Covenant University, the University of Ibadan (UI) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) are the best universities in Nigeria in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2027, jointly placed in the 801–1000 global band. Covenant moved up from the 1001–1200 band in 2026, while UI and UNILAG held their position.
In total, 29 Nigerian universities are ranked, up from 24 last year, the highest number in sub-Saharan Africa. The rankings were released on September 30, 2026.
This guide covers the full list of all 29 universities, the best federal, state and private universities, a breakdown by region, who moved up, and what the rankings mean for your choice of school.
Key Highlights
- Best universities in Nigeria 2027: Covenant University, University of Ibadan, University of Lagos (all 801–1000)
- Ranked Nigerian universities: 29 (24 in 2026)
- Newly ranked: Osun State University, University of Maiduguri, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Kwara State University, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike
- Biggest mover: Covenant University, from 1001–1200 to 801–1000
- Highest research quality score in Nigeria: UNILAG (67.8)
- Highest industry score in Nigeria: Covenant University
- Highest international outlook in Nigeria: Bayero University, Kano
- Global scope: 2,297 universities in 118 countries and territories
- Source: THE World University Rankings 2027, released September 30, 2026
Best Universities in Nigeria 2027: Full List of All 29
THE ranks universities outside the top 300 in bands instead of exact positions, so universities in the same band share the same rank. The numbers below show list order only.
| No. | University | Type | THE Global Ranking 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Covenant University | Private | 801–1000 |
| 2 | University of Ibadan | Federal | 801–1000 |
| 3 | University of Lagos | Federal | 801–1000 |
| 4 | Ahmadu Bello University | Federal | 1001–1200 |
| 5 | Bayero University, Kano | Federal | 1001–1200 |
| 6 | Landmark University | Private | 1001–1200 |
| 7 | University of Ilorin | Federal | 1001–1200 |
| 8 | Babcock University | Private | 1201–1400 |
| 9 | Osun State University | State | 1201–1400 |
| 10 | University of Nigeria, Nsukka | Federal | 1201–1400 |
| 11 | Federal University of Technology, Minna | Federal | 1401–1600 |
| 12 | Nnamdi Azikiwe University | Federal | 1401–1600 |
| 13 | Obafemi Awolowo University | Federal | 1401–1600 |
| 14 | University of Benin | Federal | 1401–1600 |
| 15 | University of Jos | Federal | 1401–1600 |
| 16 | University of Maiduguri | Federal | 1401–1600 |
| 17 | Federal University of Technology, Akure | Federal | 1601–1800 |
| 18 | Federal University of Technology, Owerri | Federal | 1801–2000 |
| 19 | Ladoke Akintola University of Technology | State | 1801–2000 |
| 20 | Lagos State University | State | 1801–2000 |
| 21 | Olabisi Onabanjo University | State | 1801–2000 |
| 22 | University of Calabar | Federal | 1801–2000 |
| 23 | Delta State University, Abraka | State | 2001+ |
| 24 | Ekiti State University | State | 2001+ |
| 25 | Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta | Federal | 2001+ |
| 26 | Federal University Oye-Ekiti | Federal | 2001+ |
| 27 | Kwara State University | State | 2001+ |
| 28 | Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike | Federal | 2001+ |
| 29 | University of Port Harcourt | Federal | 2001+ |
Top 3 Universities in Nigeria 2027
1. Covenant University
Covenant University in Ota, Ogun State, is a private university founded in 2002. Its move from 1001–1200 to 801–1000 makes it the only Nigerian university to climb into the top band this year, and it recorded the highest industry score among Nigerian universities. It offers programmes in engineering, science and technology, business and the social sciences.
2. University of Ibadan (UI)
The University of Ibadan in Ibadan, Oyo State, is Nigeria’s oldest university. It held its 801–1000 band and offers programmes in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, agriculture, engineering, law and the humanities.
3. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
UNILAG, a federal university founded in 1962, also held the 801–1000 band. It recorded the highest research quality score in Nigeria at 67.8, and offers programmes in medicine, engineering, law, pharmacy, science, business and the humanities. Planning to apply? See the UNILAG school fees breakdown on CampusNinja.
