The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 has placed Nigerian universities on the global academic map, assessing institutions based on teaching quality, research environment, research impact, industry engagement and international outlook.
The 2026 ranking evaluated 2,191 universities across 115 countries and territories, making it one of the most comprehensive global assessments of higher education. Nigerian universities featured across different global bands, with the top 10 standing out for their research output, academic influence and growing international relevance.
Below are the top 10 universities in Nigeria, based on the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, and why each institution earned its place.
1. University of Ibadan
The University of Ibadan, located in Ibadan, Oyo State, is a federal government-owned institution established in 1948. It is Nigeria’s oldest university and ranked in the 801–1000 global band, making it the highest-ranked Nigerian institution in 2026.
UI recorded a strong and balanced performance across key indicators, particularly in research quality and academic citations. Its long history of postgraduate training, medical research and scholarly publications continues to boost its visibility on the global stage. The university’s ability to maintain research output despite funding challenges helped it retain its leading position nationally.
2. University of Lagos
The University of Lagos is a federal university located in Akoka and Idi-Araba, Lagos State. Founded in 1962, UNILAG also ranked within the 801–1000 global band, tying closely with the University of Ibadan.
UNILAG stood out for recording one of the highest research quality scores among Nigerian universities, reflecting the strong global impact of its academic publications. Its location in Nigeria’s commercial capital supports industry partnerships and international collaboration, strengthening its performance in both industry income and international outlook.
3. Bayero University, Kano
The Bayero University Kano is a federal university located in Kano, Kano State. It became a full-fledged university in 1975 and ranked in the 1001–1200 global band.
BUK emerged as one of Nigeria’s strongest performers in international outlook, indicating active engagement with global research networks and academic partnerships. Its growing research presence in northern Nigeria and consistent academic output helped it secure a place among the country’s top three universities.
4. Covenant University
Located in Ota, Ogun State, Covenant University is a private Christian university established in 2002. It ranked in the 1001–1200 global band, making it one of the highest-ranked private universities in Nigeria.
Covenant University recorded the strongest industry income score among Nigerian institutions, reflecting robust partnerships with the private sector and applied research activities. Its structured academic environment, emphasis on innovation and consistent research output continue to strengthen its global standing.
5. Landmark University
The Landmark University is located in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, and was established in 2011. Like Covenant University, it ranked in the 1001–1200 global band.
Landmark University performed well in research quality, despite being a relatively young institution. Its strong focus on agriculture, sustainability and applied research distinguishes it from more general universities and contributes to its growing international recognition.
6. Ahmadu Bello University
Situated in Zaria, Kaduna State, Ahmadu Bello University is a federal university founded in 1962. It ranked in the 1201–1500 global band.
ABU remains one of the largest universities in sub-Saharan Africa and recorded notable strength in research quality. Its extensive academic programmes, research institutes and postgraduate output continue to support its relevance in global rankings, despite infrastructure and funding pressures.
7. Federal University of Technology, Minna
The Federal University of Technology Minna is located in Minna, Niger State, and was established in 1983. It also ranked within the 1201–1500 global band.
As a technology-focused institution, FUT Minna’s ranking reflects the growing visibility of STEM-oriented universities in Nigeria. Its contributions to engineering, technology and applied sciences helped secure its place among the country’s top institutions.
8. University of Ilorin
The University of Ilorin is a federal university located in Ilorin, Kwara State. Founded in 1975, it ranked in the 1201–1500 global band.
UNILORIN is known for a relatively stable academic calendar and improving research output. Its steady performance in research quality and teaching environment contributed to its continued presence among Nigeria’s top 10 universities in the global ranking.
9. University of Jos
Located in Jos, Plateau State, the University of Jos became an independent federal university in 1975. It ranked in the 1201–1500 global band.
The University of Jos has remained a consistent centre for teaching and research in Nigeria’s North-Central region. Its inclusion in the rankings reflects sustained academic activity and participation in global research evaluation, even as competition among Nigerian universities increases.
10. University of Nigeria, Nsukka
The University of Nigeria Nsukka is located in Nsukka, Enugu State. Founded in 1955 and officially opened in 1960, it ranked in the 1201–1500 global band.
UNN is Nigeria’s first indigenous university and maintains a broad academic footprint across disciplines. Its historical legacy, research contributions and national influence continue to support its global recognition, despite challenges in research funding and infrastructure.
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 highlight both the strengths and limitations of Nigeria’s higher education system. While no Nigerian university currently ranks among the world’s top 500, the consistent presence of multiple institutions across global bands shows progress in research visibility, industry engagement and international collaboration.
