Covenant University has been named the top university in Africa in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings. The institution emerged first in Nigeria, first in Africa, and 49th worldwide.
According to the release published on THE’s website on Thursday, the Interdisciplinary Science Rankings review how universities contribute to and support interdisciplinary scientific work. This field involves combining knowledge, methods, and practices from various scientific areas, as well as integrating STEM disciplines with selected non-STEM fields such as the social sciences, education, psychology, law, economics, and health-related disciplines.
Now in its second edition, the ranking system assesses universities using 11 indicators, including research funding, outcomes, facilities, administrative backing, and the promotion of interdisciplinary work, as well as publications, research quality, and overall reputation.
A total of 911 institutions from 94 countries made the list. Covenant University was the only African university to emerge in the global top 50, with Cairo University of Egypt coming next at 69th.
In Nigeria, 18 out of 30 universities that submitted their data earned a ranking. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Landmark University; Ladoke Akintola University of Technology; and the University of Ilorin placed second, third, fourth, and fifth, respectively, in the country.
Full Ranked List – Nigeria
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