Nigeria has recorded its best performance in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings. A total of 24 Nigerian universities made the global list. Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, announced this on X. He said Nigeria now leads Sub-Saharan Africa in university representation.
This is a rise from 21 universities in previous rankings. Seventeen of the 24 schools are federal universities. That shows stronger performance from public institutions. It also reflects ongoing education reforms across the country. More schools are now competing globally with better standards.
Top institutions include the University of Ibadan, the University of Lagos, and Bayero University Kano. These universities helped boost Nigeria’s global visibility. More institutions are also improving in research and innovation. Students now see stronger international recognition opportunities.
The 24 Nigerian universities listed are:
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
23. University of Calabar
24. University of Port Harcourt
Dr. Alausa said, “Our Renewed Hope Education reforms are delivering measurable results.” He added that participation is growing across universities. An extra 27 institutions also joined the assessment process. He said this shows better transparency and improvement culture.
The government continues reforms under the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI). President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is also pushing education reforms. According to the minister, “These rankings are not just about prestige.” They show real progress in research, digital learning, and infrastructure.
