The University of Ibadan (UI) has emerged as Nigeria’s best university in the 2026 national rankings, displacing Covenant University and the University of Lagos (UNILAG), which held the top positions in previous years.
According to the latest ranking released by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and validated by the Times Higher Education (THE) Africa Impact Index, UI climbed to the top spot based on its strong performance in research output, academic reputation, innovation capacity, and international collaborations.
Covenant University, which led the 2024 and 2025 rankings, dropped to second place, while the University of Lagos ranked third. Other institutions that made the top ten include the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).
Reacting to the development, UI Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, said the recognition reflected years of investment in quality teaching, groundbreaking research, and institutional reforms. He credited the achievement to the dedication of the university’s staff and students.
“The University of Ibadan remains committed to maintaining its legacy of academic excellence and contributing meaningfully to national development,” Adebowale said.
Education analysts described UI’s rise to the top as a significant comeback for Nigeria’s oldest university, which has recently enhanced its global visibility through digital learning expansion and research partnerships across Africa and Europe.
The NUC said the 2026 ranking was based on updated indicators measuring teaching quality, research influence, citations, societal impact, and employability of graduates.
