According to the most recent rankings for the year 2024, Nigerian universities have noticeably fallen short of securing spots in the top 10 list of best universities across Africa.
This outcome has sparked widespread discussions and raised concerns within Nigeria’s educational sector, a country celebrated for its rich educational heritage and contributions to academia throughout Africa.The 2024 University World ranking by EduRank, closely monitored and reported by various sources highlighted South Africa’s University of Cape Town as the leading institution in Africa.Established in 1829, this prestigious university has consistently upheld its reputation for educational excellence across the continent.
Other South African institutes that is alongside the University of Cape Town, like the University of the Witwatersrand and Stellenbosch University have maintained high positions in the rankings. Additionally, notable mentions include Egypt’s Cairo University and Uganda’s Makerere University.
Nigeria’s top-ranking university, the University of Ibadan (UI), secured the 13th position in Africa and 1057th globally according to the same rankings.
This placement stated the challenges Nigerian universities face in competing at an international level, despite substantial investments in higher education. Similarly, the University of Lagos (UNILAG), another esteemed Nigerian institution, was ranked 23rd in Africa and 1431st globally, highlighting the noticeable disparity between Nigerian universities and their counterparts on the continent.
The absence of Nigerian universities from Africa’s top 10 list reflects a myriad of underlying issues within the Nigerian educational system.
According to Hobnob News reports, some challenges such as inadequate research funding, frequent strike actions leading to unstable academic calendars, insufficient infrastructure, brain drain, insecurity, corruption, and limited technological advancement have been identified as significant barriers hindering Nigeria’s global competitiveness in education.
The 2022 World Education Forum’s rankings, which encompassed 140 countries including 38 African nations, also failed to include any Nigerian educational institutions in its top 10 list for Africa.
This emphasizes on the need for comprehensive reforms and concerted efforts to address the systemic challenges facing Nigerian universities and enhance their competitiveness on both regional and global scales.
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