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Image credit: Eukoha

The University of Ibadan, a government institution, has achieved a remarkable feat by securing a position in the top 1,000 global list of the 2024 World Universities Ranking by the Times Higher Education (THE) - this is a significant achievement considering many Nigerian public universities' challenges, such as lack of proper infrastructure, incentives, visionary leadership, adequate funding, and encouragement.

According to a report by Premium Times Nigeria, only two Nigerian universities, the University of Ibadan in Oyo State and Covenant University in Ogun State, made it to the prestigious list of universities ranked between 800th and 1000th positions. This marks a decline from the previous year when three Nigerian institutions were included in the list. Nevertheless, the fact that a public university like the University of Ibadan made it to the list is a testament to its resilience and commitment to excellence.

The Federal University of Technology, Akure, and the University of Lagos follow closely, placed in the 1001–1200 bracket. Other Nigerian universities, including Bayero University, Kano; University of Ilorin, Kwara state; and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, are ranked between 1201 and 1501.

Out of 2,673 institutions evaluated worldwide by THE World University Rankings this year, only 1,904 universities from 108 countries and regions were ranked. The remaining 769 were listed as "reporters" due to their inability to meet the ranking criteria.

This development is a beacon of hope for Nigerians. Despite the undeniable challenges facing the higher education sector, the achievements of the University of Ibadan and Covenant University are reminders of the potential that exists within the nation's academic institutions.