Nigeria to Develop Homegrown Ranking System for Tertiary Institutions

Nigeria is set to develop a homegrown ranking system for tertiary institutions, with the Federal Government moving to establish a framework covering universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Tuesday after meeting with the Nigerian University Ranking Advisory Committee (NURAC) and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). The announcement came shortly after the Times Higher Education (THE) 2026 rankings featured 24 Nigerian universities.

Alausa said international rankings remain important, but Nigeria needs a system that reflects its educational environment and national priorities.

“For years, we have looked to international rankings to tell us how our universities are performing. These rankings are important, but we also need a system that understands our own institutions, our environment and our priorities. That is what we are building,” he said.

The expanded framework will bring polytechnics and colleges of education into the national ranking exercise. NURAC will consequently become the Nigerian Tertiary Education Ranking Advisory Committee (NTERAC).

The committee will help institutional leaders understand ranking methodologies, data requirements and performance standards, while encouraging continuous improvement across the sector.

The framework will be integrated into the Nigeria Education Data Initiative (NEDI), creating a centralised database for institutional performance. Alausa said improved data collection and reporting would help more Nigerian universities compete for recognition in global rankings, including Times Higher Education.

“By improving how we collect, report and use institutional data, we can support more Nigerian universities to compete for recognition on global ranking systems such as Times Higher Education and others,” he said.

The minister commended the committee, led by Prof. Peter Okebukola, and TETFund for their contributions.

Participation in the national ranking exercise will be compulsory for all public and private tertiary institutions. Alausa urged vice-chancellors, rectors and provosts to cooperate, describing the initiative as part of efforts to raise academic standards and strengthen institutional competitiveness.

“Why shouldn’t Nigeria have the Oxfords and Cambridges of Africa? We have the talent. We have the institutions. Now, we must continue to raise the standard,” he said.

The move comes as the Federal Government reports more than N1 trillion invested in higher education over the past two years.

The spending includes N250 billion for new student hostels, more than N150 billion for rehabilitating hostels, classrooms and engineering workshops, over N130 billion for medical school upgrades, N52 billion for modern equipment in 18 medical schools, nearly N30 billion for 11 medical simulation laboratories, and about N110 billion for engineering workshops and equipment in universities and polytechnics.

The ranking reform also follows the launch of the “Hire from Nigeria” campaign, which seeks to connect Nigerian talent with global employers and create one million export-linked jobs within five years.

The programme, built around demand, supply and strategic partnerships, aims to position Nigeria as a leading hub for talent and service exports while allowing skilled Nigerians to work for international employers from within the country.

The move gives Nigeria an opportunity to judge its tertiary institutions by standards that speak directly to the country’s own needs, while still preparing them for scrutiny beyond its shores. With every public and private institution required to participate, the real test will be whether the new system produces reliable data, encourages genuine improvement and helps Nigeria build the world-class institutions its talent base deserves.

Nigeria’s Swimmers Return from Dakar with 35 Medals

Nigeria’s swimmers have posted their strongest Africa Zone 2 Swimming Championships result in more than a decade, winning 35 medals at the 2026 edition in Dakar, Senegal.

The team finished with 17 gold, 14 silver and four bronze medals from individual and relay events, giving the Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) a result it regards as a marker of the steady work being done to raise the standard of swimming in the country.

Both the junior and senior swimmers contributed to the medal tally, with coaches and technical officials also receiving commendation from the federation for their roles throughout the continental zonal competition.

NAqF President, Lekan Fatodu, said the performance was a source of pride for Nigeria and credited the athletes and support team for the outcome.

“The performance of our swimmers in Dakar is a thing of great pride for Nigeria. Winning 35 medals, including 17 gold medals, is a significant achievement and one that shows the commitment and hard work of our athletes, coaches and the entire technical crew,” Fatodu said.

The junior swimmers have another test ahead of them in the same city. Dakar will host the 2026 Youth Olympic Games from October 30 to November 13, and Fatodu said their showing at the Zone 2 championships offered the federation a useful measure of their current level.

The Dakar competition has therefore served two purposes for NAqF: competition at senior and junior levels and an assessment of the younger swimmers ahead of the Youth Olympic Games and other international meets.

