In a country where the quality of higher education has long been a matter of concern and debate, it is both refreshing and inspiring to witness a state-owned university rise through the ranks and earn national and international recognition. Ekiti State University (EKSU), located in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, has achieved an extraordinary milestone in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) rankings. The university has been named the best state university in Nigeria and ranked 12th overall among all Nigerian universities.
This recognition is not only a win for the university itself but also a testament to what committed leadership, focused governance, and a clear vision for education can achieve. At the heart of this achievement is the unwavering support and strategic educational policies of the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji.
A Rising Star in Nigerian Higher Education
Ekiti State University’s journey to the top has not been without challenges. Like many state-owned institutions in Nigeria, EKSU has battled limited funding, infrastructural decay, and staffing issues. Yet, despite these hurdles, the university has risen steadily—fueled by reforms, innovation, and a renewed commitment to academic excellence.
Founded in 1982 as Obafemi Awolowo University, Ado-Ekiti, and later renamed Ekiti State University, the institution has matured over four decades into a reputable center of learning. It offers a broad range of programs across various disciplines including sciences, arts, social sciences, law, and education. However, in recent years, it’s not just the number of courses offered that has drawn attention, but the quality of academic delivery, research output, and community engagement.
The Role of Leadership in Driving Educational Excellence
Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s role in this success cannot be overstated. Since assuming office, Governor Oyebanji has consistently emphasized education as a cornerstone of his administration’s development agenda. He has often said that for a state like Ekiti—widely regarded as a “Fountain of Knowledge”—education must not only be a priority but a legacy.
Under his leadership, the state government has taken several bold steps to reposition EKSU. These include:
Increased Funding: Substantial improvements in budgetary allocations to the university have allowed for better infrastructure, laboratory equipment, and faculty support.
Welfare for Academic Staff: Prompt salary payments, improved working conditions, and capacity-building initiatives have motivated the university’s workforce.
Digital Transformation: The adoption of e-learning tools, digitization of academic records, and smart classroom setups have modernized the learning experience.
Research Support: More grants and incentives have been made available for academic research and innovation, leading to an increase in both local and international publications.
Collaboration and Partnerships: The university has expanded its network by collaborating with other universities, industries, and research institutes both within and outside Nigeria.
The Impact of the 2025 Times Higher Education Ranking
The Times Higher Education rankings are among the most respected global university ranking systems. They evaluate institutions based on several performance indicators such as teaching quality, research output, citations, international outlook, and industry income. That EKSU emerged as the best state university and 12th overall in Nigeria is no small feat.
This ranking places EKSU ahead of many older and better-funded federal universities and signals a changing narrative in Nigeria’s higher education landscape. It shows that with visionary leadership, proper funding, and strategic reforms, even public institutions can attain excellence.
What This Means for Students and Parents
For students and their families, this ranking is more than just numbers on a chart. It’s a validation of their choice of institution. It reassures current and prospective students that they are receiving education in a school that meets international standards of academic quality.
Moreover, it opens up new doors for EKSU graduates. Employers often pay attention to institutional rankings when considering job candidates. Being an alumnus of a highly-ranked university can give job seekers a competitive edge in the labor market.
Additionally, the international recognition may attract global academic collaborations, scholarships, and exchange programs—providing students with broader learning experiences and global exposure.
The Ripple Effects on Ekiti State and Beyond
The progress at EKSU also sends a powerful message to other state governments and institutions across Nigeria. It proves that public universities can thrive when given the right tools, policies, and support. EKSU’s success story can serve as a blueprint for educational transformation across the country.
For the people of Ekiti State, this achievement fosters a sense of pride and ownership. Education has always been central to the identity of Ekiti indigenes, and the university’s rise only reinforces the state’s intellectual heritage. Local businesses and service providers are also benefiting from the increased visibility and prestige the university brings to the region.
Challenges Ahead: Sustaining the Momentum
While this recognition is a cause for celebration, it also comes with new responsibilities. Maintaining this standard—or even surpassing it—will require sustained effort. The university must guard against complacency. Continuous improvement must remain the watchword.
Issues like infrastructural expansion, staff training, research funding, and student welfare must continue to receive attention. More importantly, the university must ensure that this success translates into tangible outcomes for students—better academic experiences, more research breakthroughs, and greater societal impact.
Governor Oyebanji’s administration will also need to stay committed to its educational vision, ensuring that gains made are institutionalized and protected from the shifts of future political leadership.
Conclusion: A Beacon of Hope
In a time when public confidence in the Nigerian educational system is often shaky, the emergence of Ekiti State University as a leader among its peers is a source of hope. It tells a story of possibility—that with strong leadership, dedication, and investment, public universities can indeed become centers of excellence.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the entire EKSU community deserve commendation for this achievement. But more than applause, they deserve support—from the public, from alumni, from industry partners, and from the federal government. Their success is not just EKSU’s—it’s a victory for public education in Nigeria.
As the university continues its journey, one can only hope that this momentum leads to even greater accomplishments and that other institutions across the nation draw inspiration from this remarkable success story.