Top 10 Universities in Nigeria 2027
The ten highest-ranked Nigerian universities in THE 2027 are Covenant University, University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, Bayero University, Landmark University, University of Ilorin, Babcock University, Osun State University and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The last three share the 1201–1400 band.
Best Private Universities in Nigeria 2027
Three private universities are ranked, and they are among the top eight in the country.
| University | Location | THE Global Ranking 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Covenant University | Ota, Ogun State | 801–1000 |
| Landmark University | Omu-Aran, Kwara State | 1001–1200 |
| Babcock University | Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State | 1201–1400 |
Fees at private universities are far higher than at federal and state schools. For a look at one of them, read our Babcock University school fees guide.
Best Federal Universities in Nigeria 2027
Nineteen federal universities are ranked. The top five are the University of Ibadan and University of Lagos (801–1000), followed by Ahmadu Bello University, Bayero University and the University of Ilorin (1001–1200). The University of Nigeria, Nsukka leads the next group in the 1201–1400 band.
Best State Universities in Nigeria 2027
Seven state universities are ranked.
| University | State | THE Global Ranking 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Osun State University | Osun | 1201–1400 |
| Ladoke Akintola University of Technology | Oyo | 1801–2000 |
| Lagos State University | Lagos | 1801–2000 |
| Olabisi Onabanjo University | Ogun | 1801–2000 |
| Delta State University, Abraka | Delta | 2001+ |
| Ekiti State University | Ekiti | 2001+ |
| Kwara State University | Kwara | 2001+ |
Osun State University, Olabisi Onabanjo University and Kwara State University were all ranked for the first time in 2027.
Ranked Nigerian Universities by Region
The South-West dominates the table, with 13 of the 29 ranked universities.
| Region | Ranked Universities |
|---|---|
| South-West | 13: Covenant, UI, UNILAG, Babcock, Osun State, OAU, FUTA, LAUTECH, LASU, OOU, EKSU, FUNAAB, FUOYE |
| North-Central | 5: Landmark, Ilorin, FUT Minna, Jos, KWASU |
| South-East | 4: UNN, Nnamdi Azikiwe, FUTO, MOUAU |
| South-South | 4: UNIBEN, UNICAL, DELSU, UNIPORT |
| North-West | 2: ABU, Bayero |
| North-East | 1: University of Maiduguri |
How the 29 Universities Are Spread Across the Bands
| Global Band | Number of Nigerian Universities |
|---|---|
| 801–1000 | 3 |
| 1001–1200 | 4 |
| 1201–1400 | 3 |
| 1401–1600 | 6 |
| 1601–1800 | 1 |
| 1801–2000 | 5 |
| 2001+ | 7 |
Seven Nigerian universities are inside the top 1200 in the world.
What Changed in the 2027 Rankings?
Covenant University joins UI and UNILAG at the top
In 2026, UI and UNILAG shared Nigeria’s highest global band on their own. In 2027 Covenant joins them, so the top national position is now shared three ways.
Several universities moved into higher bands
Compared with 2026, Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Ilorin moved from the 1201–1500 band to 1001–1200, and Babcock University moved from 1501+ to 1201–1400. Bayero University and Landmark University stayed in the 1001–1200 band.
THE increased its ranking bands from 11 to 18 this year and now gives exact positions for the top 300 universities instead of the top 200. Because the bands are narrower, a university can appear to move up or down without a real change in performance, so treat band comparisons with 2026 as a rough guide.
Nigeria has the most ranked universities in sub-Saharan Africa
Nigeria’s 29 ranked universities are the highest count in the region, where the total rose from 55 to 69. THE also lists 33 more Nigerian institutions as “reporters”, which submitted data but did not meet the eligibility requirements.
Global context
The University of Oxford stayed first in the world for the 11th year running. The University of Cape Town is the highest-ranked university in sub-Saharan Africa, at joint 147th.
