In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021 which includes more than 1,500 universities across 93 countries and regions (making it the largest and most diverse university rankings to date), University of Ibadan (UI) took the number one spot in Nigeria and also ranked at number 401–500 in the world.

Lagos State University (LASU) took the second place and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) occupied the third position at number 501-600 and 601-800 respectively.

The ranking also placed Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State (801-1000) as the best private university and 4th on the national ranking. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1000+) and Obafemi Awolowo University (OUA) Ile-Ife (1001+) occupied the 5th and 6th position positions.