Somto BisinaIn a recent development, Covenant University and Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) have outshined the University of Ibadan (UI) and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in the latest edition of the Times Higher Education (THE) Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings for 2023.
This remarkable achievement highlights the rapid progress and continuous efforts made by these two universities in their pursuit of excellence.
The Times Higher Education Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings are specifically designed to evaluate the impact of universities in addressing the most challenging issues faced in the region.
Employing carefully calibrated indicators, these rankings provide a comprehensive and balanced comparison across three essential domains: teaching, research, and societal impact.
The rankings also incorporate the opinions of over 20,000 students, gathered through the first sub-Saharan Africa student survey.
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Covenant University, situated in Ota, Ogun State, has secured an impressive seventh place in the overall sub-Saharan Africa university rankings. Established in 2002, Covenant University is a private Pentecostal Christian University, led by Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide.
The university has consistently exhibited a commitment to academic excellence and holistic development, resulting in its remarkable ascent in the rankings.
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), located in Ogun State, has also emerged as a strong contender, securing the 26th position in the sub-Saharan Africa rankings. FUNAAB is one of the three federal universities of agriculture established by the Nigerian government in 1988.
It has undergone substantial growth since then and now encompasses various colleges, including those focused on environmental research management, animal science and livestock production, agricultural management and rural development, and many more.
Meanwhile, UNIZIK, also known as Nnamdi Azikiwe University, has shown significant progress, securing the 31st place in the sub-Saharan Africa rankings.
This federal university, with campuses in Awka and Nnewi in Anambra State, has been at the forefront of providing quality education to Nigerian students.
UNIZIK’s commitment to academic excellence, research, and societal impact has propelled it to the upper echelons of the rankings, solidifying its reputation as a leading institution.
In contrast, the University of Ibadan, which had previously held a prominent position, has now slipped to the 36th place in the sub-Saharan Africa rankings.
Established in 1948, the University of Ibadan started as the University College, Ibadan, before expanding to its present location covering over 2,550 acres of land.
While it has a rich history and has produced numerous notable alumni, UI has experienced a decline in its rankings, urging the institution to reevaluate its strategies and refocus on key areas for improvement.
Similarly, Obafemi Awolowo University, located in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has faced a similar setback, dropping to the 39th place in the sub-Saharan Africa rankings. Founded in 1961, OAU began as the University of Ife and was later renamed in honour of Obafemi Awolowo, a distinguished Nigerian leader.
Despite its historical significance and notable achievements, the university has struggled to maintain its previous level of excellence, necessitating a comprehensive re-evaluation of its academic and research programs.
The latest rankings demonstrate a significant shift in the Nigerian higher education landscape, with Covenant University and UNIZIK emerging as new frontrunners.
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