The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has released a new ranking of the top 20 universities in Northern Nigeria, sparking wide discussion across the academic sector.
The list was shared on ASUU’s official Facebook page and features both older and newly established institutions.
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, leads the ranking, followed by Bayero University Kano and the University of Maiduguri.
Other top institutions include Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Federal University of Technology Minna, the University of Ilorin, and the University of Jos.
The full list also features Federal University Dutse, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Federal University Lafia, Federal University Kashere, Federal University Wukari, Federal University Gusau, Kaduna State University, Nasarawa State University, Gombe State University, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Sokoto State University, and Umaru Musa Yar’adua University.
ASUU did not explain the criteria used for the ranking, which has led to mixed reactions from students, lecturers, and education stakeholders.
Many are now calling for more transparency in how such assessments are carried out.
Observers note that university rankings are usually based on factors such as academic performance, research output, staff strength, and infrastructure quality.
