By Gift ChapiOdekina,Abuja

The Virtual Institute for Capacity Building in Higher Education (VICBHE) has graduated 1,403 certified ranking professionals and launched the continent’s first indigenous African University Ranking System (AURS).

Director, Peter Okebukola, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja, describing the development as a major milestone in Africa’s higher education evaluation.

The graduation ceremony, held March 31, also featured the inauguration of the Association of Ranking Professionals (ARP), aimed at strengthening capacity and standards among ranking experts across the continent.

According to Okebukola, the graduates were trained under VICBHE’s flagship programme on global university rankings, equipping them with expertise in major ranking systems and data analysis techniques.

He urged the new professionals to promote data-driven decision-making and improve the global visibility of African universities.

A highlight of the event was the unveiling of AURS, designed to reflect Africa’s realities and complement global ranking systems, while supporting institutional development in line with continental goals.

The event featured international experts including Ellen Hazelkorn, Jamil Salmi, and N. V. Varghese.

With the launch of AURS and the new professional body, organisers say Africa is taking a significant step toward reshaping its higher education narrative globally.