The University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the University of Ibadan have emerged as Nigeria’s top institutions in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, placing within the 801–1000 global range among 2,191 universities worldwide
UNILAG Ranked No. 1 University in Nigeria in 2026 Times Higher Education World Rankings
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has been ranked the number one university in Nigeria in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, reaffirming its position as a leading institution of higher learning in Africa.
According to the latest ranking released on Thursday, October 9, 2025, UNILAG shares the top spot in Nigeria with the University of Ibadan (UI) — both placed within the 801–1000 band out of over 2,191 universities assessed globally.
Following closely behind are Covenant University and Bayero University, Kano, which both appear in the 1001–1200 range.
Internationally, UNILAG shares its global ranking category (801–1000) with some of the continent’s most reputable institutions, including the University of Cape Coast (Ghana), Alexandria University (Egypt), Cairo University (Egypt), Ain Shams University (Egypt), and Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (Mexico), among others.
The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings evaluate universities based on a comprehensive set of performance indicators that measure excellence across five key areas:
- Teaching (the learning environment)
- Research Environment (volume, income, and reputation)
- Research Quality (influence and impact)
- Industry Engagement (knowledge transfer)
- International Outlook (staff, students, and research)
Reacting to the announcement, the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, expressed gratitude to the university community for their collective effort in achieving this milestone.
“I deeply appreciate the management, staff, students, alumni, friends, and all stakeholders of the University for their unwavering support and contributions to this remarkable achievement,” she said.
Professor Ogunsola emphasized that the recognition underscores UNILAG’s commitment to academic excellence, impactful research, and global competitiveness. Read More
