University of Ibadan has reclaimed the title of Nigeria’s best university in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, the announcement released on October 9, 2025 reveals. After placing fourth in last year’s ranking, UI has moved up to lead all Nigerian universities once again, overtaking Covenant University, which had held the top spot in both 2024 and 2025.
In the global ranking, UI is placed in the 801–1,000 band among 2,191 institutions from 115 countries evaluated. The evaluation considered 18 performance indicators, looking at areas like teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook, and how much universities partner with industry.
Not far behind UI is the University of Lagos, also in the 801–1,000 global band. Following closely are Bayero University Kano, Covenant University, and Landmark University in the 1001–1200 range. Then come Ahmadu Bello University, Federal University of Technology Minna, University of Ilorin, University of Jos, and University of Nigeria, Nsukka, falling in the 1201–1500 bracket.
Some interesting details emerge from the ranking metrics. UNILAG scored highest in research quality, while Bayero University (BUK) stood out in international outlook among Nigerian institutions. Covenant maintained strong ties with industry, showing it remains top in industry engagement.
Out of 51 Nigerian universities included in the THE 2026 ranking, only UI and UNILAG fall within the top 1,000 globally. Others are spread across lower bands: some above 1,000 but within 1,200; others between 1,201 and 1,500; many more ranked above 1,500; and a few who submitted data but were not given a rank.
Here’s the ranking of Nigerian universities as per the 2026 THE list:
| University | Global Band |
|---|---|
| University of Ibadan | 801–1000 |
| University of Lagos | 801–1000 |
| Bayero University, Kano | 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 | Not Ranked |
| Akwa Ibom State University | Not Ranked |
| Al-Hikmah University | Not Ranked |
| Augustine University | Not Ranked |
| Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti | Not Ranked |
| Bauchi State University, Gadau | Not Ranked |
| Bayelsa Medical University | Not Ranked |
| Baze University | Not Ranked |
| Bells University of Technology | Not Ranked |
| Bowen University | Not Ranked |
| Evangel University, Akaeze | Not Ranked |
| Federal University of Lafia | Not Ranked |
| Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun | Not Ranked |
| Fountain University | Not Ranked |
| Godfrey Okoye University | Not Ranked |
| Igbinedion University, Okada | Not Ranked |
| Kaduna State University | Not Ranked |
| Lagos State University of Education | Not Ranked |
| Lagos State University of Science and Technology | Not Ranked |
| Lead City University | Not Ranked |
| Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria | Not Ranked |
| Nasarawa State University, Keffi | Not Ranked |
| Redeemer’s University | Not Ranked |
| Rivers State University | Not Ranked |
| Thomas Adewumi University | Not Ranked |
| University of Cross River State | Not Ranked |
| University of Delta | Not Ranked |