Nigeria recorded a major higher education milestone after 24 universities, led by the University of Ibadan and UNILAG, were included in the 2026 Times Higher Education rankings, the highest representation by any Sub-Saharan African country.
Nigeria has achieved a significant breakthrough in higher education after 24 of its universities were included in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings and the THE Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings. The accomplishment gives the country the largest number of ranked universities among nations in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The latest rankings reflect an improvement in Nigeria’s global academic presence, with the number of represented institutions increasing from 21 in both the 2024 and 2025 editions to 24 in 2026. The development highlights the growing international recognition of Nigerian universities and their expanding contributions to teaching, research, innovation, and global collaboration.
Among the country’s highest-performing institutions are the University of Ibadan and the University of Lagos (UNILAG), which once again ranked among Nigeria’s leading universities. Bayero University Kano also secured a strong position in the rankings, further demonstrating the quality of academic performance across the nation’s higher education sector.
The 24 universities recognised include 17 federal universities, three state-owned universities, and four private universities. Institutions were evaluated using several indicators, including teaching quality, research productivity, knowledge transfer, industry engagement, and international outlook.
The rankings also recognised the growing impact of specialised universities, particularly institutions focused on technology and agriculture. Several of these universities secured places on the list, showing that excellence in higher education is extending beyond traditional comprehensive universities. State universities also strengthened their international standing through improved research output and academic performance.
Reacting to the achievement, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the recognition as an important milestone for Nigeria’s education sector. He said the rankings demonstrate that ongoing reforms and investments in research, digital transformation, infrastructure, innovation, governance, and quality assurance are beginning to produce measurable global results.
According to the minister, increased international recognition will strengthen Nigerian universities by attracting more research funding, expanding global partnerships, improving innovation, and supporting human capital development that contributes to national growth.
Education experts believe the latest rankings will further enhance the reputation of Nigerian universities worldwide, encouraging greater collaboration with foreign institutions while creating new opportunities for academic exchange, research, and investment.
Nigerian Universities Included in the 2026 THE Rankings
- University of Ibadan
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- 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
- Babcock University
- Delta State University, Abraka
- Ekiti State University
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
- Federal University of Technology, Akure
- 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 Benin
- University of Calabar
- University of Port Harcourt
The latest achievement follows another recent international ranking in which the University of Ibadan emerged as Nigeria’s only university among Africa’s top 10 institutions, placing fourth on the continent and 264th globally in the 2026–2027 U.S. News & World Report rankings.
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