23, 2024

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.

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.

“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.

“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

Why Sowore Was Taken To Prison After Bail – Police

Published

14 hours ago

October 25, 2025

Editor

The court granted bail to Sowore with N500,000 and two sureties, which his legal team was working to perfect at the time of the police action.

Speaking to newsmen in Abuja shortly after the incident, human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, accused the police of violently attacking and removing Sowore moments after his bail was granted.

Adeyanju alleged that more than 50 armed officers stormed the court premises, descended on Sowore, and took him away by force while refusing to present a valid remand order.

“Sowore had just been granted bail, and while we were conferring with him here, the police suddenly launched an attack. More than 50 officers violently descended on him and took him away by force. We don’t even know where they have taken him,” he said.

He said the officer who led the operation briefly displayed what he claimed was a remand order but refused to allow Sowore’s lawyers to inspect it.

Adeyanju said, “The officer flashed the document, and when we insisted on reviewing it, he pocketed it and ordered that they must go.

“When we asked where they were taking him, he said Kuje Prison. We demanded to see the remand order as endorsed by the court, but he refused.”

He further alleged that during the scuffle, the police accused Sowore of insulting the Inspector General of Police, saying, “Because Sowore called the IG useless, they must deal with him.”

News

FIFA’s Use Of Kebbi Stadium In Banner Sparks Outrage, Funding Row

Published

14 hours ago

October 25, 2025

Editor

Global football body FIFA has stirred a storm of reactions across Nigeria after showcasing the Birnin Kebbi Stadium project in Kebbi State — a facility co-funded with the Nigeria Football Federation — on its official social media pages.

FIFA on Saturday used an image of the project, dating back to 2023, as the new profile banner on its official X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts.

The image, showing a half-furnished stadium in Birnin Kebbi, quickly went viral.

Built under the FIFA Forward Programme, the stadium was meant to symbolise progress in grassroots football. But as the photo circulated online, fans flooded social media with outrage and speculation.

Some netizens interpreted FIFA’s post as a subtle jab at the NFF, following recent allegations of fund mismanagement.

The uproar comes just days after football critic Chinedu Mobike, via his official Instagram handle #c_mobike, on October 23, 2025, accused the NFF of squandering millions of dollars meant for infrastructure projects, including its twin project in Delta State.

Mobike, in his viral video, claimed that FIFA gave the NFF “1.2 million dollars for two stadiums” — one in Kebbi and another in Ugborodo, Delta State — which, he alleged, “till today did not see daylight.”

Comparing Nigeria’s FIFA-funded projects with those of other nations, Mobike alleged that while “other countries used the funds to truly develop football, Nigeria produced nothing to show.

“The NFF should sit up…There are no active projects promoting football or sports in Nigeria,” Mobike said.

According to The PUNCH, the next day, Friday, October 24, 2025, the NFF issued an official statement, which it described as a “fresh clarification to misinformation” by some social media users (names not mentioned) who claimed the NFF “collects millions of dollars from FIFA annually to misappropriate.”

The statement, retrieved from the NFF website, was titled: “NFF: Monies received from FIFA & CAF are for specific purposes, and audited in every cycle.”

While Mobike’s video reignited calls for reform, the hashtag #SaveNigerianFootball has been trending on X, as users express frustration and hope that collective pressure might finally bring transparency to Nigerian football governance.

In its October 24 statement, the NFF firmly denied any wrongdoing, explaining that every dollar received from FIFA or CAF is tied to a specific purpose and audited annually.

“The monies meant for development purposes are tied to specific projects.

“FIFA Forward funds are properly specified and under strict adherence to financial regulations, compliance, monitoring, and auditing at every stage,” the NFF said.

The Federation cited ongoing FIFA Forward projects such as the NFF/FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, stressing that every phase is verified before funds are released directly to FIFA-approved consultants.

Dismissing the viral reports as “fictitious figures,” the NFF added that those spreading misinformation “would find no reason to seek clout if they had any idea how much it costs to organise a single match of any of the national teams.”

But the clarification failed to calm the storm.

Instead, FIFA’s quiet profile update on Saturday reignited debate, with many Nigerians reading it as a silent but deliberate signal.

Many questioned how long it would take to fully complete a mini-stadium project that came to light in May 2023, after the groundbreaking event in September 2020 by the former Kebbi governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

In December 2023, it was reported that Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris unveiled the FIFA/NFF-backed stadium project, saying it was designed to “boost the morale of youths in the state.”

