By Leshi Adebayo
The University of Ibadan has been ranked as the leader of Nigerian varsities while the University of Lagos moved a step ahead to rank second in the country, placing 501–600 out of over 1,600 institutions across the world.
This was according to the 2022 Times Higher Education World University Rankings released in September 2021.
However, the Lagos State University (LASU) dropped to sixth in Nigeria behind Covenant University, University of Ilorin, University of Nigeria, and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
LASU is the only state university included in the ranking while Covenant University is the only privately-owned university.
According to the previous 2021 rankings, LASU ranked second in Nigeria and placed 501 – 600 in the world.
The new rankings were conducted based on 13 carefully calibrated performance indicators that measure an institution’s performance across four areas: teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook.
UNILAG took a leap from the range of 601–800 in 2021 to a higher range of 501–600.
Reacting to the development, UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe commended staff, students, alumni and friends of the University for their various contributions to the achievement of this feat.
“The University is however not relenting in hard work and dedication as the aim is to be ranked among the top 10 universities across the globe,” the university said in a statement.
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 has over 1,600 universities across 99 countries and territories which makes them the largest and most diverse university rankings to date.
Only six universities appeared in these rankings. Meanwhile, Nigeria has close to 130 institutions ranging from federal and state governments universities as well as 50 privately-owned ones.
