University of Ibadan Dethrones Covenant as Nigeria’s Best University

The University of Ibadan has taken back its position as Nigeria’s top university, ranking between 801-1000 globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026. UI jumped from fourth place in 2025 to dethrone Covenant University, which held the title in 2024 and 2025.

The University of Lagos came in second, ranking between 801-1000 globally, while Bayero University and Covenant University took third and fourth spots, ranking between 1001-1200 globally. Landmark University also ranked between 1001-1200 globally.

Notably, the University of Lagos scored highest in research quality with a score of 66.7, while Bayero University ranked best in international outlook. Covenant University topped the industry score with its strong industry connections.

Out of 51 Nigerian institutions featured in the rankings, only UI and UNILAG fell between 801-1000 globally. Fourteen Nigerian universities were categorized above 1501, and 27 institutions were not ranked despite submitting data.

The rankings evaluated 2,191 institutions from 115 countries based on 18 performance indicators across five key areas: teaching, research environment, research quality, industry, and international outlook.

See the full list

1. University of Ibadan (801–1000)
2. University of Lagos (801–1000)
3. Bayero University (1001–1200)
4. Covenant University (1001–1200)
5. Landmark University (1001–1200)
6. Ahmadu Bello University (1201–1500)
7. Federal University of Technology, Minna (1201–1500)
8. University of Ilorin (1201–1500)
9. University of Jos (1201–1500)
10. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1201–1500)
11. Babcock University (1501+)
12. Delta State University, Abraka (1501+)
13. Ekiti State University (1501+)
14. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (1501+)
15. Federal University of Technology, Akure (1501+)
16. Federal University of Technology, Owerri (1501+)
17. Federal University Oye-Ekiti (1501+)
18. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (1501+)
19. Lagos State University (1501+)
20. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (1501+)
21. Obafemi Awolowo University (1501+)
22. University of Benin (1501+)
23. University of Calabar (1501+)
24. University of Port Harcourt (1501+)
25. Admiralty University of Nigeria
26. Akwa Ibom State University
27. Al-Hikmah University
28. Augustine University
29. Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti
30. Bauchi State University, Gadau
31. Bayelsa Medical University
32. Baze University
33. Bells University of Technology
34. Bowen University
35. Evangel University, Akaeze
36. Federal University of Lafia
37. Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun
38. Fountain University
39. Godfrey Okoye University
40. Igbinedion University Okada
41. Kaduna State University
42. Lagos State University of Education
43. Lagos State University of Science and Technology
44. Lead City University
45. Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria
46. Nasarawa State University, Keffi
47. Redeemer’s University
48. Rivers State University
49. Thomas Adewumi University
50. University of Cross River State
51. University of Delta