By Roddyah Asudemade | October 11, 2025 | Ibadan
The University of Ibadan has bounced back to the number one position in Nigeria, according to the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.
After dropping to fourth place in 2025, UI returned stronger this year, reclaiming the top spot it last held in 2023. The latest global ranking places the university in the 801–1,000 category, ahead of the University of Lagos and Covenant University.
Top Five Nigerian Universities (THE 2026 Rankings):
1️⃣ University of Ibadan (UI) – 801–1,000
2️⃣ University of Lagos (UNILAG) – 801–1,000
3️⃣ Bayero University Kano (BUK) – 1,001–1,200
4️⃣ Covenant University (CU) – 1,001–1,200
5️⃣ Landmark University – 1,001–1,200
The result has been met with excitement among students and alumni, who described it as a “well-deserved comeback” for the country’s oldest university.
Many education watchers say the achievement reflects UI’s renewed focus on research, innovation, and global collaboration.
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Do you think UI can break into the world’s top 500 next year?
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