July 22, 2025
A recent evaluation of the 2026 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, released on June 19, shows a stark contrast between Nigeria’s higher education institutions and those from South Africa and Egypt.
Key Findings:
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Among 297 Nigerian universities, none ranked within the top 1,000 globally.
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Only three Nigerian institutions placed in the 1,001–1,200 band:
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University of Ibadan (UI)
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University of Lagos (UNILAG)
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Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, made the 1,201–1,400 range – marking its first-ever appearance in the QS ranking
In contrast:
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Egypt led African nations with 20 universities on the list,
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Followed by South Africa with 11, and Tunisia with four.
Top African Institutions:
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University of Cape Town, South Africa – ranked #150 globally
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University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa – #291 globally
Egypt’s Cairo University held a prestigious position within Africa, ranking second, followed by South Africa’s Stellenbosch, the University of Johannesburg, and others among the continent’s elite.
Why the Disparity?
Experts point to several critical factors behind Nigeria’s underperformance:
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Low research output and limited international collaboration,
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Deficits in infrastructure, funding, and faculty development,
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Inadequate employability benchmarks in comparison to global standards
A comparative study highlights that South Africa allocates six times more funding to higher education than Nigeria does. This investment boosts research quality and international presence, an advantage Nigerian universities lack.
What This Means & What’s Next
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Nigerian universities must prioritize research, fund teaching facilities, and pursue global partnerships.
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Benchmarking against continental leaders like South Africa and Egypt offers a roadmap: enhance academic reputation, attract international faculty and students, and boost employer engagement.
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Without such reforms, Nigeria risks falling further behind African peers and diminishing its global academic standing.
Summary: Nigeria’s three ranked institutions—UI, UNILAG, and ABU—remain in the lower global bands, while Egypt and South Africa dominate Africa’s top university rankings. Urgent reforms in research, funding, and internationalization are essential for Nigerian universities to close the gap.
