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The University of Ibadan has reclaimed its position as Nigeria’s top university in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for 2026, marking a major comeback for the country’s oldest tertiary institution.
According to the ranking released on Thursday, UI now sits within the 801–1,000 bracket globally, surpassing other top Nigerian universities and regaining the number-one national position it last held in 2023.
The institution rose from fourth place in the 2025 ranking to reclaim its dominance in 2026.
The latest assessment by THE covered 2,191 universities across 115 countries, evaluating performance using 18 indicators under five key categories, teaching quality, research environment, research impact, industry engagement, and international outlook.
Covenant University, which previously led the table in 2024 and 2025, dropped to fourth place, while the University of Lagos and Bayero University Kano secured second and third positions respectively.
Education analysts say the new ranking highlights the shifting landscape of Nigeria’s higher education sector.
“UI’s return to the top is not accidental; it reflects renewed focus on research output, academic reputation, and partnerships,” said education policy expert, Dr Tunde Ogunleye.
“This shows Nigerian universities can still compete on the global stage despite funding challenges.”
Globally, the 2026 ranking was based on a massive dataset, over 174.9 million citations from 18.7 million research publications, and responses from more than 108,000 scholars.
This year’s edition revealed notable gains among African universities, signalling increased visibility in global academic research.
Among Nigerian institutions, the University of Lagos emerged with the highest score in research quality, achieving 66.7 points.
Bayero University Kano ranked top in international outlook, while Covenant University maintained its reputation for strong industry partnerships, topping the industry category.
Out of 51 Nigerian universities in the global ranking, only the University of Ibadan and the University of Lagos made it into the 801–1,000 tier.
Bayero University Kano, Covenant University, and Landmark University were ranked between 1,001 and 1,200. Meanwhile, Ahmadu Bello University, Federal University of Technology Minna, University of Ilorin, University of Jos, and University of Nigeria, Nsukka appeared in the 1,201–1,500 bracket.
Reacting to the development, UI Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, described the recognition as “a validation of the university’s enduring commitment to excellence.”
He added, “This achievement is not just about rankings, it’s about the consistent dedication of our staff and students to quality research and impactful education.”
The University of Ibadan’s resurgence is likely to renew discussions around funding, innovation, and competitiveness within Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
Experts believe the ranking could also enhance the university’s ability to attract more international collaborations and research grants.
See the full list below:
University of Ibadan (801–1000)
University of Lagos (801–1000)
Bayero University (1001–1200)
Covenant University (1001–1200)
Landmark University (1001–1200)
Ahmadu Bello University (1201–1500)
Federal University of Technology, Minna (1201–1500)
University of Ilorin (1201–1500)
University of Jos (1201–1500)
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1201–1500)
Babcock University (1501+)
Delta State University, Abraka (1501+)
Ekiti State University (1501+)
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (1501+)
Federal University of Technology, Akure (1501+)
Federal University of Technology, Owerri (1501+)
Federal University Oye-Ekiti (1501+)
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (1501+)
Lagos State University (1501+)
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (1501+)
Obafemi Awolowo University (1501+)
University of Benin (1501+)
University of Calabar (1501+)
University of Port Harcourt (1501+)
Admiralty University of Nigeria
Akwa Ibom State University
Al-Hikmah University
Augustine University
Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti
Bauchi State University, Gadau
Bayelsa Medical University
Baze University
Bells University of Technology
Bowen University
Evangel University, Akaeze
Federal University of Lafia
Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun
Fountain University
Godfrey Okoye University
Igbinedion University Okada
Kaduna State University
Lagos State University of Education
Lagos State University of Science and Technology
Lead City University
Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria
Nasarawa State University, Keffi
Redeemer’s University
Rivers State University
Thomas Adewumi University
University of Cross River State
University of Delta
AFRIPOST reports that the Times Higher Education (THE) is an internationally renowned independent body that supplies data and analytical insights for the global higher education sector, best known for its authoritative World University Rankings.
Although any university can submit data for assessment, only institutions that meet specific criteria are included in the 2026 World University Rankings.
To qualify, a university must offer undergraduate programmes, engage in multidisciplinary research, and have produced at least 1,000 scholarly publications between 2020 and 2024, averaging no fewer than 100 papers per year.