Nigeria’s growing influence in global higher education is enhanced by the inclusion of 24 universities in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings, the highest representation of any sub-Saharan country.
According to the latest rankings, the University of Ibadan and the University of Lagos are the best universities in Nigeria and Bayero University Kano is one of the best in the country.
Nigeria’s representation in the world ranking rose from 21 institutions in 2024 and 2025 to 24 universities in 2026, making it the most represented country in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Nigerian contingent consists of 17 federal universities, 3 state universities and 4 private universities, demonstrating the growing competitiveness of the country’s tertiary education sector in terms of teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international vision.
The ranking also highlights the growing recognition of specialist institutions, with some federal universities of technology and agriculture gaining places.
In contrast, state-owned universities have maintained their global standing through improved academic performance and research output.
Responding to the current ranking, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, hailed the achievement as an important milestone for the higher education sector in Nigeria, stating that it demonstrates the positive effects of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s universities.
He stated that the increasing international recognition of Nigerian institutions demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to making tertiary education a driving force for innovation, research, human capital development and long-term national growth.
According to experts, the latest recognition will raise the international profile of Nigerian universities, increase opportunities for global collaboration, attract research funding and encourage long-term investment in quality teaching, innovation and institutional development across the country’s higher education sector.
24 Nigerian Universities in World Ranking by Times Higher Education
The 24 Nigerian Universities listed in are:
1. University of Ibadan
2. University of Lagos
3. Bayero Kano University
4. Covenant University
5. A significant university
6. Ahmadu Bello University
7. Federal University of Technology, Minna
8. University of Ilorin
9. University of Jos
10. University of Nigeria, Nsukka
11. Babcock University
12. Delta State University, Abraka
13. Ekiti State University
14. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
15. Federal University of Technology, Akure
16. Federal University of Technology, Owerri
17. Federal University Oye-Ekiti
18. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
19. Lagos State University
20. Nnamdi Azikiwe University
21. Obafemi Awolowo University
22. University of Benin
23. University of Calabar
24. University of Port Harcourt
