MAAUN Niger emerges top-ranked varsity in Niger Republic

The Maryam Abacha American University of Niger (MAAUN Niger) has emerged as the highest-ranked university in the Republic of Niger in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, marking a major milestone for the institution and the country’s higher education sector.

According to the latest rankings, MAAUN Niger is ranked first in Niger Republic, 14th among private universities in Africa, and placed within the 801–1000 global band, reflecting its growing international reputation for academic excellence, research, and sustainable development.

The achievement positions Niger Republic more prominently on the global higher education map through the university’s inclusion in one of the world’s most respected university ranking systems.

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This was contained in a statement signed by the school registrar, Shuaibu Tanko, a copy of which was made available to the press in Kano.

The institution said the recognition reinforces its status as one of West Africa’s leading bilingual universities, with a strong focus on innovation, human capital development, and impactful research.

Over the years, MAAUN Niger has made significant contributions to professional training, particularly in the health sciences.

Through its Colleges of Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing Sciences, Public Health, and other allied health programmes, the university has produced thousands of professionals serving in hospitals, research institutes, diagnostic laboratories, public health agencies, and other healthcare organisations within the Niger Republic and beyond.

The university noted that its graduates continue to contribute to strengthening healthcare systems and expanding access to quality healthcare services in different parts of the world.

Beyond academic training, the institution has also prioritised research, community engagement and knowledge dissemination aimed at addressing contemporary social and development challenges.

The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings evaluate universities based on their contributions to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), measuring both academic performance and societal impact.

Commenting on the achievement, Professor Ibrahim Lawal described the ranking as recognition of the university’s broader contribution to society.

He said the rankings go beyond traditional academic indicators by assessing the practical impact universities make through education, research, and sustainable development initiatives.

According to him, MAAUN Niger’s inclusion in the 2026 rankings reflects its strategic investments in quality education, healthcare training, research and sustainable development, while strengthening its position as an emerging centre of excellence in higher education in Africa.

The latest recognition is expected to further enhance the university’s profile as a leading institution in the region, particularly in health sciences education, research, and the promotion of sustainable development initiatives.