Ebonyi State University Tops Webometric Ranking in Southeast Nigeria
Ebonyi State University (EBSU) has been ranked the top state university in Southeast Nigeria by Webometric, a Spanish-based international ranking organization.
Mary Nwaeze 
Ebonyi State University (EBSU) has achieved a significant milestone, ranking as the top state university in the Southeast region of Nigeria according to the latest Webometric ratings. This news was revealed by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Chigozie Ogbu during a pre-convocation briefing for the combined 12th-15th convocation ceremony, covering the academic sessions from 2019 to 2022.
The prestigious ranking by Webometric, an international organization based in Spain, underscores EBSU's commitment to academic excellence. The rating is designed to attract partnerships, and, according to Prof. Ogbu, the recognition has already drawn the interest of international universities. Another ranking body, "Study Abroad Aide," based in South Korea, also recognized EBSU as one of the 100 best value universities in Nigeria in January 2024.
"The ranking criteria focus on academic quality and cost-effectiveness, providing a guide for students planning to study abroad," said Ogbu. This recognition has led to increased collaboration opportunities for EBSU, with some offers being accepted and others declined based on the university's strategic direction.
In his briefing, Prof. Ogbu shared additional achievements under his leadership since February 2018. EBSU has promoted 71 staff to full-fledged professors and 21 individuals to associate professors, along with various promotions for academic and non-academic staff. The VC noted that the institution has seen considerable growth in academic development, research, digital service delivery, and staff welfare, with the student population expanding from 14,335 to 19,500.
ALSO SEE: EBSU Unveils Best Graduating Students from 2019 to 2022
In terms of academic structure, EBSU has increased from five faculties in 1999 to 11 in 2024, including six academic directorates, a college of health sciences, a school of postgraduate studies, and a work-and-study programme. The university offers 72 academic programs, with 65 accredited by the National Universities Commission. Seven programs in the new Faculty of Engineering and Environmental Sciences are pending accreditation.
Prof. Ogbu highlighted the establishment of a research club to foster research activities, where experienced academics mentor younger staff on research methods, proposal writing, and grant acquisition. Under his leadership, EBSU has recorded 17 inaugural lectures and accessed all TETFund interventions from 2016 to date, enabling the completion of numerous projects.
This recognition by Webometric and other international organizations underscores EBSU's commitment to academic excellence and research development, establishing it as a leading institution in Southeast Nigeria.
