The Federal Government has applauded the improved performance of Nigerian universities in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, describing the achievement as a reflection of the positive impact of ongoing reforms in the education sector.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed that Nigeria recorded its best performance to date, with 24 universities earning spots in the prestigious global rankings.
The figure represents an increase from the 21 institutions previously recognized, making Nigeria the most represented country in sub-Saharan Africa.
According to the minister, 17 of the ranked institutions are federal universities, a development he attributed to the government’s sustained investment in public higher education and implementation of strategic policy reforms.
He congratulated the University of Ibadan, the University of Lagos, Bayero University Kano, and other Nigerian institutions that made the list, describing the recognition as a milestone for the nation’s higher education system.
Alausa said the improved rankings underscore the commitment of Nigerian universities to academic excellence, research, innovation, and quality education.
He noted that the achievement extends beyond international recognition, adding that it demonstrates the impact of government investments in research, digital transformation, infrastructure development, quality assurance, and institutional governance.
The minister also welcomed the participation of 27 additional Nigerian universities in this year’s assessment, saying it reflects a growing commitment among institutions to embrace global standards, transparency, and continuous improvement.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming tertiary education, Alausa said the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, is designed to strengthen universities and position them to produce the skilled workforce, research, and innovation needed to drive Nigeria’s economic development.
He assured that the government would continue implementing reforms aimed at improving the global competitiveness of Nigerian universities and sustaining their upward trajectory in international rankings.
Global Position: 801–1000 (Top in Nigeria)
University of Ibadan (UI)
University of Lagos (UNILAG)
Global Positions: 1001–1200
Bayero University Kano (BUK)
Covenant University
Landmark University [1]
Global Position: 1201–1500
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
Federal University of Technology, Minna
University of Ilorin (Unilorin)
University of Jos (Unijos)
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) [1]
Global Position: 1501+ (Alphabetical Order)
Babcock University
Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU)
Ekiti State University (EKSU)
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)
Lagos State University (LASU)
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
University of Benin (UNIBEN)
University of Calabar (UNICAL)
University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) [1, 2]
