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Nigeria has reinforced its growing influence in global higher education as 24 universities secured places in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings, the highest representation by any country in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The latest rankings place the University of Ibadan and the University of Lagos among Nigeria’s highest-ranked universities, while Bayero University Kano emerged as one of the country’s top-performing institutions. Nigeria also increased its representation in the global rankings from 21 universities in 2024 and 2025 to 24 universities in 2026, making it the most represented country in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Nigerian contingent comprises 17 federal universities, three state universities and four private universities, underscoring the increasing competitiveness of the country’s tertiary education sector across teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook.

The rankings also reflect the growing recognition of specialised institutions, with several federal universities of technology and agriculture earning places, while state-owned universities continued to strengthen their global standing through improved academic performance and research output.

Reacting to the latest rankings, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the achievement as a significant milestone for Nigeria’s higher education sector, saying it reflects the positive outcomes of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the nation’s universities. He noted that the growing international recognition of Nigerian institutions underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming tertiary education into a catalyst for innovation, research, human capital development and sustainable national growth.

Pundits say the latest recognition is expected to boost the international profile of Nigerian universities, enhance opportunities for global collaborations, attract research funding and encourage sustained investment in quality teaching, innovation and institutional development across the country’s higher education landscape.

The 24 Nigerian universities that featured in the 2026 THE rankings are:

1. University of Ibadan

2. University of Lagos

3. Bayero University Kano

4. Covenant University

5. Landmark University

6. Ahmadu Bello University

7. Federal University of Technology, Minna

8. University of Ilorin

9. University of Jos

10. University of Nigeria, Nsukka

11. Babcock University

12. Delta State University, Abraka

13. Ekiti State University

14. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

15. Federal University of Technology, Akure

16. Federal University of Technology, Owerri

17. Federal University Oye-Ekiti

18. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology

19. Lagos State University

20. Nnamdi Azikiwe University

21. Obafemi Awolowo University

22. University of Benin

23. University of Calabar

24. University of Port Harcourt

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The Federal Executive Council (FEC), chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the first holistic review of the scheme since it was established 53 years ago.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, announced the decision on Monday after the FEC meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

According to the minister, the reforms are intended to modernise the national service programme, which was established in 1973, and align it with Nigeria’s current socio-economic realities and development priorities.

Olawande acknowledged that the NYSC has played a significant role in promoting national unity by bringing together graduates from different parts of the country for more than five decades. However, he noted that evolving national needs made it necessary to restructure the scheme.

“Our needs as a country have changed, and many expect the objectives of the NYSC to also change,” the minister said.

Among the approved changes is the introduction of a redesigned NYSC uniform aimed at reflecting professionalism and national pride. The government will also replace the traditional Passing Out Parade with a new graduation ceremony for corps members at the completion of their service year.

The reforms also include the deployment of a fully technology-driven call-up process to improve efficiency, as well as a risk-sensitive deployment system designed to enhance the safety and security of corps members during their service year.

In addition, the six-week orientation course will be overhauled to place greater emphasis on leadership development, entrepreneurship, digital skills acquisition, and specialised career pathways.

The Federal Government also approved the introduction of skills-based primary assignments, ensuring corps members are posted to organisations that better align with their academic qualifications and professional competencies.

To improve service delivery, a national grading and certification framework will be introduced to raise standards across NYSC orientation camps nationwide.

The new governance structure will also provide for civilian operational leadership of the scheme, while the military will continue to play its existing role in providing security support during orientation exercises and other operational activities.

According to Olawande, the extensive review process began in 2025 and involved consultations with multiple stakeholders. He said the objective is to transform the NYSC into a skills-driven and productivity-focused institution that supports the Federal Government’s broader economic development agenda.

“For over five decades, the NYSC has remained a powerful symbol of national unity and service. Today, we have taken a bold step to preserve that legacy while preparing it for the future,” he stated.

To facilitate the implementation of the reforms, the Federal Executive Council directed the Attorney-General of the Federation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development, to immediately begin the process of amending the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations to provide the necessary legal backing for the approved changes.

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Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 10 candidates and teachers abducted during the recent attack on a school in Borno State after engaging fleeing terrorists in a fierce gun battle.

According to a statement by the military, the troops tracked the fleeing insurgents to the Daggu area, where they launched a coordinated operation supported by aerial surveillance.

The security forces successfully overpowered the terrorists and rescued 10 of the kidnapped candidates and teachers unharmed.

“The rescued candidates and teachers are currently receiving appropriate care and support,” the statement said.

The military disclosed that operations are still ongoing to locate and rescue the remaining abducted victim, while efforts are also being intensified to apprehend those responsible for the attack and bring them to justice.

However, the operation came at a heavy cost.

Operation HADIN KAI confirmed that one of its soldiers and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) lost their lives during the rescue mission.

Paying tribute to the fallen personnel, the military praised their sacrifice and dedication.

“Their courage, selflessness and unwavering commitment exemplify the collective resolve of security forces and local volunteers who continue to risk their lives daily to protect innocent citizens and restore peace across the North-East,” the statement added.

The military further disclosed that security operations have been intensified across the affected areas in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to prevent further attacks.

It added that security has been reinforced around vulnerable communities and schools as part of measures to improve the safety of residents and students in the region.

Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks operating in the North-East and restoring lasting peace and security across the region.

The military also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies.

It further urged residents to disregard unverified reports and misinformation surrounding the incident while ongoing operations continue.