Nigeria has continued to strengthen its presence in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, increasing the number of ranked institutions in the country from 21 universities in 2024 and 2025 to 24 universities in the 2026 edition.
The latest ranking makes Nigeria the most represented country in Sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting gradual improvements in research, teaching, innovation and international outlook.
Below is a year-by-year breakdown of Nigerian universities that featured in the rankings.
2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings
Total Nigerian universities ranked: 21
Covenant University
Ahmadu Bello University
Landmark University
University of Ibadan
University of Lagos
Bayero University, Kano
Federal University of Technology, Akure
Federal University of Technology, Minna
University of Benin
University of Ilorin
University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Ekiti State University
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
Federal University of Technology, Owerri
Federal University, Oye-Ekiti
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
Lagos State University
Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Obafemi Awolowo University
University of Port Harcourt
Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
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2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings
Total Nigerian universities ranked: 21
Covenant University
Ahmadu Bello University
Landmark University
University of Ibadan
University of Lagos
Bayero University, Kano
Federal University of Technology, Akure
Federal University of Technology, Minna
University of Benin
University of Ilorin
University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
Federal University, Oye-Ekiti
Lagos State University
Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Obafemi Awolowo University
University of Port Harcourt
Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
Rivers State University
Afe Babalola University
Veritas University.
2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings
Total Nigerian universities ranked: 24
University of Ibadan
University of Lagos
Bayero University, Kano
Covenant University
Landmark University
Ahmadu Bello University
Federal University of Technology, Minna
University of Ilorin
University of Jos
University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Afe Babalola University
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
Federal University of Technology, Akure
Federal University, Oye-Ekiti
Lagos State University
Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Obafemi Awolowo University
Rivers State University
Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
University of Benin
University of Port Harcourt
University of Uyo
Veritas University
Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.
Key Highlights
Nigeria maintained 21 ranked universities in both the 2024 and 2025 editions before increasing to 24 universities in 2026.
Covenant University emerged as Nigeria’s highest-ranked institution in both the 2024 and 2025 rankings.
In 2026, the University of Ibadan reclaimed the top spot nationally, with the University of Lagos joining it in the 801–1000 global ranking band.
The 2026 rankings also saw the University of Jos, University of Uyo, and Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, feature among the ranked institutions, contributing to Nigeria’s record representation in the global rankings.