Fatodu said the federation would maintain its development programmes, improve the preparation of its athletes and provide more opportunities for Nigerian swimmers to compete at the highest level.

The federation is also working towards a deeper pool of talent rather than relying on a handful of established swimmers. Its stated aim is to develop a strong pipeline capable of producing athletes who can hold their own at African and global competitions.

The 35 medals in Dakar give Nigeria’s swimming programme a strong platform to build on. With the Youth Olympic Games approaching and more international competitions ahead, the focus now is on turning this performance into sustained progress and producing a new generation of Nigerian swimmers ready to compete at the highest level.

Nigeria’s Cooking Gas Supply Hits 13-Month High as Domestic Sources Dominate

Nigeria’s liquefied petroleum gas market closed July 2026 with its strongest supply performance in 13 months, even as consumers continue to pay above the price level that regulators had envisaged for cooking gas.

Data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority showed that LPG supply reached 5,332 tonnes per day in July, up from 5,100 tonnes per day in June. It was the highest daily supply recorded in the 13-month period covered by the NMDPRA’s midstream and downstream statistics.

The figures also reveal a growing reliance on domestic sources. Local producers supplied 4,373 tonnes per day, representing about 82 per cent of the total July volume, while imports contributed 959 tonnes per day, or 18 per cent.

NLNG/SEPNU accounted for the largest share of the supply, delivering 2,031 tonnes per day through vessels, equivalent to about 38 per cent of total LPG supply during the month. Other processing plants supplied 1,513 tonnes per day through trucks, while the Dangote Petroleum Refinery contributed 829 tonnes per day.

The latest performance caps a year of considerable movement in Nigeria’s LPG supply. The country recorded 4,500 tonnes per day in July 2025, rising to 5,000 tonnes in August before falling to 3,900 tonnes in September. Supply recovered to 4,500 tonnes in October, reached 5,000 tonnes in November and climbed to 5,200 tonnes in December.

January 2026 opened at 5,100 tonnes per day, but supply fell to 4,700 tonnes in February and remained at that level in March. It declined again to 4,500 tonnes in April and 4,100 tonnes in May, before recovering to 5,100 tonnes in June and finally reaching 5,332 tonnes in July.

Despite the stronger supply position, the improvement has not yet brought cooking gas prices below N1,000 per kilogramme. Prices, which surged to as much as N2,400 per kilogramme in May, have since dropped to between N1,300 and N1,600 per kilogramme, depending on location.

The wide difference between supply prices and retail costs has also placed attention on the distribution chain.  

The July figures therefore present a stronger supply picture for Nigeria’s LPG market, with domestic sources now providing the clear majority of available cooking gas. The unresolved issue is whether that supply growth can eventually translate into lower prices for households, particularly as regulators work to address the distortions identified in the distribution chain.

Nine-Year-Old Nigerian Girl Takes Her Mathematics Lessons to TikTok

For Charlotte Muritala, a whiteboard, marker and smartphone are enough to turn a difficult mathematics question into a lesson for other children.

The nine-year-old JSS2 student from Offa, Kwara State, has attracted attention on TikTok for using the platform to teach mathematics, sharing lessons on subjects such as algebra, fractions and lowest common multiple.

Her approach is straightforward: take a complicated problem apart, deal with each section and work towards the answer one step at a time.

“First, I like breaking them into small part. That makes it easier for me. So I break it into small part, then I solve it,” Charlotte said during an interview with Channels Television on Monday.

The method is also what she relies on when she encounters questions she cannot immediately solve.

“Once I start solving the hard problem, if I am not getting it, I will go and choose the best method and start solving it step by step,” she said.

Charlotte’s interest in numbers began when she was about five years old. What started as a childhood fascination has grown into a strong academic interest and, now, a way of helping other young learners.

“I started liking mathematics since when I was small. I love mathematics because I enjoy numbers,” she said.

She does not regard the subject as something to fear.

“Mathematics is fun for me. Some questions are hard, but I like solving them,” Charlotte said.

Her mother has played an important role in taking that enthusiasm beyond school. Charlotte said her mother created another platform where she could share her knowledge with other children.

“My mum created another platform for me to share what I know to other children. I feel very happy and proud of myself,” she said.

At home, her father said, the commitment is evident in how much time Charlotte devotes to reading and learning.

