Covenant University, the University of Ibadan (UI), and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have emerged as Nigeria’s top-ranked universities in the 2027 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.
According to the ranking released on Wednesday, the three institutions were jointly placed in the 801–1000 bracket globally, retaining their positions as the country’s leading higher institutions.
Nigeria’s representation in the global ranking increased from 24 universities in 2026 to 29 in 2027. The five newly ranked institutions are Osun State University, University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Kwara State University, and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.
Covenant University reclaimed its position at the top after dropping to third in the previous edition, while Ahmadu Bello University and Bayero University Kano completed the top five nationally.
The THE ranking assesses universities based on five key performance indicators: teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook, and industry income.
Full List of Ranked Nigerian Universities – THE 2027:
801–1000: Covenant University, University of Ibadan, University of Lagos
1001–1200: Ahmadu Bello University, Bayero University Kano, Landmark University, University of Ilorin
1201–1400: Babcock University, Osun State University, University of Nigeria Nsukka
1401–1600: Federal University of Technology Minna, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Benin, University of Jos, University of Maiduguri
1601–2000: Federal University of Technology Akure, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Lagos State University, Olabisi Onabanjo University, University of Calabar
2001+: Delta State University Abraka, Ekiti State University, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Kwara State University, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, University of Port Harcourt
