Nigeria has achieved its highest-ever representation in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, with 29 universities featured in the 2027 edition, up from 24 in 2026, making it the most represented country in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The figures were contained in a report by Emeritus Professor, Peter Okebukola, Chairman of the Nigerian Tertiary Education Ranking Advisory Committee (NiTERAC), following the release of the 2027 rankings on Wednesday.

According to the report, the 2027 edition ranked 2,297 universities across 118 countries and territories, compared to 2,191 in 2026.

Nigeria’s 29 ranked universities represent 42 percent of the 69 institutions ranked across Sub-Saharan Africa. Another 32 Nigerian universities were classified as Reporters, meaning they submitted data but did not meet the requirements for inclusion in the ranked table, bringing the total number of Nigerian institutions engaging with the ranking to 61.

Covenant University, the University of Ibadan (UI) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) jointly occupied Nigeria’s highest position in the 801-1000 global band. Covenant University improved from the 1001-1200 band in 2026, while UI and UNILAG retained their positions.

Four other Nigerian universities — Ahmadu Bello University, Bayero University, Landmark University and the University of Ilorin — were placed in the 1001-1200 band, bringing the number of Nigerian universities in the global top 1,200 to seven.

Federal universities continue to dominate the top performers, occupying five of the seven Nigerian universities placed within the global top 1,200 — UI, UNILAG, University of Ilorin, Ahmadu Bello University and Bayero University.

Five universities entered the rankings for the first time, including Osun State University, University of Maiduguri, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Kwara State University and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. Seven universities also recorded clear upward movement, including Covenant University, Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Ilorin.

Overall, 19 federal universities, seven state universities and three private universities featured in the 2027 ranking.

The Federal Ministry of Education credited ongoing education reforms under Minister Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa for the improvement, while Prof. Okebukola called for improved global academic reputation, research funding, doctoral output, international collaboration and stronger industry engagement to further improve Nigeria’s standing.