The Centre for World University Rankings has listed the University of Ibadan (UI), the University of Nigeria (UNN), and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) among the best universities in the world.

Also included in the list published on the website of the global organisation on Monday, May 15, was Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, Kaduna State.

UI was ranked first in Nigeria and 1,163th position in the global 2,000; UNN was ranked second in Nigeria and 1,784th position; while UNILAG was ranked third in Nigeria and 1,875th globally.

ABU was, however, ranked fourth in Nigeria and 1,881th position in the global 2,000.

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According to the ranking, the top five universities in the world are Havard University, United States; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, United States; Stanford University, United States; University of Cambridge, United Kingdom; and the University of Oxford in the UK.

The organisation noted that the rankings were based on research, employability, faculty, and education rank.

Speaking on the ranking, the President of the Centre for World University Rankings, Dr Nadin Mahassen said Nigeria’s higher education system is vital, adding that efforts must be made to ensure that the country attracts top academics and students.

Mahassen said: “While it is encouraging to see Nigeria making gains in the rankings, funding to further promote the development and reputation of Nigeria’s higher education system is vital if the country aspires to be more competitive on the global stage.

“Efforts must be made to ensure that Nigeria attracts top academics and students, that increasing enrollment numbers at universities come alongside increases in teaching capacity, and that tertiary education expenditure as a percentage of the national GDP steadily grows in the years to come.”

The Star