MOUAU Earns First Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rating

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) has achieved a significant international milestone after securing recognition in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings during its debut participation.

The recognition is expected to boost the University's global visibility, strengthen international partnerships, and enhance its reputation in teaching, research, and innovation.

Speaking with MOUAU News, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Nneoma Elechi Obasi, who led the University's delegation, described the achievement as a landmark that places MOUAU firmly on the global academic map.

She said the ranking serves as an independent assessment of the University's performance in teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and international outlook.

According to Professor Obasi, MOUAU received ratings in three United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Climate Action (SDG 13), and No Poverty (SDG 1).

She noted that 1,646 universities from 116 countries participated in the 2026 assessment.

Professor Obasi said the recognition positions MOUAU ahead of some long-established Nigerian universities and is expected to enhance the institution's ability to attract outstanding academics, expand international research collaborations, secure industry partnerships, and access more research funding.

She also disclosed that the University's delegation participated in the Times Higher Education Global Sustainable Development Congress and Partnership Summit held in Jakarta, Indonesia.

During the summit, officials of Times Higher Education held a roundtable meeting with the MOUAU delegation to discuss strategies for improving the University's global visibility and future performance in international rankings.

According to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, the University received official notification of its successful inclusion in the 2026 Sustainability Impact Ratings on June 22, while the rankings were published on June 24. A certificate was subsequently presented to the University during a regional session for institutions from the Middle East and Africa.

To strengthen future performances, Professor Obasi revealed that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, has introduced measures to improve institutional data management, including the appointment of an officer to coordinate University data and a Director of the Directorate of University Advancement to support staff in updating and optimising their Google Scholar profiles.

She congratulated the Vice-Chancellor, staff, students, alumni, and other stakeholders on what she described as a collective achievement, urging members of the University community to embrace collaboration rather than unhealthy competition as MOUAU strives for greater global impact.

Professor Obasi further disclosed that the University has submitted data for the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the Interdisciplinary Subject Rankings, with the results expected to be announced during the World Academic Summit scheduled to hold in Cape Town, South Africa, from September 29 to October 1, 2026.