Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has been adjudged as the best university in Nigeria.

This was disclosed in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings 2024.

The landmark recognition as the top public university in Nigeria solidified ABU status as the premier public institution in the nation.

The university was only surpassed by Landmark University, a leading private tertiary institution in Nigeria.

ABU also earned an impressive position as the 21st best university in Africa, a testament to its dedication to excellence in teaching, research, and community impact.

The recognition underscores ABU Zaria’s pivotal role in driving academic excellence, innovation, and sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond.

This year, THE ranked 129 universities from 22 countries using a methodology that has been developed specifically to assess the impact of universities in addressing some of the toughest challenges faced in the region.

South Africa’s University of Johannesburg was ranked number one in the region, thanks to particularly high performance in the access and fairness and resources and finance pillars.

South Africa further took four of the top 10 spots, including the top three.

The University of Ghana rose to fifth place, with strong performances for Africa impact and access and fairness.

Ghana now has two universities in the top 10, up from one last year.

Rwanda’s UGHE – University of Global Health Equity which moved up from eight to four and has the highest score in the region in the student engagement pillar.

Nigeria’s Landmark University leads the region in the ethical leadership pillar.