EKSU, FUOYE, and BOUESTI Rank Among Nigeria’s Top 30 Universities in 2026 THE World University Rankings
Three Ekiti-based universities — Ekiti State University (EKSU), Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), and Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI) — have been listed among the top 30 universities in Nigeria in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for 2026.
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Three Ekiti-based universities — Ekiti State University (EKSU), Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), and Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI) — have been listed among the top 30 universities in Nigeria in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for 2026.
According to the ranking released on the Times Higher Education website on Thursday, EKSU emerged as the 13th best university in Nigeria and the 2nd best state-owned university, while FUOYE ranked 17th, and BOUESTI placed 29th nationwide.
Both EKSU and FUOYE were rated within the 1500+ global band, among 51 Nigerian universities included in the 2026 rankings.
The University of Ibadan (UI) and University of Lagos (UNILAG) led the national chart, securing positions within the 801–1000 global category. They were followed by Bayero University Kano (BUK), Covenant University (CU), and Landmark University, which all ranked 1001–1200 globally.
Meanwhile, Ahmadu Bello University, Federal University of Technology, Minna, University of Ilorin, University of Jos, and University of Nigeria, Nsukka, were placed between 1201–1500 globally.
Additionally, 14 Nigerian universities were listed in the 1501+ category, while 27 institutions did not attain a global ranking status.
The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings remain one of the most respected global indicators of institutional excellence. The ranking methodology evaluates universities based on teaching, research quality, international outlook, and industry income.
For inclusion, universities must offer undergraduate programs, produce research across multiple disciplines, and have published at least 1,000 research papers between 2020 and 2024, with a minimum of 100 publications per year.
Top 30 Universities in Nigeria, 2026 (THE Ranking)
- University of Ibadan
- University of Lagos
- Bayero University Kano
- Covenant University
- Landmark University
- Ahmadu Bello University
- Federal University of Technology, Minna
- University of Ilorin
- University of Jos
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka
- Babcock University
- Delta State University, Abraka
- Ekiti State University (EKSU)
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
- Federal University of Technology, Akure
- Federal University of Technology, Owerri
- Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
- Lagos State University
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- University of Benin
- University of Calabar
- University of Port Harcourt
- Admiralty University of Nigeria
- Akwa Ibom State University
- Al-Hikmah University
- Augustine University
- Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI)
- Bauchi State University, Gadau
The recognition of these three Ekiti-based universities among Nigeria’s best reinforces the state’s growing reputation as a hub of academic excellence and innovation.
