Reloaded News Desk
Twenty-nine Nigerian universities have been ranked in the 2027 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, with Covenant University, the University of Ibadan and the University of Lagos sharing Nigeria’s highest position in the global table.
The three institutions were placed in the 801–1000 global band in the ranking released on Wednesday.
The 2027 edition assessed 2,297 universities across 118 countries and territories, making it the most extensive edition of the THE World University Rankings to date. Nigeria recorded the highest number of ranked universities in sub-Saharan Africa, with 29 institutions included.
Ahmadu Bello University, Bayero University, Landmark University and the University of Ilorin followed in the 1001–1200 band.
Babcock University, Osun State University and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka were placed in the 1201–1400 band.
The full list of ranked Nigerian universities is:
801–1000
– Covenant University
– University of Ibadan
– University of Lagos
1001–1200
– Ahmadu Bello University
– Bayero University
– 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
1601–1800
– Federal University of Technology, Akure
1801–2000
– 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
THE also listed 33 Nigerian institutions as “reporter” institutions. These universities submitted data to THE but did not meet the eligibility requirements necessary to receive a position in the global ranking.
They are:
Abia State University; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University; Adamawa State University; Ajayi Crowther University; Akwa Ibom State University; Aletheia University, Ago-Iwoye; Al-Hikmah University; Ambrose Alli University; Augustine University; Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti; Bayelsa Medical University; Baze University; Bells University of Technology; Bingham University; Bowen University; Evangel University, Akaeze; Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun; Federal University Otuoke; Fountain University; Godfrey Okoye University; Igbinedion University Okada; Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University; Lagos State University of Education; Lagos State University of Science and Technology; Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria; Michael and Cecilia Ibru University; Miva Open University; Nasarawa State University, Keffi; Nile University of Nigeria; Plateau State University, Bokkos; Rivers State University; University of Cross River State; and University of Delta.
THE’s World University Rankings assess universities using performance indicators covering areas including teaching, research environment, research quality, industry and international outlook.
The ranking organisation said the 2027 edition introduced more granular ranking bands and expanded global coverage.
For an institution to be included in the World University Rankings, THE’s eligibility framework requires it to teach undergraduates, conduct research across a range of subjects and meet its publication requirements, among other criteria.
The latest ranking puts Nigeria ahead of every other country in sub-Saharan Africa by the number of universities represented, although being listed as a ranked institution should not be confused with being placed in the same performance band.
