Ekiti State University has been ranked the best state University in Nigeria for the second consecutive time in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, placing 12th among 300 Nigerian Universities assessed, as the Institution prepares to graduate nearly 11,000 students at its 30th convocation ceremony this week.

Vice Chancellor Professor Babatola Ayodele announced the milestone at a press conference in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday, describing the recognition as a validation of the University's sustained efforts to compete nationally and internationally despite being located in what he called the hinterland. "Our University has, for the second time in quick succession, been ranked by Times Higher Education in its 2026 ranking as the Best State University in Nigeria," he said, adding that EKSU has also been recognised by Webometrics, Web of Universities and the US News and World Report.

The convocation will see 10,959 students conferred with qualifications, comprising 284 diploma holders, 10,125 bachelor's degree recipients and 550 higher degree graduates. Of the bachelor's degree graduates, 82 earned First Class honours, 2,794 graduated with Second Class Upper, 6,020 with Second Class Lower, 1,217 with Third Class and 12 with a pass. Honorary doctorates of finance will be conferred on two distinguished alumni, Mr Abayomi Adeyeri and Mr Akinsanmi Falaki.

Ayodele highlighted several Institutional developments over the past year and a half, including the expansion of faculties from 12 to 14, the introduction of postgraduate programmes in Medicine and the commencement of the approval process for postgraduate Nursing Science programmes. The University has also received full NUC approval for all its academic programmes.

On staff welfare, the Vice Chancellor said EKSU has maintained prompt salary and pension payments, cleared promotion backlogs and processed allowance arrears in a structured manner. In 2025, 111 academic staff were promoted, including 24 professors and 47 readers, while 590 non teaching staff also received promotions.

For students considering where to pursue their education within the state University system, EKSU's back to back ranking as Nigeria's best state University offers a compelling data point at a moment when Institutional standards across the country remain uneven.