The University of Ibadan has reclaimed first position in Nigeria's 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) University Rankings, moving up from second place in 2024, while the University of Lagos climbed from fourth to second, and Bayero University, Kano, entered third place after falling outside the top 10 in 2024.

The rankings, which assess institutions on teaching, research, industry engagement, and international outlook, revealed significant movement across Nigeria's University landscape, with several institutions recording sharp gains and others sliding down the table.

Covenant University, which held the top position in 2024, dropped to fourth place in 2026, while Landmark University made its first ever appearance in the top 10, securing fifth position. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, came in sixth, followed by the Federal University of Technology, Minna, in seventh.

The University of Ilorin ranked eighth, sliding from sixth place in 2024, while the University of Jos made a new entry into the top 10 at ninth. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka dropped from seventh in 2024 to tenth in 2026.

The full top 10 standings are as follows: University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Bayero University Kano, Covenant University, Landmark University, Ahmadu Bello University, Federal University of Technology Minna, University of Ilorin, University of Jos and University of Nigeria Nsukka.

The 2026 results signal growing competition among Nigerian institutions, with stronger research performance, teaching quality and global engagement driving movement across the table.