Top universities in Nigeria 2026
| Nigeria Rank 2026 | WUR Rank 2026 | University | Overall | Teaching | Research Environment | Research Quality | Industry | International Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| =1 | 801–1000 | University of Ibadan | 35.5–38.9 | 29.6 | 15.6 | 63.5 | 22.1 | 43.8 |
| =1 | 801–1000 | University of Lagos | 35.5–38.9 | 18.4 | 20.1 | 66.7 | 32.6 | 45.6 |
| =3 | 1001–1200 | Bayero University | 32.1–35.4 | 22.5 | 11 | 60.7 | 18 | 49.6 |
| =3 | 1001–1200 | Covenant University | 32.1–35.4 | 21.6 | 27.5 | 50.8 | 55.7 | 42.3 |
| =3 | 1001–1200 | Landmark University | 32.1–35.4 | 20.2 | 18.4 | 61.9 | 22.1 | 37.2 |
| =6 | 1201–1500 | Ahmadu Bello University | 27.3–32.0 | 24.3 | 10 | 58.9 | 20.6 | 44.2 |
| =6 | 1201–1500 | Federal University of Technology, Minna | 27.3–32.0 | 22.3 | 8.5 | 51.8 | 17.8 | 44.6 |
| =6 | 1201–1500 | University of Ilorin | 27.3–32.0 | 15.5 | 12.6 | 64.8 | 20.2 | 42.6 |
| =6 | 1201–1500 | University of Jos | 27.3–32.0 | 15.3 | 8.6 | 55.9 | 18.4 | 46.4 |
| =6 | 1201–1500 | University of Nigeria Nsukka | 27.3–32.0 | 32 | 11 | 40.3 | 20.3 | 41.4 |
| =11 | 1501+ | Babcock University | 10.3–27.2 | 27.6 | 9.9 | 41.8 | 16 | 33.5 |
| =11 | 1501+ | Delta State University, Abraka | 10.3–27.2 | 13.5 | 9.4 | 15.1 | 16.3 | 24 |
| =11 | 1501+ | Ekiti State University | 10.3–27.2 | 24.2 | 10.1 | 17.3 | 16.4 | 31.6 |
| =11 | 1501+ | Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta | 10.3–27.2 | 17.7 | 8.8 | 24.3 | 21.1 | 34.8 |
| =11 | 1501+ | Federal University of Technology Akure | 10.3–27.2 | 24.4 | 12.2 | 40 | 23.9 | 46.6 |
| =11 | 1501+ | Federal University of Technology, Owerri | 10.3–27.2 | 25.2 | 8.3 | 23.7 | 26.9 | 40.5 |
| =11 | 1501+ | Federal University Oye-Ekiti | 10.3–27.2 | 10.3 | 9.2 | 16.5 | 16.3 | 39.9 |
| =11 | 1501+ | Ladoke Akintola University of Technology | 10.3–27.2 | 14 | 10.7 | 40.7 | 25.6 | 37.2 |
| =11 | 1501+ | Lagos State University | 10.3–27.2 | 17.1 | 10.5 | 30.1 | 20.9 | 45.5 |
| =11 | 1501+ | Nnamdi Azikiwe University | 10.3–27.2 | 23.3 | 8.6 | 36.2 | 19.2 | 36 |
| =11 | 1501+ | Obafemi Awolowo University | 10.3–27.2 | 21.5 | 13.4 | 36 | 45.5 | 41.1 |
| =11 | 1501+ | University of Benin | 10.3–27.2 | 15.6 | 9.2 | 50.5 | 17.8 | 35.5 |
| =11 | 1501+ | University of Calabar | 10.3–27.2 | 20.4 | 9.6 | 39.7 | 17 | 39 |
| =11 | 1501+ | University of Port Harcourt | 10.3–27.2 | 20.6 | 8.8 | 19.5 | 21.2 | 37.6 |
Key Insights from the 2026 THE Nigeria University Rankings
- Nigeria has a growing presence in global higher education with 24 universities featured in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. That's three more universities featured than last year's ranking.
- University of Idaban and University of Lagos take the joint first place position as the best university in Nigeria in 2026. It knocks Covenant University down to third place, as the previous number one.
- Ahmadu Bello University and Landmark University scored highly for Research Quality pillar which looks at a university's role in spreading new knowledge and ideas.
- Federal universities play a significant role in the Nigerian education landscape, with institutions like Bayero University and the University of Nigeria Nsukka striving to enhance their global positions through academic excellence and industry partnerships.
Choosing the right university in Nigeria
As Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria continues to expand its higher education sector to meet the needs of its young and dynamic population.
Students considering the best universities in Nigeria should evaluate key factors such as programme offerings, research opportunities, campus facilities, and industry collaborations. Nigeria’s universities offer diverse strengths, whether in research quality, innovation, or international outlook.
Use the Nigeria university rankings above to explore institutions that align with your academic and career goals.
The table for the best universities in Nigeria was derived from data collected from the THE World University Rankings. The results are calculated using 18 performance indicators underlying five metrics: research environment, teaching (the learning environment), research quality, industry and international outlook. For more insights and a detailed breakdown of our ranking methodology, visit our methodology page.
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