The 2027 Times Higher Education World University Rankings have been released, listing 2,297 universities across 118 countries and territories. Nigeria has recorded 29 universities in the ranking, an increase from 24 in the previous edition. Covenant University, the University of Ibadan, and the University of Lagos have jointly emerged as Nigeria's highest-ranked universities, placed in the 801-1000 global ranking band.
Five universities have been newly ranked: Osun State University, University of Maiduguri, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Kwara State University, and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. Covenant University's return to the top tier among Nigerian universities marks a change from the 2026 edition, when UI and UNILAG shared the highest position nationally. The three South-West institutions now occupy the same 801-1000 global band.
Ahmadu Bello University and Bayero University follow in the 1001-1200 category. THE evaluates universities using five broad areas: teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook, and industry. The 2027 edition uses 17 performance indicators to assess institutions. The University of Oxford retained the global number one position for the 11th consecutive year.
The University of Cape Town was the highest-ranked university in sub-Saharan Africa at joint 147th. Among Nigerian institutions, UNILAG recorded the highest research quality score at 67.8, while Bayero University led in international outlook. Covenant University recorded the highest industry score among Nigerian universities.
THE also listed 33 Nigerian institutions as "reporter" universities, which submitted data but did not meet the eligibility requirements for a ranking. To be ranked, an institution must teach undergraduates, conduct research across a range of subjects, and have produced at least 1,000 research publications between 2021 and 2025.
The number of ranked institutions in sub-Saharan Africa increased from 55 in the previous edition to 69 in 2027, with Nigeria recording the highest number of ranked universities in the region at 29. The rankings provide a comprehensive evaluation of universities worldwide, helping students, academics, and policymakers make informed decisions.
The full list of ranked Nigerian universities includes: Covenant University (801-1000), University of Ibadan (801-1000), University of Lagos (801-1000), Ahmadu Bello University (1001-1200), and Bayero University (1001-1200), among others. The rankings are a significant indicator of the performance of universities globally and nationally.
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 has recorded 29 universities in the 2027 ranking, an increase from 24 in the previous edition.
- The University of Oxford retained the global number one position for the 11th consecutive year.
