The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has secured an impressive milestone, ranking second in Nigeria and 161st globally in the newly released 2026 Global Interdisciplinary Science Rankings (ISR) by Times Higher Education (THE).
The ISR, a key component of THE’s World University Rankings ecosystem, evaluates how effectively universities integrate diverse scientific fields to tackle complex global problems. In the 2026 edition, 911 universities worldwide were assessed, placing UNN’s performance among the most outstanding in Africa.
According to THE, the ISR measures institutional strength across three core pillars: Inputs, Process, and Output.
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Inputs focus on infrastructure, funding, and support for interdisciplinary research.
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Process evaluates policies and systems that promote cross-disciplinary collaboration.
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Output captures research publications, citations, global reputation, and measurable scientific impact.
UNN’s achievement comes just months after the Stanford–Elsevier Global Scientist Ranking recognised 19 scholars from the institution among the world’s top two per cent of researchers in 2025 — a development that further consolidates the university’s rising global profile.
Reacting to the latest feat, UNN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, described the ranking as evidence of the institution’s renewed commitment to transformative, high-impact research.
“The THE ranking highlights our expanding capacity to produce research that draws from science, engineering, humanities, health sciences, environment, agriculture, and emerging technologies to address societal challenges,” he said.
