World University Rankings: Nigeria’s universities, increase from 24 to 29

The number of Nigeria's Universities being ranked globally, has increased from 24 universities in 2026 to 29 in 2027, according to the 2027 Times Higher Education, THE World University Rankings.

The report, noted that five institutions entered the rankings for the first time, with an additional 32 Nigerian universities are listed in the THE Reporter category, bringing the total number of institutions engaged with the ranking exercise to 61.

The 2027 Times Higher Education, THE, World University Rankings, further disclosed that Nigeria, has the highest representation by any country in Sub-Saharan Africa, with the University of Ibadan and the University of Lagos, retaining their positions in the 801-1000 band, while Ahmad Bello University and the University of Ilorin advanced into the 1001-1200 band, joining Bayero University, which retained its position. Covenant University also placed in the 801-1000 band.

The development, reportedly reflects the impact of ongoing education reforms under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa and a significant milestone in the Federal Government's efforts to improve the quality, competitiveness and global visibility of Nigeria's tertiary education system.

The reform agenda places increased emphasis on research excellence, innovation, institutional performance and international competitiveness.

Federal universities recorded particularly strong results, with five of the seven Nigerian universities placed within the global top 1,200 universities being federal universities, representing 71.4 per cent of Nigeria's universities in that band.

The report further showed that federal universities occupy all six Nigerian positions in the 1401- 1600 band, highlighting their substantial contribution to Nigeria's improved global ranking profile.

Five of the seven Nigerian universities that recorded clear upward movement are federal institutions: Ahmad Bello University, the University of Ilorin, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Benin.

The significant increase in the number of Nigerian Universities and notably Federal Universities being ranked by Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings is a clear manifestation that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Renewed Hope Agenda for Education being powered by the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal initiatives is now yielding significant results.

The NESRI reform direction is further reflected in the Federal Ministry of Education's deliberate focus on strengthening evidence-based institutional performance, research capacity and healthy competition across the tertiary education system.

Dr. Alausa has also directed Nigeria Tertiary Education Ranking Advisory Committee (NiTERAC) led by Professor Okebukola to commence the 2026 national ranking of Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, designed to stimulate healthy competition, enhance institutional visibility and strengthen the capacity of tertiary institutions to compete globally.

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