Covenant University, the University of Ibadan and the University of Lagos have emerged as Nigeria’s highest-ranked universities in the 2027 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

The three institutions were placed in the 801–1,000 global band, putting them at the top of Nigeria’s representation in the latest global ranking.

Nigeria recorded increased representation in the 2027 edition, with 29 universities making the global table, compared with 24 institutions in the previous ranking.

Five universities were newly included in the latest edition: Osun State University, the University of Maiduguri, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Kwara State University and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.

Covenant University returned to the leading position among Nigerian institutions after occupying third place nationally in the previous edition, while the University of Ibadan and University of Lagos shared the top spot in the 2026 ranking.

Ahmadu Bello University and Bayero University followed the three institutions in Nigeria’s latest ranking.

The Times Higher Education ranking assesses universities using indicators covering teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook and industry.

The 2027 edition evaluated 2,297 universities across 118 countries and territories, using 17 performance indicators to measure institutional performance.

The University of Lagos recorded Nigeria’s highest score for research quality, while Bayero University posted the strongest international outlook among Nigerian universities. Covenant University recorded the highest industry score among institutions in the country.

Globally, the University of Oxford retained the number-one position for the 11th consecutive year.

The University of Cape Town was the highest-ranked university in sub-Saharan Africa, placing joint 147th globally.

With 29 institutions included, Nigeria also had the largest number of ranked universities in sub-Saharan Africa in the 2027 edition.

Nigeria’s Leading Universities

• Covenant University — 801–1,000 globally
• University of Ibadan — 801–1,000 globally
• University of Lagos — 801–1,000 globally
• Ahmadu Bello University
• Bayero University

The three leading Nigerian universities share the 801–1,000 global band rather than occupying separate individual positions.