UI Beats Covenant and UNILAG to Become Nigeria’s Best University in 2026

The University of Ibadan (UI) has once again proven its academic strength by emerging as Nigeria’s best university in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026.

After slipping to fourth place in 2025, UI made a strong comeback, reclaiming the top spot it last held in 2023. 

The Ibadan-based federal institution now sits in the 801–1,000 global band, outperforming top rivals Covenant University (CU) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

A look at the 2026 rankings

The latest ranking evaluated 2,191 universities across 115 countries, using 18 performance indicators. 

These indicators focused on five key areas: teaching quality, research, research environment, industry engagement, and international outlook.

This year’s analysis was massive, covering over 18.7 million research publications, 174.9 million citations, and feedback from 108,000 scholars worldwide.

How Nigerian Universities Performed

UI led the pack nationally, followed by UNILAG, Bayero University (BUK), and Covenant University. Each university stood out in specific areas:

• UNILAG earned the highest score in quality research with 66.7 points.
  
• BUK ranked best in international outlook.
  
• Covenant University topped in industry engagement.
  

Out of 51 Nigerian universities that made the global list, only UI and UNILAG were ranked within the 801–1,000 band. 

BUK, CU, and Landmark University were in the 1001–1200 band, while institutions like Ahmadu Bello University, University of Ilorin, and University of Nigeria Nsukka were between 1201–1500.

Why the Rankings Matter

The Times Higher Education ranking is one of the most respected in the world. It recognizes universities that not only teach undergraduates but also conduct significant research across various fields. 

To qualify, a university must have published at least 1,000 research papers between 2020 and 2024.

For Nigeria, UI’s victory is more than just a title, it reflects a renewed focus on academic excellence and global relevance. It also shows how Nigerian universities are steadily competing on the world stage despite limited resources.

Top 10 Nigerian Universities in THE 2026 Rankings

1. University of Ibadan (UI) – 801–1000
   
2. University of Lagos (UNILAG) – 801–1000
   
3. Bayero University Kano (BUK) – 1001–1200
   
4. Covenant University (CU) – 1001–1200
   
5. Landmark University – 1001–1200
   
6. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) – 1201–1500
   
7. Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna) – 1201–1500
   
8. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) – 1201–1500
   
9. University of Jos (UNIJOS) – 1201–1500
   
10. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – 1201–1500