Categories

Social Sciences
, 
Education and Pedagogy

World University Rankings: Actors, Algorithms and Agendas

Authors

By 
Offia Tugwell Owo
Offia Tugwell Owo, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Nigeria
Orcid https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8754-3531

Offia Tugwell Owo is a registered electrical engineer, lecturer and researcher in the Department of Technical Education, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He obtained his Ph.D. in Electrical/Electronic Technology Education with Distinction from the prestigious Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. With over 40 publications as journal articles, book chapters and conference proceedings, Dr. Owo contributed in no small measures to the development of education and technological advancement. He’s a certified educator, STEM education expert, and technology education researcher whose works cover digital education, educational assessment, teaching strategies, employability skills development, and higher education policies and administration.

, 
Onisomise Duvall Ogbapu
Onisomise Duvall Ogbapu, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Nigeria
Orcid https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4426-2114

Onisomise Duvall Ogbapu is an accomplished academic, technology educator, researcher, and author with extensive experience in technical and vocational education. He currently serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Technical Education, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt. Prior to his current appointment, he was a Lecturer in the Department of Vocational and Technology Education, Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku, where he contributed significantly to teaching, research, and development of technical education programmes. Dr. Onisomise holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Technical Education with specialization in Building Technology from Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

STAR SCHOLARS PRESS

Published

Publication date : August 9, 2026

Synopsis

World university rankings have become powerful governance instruments that shape higher education policy, institutional behaviour, and resource allocation globally. This chapter critically examines the key actors involved in producing and consuming rankings, the algorithmic methodologies that underpin ranking systems, and the various agendas that drive their proliferation and influence. Through analysis of major ranking organizations including Times Higher Education, QS, and Academic Ranking of World Universities, this study reveals how rankings reflect epistemological assumptions about quality and excellence while serving multiple stakeholder interests. The chapter demonstrates that ranking algorithms are not neutral technical tools but rather embody specific values and priorities that advantage certain institutional types and national systems. Furthermore, the chapter explores how rankings have created new forms of global competition, stratification, and isomorphism in higher education. Drawing on critical policy analysis and theoretical frameworks from the sociology of quantification, this chapter argues that understanding the interplay between actors, algorithms, and agendas is essential for developing more equitable and meaningful approaches to assessing university quality. The findings have significant implications for university leaders, policymakers, and researchers seeking to navigate the rankings landscape while maintaining institutional mission and diversity.

Copyright

Copyright (c) 2026 STAR SCHOLARS PRESS