How THE Ranks Universities
THE uses 17 performance indicators grouped into five areas.
| Performance Area | Weight |
|---|---|
| Research quality | 30% |
| Teaching | 29.5% |
| Research environment | 29% |
| International outlook | 7.5% |
| Industry | 4% |
Research quality measures the influence of a university’s published research. Teaching covers the learning environment, teaching reputation, staff-to-student ratios and doctoral education. Research environment covers research reputation, income and productivity. International outlook looks at international students, staff and collaboration, and industry covers research income from industry and patents.
To be ranked, a university must teach undergraduates, conduct research across a range of subjects and have published at least 1,000 research papers between 2021 and 2025, with a minimum of 100 in each year.
What the Rankings Mean for Nigerian Students
The rankings measure research strength and institutional performance. They do not measure how easy a university is to get into, how much it costs, or how good a specific department is. A university in a lower band can have an excellent department for your course, and an unranked university is not necessarily a weak one, since many simply do not meet THE’s research-output requirements.
Before choosing where to apply, check the following.
- Programme accreditation: Confirm that your course is accredited by the relevant body, such as NUC, MDCN or NMCN.
- Admission requirements: Compare current JAMB cut-off marks, O’Level requirements and Post-UTME arrangements. Our JAMB cut-off marks 2026 for all schools and courses page lists the official departmental figures, and you can find each school’s Post-UTME details on our Post-UTME forms page.
- Cost: Compare tuition, hostel fees, transport and living costs before you commit.
- Course strength: Look at the department’s staff, facilities and practical training, not just the overall band.
- Location and accommodation: Consider where you will live and how you will get to campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best university in Nigeria in 2027?
Covenant University, the University of Ibadan and the University of Lagos are jointly the best in Nigeria in the THE World University Rankings 2027. All three are in the 801–1000 global band.
What is the best private university in Nigeria in 2027?
Covenant University is the highest-ranked private university in Nigeria, in the 801–1000 band. Landmark University (1001–1200) and Babcock University (1201–1400) follow.
What is the best federal university in Nigeria in 2027?
The University of Ibadan and the University of Lagos share the top federal position in the 801–1000 band.
What is the best state university in Nigeria in 2027?
Osun State University is the highest-ranked state university, in the 1201–1400 band. It was ranked for the first time this year.
What is the top 10 universities in Nigeria in 2027?
Covenant University, University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, Bayero University, Landmark University, University of Ilorin, Babcock University, Osun State University and University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
How many Nigerian universities are in the THE 2027 rankings?
Twenty-nine, up from 24 in 2026. Nigeria has the most ranked universities in sub-Saharan Africa.
What is Covenant University’s global ranking in 2027?
Covenant University is in the 801–1000 band, up from 1001–1200 in 2026.
Which Nigerian universities were ranked for the first time in 2027?
Osun State University, University of Maiduguri, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Kwara State University and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.
Why is my university not on the list?
THE only ranks universities that teach undergraduates, research across a range of subjects and have published at least 1,000 papers between 2021 and 2025, with 100 or more each year. THE lists 33 further Nigerian institutions as reporters that did not meet these requirements.
Are THE rankings the same as QS rankings?
No. THE and QS use different methodologies and indicators, so their results differ. Do not combine the two into one list.
Does a higher ranking guarantee admission?
No. Admission depends on each university’s own requirements, so check its official admissions information.
When were the THE World University Rankings 2027 released?
September 30, 2026.
Final Thoughts
Covenant University, the University of Ibadan and the University of Lagos are Nigeria’s best universities in the THE World University Rankings 2027, and the 29 ranked universities show growing global visibility for Nigerian higher education. Use the rankings as one input alongside accreditation, course strength, admission requirements and cost.
To check any university’s exact position, filter THE’s official World University Rankings 2027 table by Nigeria. Next, compare UNILAG school fees and Babcock University school fees, or check the JAMB cut-off marks for 2026 for your course. If you notice a discrepancy or an update, tell us in the comments.
Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027 (released September 30, 2026), with the full Nigerian list as reported by The Sun Nigeria and PUNCH on September 30, 2026. This page will be updated if THE revises any figures.
Disclaimer: Rankings are published by Times Higher Education and may be revised. CampusNinja is not affiliated with THE or any university named above.