The University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, has been ranked Nigeria’s leading health institution in the 2026 SCImago Institutions Rankings.

The renowned teaching hospital placed 7,051st globally and was listed among the top 25 per cent of institutions assessed in the international health-sector category.

UCH also recorded a significant lead over the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Lagos, which occupied the second position among Nigerian health institutions with a global ranking of 8,383rd.

Other Nigerian institutions featured in the health-sector ranking were Lagos University Teaching Hospital (9,053rd), Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (9,860th), University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (9,883rd), and the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (10,668th).

The SCImago Institutions Rankings evaluates institutions using indicators covering research, innovation and societal impact. Research performance accounts for 50 per cent of the assessment, while innovation and societal impact contribute 30 per cent and 20 per cent respectively.

The research assessment considers factors such as publication output, citation influence, international collaboration, publication in high-ranking journals and open-access research. Innovation is measured through areas including patents and technological influence, while societal impact includes web presence, media visibility, contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and policy influence.

Reacting to the achievement, UCH Chief Medical Director, Prof. Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo, credited the recognition to the dedication of the hospital’s workforce.

Otegbayo said the ranking reflected the collective efforts of staff who continue to provide services despite the challenges associated with working in the healthcare sector.

He expressed optimism that the recognition would encourage members of staff to sustain their contributions to the hospital and the wider Nigerian healthcare system.

The UCH chief also called for continued government support for the health sector, particularly through increased funding, improved infrastructure, reliable electricity and better remuneration for healthcare professionals.

Established on November 20, 1957, UCH was Nigeria’s first teaching hospital. The institution is affiliated with the University of Ibadan College of Medicine and serves as a major referral centre for patients across southwestern Nigeria.

The hospital is also among Nigeria’s eight federally funded Cancer Centres of Excellence.

Beyond clinical services, UCH has continued to support medical research through initiatives aimed at strengthening the research capacity of its personnel. In October 2024, the hospital awarded research grants to six members of staff.

The achievement comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s relatively small representation in the global health-sector ranking. Only six Nigerian institutions made the 2026 list, with five being teaching hospitals.

The ranking also showed stronger representation from countries including Egypt, South Africa and Kenya. The Kenya Medical Research Institute emerged as Africa’s highest-ranked institution in the health-sector category.

The latest recognition of UCH therefore highlights both the institution’s research and healthcare contributions and the broader need for greater investment in medical research, innovation, infrastructure and human resources across Nigeria’s health sector.