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Afe Babalola University ranks as Nigeria's best in Times Higher Education 2026 sustainability ratings
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, has been recognized as Nigeria's top university in the 2026 Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings, achieving 72nd place globally. This makes it the only Nigerian institution to be listed among the top 100 worldwide. The rankings, released by Times Higher Education, evaluated 1,646 universities across 116 countries and territories based on their contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. ABUAD scored 90.8 overall, with strong performance in Climate Action, No Poverty, and Affordable and Clean Energy. It placed second in Africa, behind the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, which ranked 39th globally. Other Nigerian universities in the rankings include Covenant University and Redeemer's University 201–300 global band, Landmark University 301–400 category, and the University of Lagos 601–800 band. The University of Manchester in the UK maintained the top global position. The assessment covers all 17 SDGs, including poverty reduction, quality education, gender equality, climate action, clean energy, sustainable cities, and partnerships for development. Times Higher Education noted that it evaluated universities' performance in advancing sustainability using indicators such as research output, environmental stewardship, community engagement, and teaching activities related to sustainable development. Institutions qualify for the overall ranking by submitting data for SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals
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President Bola Tinubu has requested the Senate to confirm Professor Abayomi Fashina, the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, as a non-career ambassador/high commissioner-designate. The request was outlined in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a Wednesday plenary session. President Tinubu stated the nomination aligns with constitutional provisions for diplomatic appointments and urged prompt consideration. The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs has been tasked with screening Professor Fashina and is expected to submit its report within one week. This nomination is part of the Tinubu administration's efforts to strengthen Nigeria's diplomatic corps. Ambassadorial nominees in Nigeria must undergo Senate screening and confirmation before assuming their roles. Non-career ambassadors are typically chosen from various sectors, including academia, for their distinguished service. If confirmed, Professor Fashina will contribute to Nigeria's foreign policy objectives and international relations.