An expert in Ecclesiastical Theology and Human Development, Prof. Moses Idowu, has voiced concerns over the recent global rankings of Nigerian universities, revealing that only 21 out of the 274 universities in the country were recognized. He pointed out that this result reflects the broader issues of misgovernance and maladministration within Nigeria’s education sector.
In an online post, Idowu highlighted that Covenant University and Landmark University, both private institutions affiliated with the Living Faith Tabernacle, ranked in the top tiers, specifically in Bands A and B. These two universities outperformed all federal and state institutions, sparking further debate about the state of Nigeria’s public universities.
Among the 21 recognized universities, 15 were federal institutions and four were state universities, with none making the list of the top 1,000 universities globally. Covenant University was the only Nigerian university ranked in Band A (801-1000), while Ahmadu Bello University, University of Ibadan, Landmark University, and University of Lagos were included in Band B (1001-1200).
Idowu noted the disappointing performance of first-generation universities like Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), which were ranked in Bands C and D, respectively. He criticized the celebration of these rankings by some stakeholders, calling it a national embarrassment, especially since only private universities achieved top-tier rankings without access to public funds.
Supporting Idowu’s views, Dr. Ifeanyi Onyike, Head of the Department of Mass Communication at Dominican University, stressed the need for strong policies to prioritize homegrown graduates and reduce reliance on foreign certificates. He also called for government disengagement from senior secondary and tertiary education, proposing either educational subsidies or the privatization of federal universities to enhance their financial viability.
Dr. Oladipo Kolawole, a lecturer at Adeleke University, suggested several strategies for improving Nigerian universities’ global rankings, including increased investment in research, infrastructure, and international collaborations. He emphasized the importance of enhancing student experiences and integrating digital resources to modernize the education system.
The global rankings have sparked a broader conversation about the state of Nigerian higher education, with experts calling for urgent reforms to address the deep-rooted challenges facing public institutions.
