Nigeria’s growing influence in global higher education was bolstered 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 most recent rankings, the University of Ibadan and the University of Lagos are Nigeria’s top universities, with Bayero University Kano emerging as one of the country’s top performers.
Nigeria’s representation in the worldwide rankings climbed 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 comprises 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 rankings also highlight the increased recognition of specialist institutions, with some federal universities of technology and agriculture gaining positions.
In contrast, state-owned universities maintained their global standing through improved academic performance and research production.
In response to the current rankings, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, praised the achievement as an important milestone for Nigeria’s higher education sector, stating that it demonstrates the positive effects of ongoing reforms aimed at boosting the country’s universities.
He stated that the expanding international recognition of Nigerian institutions demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to turning tertiary education into a driving force for innovation, research, human capital development, and long-term national growth.
According to experts, the latest recognition will raise Nigerian universities’ international profile, increase opportunities for global collaborations, 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 World Rankings According to Times Higher Education
The 24 Nigerian universities listed in the are:
1. University of Ibadan
2. University of Lagos
3. Bayero University Kano
4. Covenant University
5. Landmark 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