“She’s always with mathematics. Every time, she’s always learning, reading every time,” he said.

Her academic focus has not changed the fact that she is still a child. Her father noted that Charlotte plays like other children her age, even though she takes her studies seriously.

“So she’s a child and she’s still nine years old. Sometimes she plays, but when it comes to reading, she doesn’t joke with it,” he said.

Her mathematics teacher has also recognised her ability, describing Charlotte as “a brilliant and erudite student” and pointing to her exceptional skills in mathematics.

According to the teacher, Charlotte’s willingness to tackle mathematical problems is one of the qualities that distinguishes her in the classroom.

“She has passion for solving mathematical problems. In all, she is an excellent and outstanding student,” the teacher said.

The teacher believes children who demonstrate exceptional academic ability should be given the resources to develop their potential, including qualified teachers, scholarships and adequate funding.

“If you want students to have interest in mathematics, secure the services of qualified teachers, give them scholarships and proper funding,” the teacher said.

Charlotte has been described in some circles as a “maths genius” because of her online lessons and ability to explain mathematical concepts. However, that remains a media or social-media label, not a formally established assessment of her abilities.

For children who struggle with mathematics, Charlotte's own experience offers a simple lesson: difficulty should not be mistaken for defeat.

“My advice to them is to never give up. They should keep practising every day and don’t be afraid of mistakes,” she said.

At nine, Charlotte is already using something she enjoys to help other children learn, a small but striking example of how talent, encouragement and access to simple digital tools can open new possibilities for young Nigerians.

Jamiu Adeniji Dominates Ikorodu Boxing Championship, Named Best Boxer

Jamiu Adeniji has emerged as the standout performer at the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF) Ibile Divisional Championships in Ikorodu after delivering a commanding 5–0 victory in the men’s 50kg category.

Representing Agboyi Ketu LCDA, Adeniji faced Wahab Adiat of Ikorodu West LCDA at the Ikorodu Town Hall and controlled the contest from the opening round. His sharp jabs, well-timed uppercuts and sustained pressure left the judges with little doubt, resulting in a unanimous 5–0 decision in his favour.

The impressive victory earned Adeniji the Boxer of the Tournament award, marking him out as one of the competition’s leading young talents.

The promising fighter said the recognition has strengthened his determination to take his boxing career further, with a place in Nigeria’s national team and international competition among his ambitions.

“I am so excited to be named the best boxer. I know I can do more, and I hope with this kind of performance I can work my way into the national team and represent Nigeria in international tournaments,” he said.

Adeniji also praised the organisers and said he hoped to maintain his form ahead of the end-of-year tournament.

The Ikorodu event, held over the weekend, featured 10 bouts and was organised by the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame in partnership with the Lagos Amateur Boxing Association. Two bouts ended in draws.

The championship is part of the LBHF’s grassroots amateur boxing programme, which was established in July 2009 and has continued with the vision and support of former Minister of Finance Wale Edun. Over the years, the initiative has provided a platform for young boxers across Lagos to develop their skills and compete at a higher level.

LBHF Director David Mohammed said the turnout in Ikorodu showed that the Ibile format was gaining stronger public interest across Lagos.

“We are happy that the Ibile format is pulling crowds and attracting interest across the five divisional areas of Lagos,” Mohammed said.

He expressed optimism that the grand finale later in the year would be more competitive and glamorous, adding that the quality of performances recorded so far could help several of the boxers earn opportunities with Nigeria’s national teams.

The competition featured fighters from Ikorodu Local Council, Ikorodu North LCDA, Ikorodu West LCDA, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Ijede LCDA, Ketu Agboyi, Ikosi Isheri and Imota LCDA.

The women’s division produced its own notable performances. Aishat Yisa of Ikorodu North LCDA defeated Abisola Agbolade, also representing Ikorodu North LCDA, 4–1 in the 50kg category. In the 54kg class, Oyindamola Kuseju of Ikorodu LGA defeated Basirat Kelani of Ijede LCDA by the same 4–1 margin.

Among the other men’s results, Kolade Ojo of Ikorodu North LCDA defeated Akinola Akingbade of Agboyi Ketu 5–0 in the 55kg category.

