MARYAM Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Kano, and the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, have emerged among the Nigerian universities featured in the prestigious 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, reaffirming the growing contribution of private universities to the advancement of higher education in the country.
News Point Nigeria reports that a total of 24 Nigerian universities secured places in the 2026 global rankings, comprising 17 public universities and seven private universities.
Among the private universities recognised were the two American-style institutions, MAAUN in Kano and AUN in Yola alongside other notable universities, including Nile University and Al-Hikmah University.
Leading the Nigerian contingent in the rankings are renowned institutions such as the University of Ibadan, the University of Lagos, and Bayero University, Kano, reflecting the country’s increasing presence in global academic assessments.
For MAAUN, the achievement represents another significant milestone just four years after its establishment. The university’s inclusion in the Times Higher Education rankings is widely regarded as evidence of its commitment to academic excellence, research development, innovation, and the provision of quality education.
The recognition comes on the heels of the university’s impressive performance in the AD Scientific Index, where it was ranked among leading institutions in previous assessments, further underscoring its growing reputation within Nigeria’s academic landscape.
Speaking on the development, Professor Ahmed Maigari reiterated the institution’s commitment to attaining global academic standards.
“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.
Professor Maigari noted that the university’s appearance in the 2026 Times Higher Education Rankings is a testament to years of strategic investments in human capital, infrastructure, and research excellence.
“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 Engineering Department at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma described the emergence of MAAUN and AUN in the global rankings as a positive development for Nigeria’s education sector.
“MAAUN is a perfect example of purposeful investment in education. The university possesses excellent learning facilities, a conducive academic environment, and scholars who are making meaningful contributions to research and knowledge dissemination. I am not surprised to see the institution earning international recognition,” he stated.
Education stakeholders have continued to commend the increasing visibility of Nigerian private universities in global rankings, describing it as an indication that sustained investment, innovation, and a commitment to quality assurance can position Nigerian institutions competitively on the world stage.
The inclusion of MAAUN and other private universities in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings is therefore seen not only as an institutional achievement but also as a source of pride for Nigeria’s higher education sector, demonstrating that private universities are playing an increasingly vital role in driving academic excellence, research productivity, and global competitiveness.