The 2027 Times Higher Education World University Rankings have been released, and Nigeria's top-ranked universities are Covenant University, the University of Ibadan, and the University of Lagos. These three institutions have been placed in the 801–1000 global band. This ranking assesses research-intensive universities using five broad areas: teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook, and industry.
A total of 29 Nigerian universities were ranked in the 2027 edition, an increase from 24 institutions in 2026. Five universities that were newly ranked include Osun State University, the University of Maiduguri, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Kwara State University, and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.
Covenant University has returned to the top group among Nigerian institutions after being placed third in the 2026 ranking. The University of Ibadan and the University of Lagos jointly occupied the highest position among Nigerian universities in 2026. Ahmadu Bello University and Bayero University follow the top three institutions, occupying the next positions nationally.
The 2027 ranking covers 2,297 institutions across 118 countries and territories and uses 17 performance indicators across the five assessment pillars. 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, moving up to joint 147th position from joint 164th in the previous edition.
Nigeria recorded the highest number of ranked universities on the continent at 29. The ranking highlighted areas in which individual Nigerian universities performed strongly. The University of Lagos recorded the highest research-quality score among Nigerian universities, with 67.8 points.
Bayero University was identified as Nigeria's highest institution for international outlook, while Covenant University recorded the highest industry score. Other highly ranked universities in Nigeria include Landmark University, University of Ilorin, and Babcock University, which were ranked in the 1001–1200 and 1201–1400 global bands.
The ranking also listed 33 Nigerian institutions as reporter universities, which submitted data but did not meet the eligibility requirements for a ranked position. These institutions include Abia State University, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, and Adamawa State University, among others.
Key points
- Covenant University, University of Ibadan, and University of Lagos are Nigeria's highest-ranked universities in the 2027 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
- Nigeria recorded 29 ranked universities in the 2027 edition, an increase from 24 institutions in 2026.
- The University of Lagos recorded the highest research-quality score among Nigerian universities, with 67.8 points.
