Nigeria, March 18 -- Speaking at a webinar organized by Adonis and Abbey Publishers to mark its 23rd anniversary under the theme Africa in the World Universities Ranking, Wells argued that league tables provide a misleading snapshot of a university's true value. "Not all institutions are meant to be ranked, and excellence goes far beyond league tables," he said.

He emphasised that universities operate in vastly different national, provincial, and local contexts, each serving unique societal and educational roles.

The former Chief of Global Higher Education at UNESCO in Paris cautioned that forcing a one-size-fits-all ranking approach can divert attention and resources from meaningful initiatives, undermining core missions.

"Rankings p...