Shazilly Hamzat of Ikorodu West LCDA secured a narrow 3–2 victory over Waris Sanusi of Ikosi Isheri LCDA in the 60kg category, while Kingsley Gabriel of Ikorodu North LCDA also won 3–2 against Folagbade Ademola of Ikosi Isheri LCDA in the 65kg class.

With the LBHF programme building towards its grand finale later this year, Adeniji now has an early opportunity to turn his Ikorodu triumph into a bigger breakthrough on the Nigerian boxing scene.

Nigeria’s Private Sector Growth Hits 29-Month High as PMI Climbs to 54.3

Nigeria’s private sector recorded its strongest improvement in business conditions in 29 months in August 2026, as stronger customer demand, rising new orders and increased output lifted the Stanbic IBTC Bank Nigeria Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) to 54.3 points.

The latest PMI report, published on Tuesday, showed an increase from 52.5 points in July. The August reading was the joint-highest in just over two-and-a-half years, matching the level recorded in March 2025.

It also extended the expansion in business conditions to seven consecutive months. A PMI reading above 50 indicates an improvement from the preceding month, while a reading below 50 signals deterioration.

The survey, compiled by S&P Global and endorsed and adopted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), was based on data collected between August 12 and 26.

New orders provided the biggest boost to August’s performance, increasing at their fastest pace since the beginning of 2024. Companies linked the stronger demand to improved customer interest and the launch of new products, while better availability of materials helped firms respond by increasing business activity at a much faster pace than in July.

Output also maintained its long-running growth streak, expanding for the 21st consecutive month. All four sectors covered by the survey recorded higher output, with agriculture and manufacturing posting particularly strong increases.

The rise in demand prompted companies to increase their purchasing activity at the fastest rate since November 2025. Inventory accumulation also reached a nine-month high as firms prepared to meet business requirements.

Employment increased for the 15th consecutive month, although hiring remained modest compared with the growth recorded in orders and output. Wholesale and retail businesses reduced their workforce, while employment increased in the other sectors surveyed.

At the same time, companies reduced their backlogs of unfinished work for the first time in seven months, indicating that firms were able to work through outstanding orders despite the stronger inflow of new business.

Muyiwa Oni, Head of Equity Research West Africa at Stanbic IBTC Bank, said the August result reflected continued expansion across Nigeria’s private sector.

“Private sector activity in Nigeria was in an expansionary territory for the seventh consecutive month, rising to 54.3 points in August from 52.5 points recorded in July,” Oni said.

Businesses remained positive about their prospects over the coming year, with plans to recruit workers, enter new locations, increase exports and attract more customers. However, overall confidence about future output fell to a three-month low.

The stronger activity was accompanied by higher input costs. Purchase cost inflation accelerated in August as businesses faced increases in fuel, transportation and raw-material prices, although the rate remained below its 2026 average.

Staff cost inflation eased to a nine-month low, but companies still passed part of their higher expenses on to customers, pushing selling price inflation higher. Agriculture recorded the fastest increase in charges among the sectors covered by the survey.

Oni also pointed to renewed pressure from food prices. Food inflation rose to 20.31% year-on-year in July from 17.52% in June, even as headline inflation declined from 15.91% to 15.43%.

Stanbic IBTC said PMI readings recorded so far in the third quarter point to stronger economic activity and could support GDP growth of 4.1% in 2026.

The bank expects the non-oil sector to grow by 4.11% this year, compared with 3.71% in 2025, while oil-sector growth is projected to slow to 3.45% from 8.50%.

Manufacturing is expected to receive the strongest growth boost, partly because of a low statistical base in 2025. ICT, trade, real estate, finance and insurance are expected to remain major contributors to services-sector growth.

The PMI figures come shortly after the National Bureau of Statistics reported that Nigeria’s GDP grew by 4.43% year-on-year in real terms in the second quarter of 2026, compared with 4.23% in Q2 2025.

The 4.43% growth represents a 0.20 percentage-point improvement from a year earlier, with agriculture and services providing stronger support to the economy. Industrial-sector growth, however, slowed significantly compared with the same period in 2025.

The August PMI therefore points to a Nigerian business environment that is gaining strength, with rising orders and sustained output growth supporting activity even as companies continue to navigate higher operating and food costs.