According to Prof. Moses Idowu, a specialist in Ecclesiastical Theology and Human Development, just 21 of Nigeria’s 274 institutions were included in the most recent Global Ranking.

He voiced worries that the most recent international rankings accurately represented the poor management and governance that characterise Nigerian institutions and the country overall.

In an online article, Idowu mentioned that two campuses, Covenant University and Landmark University, both under the leadership of Bishop David Oyedepo and connected to the Living Faith Tabernacle, placed in the highest tiers, namely Bands A and B.

He went on to explain that 19 of the 21 institutions mentioned in the worldwide ranking were placed in Bands B–D, with four state universities and 15 federal universities.

“These are the shocks: only Covenant and Landmark private universities placed in the first two categories, and neither federal nor state universities were included in the list of the top 1,000 universities,” he stated. Fifteen of the 21 institutions are in the South, while six are in the North.

There are two in the South-South, three in the Southeast, and ten in the Southwest in the South. There are two universities in the Northeast and three in the Middle Belt (North Central) in the North.

“Notably, the University of Ilorin and Landmark University are located in the same state, Kwara, out of the three in North Central.”

Only Obafemi Awolowo University and Nsukka, two of Nigeria’s first-generation universities, did not place in Band B like their peers, according to Idowu.

OAU was assigned to Band D, and Nsukka was assigned to Band C.

He went on to evaluate the rankings, saying, “The following are the findings as reported by Prof. Peter Okebukola, the former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission:

Covenant University was the only school to make the list in Band A (801-1000). Landmark University, University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, and Ahmadu Bello University are the four universities that make up Band B (1001–1200).

Six institutions make up Band C (1201–1500): Bayero University, the institutions of Benin, Ilorin, and Nsukka, as well as two Federal Universities of Technology (Akure and Minna).

Ten universities, including four state universities—Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Lagos State University, Ekiti State University, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University—made the list for Band D (1501 and below). Seven federal universities are also listed: Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto, Federal University of Agriculture in Abeokuta, Federal University of Technology in Owerri, Obafemi Awolowo University, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, University of Port Harcourt, and University of Ilorin.

Idowu attacked those who applauded the results, calling it humiliating that Covenant University, a private university without access to public funding, was named the nation’s top university.

He emphasised that just one of Nigeria’s more than 274 universities—designated as Band-A universities—made the top 1,000 list.

I disagree with Prof. Okebukola and others who think this outcome is remarkable and deserving of praise. This, in my opinion, is a symbol of national disgrace and a terrible representation of the poor management and oversight of both our colleges and the whole Nigerian country,” he said.

The fact that the single university on the list is a private, mission-based establishment rather than a state or federal university is especially depressing. It is not supported by the public budget, taxpayers, or alumni. It pains me that a first-generation federal university like Ife finds it difficult to compete when a private organisation without access to public finances is accomplishing such remarkable successes with its two institutions. Landmark University, which was founded less than ten years ago, has surpassed Great Ife, which was formerly esteemed and well-known around the world, to become a Band D university.

The state of affairs at Ife particularly depresses me since I recall what this university stood for when scholarships were the standard for higher study. This drop demonstrates how poorly Nigeria has run this once-great organisation.

Dr. Ifeanyi Onyike, a senior lecturer and head of the mass communication department at Dominican University in Ibadan, suggested that the government should set an example and show that foreign credentials were not better than those earned in Nigeria if it wanted Nigeria to get things right.

“I want to emphasise that in order to enhance our educational system, we need robust policies that go beyond the discussions and seminars we have on a regular basis. These regulations ought to guarantee that hiring domestic graduates is given first priority by both public and commercial organisations.

Last but not least, I think the government ought to take a backseat to the educational system, especially when it comes to senior secondary and university education. The government’s incapacity to meet people’ educational demands at these levels has been demonstrated time and time again. Due to an increase in tuition, students are now not attending classes, and students from other federal colleges are also demonstrating.

Given that the Tinubu administration’s actions and inactions have made it more difficult for parents to pay for their children’s tuition, educational subsidies are an important policy that it has to take seriously. However, I support the privatisation of all federal institutions so they may function as successful businesses if subsidies cannot be put in place. Keeping things as they are while raising fees would simply help those who are abusing the system and further hurt the nation.

According to Dr. Oladipo Kolawole, a lecturer in the Adeleke University Department of Microbiology and the founder of the Helix Biogen Institute in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria, Nigerian universities could employ a number of tactics, such as increasing the quantity and calibre of their research, to raise their international rankings.

Rankings may be greatly improved by promoting additional research, especially in the social sciences and STEM sectors. This entails funding, publishing in respectable international publications, and encouraging innovation. Universities ought to concentrate on cooperative, high-impact research projects as well.

Furthermore, it is imperative that the public and private sectors make sufficient investments in the infrastructure of education. Research skills and learning experiences are improved by contemporary labs, libraries, and digital resources.

He said that expanding international cooperation and exchange initiatives was another crucial tactic. Academic standards can be raised and awareness increased by collaborating on research initiatives, faculty exchanges, and foreign student programs with highly regarded universities. It is crucial to hire and retain highly skilled academic personnel. Teaching quality and research output may be improved by offering chances for professional growth and encouraging global research partnerships.

According to Kolawole, improving the student experience—particularly at public universities—is essential. This may be achieved by prioritising student-centered learning, decreasing overcrowded classrooms, and expanding access to resources.

Modernisation also requires digital change. Digital libraries and online courses are two examples of how integrating technology into teaching, learning, and administration may help Nigerian institutions gain international recognition.

In order to increase their exposure and relevance, colleges should lastly think about concentrating on areas of specialisation and striving to become world leaders in industries like technology, health sciences, or agriculture.

“In conclusion, putting these strategies into practice holistically could gradually improve Nigerian universities’ global rankings,” he concluded.