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Nigeria Mandates Tertiary Education Rankings in Major Reform

Published by YuToday Staff

0 views · 3 hours ago · 3:52 read · September 2, 2026

Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government has made participation in a national tertiary education ranking system compulsory for all universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Announced by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, the expanded framework is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, implemented through the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI). The initiative seeks to strengthen accountability, quality assurance, and performance across the tertiary education system.

Key takeaways

All Nigerian tertiary institutions must now participate in a national ranking system.
The move aims to enhance accountability, quality assurance, and performance in the education sector.
The initiative is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Institutions will be evaluated based on academic performance, research output, infrastructure, and graduate employability.

What is the National Tertiary Education Ranking System?

The National Tertiary Education Ranking System is a framework designed to evaluate and rank universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education based on predefined criteria. These criteria include academic performance, research output, infrastructure, and graduate employability. The system was initially introduced to provide transparency and drive improvements in the education sector. With the expansion, all tertiary institutions must now submit data and participate in the ranking process, ensuring a standardized approach to assessing quality across the board. The move aligns with global best practices, where ranking systems are used to benchmark institutions and inform policy decisions.

Why is Participation Now Compulsory?

The decision to make participation compulsory stems from the need to address longstanding challenges in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, including inconsistent quality standards and limited accountability. By mandating participation, the government aims to create a level playing field where institutions are evaluated based on objective metrics. This shift is expected to incentivize institutions to improve their performance, attract better funding, and enhance their reputation both locally and internationally. The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, emphasized that the move is a critical step toward strengthening the sector and ensuring that graduates are equipped with skills that meet industry demands.

How Will the Rankings Impact Institutions?

Institutions that perform well in the rankings are likely to gain increased visibility, attract more students, and secure partnerships with international organizations. Conversely, those that underperform may face scrutiny from policymakers and potential funding cuts. The rankings will also serve as a tool for students and parents to make informed decisions about where to pursue higher education. Additionally, the data collected through the ranking process will provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the education system, enabling targeted interventions. The government has assured that the rankings will be conducted transparently to maintain public trust.

What Role Does the Renewed Hope Agenda Play?

The Renewed Hope Agenda, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s flagship policy, prioritizes education as a key driver of national development. Under this agenda, the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) was launched to revitalize the education sector through reforms, increased funding, and improved governance. The expansion of the tertiary education ranking system is one of several initiatives aimed at transforming Nigeria’s education landscape. By enforcing accountability and quality assurance, the government hopes to produce a workforce that can compete globally and contribute to economic growth. The agenda also includes plans to address infrastructure gaps and enhance teacher training.

What Are the Next Steps for Implementation?

The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Nigerian Tertiary Education Ranking Advisory Committee (NTERAC), will roll out the expanded ranking system in phases. Institutions will be given clear guidelines on the data required and the evaluation process. Training and sensitization programs will be conducted to ensure smooth participation. The government has also assured that there will be no penalties for institutions that may initially struggle, but support will be provided to help them improve. The first set of rankings is expected to be published within 12 months, with annual updates thereafter. Stakeholders, including students, parents, and industry leaders, will be engaged to provide feedback on the process.

What happens next

The Federal Government, in collaboration with NTERAC, will begin the phased rollout of the expanded ranking system. Institutions will receive detailed guidelines and support to ensure smooth participation. Training programs will be conducted to familiarize stakeholders with the process. The first rankings are anticipated within a year, with annual updates to follow. Stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the process to provide feedback and ensure transparency.