More than 4,200 Nigerian scholars have been trained to publish research in high-impact international journals as the country intensifies efforts to raise the global profile of its tertiary institutions.

Organised by the Virtual Institute for Capacity Building in Higher Education (VICBHE), the initiative seeks to strengthen research quality, increase international citations and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education in global rankings.

Chairman of the Nigerian Tertiary Education Ranking Advisory Committee (NiTERAC), Professor Emeritus Peter Okebukola, disclosed this in Abuja while providing an update on the 2026 national ranking exercise, with league tables for tertiary institutions expected to be released on December 15.

Here are nine key takeaways:

1. 4,203 scholars trained in high-impact journal publishing

A total of 4,203 Nigerian academics participated in a free three-day Masterclass held from October 15 to 17, 2026.

The training, themed “Publishing in High-Impact Journals: What Editors and Reviewers Look For,” focused on equipping researchers with the skills required to publish in internationally recognised journals, particularly first-quartile (Q1) publications.

 

 

2. December 15 target for release of 2026 rankings

Prof. Okebukola said the 2026 national ranking of Nigerian tertiary institutions was progressing satisfactorily, with league tables for universities, polytechnics and colleges of education scheduled for release on December 15.

He explained that the exercise was following an approved 17-step process mandated by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.

However, the proposed date remains subject to the minister’s approval of NiTERAC’s recommendations.

 

3. Focus shifts from rankings to research quality

Okebukola said the ranking exercise was not merely about determining which institutions occupy the top positions but also about stimulating improvements in teaching, research quality and international competitiveness.

He stressed the need for Nigerian institutions to produce research that attracts international readership and citations, noting that these are critical to improving their standing in global rankings.

 

5. Scholars introduced to Okebukola’s 12-C Test

A major component of the training was the introduction of the Okebukola 12-C Test for High-Impact Publication, an assessment tool designed to help researchers evaluate their manuscripts before submission.

Participants were also taught how to identify reputable journals, understand international journal rankings and avoid predatory publications.

 

6. 23 participants emerge joint highest scorers

In the combined test and practical assessment, 23 participants emerged joint highest scorers, each recording the maximum 3,060 marks.

They came from institutions including the National Open University of Nigeria, Abia State University, Nigerian Defence Academy, Covenant University, Babcock University, Lagos State University, Yaba College of Technology, Rivers State University, University of Benin and Obafemi Awolowo University.

 

7. Five vice-chancellors to receive Dr Tunji Alausa Prize

VICBHE Management has approved the Dr Tunji Alausa Prize for five vice-chancellors who attained the Distinction Plus classification.

They are Professor Elisabeta Smaranda Olarinde of Afe Babalola University (3,040 marks); Professor Oyedunni Sola Arulogun of Chrisland University (2,945); Professor Gutti Babagana of Kashim Ibrahim University (2,900); Professor Ibiyinka Agboola Fuwape of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University (2,570); and Professor Akan Bassey Williams of Ritman University (2,500).

Okebukola described their participation as evidence of the importance of continuous learning and leadership by example in strengthening academic standards.

 

 

8. YABATECH records highest institutional participation

Yaba College of Technology recorded the highest number of successful participants, with 65 scholars, followed by Lagos State University with 43 and Obafemi Awolowo University with 41.

Other institutions included Nnamdi Azikiwe University (39), National Open University of Nigeria (38), Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (25), Olabisi Onabanjo University (23), University of Ilorin (22), University of Benin (22) and Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (21).

The National Open University of Nigeria and Ladoke Akintola University of Technology also recorded pass rates of 97 per cent and 95 per cent respectively.

 

 

9. Another free Masterclass scheduled for November

VICBHE will organise another free practical Masterclass in mid-November, focusing on “Research Visibility: How to Make Your Scholarship Discoverable, Read and Cited.”

The programme is expected to feature scholars from the African Academy of Sciences, led by its President, Professor Friday Okonofua, and Dr Chika Ezeugwu of Harvard University, alongside Okebukola.

The training will equip Nigerian academics with practical skills to improve the visibility, readership and citation impact of their research.