From tuition to location and course of study, there are many factors to consider in choosing a suitable school of study. Nigeria boasts a quality educational system. While only 6 universities are listed in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Nigeria has about 130 universities. Most of these institutions are state and federal-owned. About 50 are private institutions. Are you looking to study in one of the best schools in Nigeria? Below is a list of them.
- University of Ibadan
- Covenant University Ota
- University of Nigeria
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- University of Lagos
- Ahmadu Bello University
- University of Port Harcourt
- Federal University of Technology Akure
- University of Benin
- University of Ilorin
University of Ibadan (UI)
The University of Ibadan is ranked among the best universities in the country. UI got featured in Reuters Top 100 world universities in 2020. Established in 1947, UI is a top-notch institution offering Art, Science and Medical courses. With full accreditation, quality education and numerous faculties, it’s not surprising that the University of Ibadan is listed among the best Nigerian institutions.
Covenant University (CU)
For years, Covenant University has been rated among the top institutions in Nigeria. It’s even named the best private university in the country. While the tuition fees are quite expensive, it’s worthwhile since Covenant University offers quality education. Established in June 2002, CU core values include spirituality, capacity building, diligence, integrity, sacrifice and a positive mentality. The private university is renowned for producing excellent students and graduates. Covenant University graduates are mostly seen in the echelons of power. Little wonder it’s listed as one of the top-ranked schools in Nigeria.
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
Founded by Nnamdi Azikiwe in 1955, the University of Nigeria is ranked among the 5 reputable universities in the country. UNN has 4 campuses in Nsukka, Enugu, Aba and Ituku-Ozalla. The medical school is notable for medical exploits. Its doctors and health workers are exceptional and highly qualified. The University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu records the first open-heart surgical operation in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. It’s now the centre for cardiothoracic surgery and tropical cardiology excellence for West Africa. UNN has the oldest faculty in the country.
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Situated in Ile-Ife, Obafemi Awolowo University is one of the first tertiary institutions in the country. The premier university first started with 244 students at its temporary facilities. Today, the school has produced many graduates and alumni of reputation and excellence. Some of the notable alumni include Jimi Agbaje ( Lagos State governorship candidate), Abike Dabiri ( former Member of the House of Representatives), Lai Mohammed (Nigerian Minister of Information and Culture), etc.
University of Lagos (UNILAG)
This popular university has three campuses: the main campus in Akoka and the other two at Yaba and Surulere. Unilag, which started with only 131 students, has grown to become one of the most populated universities in Nigeria. It currently enrols over 57,000 students each year. The University of Lagos boasts one of the best distance learning programs in the country. Due to its high standards, admission into the school is highly competitive. After Capetown and Makerere university, Unilag is rated as the 3rd best university in Africa for entrepreneurship. It’s also pegged the startup powerhouse college for Nigerian students.
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
The Northern region isn’t left out in our list of the best universities in Nigeria. Named after Sir Ahmadu Bello, ABU is the first university in Northern University. The university pioneered the establishment of Bayero University Kano and the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University of Technology. Over 27 tertiary institutions, including polytechnics and colleges of education, are affiliated with ABU.
University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
Formerly known as University College, Port Harcourt, UNIPORT is a second-generation institution renowned for its petroleum engineering course. The full-fledged university has produced groundbreaking feats. In 2015, UNIPORT was listed as the 6th most rated University in Africa and the 1st in Nigeria by THE (Times Higher Education). Besides petroleum engineering, UNIPORT is also focused on business ethics and indigenous entrepreneurship development.
The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
FUTA was established to drive cutting-edge technology by training individuals with practical and theoretical knowledge. In January 2020, Webometrics ranked the Federal University of Technology (FUTA) as the 8th best University and the best University Of Technology in Nigeria.
University of Benin (UNIBEN)
The federal government university is the first institution to elect a female Vice-Chancellor in the country. UNIBEN is affiliated with top-class universities and foreign bodies like USAID, FORD Foundation and United Negro College Fund (UNCF).
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
Next on the list of the best university in Nigeria is Unilorin. The famous NUC-accredited institution was once named the best academic high institution in the country. With over 15,000 hectares of land, Unilorin has one of the largest landmasses. The academic programmes in the higher institution of learning span Arts, Science, Business, Social Science, Engineering & Technology, etc. There were reports that Unilorin had the highest number of applicants at a time.
Based on the volume of web content, visibility and citations they receive, here’s a list of the best 100 universities in Nigeria as ranked by Webometrics.
- University of Ibadan
- University of Ilorin
- University of Lagos
- University of Nigeria
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- Ahmadu Bello University
- Covenant University
- Federal University of Technology, Akure
- University of Benin
- Federal University of Technology, Minna
- Federal University of Technology, Owerri
- Lagos State University
- Federal University, Oye-Ekiti
- University of Port Harcourt
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University
- University of Abuja
- Redeemer’s University
- Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University
- University of Maiduguri
- Imo State University
- Ambrose Alli University
- University of Calabar
- University of Jos
- University of Uyo
- Abia State University
- Kwara State University
- Afe Babalola University
- Landmark University
- University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
- Olabisi Onabanjo University
- Bayero University Kano
- Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti Delta State University, Abraka l
- Enugu State University of Science and Technology
- Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umuahia
- Babcock University
- Veritas University
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
- Tai Solarin University of Education Kaduna State University
- American University of Nigeria
- Rivers State University of Science and Technology
- Federal University, Dutsin-Ma
- Pan African University
- Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University
- Adekunle Ajasin University
- Usmanu Danfodio University
- African University of Science and Technology
- Baze University
- Bowen University
- Federal University of Petroleum Resources
- Ebonyi State University
- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University
- Osun State University
- Igbinedion University Okada
- Lead City University
- Ajayi Crowther University
- University of Agriculture, Makurdi
- Bells University of Technology
- Nasarawa State University
- Niger Delta University Wilberforce Island
- Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University
- Bingham University
- Benson Idahosa University
- Paul University
- Nigerian Turkish Nile University
- Benue State University
- Modibbo Adama University of Technology
- Madonna University
- Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ondo State University of Science and Technology
- Federal University, Otuoke
- Crawford University
- Caleb University
- Achievers University, Owo
- Elizade University
- Oduduwa University
- Joseph Ayo Babalola University Kano University of Science and Technology
- Salem University
- Federal University, Dutse
- Wellspring University
- Kogi State University
- Al-Hikmah University
- University of Mkar
- Crescent University, Abeokuta
- Cross River University of Technology
- Yobe State University
- Renaissance University
- Adeleke University
- Federal University, Lokoja
- Fountain University
- Akwa Ibom State University
- Western Delta University
- Federal University, Lafia
- Obong University
- Federal University, Wukari
- Bauchi State University
- Caritas University
- Gombe State University
- Wesley University of Science and Technology
- Kebbi State University of Science and Technology
- Adamawa State University
- Novena University
- Federal University, Kashere
- Sokoto State University
- Kwararafa University Wukari
- Samuel Adegboyega University
- Tansian University
- Taraba State University
- Godfrey Okoye University
- Al-Qalam University, Katsina
- Rhema University
