In the ever-changing world of higher education, annual university rankings are closely scrutinized by education stakeholders, aspiring students and the institutions themselves. As such, the 2025 edition of the Times Higher Education rankings – a global reference in the field – brought its share of surprises and significant changes.
One of the highlights of this edition was the positioning of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, which dislodged the University of Ibadan from the second place, occupied by the latter in the previous edition. This spectacular rise was hailed by the academic community and reinforces the status of Ahmadu Bello University on the international scene.
On the other hand, Landmark University climbed to third place, confirming its rise and commitment to academic excellence. The University of Lagos, a prestigious and essential institution in the Nigerian educational landscape, now occupies the fifth position, behind the University of Ibadan which is ranked fourth.
Covenant University, for its part, expressed its gratitude for the recognition, highlighting its continued commitment to excellence in teaching and research. The institution stood out across all 18 key criteria assessed by THE Rankings, illustrating its remarkable performance in the areas of teaching quality, research environment, research impact, industry collaboration and international outreach.
Globally, the University of Oxford retained its leading position for the ninth consecutive year, benefiting from notable improvements in the areas of industry engagement and teaching. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) meanwhile climbed to second place, relegating Stanford to sixth position.
These international rankings play a crucial role in positioning universities on the global stage, influencing their attractiveness to students and researchers. They also reflect trends and developments in the higher education sector, highlighting institutions that stand out for their academic excellence and commitment to innovation and research.
Ultimately, these rankings are not just numbers and positions, but indicators of the quality and relevance of institutions in the global academic landscape. They are a reflection of the commitment and dedication of universities to educating the next generation of leaders and thinkers, thus contributing to the progress of society as a whole.