Uniosun Emerges Third-Best State University, 19th in Nigeria

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Osun State University has recorded another major milestone in its pursuit of academic excellence, emerging among Nigeria’s top 20 universities in the July 2026 edition of the globally recognised Webometrics Ranking of World Universities.

The latest ranking places UNIOSUN 19th among the 312 universities in Nigeria, third among the country’s 68 state-owned universities, and 137th out of 2,390 universities across Africa, underscoring the institution’s remarkable rise as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing and most competitive public universities.

The ranking highlights the University’s growing academic reputation, enhanced research visibility and expanding digital presence, further reinforcing its position as a leading state-owned institution committed to global standards of teaching, research and innovation.

In a statement issued by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, the institution described the latest ranking as another significant advancement in its academic trajectory, reflecting the collective commitment of the Governing Council, Management, staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders to institutional excellence.

According to the statement, the achievement is the outcome of deliberate investments in research, innovation, digital scholarship, international collaborations and quality teaching. It added that the University has continued to record remarkable growth in research output, global visibility and strategic partnerships, all of which have strengthened its standing in international university rankings.

Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, described the ranking as a validation of the University’s strategic vision and unwavering commitment to building a globally competitive institution.

He noted that emerging as the third-best state university in Nigeria and ranking among the top 20 universities nationally demonstrates the impact of the University’s deliberate investments in academic excellence, research productivity and digital transformation.

He attributed the University’s impressive rise to teamwork, resilience and an institutional culture that prioritises excellence, innovation and purposeful service.

“This achievement belongs to every member of the UNIOSUN community. It reflects our shared commitment to excellence, innovation and continuous improvement. We have remained focused on strengthening our research capacity, enhancing our digital visibility and providing quality education that meets global standards.

“Being ranked 19th among all universities in Nigeria, third among state universities and 137th in Africa is a clear indication that our collective efforts are yielding tangible results on the global stage. These rankings affirm that UNIOSUN is increasingly being recognised as a research-driven and globally competitive university.

“While we celebrate this milestone, we recognise that greater accomplishments lie ahead. Our aspiration is not only to sustain this momentum but also to position UNIOSUN among the leading universities in Nigeria and across Africa,” the Vice-Chancellor said.

Professor Adebooye commended members of staff for their dedication to impactful research, scholarly publications and community service. He also appreciated the contributions of students, alumni and development partners whose unwavering support has continued to enhance the University’s reputation and global visibility.

He noted that the latest ranking would further inspire the institution to intensify efforts towards improving research quality, expanding international collaborations, promoting innovation and sustaining academic excellence.

The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the University’s commitment to its strategic vision of becoming a globally recognised, research-intensive institution. He urged members of the University community to sustain the culture of hard work, integrity and excellence that has become the hallmark of UNIOSUN.

He expressed confidence that the latest achievement is yet another affirmation that the University’s steady progress is being recognised through credible global performance indicators, adding that UNIOSUN remains firmly on course to attain even greater heights in the years ahead.