2027 World Ranking: Covenant, UI, UNILAG lead other Nigerian varsities + Full List
by Adenle Ahmed Abiola · The Eagle OnlineCovenant University, the University of Ibadan (UI) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have jointly emerged as Nigeria’s highest-ranked universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2027.
The three Nigerian institutions were placed in the 801–1,000 global ranking bracket, making them the country’s highest-ranked universities in the latest edition published on THE’s website on Wednesday.
The 2027 Times Higher Education World University Rankings feature 2,297 universities across 118 countries and territories.
The ranking assesses universities across areas including teaching, research environment, research quality, industry and international outlook.
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.
New debutants include Osun State University, University of Maiduguri, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Kwara State University, and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.
Globally, the University of Oxford retained the number one position for a record 11th consecutive year.
China’s Tsinghua University climbed to 11th place, overtaking Switzerland’s ETH Zurich, while the National University of Singapore moved into the global top 15.
The 2027 edition also marked the first time that Asia ranked ahead of continental Europe in the overall regional comparison, with three Asian universities appearing in the top 15.
Full list of Nigerian universities in the 2027 Times ranking
1. Covenant University — 801–1,000
Covenant University was among the three Nigerian institutions placed in the 801–1,000 bracket.
The university recorded an overall score range of 36.4–40.1.
Its scores included 21.4 for teaching, 32.5 for research environment, 49.8 for research quality, 61.0 for industry and 48.6 for international outlook.
2. University of Ibadan — 801–1,000
The University of Ibadan also placed in the 801–1,000 bracket.
UI recorded an overall score range of 36.4–40.1, with scores of 31.2 for teaching, 19.9 for research environment, 64.9 for research quality, 22.2 for industry and 44.9 for international outlook.
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3. University of Lagos — 801–1,000
The University of Lagos completed the group of Nigerian universities in the 801–1,000 bracket.
UNILAG recorded an overall score range of 36.4–40.1.
Its scores were 21.2 for teaching, 20.8 for research environment, 67.8 for research quality, 31.3 for industry and 45.6 for international outlook.
4. Ahmadu Bello University — 1,001–1,200
Ahmadu Bello University was placed in the 1,001–1,200 bracket.
The university recorded an overall score range of 33.3–36.3.
5. Bayero University — 1,001–1,200
Bayero University also ranked in the 1,001–1,200 bracket, with an overall score range of 33.3–36.3.
6. Landmark University — 1,001–1,200
Landmark University was ranked in the 1,001–1,200 bracket, recording an overall score range of 33.3–36.3.
7. University of Ilorin — 1,001–1,200
The University of Ilorin also featured in the 1,001–1,200 bracket, with an overall score range of 33.3–36.3.
8. Babcock University — 1,201–1,400
Babcock University was placed in the 1,201–1,400 bracket, recording an overall score range of 30.5–33.2.
9. Osun State University — 1,201–1,400
Osun State University also ranked between 1,201 and 1,400, with an overall score range of 30.5–33.2.
10. University of Nigeria, Nsukka — 1,201–1,400
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka was ranked in the 1,201–1,400 bracket, with an overall score range of 30.5–33.2.
11. Federal University of Technology, Minna — 1,401–1,600
FUT Minna was placed in the 1,401–1,600 bracket.
12. Nnamdi Azikiwe University — 1,401–1,600
Nnamdi Azikiwe University also featured in the 1,401–1,600 bracket.
13. Obafemi Awolowo University — 1,401–1,600
Obafemi Awolowo University was ranked in the 1,401–1,600 bracket.
14. University of Benin — 1,401–1,600
The University of Benin also ranked in the 1,401–1,600 bracket.
15. University of Jos — 1,401–1,600
The University of Jos was placed in the 1,401–1,600 bracket.
16. University of Maiduguri — 1,401–1,600
The University of Maiduguri completed the Nigerian universities in the 1,401–1,600 bracket.
17. Federal University of Technology, Akure — 1,601–1,800
FUTA was ranked in the 1,601–1,800 bracket, with an overall score range of 24.2–27.1.
18. Federal University of Technology, Owerri — 1,801–2,000
FUTO was placed in the 1,801–2,000 bracket.
19. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology — 1,801–2,000
LAUTECH also featured in the 1,801–2,000 bracket.
20. Lagos State University — 1,801–2,000
Lagos State University was ranked in the 1,801–2,000 bracket.
21. Olabisi Onabanjo University — 1,801–2,000
Olabisi Onabanjo University also ranked between 1,801 and 2,000.
22. University of Calabar — 1,801–2,000
The University of Calabar completed the group of Nigerian universities in the 1,801–2,000 bracket.
23. Delta State University, Abraka — 2,001+
Delta State University was ranked 2,001+ globally.
24. Ekiti State University — 2,001+
Ekiti State University also featured in the 2,001+ category.
25. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta — 2,001+
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta was placed in the 2,001+ bracket.
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