Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, has been named the leading university in Africa in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings, placing 49th worldwide.

THE’s Interdisciplinary Science Rankings evaluate how well universities promote and develop research that cuts across traditional disciplines, blending STEM fields with areas such as social sciences, law, education, and health.

Covenant University stood out as the only African university to break into the global top 50, a milestone that further solidifies its growing reputation for innovative, cross-disciplinary research.

In the Nigerian category, 18 out of the 30 universities that submitted data made it into the final rankings. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, placed second nationally; Landmark University ranked third; Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) came fourth; while the University of Ilorin completed the top five.

The Times Higher Education Interdisciplinary Science Rankings recognize institutions that successfully integrate STEM fields with non-STEM disciplines such as social sciences, law, education, and health an approach increasingly seen as vital for solving complex global challenges.

Covenant University’s performance underscores its continued rise on the continental and global academic stage, following previous high placements in innovation and employability rankings.