Nigerian universities achieve strongest performance in 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has commended Nigerian universities for their best-ever performance in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings. He stated that this achievement demonstrates the effectiveness of the Federal Government's education reforms. Alausa noted that 24 Nigerian universities were ranked globally this year, an increase from 21 in previous editions, making Nigeria the most represented country in Sub-Saharan Africa. Of these, 17 are federal universities, which he said reflects progress in strengthening the public higher education system. The Minister congratulated institutions like the University of Ibadan, the University of Lagos, and Bayero University, Kano. He emphasized that these rankings signify that investments in research, innovation, digital transformation, quality assurance, infrastructure, and governance are gaining global recognition. Alausa also mentioned that 27 additional Nigerian universities participated in this year's assessment, indicating a growing commitment to transparency and continuous improvement. He reaffirmed the Federal Government's dedication to the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative under President Bola Tinubu's administration. Separately, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, was Nigeria's highest-ranked institution in the 2026 Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings, placing 72nd globally.
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The Congress of University Academics CONUA asserts that its advocacy for continuous academic activities and constructive engagement has enhanced stability in Nigeria's university system since 2023. CONUA President, Professor Niyi Sumonu, stated in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria that the union, officially recognized in 2023, has consistently promoted industrial harmony across public universities. Sumonu highlighted that CONUA's major achievement is its sustained advocacy for an uninterrupted academic calendar. He noted that the presence of multiple academic unions enriches discussions and expands solutions for higher education issues. The union has also advocated for improved welfare packages for academic staff, with recent improvements following discussions on the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement between the Federal Government and university unions. Sumonu emphasized that CONUA should be recognized as a distinct party in these renegotiations, having come into existence after the 2009 agreement, and that discussions with the government have concluded, with a draft agreement awaiting signing. Addressing brain drain, Sumonu urged the government to improve working conditions, remuneration, and research facilities to retain experienced academics. He stressed that universities require proper funding and advocated for alternative funding sources through stronger partnerships between universities and industry. Sumonu also called for transparency among stakeholders to
Co-hosts Canada and South Africa are set to make World Cup history as they meet in the opening game of the knockout round on Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Neither nation has previously reached this stage of the tournament. South Africa, one of nine African teams in the last 32, secured their spot with a 1-0 win against South Korea after an initial 2-0 defeat to Mexico. Canada also advanced but lost their 'home' status by falling 2-1 to Switzerland in their final group game, necessitating their travel to the United States. Canadian coach Jesse Marsch is banking on the return of Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies, who was sidelined during the group phase due to a hamstring injury. Marsch stated that Davies' return is a significant boost for the team. South Africa's coach Hugo Broos expressed satisfaction with reaching the last 32, calling it a success, but emphasized his team's desire to progress further, believing they have a chance to win if they maintain their mentality and level of play from the South Korea match. In other tournament news, the Democratic Republic of Congo advanced to the knockout rounds for the first time after a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, setting up a match against England. Austria and Algeria also secured the final two berths in the last 32 after a 3-3 draw, which eliminated Iran. England defeated Panama 2-0, while Lionel Messi scored his sixth goal of the tournament as Argentina beat Jordan 3-1.
Habibat Salawudeen Ihiovi-Jack, a Nigerian woman, is attempting to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest Holy Bible reading marathon. The event, dubbed "144 Hours in the Word," began on June 22 at Novotel, Port Harcourt, and is scheduled to conclude on July 2, adhering to official Guinness World Records guidelines. As of Saturday, Habibat had surpassed the 100-hour mark. Videos show her reading aloud from a lectern and a desk, with digital timers tracking her progress and supporters cheering her on. Organizers confirm the attempt follows Guinness World Records regulations, allowing only limited breaks for essential needs. Habibat, a member of The Summit Bible Church in Port Harcourt, describes the challenge as a faith-driven initiative to promote deeper engagement with the Bible. Her Senior Pastor, Dr. Andy Osakwe of Summit Bible Churches Worldwide, endorsed the attempt as a spiritual project to exalt God's Word and inspire believers. The challenge has garnered support from family, friends, and church members, and has gained social media attention. This attempt follows Samson Ajao's 2024 recognition by Guinness World Records for the world's longest marathon reading aloud, having read continuously for 215 hours. Ajao's achievement contributed to Nigeria's increasing number of Guinness World Record attempts, following other endurance challenges like Hilda Baci's cook-a-thon.