Nigeria has over 270 prestigious universities that are ranked among the top Universities In Africa. Most universities in Nigeria are ranked and recognized globally. These universities are ranked based on their learning environment, international outlook, knowledge transfer, reputation, and research.
Out of over 270 universities in Nigeria, 40 made it to the Time Higher Education (THE) World University rankings for 2025. These universities are not only recognized in Nigeria but in the world.
Nigeria has some of the best Universities across the globe. Therefore, In this article, we’ll be listing the top best universities in Nigeria.
Table of Contents
Is Nigeria A Good Country For Education?
Nigeria is a good country for education; as of 2017/ 2018, Nigeria was ranked 124th out of 137 countries for quality of primary education by the World Economic Forum. Nigeria is a very safe and stable country.
The majority of Universities In Nigeria have safe and reliable accommodations for students and also dedicated accommodations for international students. Education in Nigeria is overseen by the Federal Ministry of Education.
Additionally, Nigeria has a lower-than-expected level of educational achievement, given its moderately high per capita income.
Is The Cost Of Living In Nigeria High?
Nigeria is a Lower middle-income country. The cost of living in Nigeria is on average, 58.8% lower than the cost of living in the U.S.. The cost of living in Nigeria is way cheaper compared to other countries. Rent in Nigeria is, on average, 31.18%.
A single person’s estimated monthly costs are $617.8 without rent, while a family of four estimated monthly expenses are $2,471.2 without rent. Nigeria’s rising cost of living has been a significant problem, most especially among the poor and vulnerable segments of the population.
Top 12 Best Universities In Nigeria
Below is a list of the best Universities In Nigeria:
1. University Of Ibadan
The University of Ibadan is a public research university in Ibadan, Nigeria. The university was once a college of the University of London. It is, however, one of the best universities in Nigeria.
UI was founded in 1948; it is Nigeria’s oldest university, with over 40,000 students and 160,000 alumni in over 160 countries worldwide. The University of Ibadan was ranked no. 1001 out of 1200in QS World University rankings 2025.
2. University Of Nigeria, UNN Nsukka
UNN is an Eastern Federal University located in Nsukka, Enugu state. The university was founded in 1955 by Nnamdi Azikiwe. It is among the best universities in Nigeria.
UNN has about 16 faculty and 105 academic departments. UNN is ranked 1150 in the Best Global Universities rankings by U.S. News and World Report.
3. Obafemi Awolowo University
OAU is a Federal state university located in Ile-Ife, Osun state, Nigeria. The university was founded in 1961 as the University of Ife but was renamed in Honor of Chief Obafemi Awolowo (1909- 1989).
Obafemi Awolowo University was ranked 1971 out of 20,966 by the World Bank. The university was also ranked 1079 in the best global universities. It is among the best universities in Nigeria.
4. Federal University of Technology, Akure
FUTA is a top-ranked federal university of technology in Akure, Nigeria, founded in 1981. It is one of the best universities in Nigeria.
The university is a government-owned institution that is driven by the federal government of Nigeria to create universities that specialize in producing graduates with practical and also theoretical knowledge of technologies.
FUTA has been ranked as the best 3rd university in the 2024 edition of the AD Scientific Index Ranking of Institutions in Nigeria.
5. Babcock University
BU is one of the leading private Christian co-educational Nigerian Universities operated by the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Nigeria. The university was founded in 1959, located at Ilishan-Remo, Ogun state, Nigeria. It is among the best universities in Nigeria.
Babcock University was ranked no. 28th in Nigeria, 4491 in the global 2024 rating. BU was chartered in 1999 by an Act of the federal government in Nigeria.
6. University Of Lagos
UNILAG is a public research university in Lagos, Nigeria, founded in 1962. UNILAG is one of the first-generation universities in Nigeria. UNILAG, for over 5 decades, has provided research-oriented and qualitative education for Nigerian students.
UNILAG is ranked 2nd in Nigeria 1001 – 1200, out of over 2,000 institutions across the globe. It is among the best universities in Nigeria.
7. Federal University Of Agriculture, Abeokuta
FUNAABÂ is a highly reputable public university, that is owned and operated by the federal government of Nigeria. The university was founded as a specialized university in 1988 located in Abeokuta, Ogun state Nigeria.
FUNAAB has academic affiliations with NUC, AAU, and ACU. FUNAAB, Nigeria has a tripodal mandate of research, teaching, and extensive services. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta was ranked no. 22 out of 157 in Nigeria, no. 121 out of 1,104 in Africa, and 4120 out of 14,131 in the world.
8. Bayero University Kano
BUK is one of the best universities in Nigeria. It is situated in Kano, Kano State, Nigeria. The university was founded in 1975. BUK has evolved from a small college running an advanced-level training program to one of the most reputable Nigerian universities.
The university is a leading Nigerian university offering world-class academic and professional training. BUK is the 4th best university in Nigeria according to Time Higher Education; it is ranked 1001 – 1200 band globally and 71 in the 2023 sub-Saharan Africa University world rankings.
9. University Of Ilorin
The University of Ilorin is a federally owned public research university situated in Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria. The University of Ilorin is one of the largest universities in Nigeria and one of the largest in Africa landmass.
The University of Ilorin was founded in 1975. The university is one of the foremost universities in sub-Saharan Africa, with an uninterrupted academic program for over 16 years. UNILORIN is ranked 1335 in the best global universities.
The university comprises over 16 faculties and over 100 academic departments offering 103 programs.
10. Covenant University
CU is a prestigious university founded on a Christian mission committed to pioneering excellence, located in Ota, Ogun state. It is one of the best universities in Nigeria.
The university was founded in 2002. Covenant University was ranked no. 1 in West Africa, no. 6 in Sub-Saharan Africa, and ranked 801 in the world university rankings by Times Higher Education.
11. Ladoke Akintola University Of Technology (LAUTECH)
Ladoke Akintola University is a highly reputable public research university located in Ogbomosho, Oyo state, Nigeria. It is one of the best universities in Nigeria.
LAUTECH offers academic opportunities in technological-oriented fields. The university enrolls over 30,000 students and employs over 3,000 workers, including contract staff. There are only 12 faculties at the university.
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology is ranked 19th in Nigeria, 3974 in the global 2024 rating. The university is officially accredited by the National Universities Commission of Nigeria.
12. University Of Benin
University of Benin (UNIBEN) is a prestigious federal government-owned university funded and managed by the federal government of Nigeria. UNIBEN was founded as an institute of technology in 1970 and became a university in 1971, located in Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria.
UNIBEN has 15 faculties, 1 college, and 3 institutes. The university is ranked 1501 in world universities rankings by Timer Higher Education and has overall scores of 3.5 stars. UNIBEN is ranked 8th for medicine in Nigeria.
What Are The Top Five Universities In Nigeria?
The top five universities in Nigeria are the University of Lagos, the University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, the University of Nigeria, UNN Nsukka, and Covenant University.
What Is The Toughest University In Nigeria To Get Into?
The University of Ibadan remains one of the top best universities in Nigeria. However, enrolling in this institution can become a hassle due to its requirements. Nonetheless, meeting up with the school’s requirements will make you a student of this varsity.
Conclusion
Nigeria has some of the world’s best universities, and they are recognized for their impact on the world. These universities offer a variety of programs for both domestic and international students. This article has listed some of the best universities in Nigeria.
Reference
- businesses day. ng
- the baseline log.substack.co
- Studyinnigeria
- Edurank.org
