FULL LIST: Covenant, UI, UNILAG named Nigeria’s top varsities in 2027 global ranking - Punch Newspapers

Covenant University...Photo Credit: Covenant University

Covenant University, the University of Ibadan and the University of Lagos have jointly emerged as Nigeria’s highest-ranked universities in the 2027 Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The three were placed between 801 and 1000 globally in the best university rankings published on THE’s website on Wednesday. Nigeria also recorded 29 ranked universities in the 2027 edition, up from 24 in the 2026 rankings. Five universities, including Osun State University, the University of Maiduguri, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Kwara State University and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, were newly ranked. Covenant University returned to the top position among Nigerian universities after it was dethroned to third last year by UI and UNILAG, which shared the top position in the 2026 edition. File: University of Ibadan The three South-West-based institutions are now jointly placed in the 801–1000 band globally, making them Nigeria’s highest-ranked universities in the 2027 edition. University of Lagos entrance. Photo: UNILAG Following them are two Northwest Nigerian universities: Ahmadu Bello University and Bayero University, ranking fourth and fifth, respectively. The rankings assess research-intensive universities across five broad areas: teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook and industry. FG to rank tertiary institutions nationwide on 22 indicators Liberian varsity names Nigerian PR director Ogun federal varsity targets 2027/28 take-off, adds 66 new programmes According to THE, the 2027 rankings cover 2,297 institutions across 118 countries and territories. The ranking uses 17 performance indicators across the five pillars. Globally, the University of Oxford retained the number one position for an 11th consecutive year, while in sub-Saharan Africa, the University of Cape Town was the highest-ranked institution, rising to joint 147th position from joint 164th in the previous edition. “The number of ranked institutions in sub-Saharan increased from 55 last year to 69 this year. Nigeria has the most universities ranked, with 29 in total,” THE said. THE rankings also show the strength of individual institutions. UNILAG is ranked highest in quality research, scoring 67.8. BUK is ranked as the best Nigerian university in terms of international outlook, while Covenant has the highest industry score, indicating its top connection to industries. 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 ranking also listed 33 Nigerian institutions as “reporter” institutions. According to THE, reporter institutions submitted data but did not meet the eligibility criteria required to receive a rank. Reporter institutions 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 University of Delta PUNCH Online reports that THE is a globally recognised independent organisation that provides data and analysis for the higher education sector, including the widely adopted World University Rankings. While data submission is open to all universities, institutions are only ranked in the World University Rankings 2027 if they teach undergraduates, produce research across a range of subjects and have published at least 1,000 research publications between 2021 and 2025, with a minimum of 100 a year. Saheed Oyelakin Saheed is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over two years of experience covering metro, technology, sports, politics, and human-interest stories. He focuses on producing clear, engaging reports across diverse beats. Saheed’s work reflects hands-on newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate and balanced journalism.

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