UNILORIN ‘ll do better in next global ranking- Ambali
By Muizdeen Adewole
The Project Manager for Ranking Implementation at the University of Ilorin and former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Suleiman Folorunsho Ambali, has expressed confidence that the University would improve its performance in the next Times Higher Education World University Rankings and indeed in all other national, continental and global rankings in 2027.
Prof. Ambali gave this assurance penulthmate Thursday(October 8, 2026) while featuring on a special interview programme on UNILORIN 89.3 FM, anchored by the station’s General Manager, Mr Idris Alooma.
Speaking on the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, in which UNILORIN placed first in Nigeria for research quality, Prof. Ambali said that he was “happy to the bone marrow” because research is a central pillar of university education.
According to him, the result confirms that UNILORIN’s research impact is felt not only in Nigeria but also globally.
“By next year, we will rank higher than this because our target is embedded in our Vision 1:10:500,” he said.
He explained that the recognition would strengthen the global reputation of UNILORIN staff, students and alumni.
“Wherever a member of the UNILORIN community, whether staff, student or graduate, appears globally, they will be highly regarded as a leader adding that more of our graduates will be employed internationally, and our scholars and researchers will command greater respect among their colleagues at global fora.”
Prof. Ambali added that international funding bodies are likely to be more willing to award research grants to UNILORIN researchers, given the University’s demonstrated record of quality research.
He commended the researchers whose outstanding work earned the University this recognition, and praised the management team led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, for its visionary, globally minded leadership and the doggedness with which it is pursuing Vision 1:10:500. He noted that, since assuming office, the Vice-Chancellor has consistently released Senate Research Grants and has gone further to institute the Special Senate Research Grants, to enable researchers to do more quality research.
Prof. Ambali urged the University lecturers to be more research-driven, impactful and visible in the global academic space, for the benefit of both their personal and institutional reputations.. He stressed that all stakeholders must work together to take the University into the league of the world’s top 500 universities.
