Nigeria has strengthened its position in global higher education, with 24 universities earning spots in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings and Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings.

This marks the highest number of Nigerian institutions ever featured, making the country the most represented in Sub-Saharan Africa. The figure also reflects a steady rise from 21 universities listed in both 2024 and 2025 editions.

Leading the pack are the University of Ibadan and the University of Lagos, which remain among the country’s top-ranked institutions. Bayero University Kano also stood out as one of Nigeria’s strongest performers in this year’s rankings.

A breakdown of the Nigerian entries shows 17 federal universities, four state universities, and three private universities, highlighting the broad-based progress across the nation’s tertiary education system.

The 2026 rankings also demonstrate increased global recognition for specialised institutions, particularly federal universities of technology and agriculture. Meanwhile, state-owned universities continue to improve their academic standing through enhanced research and institutional performance.

Here is a list of ranked Nigerian Universities (2026):

1. University of Ibadan

2. University of Lagos

3. Bayero University Kano

4. Covenant University

5. Landmark University

6. Ahmadu Bello University

7. Federal University of Technology, Minna

8. University of Ilorin

9. University of Jos

10. University of Nigeria, Nsukka

11. Babcock University

12. Delta State University, Abraka

13. Ekiti State University

14. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

15. Federal University of Technology, Akure

16. Federal University of Technology, Owerri

17. Federal University Oye-Ekiti

18. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology

19. Lagos State University

20. Nnamdi Azikiwe University

21. Obafemi Awolowo University

22. University of Benin