Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), has maintained its position as the top-ranked university in Nigeria for the fourth consecutive year, placing 84th globally in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

The university also leads several categories in Africa, including Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7) and Climate Change (SDG 13).

Speaking at a weekend press briefing in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Olasupo Ijabadeniyi, described the ranking as both an achievement and a challenge to sustain progress.

He credited the founder, Aare Afe Babalola, the management team, staff, and students for their roles in the university’s rise.

Ijabadeniyi noted that ABUAD’s progress reflects cooperation with regulatory bodies such as the National Universities Commission, Council for Legal Education, Nigerian Society of Engineers, and others. He pointed at achievements across disciplines including Law, Medicine, Engineering, Nursing, Pharmacy, Sciences, and Accounting.

The Acting VC recalled a 2015 conversation between the founder and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed, in which Babalola expressed his desire to see the university ranked among the top 100 globally during his lifetime. Ijabadeniyi said, “That wish, that hope, and prayer… has become a stark reality before our very eyes.”

Despite the ranking, Ijabadeniyi appealed to the federal and Ekiti state governments for urgent reconstruction of the deteriorated Ado-Ijan road, which leads to the university, and completion of the Ado-Ekiti Cargo Airport.

He described the road’s current state as a “nightmare for motorists” and said improved accessibility would attract more local and international students.

Ijabadeniyi also outlined measures contributing to the university’s success, including a well-planned campus layout, modern laboratories, mandatory certification in foreign languages, strict dress codes, and a stable academic calendar supported by independent power and water supplies.

He further mentioned ABUAD’s industrial research park, youth empowerment initiatives, and the 400-bed multi-system hospital as elements that enhance the university’s educational and community impact.

The Acting Vice Chancellor emphasized that the ranking is a call to sustain the institution’s growth, stating, “Since the new ranking was announced, we have rolled up our sleeves because we must sustain the feat. We will not rest on our oars.”