Covenant, UI, UNILAG Jointly Top Nigerian Varsities in 2027 Global Ranking

Covenant University, the University of Ibadan (UI) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have jointly claimed the highest positions among Nigerian institutions in the 2027 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, all placed in the 801–1000 global band.

The results, published on THE’s website on Wednesday, mark a notable rebound for Covenant University. The private institution in Ota, Ogun State, had slipped to third place in the 2026 edition, when UI and UNILAG shared the national lead. This year the three South-West universities stand level at the top of the Nigerian table.

Nigeria’s overall presence continued to strengthen. Twenty-nine universities received ranks, up from 24 in the previous year, giving the country the largest contingent of any nation in sub-Saharan Africa. Five institutions entered the ranked list for the first time: Osun State University, the University of Maiduguri, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Kwara State University and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.

Ahmadu Bello University and Bayero University, Kano followed in the 1001–1200 band, placing fourth and fifth nationally. Landmark University and the University of Ilorin completed the next tier in the same band.

THE evaluates research-intensive universities across five pillars—teaching (the learning environment), research environment, research quality, international outlook and industry—using 17 performance indicators. Eligibility requires undergraduate teaching, research across a range of subjects, and a minimum of 1,000 research publications between 2021 and 2025 (at least 100 a year). Overall, the 2027 rankings cover 2,297 institutions from 118 countries and territories.

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Among Nigerian universities, UNILAG recorded the strongest research quality score at 67.8. Bayero University led on international outlook, while Covenant University posted the highest industry score, reflecting its links with the private sector.

Globally, the University of Oxford retained the number-one position for an 11th consecutive year. In sub-Saharan Africa the University of Cape Town remained the highest-ranked institution, rising to joint 147th from joint 164th the previous year. The number of ranked universities in the region grew from 55 to 69.

THE also listed 33 Nigerian “reporter” institutions—universities that submitted data but did not meet the full eligibility criteria for a ranked position. These include Abia State University, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Adamawa State University, Ajayi Crowther University, Akwa Ibom State University, Aletheia University, Al-Hikmah University, Ambrose Alli University, Augustine University, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Bayelsa Medical University, Baze University, Bells University of Technology, Bingham University, Bowen University, Evangel University, 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.

Full list of ranked Nigerian universities
Covenant University — 801–1000
University of Ibadan — 801–1000
University of Lagos — 801–1000
Ahmadu Bello University — 1001–1200
Bayero University — 1001–1200
Landmark University — 1001–1200
University of Ilorin — 1001–1200
Babcock University — 1201–1400
Osun State University — 1201–1400
University of Nigeria, Nsukka — 1201–1400
Federal University of Technology, Minna — 1401–1600
Nnamdi Azikiwe University — 1401–1600
Obafemi Awolowo University — 1401–1600
University of Benin — 1401–1600
University of Jos — 1401–1600
University of Maiduguri — 1401–1600
Federal University of Technology, Akure — 1601–1800
Federal University of Technology, Owerri — 1801–2000
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology — 1801–2000
Lagos State University — 1801–2000
Olabisi Onabanjo University — 1801–2000
University of Calabar — 1801–2000
Delta State University, Abraka — 2001+
Ekiti State University — 2001+
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta — 2001+
Federal University Oye-Ekiti — 2001+
Kwara State University — 2001+
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike — 2001+
University of Port Harcourt — 2001+

The rankings underscore both progress and the distance still to be covered. While Nigeria leads the region in the number of ranked institutions, no Nigerian university has yet broken into the global top 800. Continued investment in research quality, international collaboration and industry partnerships will determine whether more institutions can climb higher in future editions.