Towards a unified global rankings of Nigerian Universities in 2014-2015

Abstract

University education in Nigeria began in 1948 and there are more than 120 universities currently in Nigeria. The emerging global rankings of universities within the past two decades have integrated Nigerian universities into the global learning/teaching/research community. This paper identified seven ranking organizations that are involved in the global rankings of the world’s universities annually, and specifically , in 2014 -2015. In view of discrepancy in the rankings of universities by these organizations, the paper propo sed a model for a unified ranking of Nigerian universities in 2014-2015. Based on the model, a list of overall Top 10 Nigerian universities were determined from the global rankings of universities in 2014 -2015. It was found that, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Lagos, and University of Ibadan were the first three universities on the list. Further analysis of the results of the study revealed that, “generations” , ownership, and date of establishment of universities do influence the global rankings of Nigerian universities. Based on the findings of the study, the paper recommended the need for improved funding, personnel and infrastructural development of Nigerian universities towards enhanced global rankings.

Key Words: Global, Rankings, Nigerian, Universities