The Federal Government has hailed the improved performance of Nigerian universities in the 2026 Times Higher Education rankings, with 24 institutions earning global recognition under the Renewed Hope Agenda

The Federal Government has hailed the improved performance of Nigerian universities in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, describing it as evidence that the ongoing education reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda are yielding measurable results.

Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa said in a statement on Sunday 28 June 2026 that Nigeria recorded its strongest performance yet in the rankings, with 24 universities earning global recognition, up from 21 institutions in previous years.

According to the minister, the achievement makes Nigeria the most represented country in sub-Saharan Africa in the prestigious global ranking.

He noted that 17 of the ranked institutions are federal universities, a development he said reflects the Federal Government’s sustained efforts to strengthen public higher education through strategic investments and policy reforms.

Alausa congratulated the University of Ibadan, the University of Lagos, Bayero University Kano and other Nigerian universities featured in the rankings, describing the recognition as a collective achievement for the country’s higher education sector.

He said the improved rankings demonstrate what Nigerian universities can accomplish through commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and quality.

The minister further stressed that the rankings go beyond international prestige, saying they provide evidence that government investments in research, innovation, digital transformation, quality assurance, infrastructure, and institutional governance are beginning to translate into global recognition.

This Nigerian universities rankings improvement comes as the government continues to implement the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative under President Bola Tinubu, aimed at ensuring Nigerian universities produce the knowledge, innovation, and skilled manpower needed to drive the country’s economic growth and future development.

Alausa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming higher education and reiterated the resolve to sustain reforms that will further enhance the global competitiveness of Nigeria’s universities.