The University of Ibadan (UI) has reclaimed its position as Nigeria’s top-ranked university in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, moving up from fourth place last year to lead the national chart once again.

 

In the global table released Thursday on THE’s official website, UI was placed in the 801–1000 band, outshining other prominent Nigerian universities, including the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Bayero University Kano (BUK), and Covenant University (CU).

 

UI last held the top spot in 2023 and has now dethroned Covenant University, which had previously led in both 2024 and 2025.

 

Nigeria’s Top 5 Universities in 2026 THE Rankings:

1. University of Ibadan (801–1000)

2. University of Lagos (801–1000)

3. Bayero University Kano (1001–1200)

4. Covenant University (1001–1200)

5. Landmark University (1001–1200)

 

According to THE, this year’s rankings are the most comprehensive to date, featuring 2,191 universities across 115 countries. Institutions were evaluated using 18 performance indicators grouped under five key categories: teaching, research environment, research quality, industry engagement, and international outlook.

 

The data pool included over 174.9 million citations from 18.7 million research publications and survey responses from more than 108,000 scholars worldwide.

 

Performance Highlights of Nigerian Universities:

• UI: Best overall ranking in Nigeria.

• UNILAG: Highest in research quality, scoring 66.7.

• BUK: Best in international outlook among Nigerian universities.

• Covenant University: Top in industry engagement, indicating strong links with the private sector.

 

Out of the 51 Nigerian universities featured:

• 2 (UI and UNILAG) placed between 801–1000 globally.

• 3 (BUK, CU, and Landmark) between 1001–1200.

• 5 fell in the 1201–1500 range.

• 14 universities ranked above 1501.

• 27 were unranked, having not met the minimum criteria.

 

Nigerian Universities Ranked in the 2026 THE World Rankings:

 

801–1000:

• University of Ibadan

• University of Lagos

 

1001–1200:

• Bayero University Kano

• Covenant University

• Landmark University

 

1201–1500:

• Ahmadu Bello University

• Federal University of Technology, Minna

• University of Ilorin

• University of Jos

• University of Nigeria, Nsukka

 

1501+:

• Babcock University

• Delta State University, Abraka

• Ekiti State University

• Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

• Federal University of Technology, Akure

• Federal University of Technology, Owerri

• Federal University Oye-Ekiti

• Ladoke Akintola University of Technology

• Lagos State University

• Nnamdi Azikiwe University

• Obafemi Awolowo University

• University of Benin

• University of Calabar

• University of Port Harcourt

 

Unranked (Not listed in a performance band):

• 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

 

The latest rankings highlight a dynamic shift in Nigeria’s higher education landscape, showcasing the growing competitiveness among public and private institutions, as well as the increasing impact of research and global collaboration.

 

As Nigeria seeks to improve its global academic reputation, experts say the spotlight on research quality and international partnerships will be critical for institutions looking to climb the global rankings.