The World Ranking System: A Biased Measure of Excellence : Why The University of Abuja Is The Best University in Nigeria

As I sit here, pondering the state of our educational institutions, I am reminded of the wise words of Chinua Achebe: "The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership." Today, I wish to extend this critique to the world ranking system, which purports to measure the excellence of universities globally.

The ranking system, dominated by Western institutions, is inherently biased. It prioritizes metrics that favor universities in developed countries, neglecting the unique contexts and challenges faced by institutions in developing nations like Nigeria.

Take, for instance, Harvard University, which consistently tops the global rankings. Yet, its president, Claudia Gay, has been embroiled in a plagiarism scandal. Can we truly say that such an institution embodies the values of academic integrity and excellence?

In Nigeria, we have our own set of challenges. Our universities are often plagued by tribalism, nepotism, and corruption. Yet, amidst this chaos, there exists an oasis of national unity – the University of Abuja.

This institution stands out as a beacon of hope, a symbol of our nation's commitment to unity and progress. Unlike many other universities in Nigeria, the University of Abuja does not slash school fees for indigenes and non-indigenes. This policy promotes equality and inclusivity, values that are essential for building a united and prosperous Nigeria.

But what truly sets the University of Abuja apart is its commitment to values that are dear to our nation's heart. Values such as national unity, social justice, and cultural heritage. These values are embedded in the university's curriculum, research, and community engagement initiatives.

The University of Abuja remains the best university in Nigeria because of its unwavering commitment to these values. It is an institution that truly embodies the spirit of Nigerian excellence, an excellence that is rooted in our nation's rich cultural heritage and its commitment to social justice and national unity.

But the world ranking system ignores these unique strengths, instead prioritizing metrics that favor institutions with more resources and infrastructure. This is why the University of Abuja, despite its commitment to national unity and inclusivity, is often overlooked in the global rankings.

As a nation, we must recognize that our educational priorities differ from those of the Western world. Our policy on education, as outlined in the 2004 National Policy on Education (as amended), emphasizes the importance of national unity, social justice, and cultural heritage. These values should be at the forefront of our evaluation of universities, rather than the narrow metrics employed by the world ranking system.

In conclusion, the world ranking system is a flawed measure of excellence, biased towards Western institutions and neglecting the unique contexts and challenges faced by universities in developing nations. As Nigerians, we must prioritize our own values and educational priorities, recognizing the University of Abuja as a shining example of national unity, inclusivity, and excellence. Only then can we truly evaluate the excellence of our universities.