Three Nigerian universities: the University of Ibadan, the Lagos State University and the University of Lagos have emerged among the top 800 universities globally, according to the 2021 global ranking of universities by Times Higher Education World University Ranking.
The body ranked UI, LASU and UNILAG as the first three leading universities in the country.
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In the fourth position is Covenant University in Ota, Ogun State, followed by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in the fifth position and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife being ranked sixth.
The body assessed over 1,500 universities in 93 countries. The University of Cape Town and the University of Pretoria, both in South Africa, were ranked first and second on the continent.
The American University in Cairo, Egypt, was also ranked among the top in Africa.
For the fifth year running, Oxford University in England was ranked the best in the world. The California Institute of Technology in the United States and Cambridge University in England were ranked second and third globally.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, the University of Ilorin Branch, Prof. Moyosore Ajao, said the nation’s universities could do better if the system is better funded and adequate facilities provided.
“Though ranking bodies use various parameters, one is not surprised that we are not among the top on the continent. We can surely do better if what is needed is provided.
“One of the reasons we are always up in arms against the government is the need to fund the sector adequately. If you know what the budget for education in South Africa and Egypt is, you will marvel.
“Here, the government pays lip service to education. It is not that we don’t have the human resources here to take our universities to the highest level, but where are the things to work with and where is the motivation,” he said.
