The University of Ibadan has been ranked the best university in Nigeria for 2026, according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
University of Ibadan ranked between 801-1000 globally, reclaiming the top spot it last held in 2023. It was followed by University of Lagos that is ranked between 801-1000 globally, with the highest score in research quality (66.7)
Bayero University comes next on the list with the University being ranked between 1001-1200 globally, with the best international outlook score. Covenant University came 4th. The University ranked between 1001-1200 globally, with the highest industry score.
See the full list of top 50 Nigerian universities:
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
51) University of Delta.
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. The University of Ibadan’s ranking is a testament to its commitment to excellence in research and education.
