The 2025 university rankings have delivered a surprising shake-up in Nigeria’s academic landscape, as two of the country’s most prestigious institutions—the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)—failed to make the top ten list.
This unexpected shift has sparked conversations about the evolving dynamics of higher education in the country.
While these long-established universities grapple with their rankings, Covenant University continues to rise, solidifying its position as a leader in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship.
The University of Ibadan (UI), Nigeria’s oldest university, remains a powerhouse in research and postgraduate studies, while Lagos State University (LASU) has strengthened its reputation, particularly in law and social sciences.
The exclusion of UNILAG and OAU from the top ten is particularly striking given their historical dominance in Nigerian education. However, rankings are often determined by varying methodologies and criteria. Notably, the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings place UNILAG in the 1001-1200 global bracket, ranking it second in Nigeria alongside Ahmadu Bello University, Landmark University, and UI.
This development highlights the fluid nature of university rankings, influenced by factors such as research output, global reputation, and academic performance. As Nigerian universities continue to adapt to shifting educational demands, it remains to be seen how institutions like UNILAG and OAU will respond to this latest ranking upset.
