Covenant University, the University of Ibadan, and the Federal University of Technology, Akure, have emerged as the top-ranking universities in Nigeria, as per the Times Higher Education's 2024 ratings. While Covenant University has achieved a place within the global 801-1000 range, it ranks first in Nigeria among the top 1,000 universities in the world.
The rankings also place the University of Ibadan in second place and FUTA in third within Nigeria. The University of Lagos and the University of Bayero secured the fourth and fifth positions, respectively, in the Nigerian rankings.
The Times Higher Education World University ranking encompasses 1,904 universities across 108 countries and regions. This ranking is based on the new WUR 3.0 methodology, which assesses an institution's performance in teaching, research environment, research quality, industry engagement, and international outlook.
Other Nigerian universities that achieved top rankings include the University of Ilorin, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 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, and the University of Port Harcourt.
Notably, out of the top 15 universities, nine are located in the South West, two in the South East, two in the South South, one in the North West, and one in the North Central regions of Nigeria