The University of Ibadan (UI) has been named Nigeria’s highest-ranked university in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, outperforming institutions such as the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Covenant University, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

The results, released on Thursday via THE’s official platform, place UI within the 801–1000 global ranking band, making it the leading Nigerian institution in this year’s edition. This milestone also marks UI’s return to the top position nationally after last holding the spot in 2023.

How the 2026 Rankings Were Compiled

The 2026 assessment reviewed 2,191 universities across 115 countries, applying 18 performance metrics grouped into five major categories:

• Teaching quality
  
• Research environment
  
• Research impact and quality
  
• Industry collaboration and knowledge transfer
  
• International outlook
  

The analysis drew on more than 174 million academic citations from nearly 19 million research publications, alongside survey feedback from over 108,000 scholars worldwide.

UI’s Climb Back to the Top

In the 2025 edition, UI placed fourth among Nigerian universities. Its rise to the top in 2026 displaced Covenant University, which had led national rankings for two consecutive years.

UI’s improved performance highlights gains in research visibility and overall academic influence within the global higher education space.

Other Nigerian Universities in the Global Top 1000

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) joined UI as the only other Nigerian institution to break into the top 1000 globally, also positioned in the 801–1000 band.

Three universities followed closely behind in the 1001–1200 global category:

• Bayero University Kano (BUK)
  
• Covenant University
  
• Landmark University

Performance Highlights by Category

Different universities stood out across specific performance areas:

• Research Quality: UNILAG recorded the strongest score nationally, reflecting high research influence.
  
• International Outlook: Bayero University Kano led in global engagement and international collaboration.
  
• Industry Engagement: Covenant University ranked highest for partnerships with the private sector and applied research.

Institutions in the 1201–1500 Band

Several well-known Nigerian universities were grouped in the 1201–1500 global range, including:

• Ahmadu Bello University
  
• Federal University of Technology, Minna
  
• University of Ilorin
  
• University of Jos
  
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
  

A broader group of institutions appeared in the 1501+ category, highlighting ongoing challenges in competing at the highest international levels.

Nigeria’s Overall Presence in THE 2026 Rankings

In total, 51 Nigerian universities featured in the THE World University Rankings 2026. However, only two institutions UI and UNILAG secured positions within the global top 1000.

Fourteen universities were placed in the 1501+ category, while 27 institutions that submitted data did not receive a ranking, underscoring the competitive and selective nature of the assessment.

Top-Ranked Nigerian Universities (2026 Edition)

1. University of Ibadan (UI)
   
2. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
   
3. Bayero University Kano (BUK)
   
4. Covenant University
   
5. Landmark University
   
6. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
   
7. Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)