The University of Ibadan maintained its top spot in the 2022 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
However, the University of Lagos moved a step ahead to rank second in Nigeria and 501–600, out of over 1,600 institutions across the world.
On its part, the Lagos State University dropped to sixth in Nigeria behind Covenant University, University of Ilorin, University of Nigeria, and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
While LASU is the only state university included in the ranking, Covenant is the only privately-owned university.
In the 2021 ranking, LASU ranked second in Nigeria and 501 – 600 in the world.
This is according to the 2022 Times Higher Education World University Rankings released in September 2021.
The rankings were conducted based on 13 carefully calibrated performance indicators that measure an institution’s performance across four areas: teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook.
By this ranking, UNILAG took a leap from the range of 601–800 in 2021 to a higher range of 501–600.
Reacting, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, commended staff, students, alumni and friends of the University for their various contributions to the achievement of this feat.
“The University is however not relenting in hard work and dedication as the aim is to be ranked among the top 10 universities across the globe,” a post on the university’s website added.
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 include more than 1,600 universities across 99 countries and territories, making them the largest and most diverse university rankings to date.
Although only six universities feature in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the country is home to almost 130 institutions. Some of these are owned by the federal and state governments, while 50 are privately owned.
Full list: Best universities in Nigeria, according to THE
Rank Name
Country/Region
No. of FTE Students
No. of students per staff
International Students
Female:Male Ratio
401–500 University of Ibadan
Nigeria
35,083 22.6 1% 48 : 52
501–600 University of Lagos
Nigeria
32,732 19.7 0% 45 : 55
601–800 Covenant University
Nigeria
8,156 15.2 0% 43 : 57
1201+ University of Ilorin
Nigeria
56,941 37.9 0% 41 : 59
1201+ University of Nigeria Nsukka
Nigeria
36,223 12.2 1% 48 : 52
1201+ Obafemi Awolowo University
Nigeria
32,830 24.8 0% 44 : 56
Reporter Lagos State University
Nigeria
