Covenant University, Ota, and Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, two private universities established by Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo, a Nigerian preacher and founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, were ranked higher than other universities in Nigeria.
According to Times Higher Education (THE), Covenant University and Landmark University were ranked first and third, respectively, pushing Nigeria’s premier university, the University of Ibadan (UI), to fourth place.
However, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, saved federal universities from a poor showing by clinching the second position among Nigerian universities.
While the THE world ranking placed Covenant within the category of 801-1001 best universities worldwide, Ahmadu Bello University, Landmark University, University of Ibadan, and University of Lagos falls into the 1001-1200 category. The indices used in the ranking placed Landmark ahead of UI and UI above UNILAG.
Some universities, like Babcock University, which are struggling to move from unclassified to classified status, are not visible in the 2025 ranking.
Under the category 1201-1500 are Bayero University, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Federal University of Technology, Minna, University of Benin, and University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
In the category of 1501+ are Ekiti State University, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Lagos State University, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife, University of Port Harcourt, and Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
Unclassified universities are Abia State University, Akwa Ibom State University, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufi-Alike, Ambrose Alli University, Baze University, Bells University of Technology, Benson Idahosa University, Bowen University, Delta State University, Abraka, Evangel University, Akaeze, and Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun.
Others are Godfrey Okoye University, Lagos State University of Education, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Niger Delta University, Nile University of Nigeria, Osun State University, Rivers State University, Thomas Adewumi University, University of Cross River State, University of Maiduguri, and Veritas University.
