By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
Edo State University Uzairue, formerly Edo University Iyamho has soared to the top echelon at the international level, as the university is ranked 4th in Nigeria in the 2021 World Impact Rankings of Universities.
The ranking was done by The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings’ global performance tables that assess universities against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Edo State University Uzairue secured the unprecedented 4th position in its first time of being assessed by the International Organization, having met the required criteria, for consideration for the ranking, which includes the level of extensive research work carried out by universities, global visibility, and outreach, stewardship, knowledge transfer, international outlook, webometrics development, teaching curriculum, amongst others.
The university came behind the University of Lagos in the 3rd position, while Covenant University and the University of Ibadan, which have been on the ranking body’s platform for several years took first and second positions respectively.
Edo State University Uzairue won the first position in the SDG Goal 4 with 42%. The SDG 4 represents quality education which measures universities’ contribution to early years and lifelong learning, their pedagogy research and their commitment to inclusive education.
SDGs 17 Partnership for the goals 33% .This particular SDGs looks at the broader way in which universities support the SDGs through collaboration with countries, promotion of best practices and publication data.
The University, in meeting with the sustainable development goals template, has a working and academic collaborations with the University of Sunderland, United Kingdom, and Worcester State University, Massachusetts, USA for educational development, and has equally deployed modern technological tools such as the CANVAS Learning Management System, Skills Laboratories for simulations amongst others to enhance learning.
Edo State University Uzairue, which has recorded landmark achievements, within the short pace of its establishment, has already graduated two sets of students in various fields of learning.
The University, which has commenced its post-graduate studies, has also ensured that all programs of the University that have been presented for the accreditation process, have been accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and all relevant professional bodies.
The Impact Rankings is the 3rd edition and the overall ranking includes 1,115 Universities from 94 countries and regions. It would be said that most Universities could not be ranked owing to several reasons ranging from non registration by most universities.
The ranking body requires a university who wishes to be ranked to apply to them and be screened against their set standards to qualify for ranking.