Ajayi Crowther University, UNN, OAU… 51 Nigerian varsities ranked among best in sub-Saharan Africa

Ajayi Crowther University (ACU) in Oyo state has been ranked among best universities in sub-Saharan Africa by Times Higher Education (THE).

The institution was among 51 Nigerian universities that made the maiden edition of the ranking released by the British magazine on June 26.

Covenant University — which ranked 7th — was the only Nigerian institution that made the top 10 list of best varsities in the region.

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta was ranked 26th — making it the second most ranked Nigerian university on the list.

ACU was ranked between 51st and 60th best varsities in the region.

The ranking was unveiled at a recent ceremony in Accra, Ghana.

Speaking at the event, Peter Okebukola, chairman of the Nigerian universities ranking advisory committee, said the ranking used five major indices namely resources and finance, access and fairnes, teaching skills, student engagement, and Africa impact.

“Since this is the first edition of the sub-Saharan university rankings, by the next and subsequent editions, Nigerian universities will leap to the lead,” he said.

Reacting to the ranking, Timothy Adebayo, the vice-chancellor of ACU, said the development was an attestation to the hard work of the school management and staff.

“The governing council, management and the school’s congregation acknowledge the recognition by Times Higher Education, a reputable university ranking agency of international standard,” he said.

“We will continue to improve on research, entrepreneurial training and other academic activities until we reach the desired position, which is the top in Nigeria and Sub-Sahara Africa. Indeed, gaining international recognition is a source of encouragement and we shall gladly explore all the opportunities that this new height brings for the good of our students and development of the university.”

Below is the list of Nigerian universities featured in the ranking and their position:

1. Covenant University (7th)
2. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (26th)
3. Benson Idahosa University (30th)
4. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (31st)
5. Redeemer’s University (35th)
6. University of Ibadan (36th)
7. Cross River University of Technology (37th)
8. Obafemi Awolowo University (39th)
9. Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (43rd)
10. Adeleke University (45th)
11. Ahmadu Bello University (46th)
12. University of Benin (47th)
13. Landmark University (49th)
14. Babcock University (50th)
15. Ajayi Crowther University (51st – 60th)
16. Bells University of Technology (51st – 60th)
17. Federal University of Kashere (51st – 60th)
18. Federal University Lokoja (51st – 60th)
19. Gombe State University (51st – 60th)
20. Lagos State University (51st – 60th)
21. University of Port Harcourt (51st – 60th)
22. Baze University (61st – 70th)
23. Delta State University, Abraka (61st – 70th)
24. Elizade University (61st – 70th)
25. Niger Delta University (61st – 70th)
26. Abia State University  (71+)
27. Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (71+)
28. Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (71+)
29. Bauchi State University, Gadau (71+)
30. Bayero University (71+)
31. Edo State University Uzairue (71+)
32. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (71+)
33. Lead City University
34. National Open University of Nigeria
35. Samuel Adegboyega University (71+)
36. Veritas University, Abuja (71+)
37. Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano (71+)
38. Nigerian Police Academy, Wudil (not stated)
39. Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University (not stated)
40. Akwa Ibom State University (not stated)
41. Kings University (not stated)
42. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (not stated)
43. Godfrey Okoye University (not stated)
44. University of Ilorin (not stated)
45. Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (not stated)
46. Mewar International University (not stated)
47. Adekunle Ajasin University (not stated)
48. Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (not stated)
49. Nile University of Nigeria (not stated)
50. Fountain University (not stated)
51. Plateau State University, Bokkos (not stated)