Covenant University, the University of Ibadan (UI) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have emerged as the highest-ranked Nigerian universities in the 2027 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.

The three institutions were placed in the 801–1,000 bracket globally in the latest ranking, putting them in the same position band among the Nigerian universities assessed by THE.

The 2027 Times Higher Education World University Rankings cover 2,297 universities across 118 countries and territories.

The ranking assesses universities using indicators covering teaching, research environment, research quality, industry and international outlook.

Covenant University, UI and UNILAG all recorded overall scores within the 36.4–40.1 range.

Covenant University recorded 21.4 for teaching, 32.5 for research environment, 49.8 for research quality, 61.0 for industry and 48.6 for international outlook.

The University of Ibadan recorded 31.2 for teaching, 19.9 for research environment, 64.9 for research quality, 22.2 for industry and 44.9 for international outlook.

UNILAG recorded 21.2 for teaching, 20.8 for research environment, 67.8 for research quality, 31.3 for industry and 45.6 for international outlook.

The three universities were followed by Ahmadu Bello University, Bayero University, Landmark University and the University of Ilorin, which were all placed in the 1,001–1,200 global bracket.

Babcock University, Osun State University and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka were placed in the 1,201–1,400 bracket.

Six Nigerian universities featured in the 1,401–1,600 category. They are the Federal University of Technology, Minna; Nnamdi Azikiwe University; Obafemi Awolowo University; University of Benin; University of Jos; and University of Maiduguri.

The Federal University of Technology, Akure was placed in the 1,601–1,800 bracket, while the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Lagos State University, Olabisi Onabanjo University and the University of Calabar were ranked in the 1,801–2,000 category.

Delta State University, Abraka, Ekiti State University and the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta were placed in the 2,001+ category.

The full list of Nigerian universities featured in the 2027 Times Higher Education World University Rankings:

1. Covenant University — 801–1,000
2. University of Ibadan — 801–1,000
3. University of Lagos — 801–1,000
4. Ahmadu Bello University — 1,001–1,200
5. Bayero University — 1,001–1,200
6. Landmark University — 1,001–1,200
7. University of Ilorin — 1,001–1,200
8. Babcock University — 1,201–1,400
9. Osun State University — 1,201–1,400
10. University of Nigeria, Nsukka — 1,201–1,400
11. Federal University of Technology, Minna — 1,401–1,600
12. Nnamdi Azikiwe University — 1,401–1,600
13. Obafemi Awolowo University — 1,401–1,600
14. University of Benin — 1,401–1,600
15. University of Jos — 1,401–1,600
16. University of Maiduguri — 1,401–1,600
17. Federal University of Technology, Akure — 1,601–1,800
18. Federal University of Technology, Owerri — 1,801–2,000
19. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology — 1,801–2,000
20. Lagos State University — 1,801–2,000
21. Olabisi Onabanjo University — 1,801–2,000
22. University of Calabar — 1,801–2,000
23. Delta State University, Abraka — 2,001+
24. Ekiti State University — 2,001+
25. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta — 2,001+

Globally, the University of Oxford retained the number one position in the 2027 edition, extending its run at the top to an 11th consecutive year.

China’s Tsinghua University climbed to 11th position, moving ahead of Switzerland’s ETH Zurich, while the National University of Singapore entered the global top 15.

The 2027 edition also recorded a notable regional development, with Asia ranking ahead of continental Europe in the overall regional comparison for the first time. Three Asian universities featured among the global top 15.

The release of the university ranking comes shortly after the National Examinations Council announced the results of the 2026 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) Internal.

NECO said 1,378,048 candidates registered for the examination, comprising 682,352 males and 695,696 females. A total of 1,371,992 candidates eventually sat for the examination.

The council said 1,162,118 candidates, representing 84.70 per cent of those who sat for the examination, obtained at least five credits irrespective of their performance in English Language and Mathematics.

When English Language and Mathematics were included among the required five credits, the figure fell to 804,948 candidates, representing 58.67 per cent.

NECO Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, announced the results at a press conference in Minna, Niger State, saying the results were released 63 days after the examination ended.

The examination was conducted between June 15 and September 4, 2026, across Nigeria and in six countries outside the country.

Wushishi also disclosed that 1,406 candidates were involved in examination malpractice, representing a 64.74 per cent reduction from the 3,878 cases recorded in 2025.