Afe Babalola University Tops Nigeria's 2026 Sustainability Rankings

Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) in Ado Ekiti has emerged as Nigeria's top-ranked institution in the 2026 sustainability ratings released by Time Higher Education. The university achieved an overall score of 90.8, placing it 72nd globally among 1,646 universities assessed across 116 countries and territories.

This ranking is based on contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ABUAD received strong ratings in climate action and affordable clean energy.

It is noted as the second-best private university in Africa, following the University of Johannesburg, which ranks 39th globally. Other Nigerian institutions mentioned include Covenant University, ranked within the 201-300 global band, and Landmark University, which falls within the 301-400 category.

The University of Lagos is placed in the 601-800 band. The 2026 rankings introduced new participants from Mali, Nicaragua, Niger, Tajikistan, and the Philippines, with a total of 160 universities represented.