The University of Ibadan (UI), University of Lagos (UNILAG), and Bayero University, Kano (BUK) have emerged as Nigeria’s top three universities in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.

The ranking, released on Thursday, places UI between 801 and 1000 globally — reclaiming its position as Nigeria’s best university after two years. UNILAG and BUK followed in second and third positions, respectively.

The 2026 assessment covered 2,191 universities across 115 countries, evaluating them based on 18 performance indicators in five areas — teaching, research environment, research quality, industry engagement, and international outlook.

UI moved from fourth place in 2025 to top the national list this year, dethroning Covenant University, which previously held the number-one position in 2024 and 2025.

According to THE data, UNILAG scored highest in research quality among Nigerian institutions, while BUK recorded the best performance in international outlook. Covenant University maintained its edge in industry connections.

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Globally, both UI and UNILAG ranked within the 801–1000 band, while BUK, Covenant University, and Landmark University appeared between 1001–1200. Others — including Ahmadu Bello University, University of Ilorin, University of Jos, University of Nigeria, and the Federal University of Technology, Minna — ranked between 1201–1500.

Out of the 51 Nigerian universities featured, 14 fell within the 1501+ category, while 27 institutions were unranked.

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings are among the most respected global university assessments. To qualify, universities must teach undergraduates, publish at least 1,000 research papers between 2020 and 2024, and demonstrate activity across multiple disciplines.

See the full list

University of Ibadan (801–1000)

University of Lagos (801–1000)

Bayero University (1001–1200)

Covenant University (1001–1200)

Landmark University (1001–1200)

Ahmadu Bello University (1201–1500)

Federal University of Technology, Minna (1201–1500)

University of Ilorin (1201–1500)

University of Jos (1201–1500)

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1201–1500)

Babcock University (1501+)

Delta State University, Abraka (1501+)

Ekiti State University (1501+)

Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (1501+)

Federal University of Technology, Akure (1501+)

Federal University of Technology, Owerri (1501+)

Federal University Oye-Ekiti (1501+)

Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (1501+)

Lagos State University (1501+)

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (1501+)

Obafemi Awolowo University (1501+)

University of Benin (1501+)

University of Calabar (1501+)

University of Port Harcourt (1501+)

Admiralty University of Nigeria

Akwa Ibom State University

Al-Hikmah University

Augustine University

Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti

Bauchi State University, Gadau

Bayelsa Medical University

Baze University

Bells University of Technology

Bowen University

Evangel University, Akaeze

Federal University of Lafia

Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun

Fountain University

Godfrey Okoye University

Igbinedion University Okada

Kaduna State University

Lagos State University of Education

Lagos State University of Science and Technology

Lead City University

Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria

Nasarawa State University, Keffi

Redeemer’s University

Rivers State University

Thomas Adewumi University

University of Cross River State

University of Delta