EKSU, FUOYE, and BOUESTI Dominate: See Why These 3 Universities Made Nigeria's Top 30 in the 2026 THE Ranking

In a major win for higher education in the Southwest, Ekiti State University (EKSU), Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), and Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI) have all secured coveted spots within the Top 30 Nigerian Universities in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for 2026.

The prestigious 2026 ranking places EKSU at an impressive 13th best university overall and designates it the 2nd best state university in Nigeria. FUOYE follows closely at 17th place, with the promising BOUESTI rounding out the trio at 29th.

EKSU, FUOYE, and BOUESTI Shine in the 2026 THE World University Rankings

The results, published on the Times Higher Education website, cement the reputation of these three Ekiti-based institutions among the nation's elite. Both EKSU and FUOYE were listed in the highly competitive 1500+ global ranking bracket. BOUESTI's inclusion in the top 30 is a testament to its rapid growth and commitment to research and education quality.

In total, 51 Nigerian institutions were evaluated for the THE 2026 rankings. Only a handful achieved a higher global standing:

• 801–1000 Global Rank: University of Ibadan (UI) and University of Lagos (UNILAG)
• 1001–1200 Global Rank: Bayero University Kano (BUK), Covenant University (CU), and Landmark University
• 1201–1500 Global Rank: Ahmadu Bello University, Federal University of Technology, Minna, University of Ilorin, University of Jos, and University of Nigeria

Understanding the Times Higher Education Ranking Methodology

Times Higher Education (THE) is a globally recognised independent organisation that provides essential data and analysis for the higher education sector. Their methodology is rigorous and respected worldwide, lending significant weight to the 2026 university rankings.

To even qualify for the THE World University Rankings, an institution must meet strict criteria:

• Offer undergraduate programs.
• Produce research across various subjects.
• Have published at least 1,000 research publications between 2020 and 2024 (with a minimum of 100 publications per year).

This high standard highlights the remarkable achievement of the 30 institutions, especially EKSU, FUOYE, and BOUESTI, which successfully met these global benchmarks.

Full List: The Top 30 Universities in Nigeria (THE 2026)

Here is the full breakdown of the Top 30 Nigerian Universities in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings:

1. University of Ibadan
2. University of Lagos
3. Bayero University
4. Covenant University
5. Landmark University
6. Ahmadu Bello University
7. Federal University of Technology, Minna
8. University of Ilorin
9. University of Jos
10. University of Nigeria, Nsukka
11. Babcock University
12. Delta State University, Abraka
13. Ekiti State University (EKSU) - Ranked 13th
14. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
15. Federal University of Technology, Akure
16. Federal University of Technology, Owerri
17. Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) - Ranked 17th
18. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
19. Lagos State University
20. Nnamdi Azikiwe University
21. Obafemi Awolowo University
22. University of Benin
23. University of Calabar
24. University of Port Harcourt
25. Admiralty University of Nigeria
26. Akwa Ibom State University
27. Al-Hikmah University
28. Augustine University
29. Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI) - Ranked 29th
30. Bauchi State University, Gadau

This is a proud moment for the educational sector in Nigeria. The performance of EKSU, FUOYE, and BOUESTI is a clear indicator of growing research output and institutional quality across the country.

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