He noted that the project cost $1,183,000, with the state government donating four hectares of land and paying ₦19 million in compensation to landowners.

Earlier, in May 2023, FIFA described the Kebbi project as part of its commitment to grassroots football, writing on its website InsideFIFA: “It is no surprise, then, that Birnin Kebbi, the capital of Kebbi, was chosen back in 2020 as the site for the construction of an artificial football pitch now available for young boys and girls to use.

“Meanwhile, a second pitch is under construction in Ugborodo… these two ambitious projects have received around USD 2 million in funding from FIFA through its Forward Programme.”

Online Reactions
Social media erupted with interpretations and comparisons.

Some users viewed FIFA’s action as subtle recognition rather than mockery. One X user, @Poka741997, wrote: “FIFA updating their header is symbolic. It’s recognition for Nigeria, even if the stadium’s budget is modest by international standards.”

Others saw it as a global embarrassment.

User #_AsiwajuLerry commented: “FIFA changed their Twitter header to the $1.2m stadium built by the NFF. Global shame.”

Echoing that sentiment, #OyokunyiOkon added: “This is embarrassing. The NFF should be ashamed that FIFA is showcasing a $1.2 million ‘stadium’ in Kebbi that clearly reflects misplaced priorities and poor accountability.”

Comparing Nigeria’s project to Senegal’s 50,000-seat Stade Abdoulaye Wade, user #FemiOguntayo2 remarked: “Nigerians want to build a world-class stadium with $1.2m… Haba! We know NFF is corrupt but haba na…

“This is Stade Blaise Sené (also known as Stade du Sénégal or Abdoulaye Wade National Stadium) in Diamniadio, Senegal. Its total construction cost was $270 million, funded largely by the Senegalese government and built by Turkey’s Summa Construction Company. FIFA’s way of mocking the NFF. How did they spend $1.2m on that stadium? Exposing the kwaruption in the NFF?”

Another user, #mario99amr29, suggested FIFA’s post was deliberate: “We know what’s at play.

“If FIFA can display this at the expense of other successful projects, maybe it’s a subtle callout. Nigeria vs Kenya: A case study.”

As of press time, FIFA had yet to issue any official comment explaining the use of the Kebbi stadium image on its banner. PUNCH

News

Police Arrests Principal Supplier Of Weapons To Bandits In Delta

Published

16 hours ago

October 25, 2025

Editor

The Special Assignment Team of the Delta state Police Command has arrested a key supplier of weapons to bandit groups in the northern part of Nigeria

The suspect, one Ahmed Ibrahim (31) male, resident of Ekpan in Uvwie local government area, has long been on the command’s watch list for his alleged role in several high-profile kidnapping and armed-robbery operations.

The Commands Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), Bright Edafe, in a statement disclosed that acting on credible intelligence from the Force Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU), Abuja, operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, arrested a female suspects, one Jamila Abubakar, at Conoil Filling Station, Warri–Patani Road, Effurun.

The statement revealed that upon her arrest, officers discovered the cash sum of ₦550,000 neatly concealed beneath her bag and suspected to be proceeds from illicit transactions.

According to DAILY POST her apprehension provided a crucial lead that set off a well-coordinated follow-up operation.

“Buildin on that intelligence, the operatives stormed Niger-Cat area of Warri, where they successfully arrested a notorious arms peddler, one Ahmed Ibrahim (31) male, resident of Ekpan in Uvwie Local Government Area, at about 0725 hrs on 22nd October 2025.

“A search led to the recovery of a bag containing one hundred and fifteen rounds 115 rounds of 7.63mm AK-47 live ammunition, 220 rounds of SMG rifle ammunition, and 32 live cartridges”.

Edafe further noted, that preliminary investigations revealed that, the suspect is a key supplier of weapons to bandit groups in the north and has long been on the Command’s watch list for his alleged role in several high-profile kidnapping and armed-robbery operations.

According to the statement, Ahmed Ibrahim, is also linked to the kidnap and murder of one Ogheneovo Onemu (female), who was abducted on May 27, 2024 at Edjekota community in Ughelli North LGA, and later murdered after a ransom payment of ₦4,000,000.

Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, described the breakthrough as another testament to the Command’s unwavering commitment to stemming the flow of illegal arms, dismantling criminal syndicates, and bringing offenders to justice.

The CP urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information to aid the fight against crime, assuring the public that the Command will sustain its momentum against criminal elements and remain resolute in protecting the lives and property of all law-abiding citizens.