MAAUN Leads as Nigeria’s Private Universities Rise in Global Rankings

Nigeria’s private higher education sector is increasingly gaining recognition on the global academic stage, according to the latest 2026 AD Scientific Index. The new rankings underscore notable improvements in research output, faculty performance, and institutional competitiveness, highlighting a private university sector that is steadily strengthening its influence in national research, even as many public universities continue to face funding constraints and operational challenges.

The 2026 index reports that Nigeria now hosts 310 universities, including 186 public and 124 private institutions. The ranking also evaluates research institutes, select companies, and hospitals, reflecting a growing integration of academia, industry, and applied science. Despite differences in institutional maturity, private universities are steadily expanding their research capacity and enhancing postgraduate training environments.

Covenant University in Ota, Ogun State, remains the top-ranked private university in the country. Established in 2002, it ranks first among Nigeria’s private universities and 221st globally in the 2026 assessment. Sixteen of its scientists are listed in the top 10th percentile, a testament to sustained investment in engineering, technology, and applied research.

A standout in this year’s rankings is the Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) in Kano. Founded in 2021, the university is now the second-highest private institution in Nigeria and ranks 416th globally, with seven scientists in the top 10th percentile. Its rapid rise demonstrates the growing impact of newer private universities and signals a more competitive environment among emerging institutions.

Other notable performers include Afe Babalola University in Ado-Ekiti, Redeemer’s University in Ede, and Bowen University in Iwo. These schools continue to expand laboratory infrastructure, develop postgraduate programmes, and form international research collaborations. Specialized institutions such as Landmark University in Omu-Aran and Bells University of Technology in Ota reflect the sector’s increasing focus on applied disciplines like agriculture and engineering.

The African University of Science and Technology (AUST) in Abuja continues to serve as a hub for advanced scientific research, while well-established institutions such as Babcock University maintain broad influence across multiple academic fields.

Overall, the 2026 data points to private universities emerging as a key driver in Nigeria’s research ecosystem. By attracting globally trained faculty, competing for international funding, and joining transnational research networks, private institutions are carving out a strategic role in shaping a more innovative and globally competitive academic future, even as public universities navigate long-standing financial and administrative hurdles.