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Okebukola Unveils Blueprint To Propel Nigerian Varsities To World-Class Status By 2030.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Universities Ranking Advisory Committee (NURAC), Professor Emeritus Peter Okebukola, has commended the inclusion of two Nigerian universities—the University of Ibadan (UI) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG)—among the top 1,000 institutions in the 2026 World University Rankings by Times Higher Education (THE).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to Nivo News, Okebukola, a former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), described the development as a remarkable improvement from 2025, when only Covenant University made the top 1,000 list. He revealed that both UI and UNILAG recorded overall range scores between 35.5 and 38.9 in the new ranking.
He explained that the Times Higher Education ranking employs 18 meticulously designed performance indicators to provide a balanced global comparison of universities—parameters trusted by students, academics, policymakers, and industry experts. The ranking framework also includes specialised lists such as Impact Rankings, Subject Rankings, and Sub-Saharan Africa Rankings, where institutions like Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, have consistently excelled.
Okebukola highlighted that Oxford University topped the global chart for the tenth consecutive year, followed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Princeton, Cambridge, Harvard, and Stanford Universities. He noted that Harvard, which once dominated the rankings, slipped to fifth place due to Oxford’s strong research performance.
Further breaking down Nigeria’s performance, Okebukola revealed that Bayero University, Kano; Covenant University; and Landmark University were ranked among the top 1,200 universities globally, while Ahmadu Bello University, the Federal University of Technology, Minna, University of Ilorin, University of Jos, and University of Nigeria, Nsukka, fell within the 1,201–1,500 band. Fourteen other Nigerian universities were listed in the 1,500+ category, including Lagos State University, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and the University of Benin.
He added that twenty-six universities were classified as “reporters,” meaning they did not meet the threshold for ranking but showed potential for future inclusion. Okebukola also clarified that institutions without undergraduate programmes or with fewer than 1,000 relevant research publications between 2020 and 2024 were ineligible for the rankings.
Explaining the methodology, Okebukola said the 18 indicators are organised into five key pillars: teaching (29.5%), research environment (12.5%), research quality (30%), international outlook (7.5%), and industry engagement (10.5%). He noted that a “study abroad” indicator is being tracked for possible inclusion in future rankings.
On strategies to improve Nigeria’s global standing, the veteran educationist outlined seven recommendations. These include increased funding for research and development, strengthening infrastructure, enhancing international collaborations, promoting innovation and industry linkages, instituting governance reforms, improving teaching reputation, and implementing NURAC’s 2024–2030 Strategic Plan aimed at positioning at least 10 Nigerian universities among the top 800 globally by 2030.
Okebukola acknowledged the commitment of the new NUC leadership under Professor Emeritus Olu Aina, Chairman of the Board, and Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, Executive Secretary, expressing confidence that Nigeria’s tertiary education system is on track for greater global competitiveness.
A group of Nigerians has staged a protest at the United Kingdom Parliament, calling for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The demonstrators reportedly gathered outside the parliamentary complex, expressing dissatisfaction with the leadership of the electoral body in Nigeria and demanding immediate action.
They insisted that the INEC chairman should be removed, alleging concerns over credibility and trust in the electoral process as the country prepares for the next election cycle.
The protest drew attention from passersby and security personnel, as the group maintained their position that electoral reforms and leadership changes were necessary to restore public confidence.
Sir Uyi has responded strongly to critics of his involvement in nightclub businesses, insisting that such ventures represent only a small part of his wider activities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a firm reaction to recent criticism linked to Vaniti, he stated that people are focusing too much on his nightlife businesses while ignoring other aspects of his work and achievements.
He stressed that his nightclub operations do not define his entire identity or professional portfolio, adding that he is involved in several other ventures beyond entertainment and hospitality.
According to him, the criticism reflects a narrow perception of what he does, and he believes his broader contributions are being overlooked.
Sir Uyi maintained that he remains focused on his various commitments despite public scrutiny surrounding his nightlife business interests.
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of seven suspected militia herdsmen in connection with the abduction of passengers travelling in an 18-seater Benue Links bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road last Wednesday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The victims, which included candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) heading to Otukpo for their examinations, have all been successfully rescued.
Speaking while briefing Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi during the presentation of the freed victims, the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, said the rescue operation was achieved through coordinated efforts of multiple security agencies.
He explained that five of the abducted passengers were first released, while the remaining 13 were rescued on Sunday morning without injuries.
According to him, the combined pressure from security forces, supported by the state government and the Inspector-General of Police, led to the successful outcome of the operation.
Emenari further disclosed that eight suspects are currently in custody, adding that seven of them are strongly linked to the kidnapping incident, with some victims already identifying them.
He also noted that clearance operations have begun across forest areas in the state to flush out criminal groups, in line with directives from security authorities.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, while receiving the rescued passengers, expressed concern over rising cases of kidnapping in the state but welcomed the safe return of all 18 victims.
He confirmed that among those rescued were eight candidates on their way to write examinations, and called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reschedule the affected exams for them.
The governor assured that the state government remains committed to supporting the victims and strengthening security across Benue State, while also urging residents to provide credible information to security agencies.
He further directed the state health authorities to conduct medical evaluations for all rescued persons and promised government support for those affected.
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