MAAUN, AUN, Other Nigerian Universities Join 2026 Global Rankings

The Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Kano, and the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, have earned places in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, marking another milestone for Nigeria’s private university system.

A total of 24 Nigerian universities featured in the 2026 rankings, comprising 17 public universities and seven private institutions. Among the private universities recognised were MAAUN and AUN, alongside Nile University and Al-Hikmah University.

The University of Ibadan, the University of Lagos and Bayero University, Kano, led Nigeria’s contingent, reflecting the country’s growing presence in global university rankings.

For MAAUN, the achievement is particularly significant as it comes just four years after the university was established. The institution’s inclusion in the prestigious rankings underscores its growing reputation for academic excellence, research, innovation and quality education.

The recognition follows MAAUN’s impressive performance in the AD Scientific Index, where it was previously ranked among Nigeria’s leading universities, further strengthening its academic profile.

Speaking on the achievement, MAAUN President, Prof. Ahmed Maigari, said the recognition reflects years of strategic investment in infrastructure, human capital and research.

“We are committed to learning, research and innovation. Our goal is to make Nigeria proud by positioning MAAUN among the leading universities in the world. We have invested heavily in modern facilities and attracted highly talented scholars who continue to distinguish themselves through impactful research and quality teaching,” he said.

Maigari described the university’s inclusion in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings as further validation of its pursuit of global academic standards.

“Having recorded success in the AD Scientific Index, our inclusion in the 2026 Times Higher Education Rankings is another indication that we are moving in the right direction. We aspire to become one of the top 100 universities globally in the coming years,” he added.

Commenting on the development, Dr. Buhari Abdullahi of the Department of Engineering, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, described the emergence of both MAAUN and AUN in the rankings as a positive development for Nigeria’s higher education sector.

“MAAUN is a perfect example of purposeful investment in education. The university has excellent learning facilities, a conducive academic environment and scholars making meaningful contributions to research and knowledge dissemination. I am not surprised to see the institution earning international recognition,” he said.

Education stakeholders have also welcomed the increasing visibility of Nigerian private universities in global rankings, describing it as evidence that sustained investment, innovation and commitment to quality assurance can position Nigerian institutions competitively on the world stage.

They noted that the inclusion of MAAUN, AUN and other private universities in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings highlights the growing role of private institutions in advancing academic excellence, research productivity and global competitiveness in Nigeria.