Redeemer's University Ranks First in Nigeria Across Seven Sustainable Development Goals

Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, has achieved a major milestone in the 2026 Sustainability Impact Rankings, emerging as Nigeria's top-performing university in seven of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The University ranked first nationally in Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), Life Below Water (SDG 14), and Life on Land (SDG 15), further strengthening its reputation as one of Nigeria's leading institutions in sustainability and development.

Reacting to the achievement, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shadrach Olufemi Akindele, described the rankings as a reflection of the University's growing impact in addressing critical national and global development priorities.

According to him, ranking first in seven SDGs goes beyond statistical recognition and demonstrates the University's leadership in advancing health, economic development, environmental sustainability and social inclusion.

In addition to its seven first-place finishes, Redeemer's University ranked among the top two institutions in Nigeria in 11 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and secured top-three positions in 15 goals, highlighting the consistency of its performance across multiple development indicators.

The 2026 rankings also marked a significant expansion in the University's sustainability efforts. While it focused on six SDGs in the 2025 rankings, Redeemer's University participated across all 17 goals in the latest assessment, showcasing new strengths in innovation, environmental sustainability and inequality reduction.

Globally, the University recorded its strongest performance in Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), where it ranked 64th in the world, reflecting its increasing international visibility and competitiveness.

Professor Akindele said the global recognition validates the quality of the University's research, innovation and development initiatives, while further positioning the institution among leading universities driving sustainable development worldwide.

Redeemer's University also earned global top-200 rankings in No Poverty (SDG 1), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), and Life on Land (SDG 15). It additionally secured top-300 global positions in Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) and Life Below Water (SDG 14).

The latest rankings reinforce Redeemer's University's growing influence in sustainability research, policy development, innovation and community engagement, while affirming its commitment to contributing meaningfully to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals at both national and global levels.