Covenant University has taken the top spot in Africa in the 2026 Times Higher Education Interdisciplinary Science Rankings, becoming the only African institution to break into the global top 50.
The results, released on Thursday on THE’s website, placed the Ogun State university first in Nigeria, first in Africa, and 49th worldwide.
The Interdisciplinary Science Rankings assess how universities contribute to and support interdisciplinary science. This field involves combining knowledge and methods from multiple scientific areas, as well as mixing STEM with social sciences, education, law, psychology, economics, and health-related disciplines.
According to THE, the second edition of the ranking used 11 indicators, including funding strength, research output, research quality, administrative support, facilities, publications, reputation, and measures of success.
A total of 911 universities from 94 countries were evaluated. Cairo University in Egypt placed 69th globally, making it the second-highest-ranked African institution.
In Nigeria, 18 of the 30 universities that submitted data made the list. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka ranked 161st worldwide, placing second in the country. Landmark University followed in the 201 to 250 band, while Ladoke Akintola University of Technology and the University of Ilorin both appeared in the 251 to 300 bracket.
Below is the Nigerian ranking table:
Covenant University – 49
University of Nigeria, Nsukka – 161
Landmark University – 201–250
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology – 251–300
University of Ilorin – 251–300
University of Lagos – 301–350
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta – 401–500
Obafemi Awolowo University – 401–500
Federal University of Technology, Owerri – 501–600
Ahmadu Bello University – 601–800
Akwa Ibom State University – 601–800
Bowen University – 601–800
Delta State University, Abraka – 601–800
Ekiti State University – 601–800
Lagos State University – 601–800
University of Benin – 601–800
University of Calabar – 601–800
Federal University Oye-Ekiti – 801+
Reporter status (not ranked): Babcock University, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Federal University of Lafia, Fountain University, Godfrey Okoye University, Lead City University, Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Nasarawa State University Keffi, Redeemer’s University, Rivers State University, Thomas Adewumi University, and University of Delta.
