Emeritus Professor Peter Okebukola has predicted that Nigerian universities could achieve their strongest performances yet in international rankings from 2027, citing increased institutional competition, growing research visibility and a new national assessment framework.
Okebukola, Chairman of the Nigerian Tertiary Education and Research Analysis Committee (NiTERAC), made the projection during the committee’s weekly meeting with directors of academic planning on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, according to a statement issued on Thursday.
He identified the mandatory national ranking exercise introduced by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, on September 1 as a major factor encouraging institutions to document their achievements in teaching, research and community service.
According to him, the exercise has intensified competition among federal, state and private universities, including institutions that previously did little to publicise their accomplishments.
Okebukola also pointed to increased participation by Nigerian academics on Google Scholar and other citation-tracking platforms, saying greater visibility of their research could support improved international ranking performances.
He explained that the 22 indicators adopted for the 2026 national university ranking drew on assessment frameworks used by four leading global ranking systems.
The approach, he said, would help institutions understand international performance measures and identify areas requiring improvement.
The national exercise covers universities, polytechnics and colleges of education. NiTERAC is working towards completing the assessments by December 15, 2026, with publication of the results subject to the education minister’s approval.
Okebukola disclosed that the university assessment had reached the 12th stage of a 17-step process.
He also announced plans to introduce thematic rankings from 2027, with greater attention to innovation, practical learning and contributions to Nigeria’s development.
The proposed framework would assess innovations produced during the preceding two years, including patents, new products and processes developed to address national challenges.
He said institutions should produce graduates capable of applying their knowledge competently and ethically to create measurable value for society.
Okebukola added that NiTERAC hoped the thematic framework could serve as a model for other African countries pursuing the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
His forecast signals optimism about Nigerian universities’ international prospects, although stronger performances will depend on measurable institutional improvements and the assessment criteria of individual ranking organisations.
