EKSU Emerges Best State University in Nigeria, to Graduate 10,959 Students at 30th Convocation

Ekiti State University Ado Ekiti has been ranked the Best State University in Nigeria in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, according to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Babatola Ayodele.

The Vice Chancellor disclosed the development in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday during a press briefing to announce activities for the institution’s 30th convocation ceremony, where a total of 10,959 students are expected to graduate across diploma, bachelor’s, and higher degree programmes.

According to the breakdown, the graduating cohort includes 284 diploma holders, 10,125 bachelor’s degree graduates, and 550 higher degree recipients.

Among the bachelor’s degree graduates, 82 earned First Class honours, while 2,794 graduated with Second Class Upper, 6,020 with Second Class Lower, 1,217 with Third Class, and 12 with a Pass.

The Vice Chancellor said the institution’s improved ranking reflects sustained reforms in academic delivery, infrastructure expansion, and institutional governance. He added that EKSU was also ranked 12th among over 300 universities nationwide in the same assessment cycle.

He noted that the university has expanded its academic structure, increasing the number of faculties from 12 to 14, while also initiating postgraduate programmes in Nursing Science alongside existing postgraduate medical programmes.

Prof. Ayodele further stated that all academic programmes at the institution are fully accredited by the National Universities Commission, describing this as a key benchmark of quality assurance and institutional credibility.

He also highlighted improvements in staff welfare, noting that salaries and pensions are being paid regularly, while promotion exercises have been consistently implemented across academic and non-teaching staff cadres.

In recognition of academic excellence and societal impact, the university will also confer honorary doctorate degrees (honoris causa) on two alumni, Mr Abayomi Adeyeri and Mr Akinsanmi Falaki.

The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to sustained growth, stating that EKSU remains focused on strengthening its academic standing and expanding its impact within Nigeria’s higher education landscape.