Covenant University has once again claimed the title of Nigeria's top university, as per the 2024 ranking by Times Higher Education. The institution, situated in Ota, Ogun State, has solidified its position among the world's elite, securing the 801st spot globally. This marks the second time Covenant has clinched the prestigious accolade, following its initial triumph in 2018 when it was crowned the best university in Nigeria and the sixth-best overall.
Following closely behind, the University of Ibadan and the Federal University of Technology, Akure, secured the second and third positions, respectively. The rankings, compiled using the WUR 3.0 methodology, evaluate universities based on teaching quality, research environment, research output, industry engagement, and international outlook.
The comprehensive list encompasses 1,904 universities spanning 108 countries and regions. Notable mentions among Nigeria's top universities include the University of Lagos, Bayero University, University of Ilorin, University of Nigeria, and Afe Babalola University.
Regional distribution showcases a dominance of nine universities in the South West, followed by two each in the South East and South-South, and one each in the North West and North Central regions.
Below is the full list of the top 39 universities in Nigeria:
- Covenant University
- University of Ibadan
- Federal University of Technology, Akure
- University of Lagos
- Bayero University
- University of Ilorin
- University of Nigeria
- Afe Babalola University
- University of Benin
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
- Lagos State University
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- University of Port Harcourt
- Abia State University
- Akwa Ibom State University
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University
- Babcock University
- Baze University
- Bells University of Technology
- Benson Idahosa University
- Delta State University, Abraka
- Edo State University
- Edwin Clark University
- Elizade University
- Evangel University, Akaeze
- Federal University of Kashere
- Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun
- Federal University of Technology, Minna
- Federal University of Technology, Owerri
- Fountain University
- Landmark University
- Nassarawa State University, Keffi
- Niger Delta University
- Plateau State University
- Thomas Adewumi University
- Veritas University
- Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano
