FULL LIST: UI, UNILAG, BUK Emerge Nigeria’s Top Universities for 2026

The University of Ibadan (UI), University of Lagos (UNILAG), and Bayero University, Kano (BUK) have emerged as Nigeria’s top three universities in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.

The ranking, released on Thursday, places UI between 801 and 1000 globally — reclaiming its position as Nigeria’s best university after two years. UNILAG and BUK followed in second and third positions, respectively.

The 2026 assessment covered 2,191 universities across 115 countries, evaluating them based on 18 performance indicators in five areas — teaching, research environment, research quality, industry engagement, and international outlook.

UI moved from fourth place in 2025 to top the national list this year, dethroning Covenant University, which previously held the number-one position in 2024 and 2025.

According to THE data, UNILAG scored highest in research quality among Nigerian institutions, while BUK recorded the best performance in international outlook. Covenant University maintained its edge in industry connections.

Globally, both UI and UNILAG ranked within the 801–1000 band, while BUK, Covenant University, and Landmark University appeared between 1001–1200. Others — including Ahmadu Bello University, University of Ilorin, University of Jos, University of Nigeria, and the Federal University of Technology, Minna — ranked between 1201–1500.

Out of the 51 Nigerian universities featured, 14 fell within the 1501+ category, while 27 institutions were unranked.

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings are among the most respected global university assessments. To qualify, universities must teach undergraduates, publish at least 1,000 research papers between 2020 and 2024, and demonstrate activity across multiple disciplines.

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