The University of Ibadan (UI) has been ranked Nigeria’s top university in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, marking its return to the leading spot.
In the 2026 edition, THE evaluated 2,191 institutions from 115 countries across 18 performance indicators including teaching, research quality, industry links, and international outlook. UI’s rise came from fourth place in 2025 to lead Nigeria in 2026.
UI dethroned Covenant University, which held the top domestic rank in 2024 and 2025. Behind UI, the top universities in Nigeria in 2026 are: University of Lagos (2nd), Bayero University (3rd), and Covenant University (4th).
Globally, UI was placed in the 801–1,000 band in THE’s ranking. Among Nigerian institutions, only UI and UNILAG made it into that 801–1,000 band; others like BUK, CU, and Landmark University fell in lower bands (1001–1200 and beyond).
THE’s methodology draws on citation data (over 174.9 million citations from 18.7 million publications) and more than 108,000 scholar survey responses. These metrics reflect both global reach and academic influence.
Observers say UI’s leap signals renewed momentum in Nigeria’s public university system, highlighting the rewards of consistent research output, faculty strength, and policy support. Sustaining this lead will require ongoing investment in research infrastructure, faculty development, and international partnerships.