We bring to you the latest list of the top ten best universities in Nigeria. With so many universities in Nigeria, most of them government-owned, it can be challenging for you to know the best for your enrollment as a student. Due to the country’s educational system challenges, many universities find it hard to offer a good standard of education to students.
However, some schools still maintain quality learning traditions and education-friendly environments. In this article, we shall look at the top ten best universities in Nigeria.
Ready, let’s dive in!
University of Ibadan
The University of Ibadan is the oldest university in Nigeria, situated in the capital city of Oyo State – one of the richest states in Nigeria.
It was established as a public research center in 1948 and was part of the University of London. Eventually, the University gained autonomy in 1963, three years after Nigeria’s independence.
The University offers pre-degree, undergraduate and postgraduate courses. It has many affiliated institutions such as St. Augustine college of education in Akoka—Lagos, Bigard seminary school, Enugu state, and others.
The University of Ibadan has expanded since its inception and boasts about 13 faculties, including arts, basic medical sciences, and others.
You should check out our previous rankings of the best universities in Nigeria.
University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
Next on our list is the University of Nigeria Nsukka. Rated one of the best universities in Nigeria, was founded in 1955 by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. UNN as it’s fondly called, was the first indigenous and autonomous University in Nigeria, modeled after the American educational system.
Apart from the campus located in Nsukka, the University of Nigeria has three more campuses in Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu capital, and Aba. It has 15 accredited faculties and 102 departments across its four campuses. The University has one of the best ICT hubs in west Africa and has centers for space science and energy research.
University of Lagos(Unilag)
Third on our list of the top ten best universities in Nigeria is the University of Lagos (Unilag). Unilag is a federal university located in the major commercial city of Nigeria, Lagos. It was founded in 1962 and currently has 3 campuses. The main campus is located in Akoka, while the others are in Yaba and Surulere.
The University started with 131 students and has become one of Nigeria’s most populated schools. It has two major centers: the center for human rights and the center for African regional integration and borderline studies.
The University of Lagos has about 12 faculties and is popularly known as the University of First Choice.
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Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Obafemi Awolowo University was founded in 1961 and was formerly known as the University of Ife. The University covers about 11,862 hectares, making it one of the largest schools in Nigeria by landmass.
The University offers pre-bachelor programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and postgraduate studies. OAU was one of the first universities to be established in Africa in the 1970s and has produced lots of high-profile and successful individuals including Akinwumi Adesina, the former minister of Agriculture in Nigeria.
OAU aims to be the technological flagship in the west African region. They apply modern technology in teaching, research, and community service. The University has many centers, including the center for energy research and development and the national center for technology management.
Covenant University, Ota
Covenant university was founded in 2000 by Bishop David Oyedepo of Living Faith church. It was approved in 2002 by the federal government of Nigeria to run as an independent private university.
The University was built on the core value of spirituality, capacity building, positive mentality, responsibility, integrity, diligence, and sacrifice.
The founder, who’s also a notable spiritual leader, stated that the institution’s objective is to transform the students into expert thinkers, unusual managers, and hyper-resourceful technocrats in different fields of human endeavors.
Currently, Covenant University is ranked fifth among the top ten best universities in Nigeria.
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Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
Ahmadu Bello University(ABU) was established in 1962, following the Ashby Commission on Postschool certificate and Higher education’s direction to establish a university in Northern Nigeria.
ABU is the oldest university and most prominent university in Northern Nigeria. It was named after the Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, who was also the premier of Northern Nigeria.
The University offers many graduate programs, postgraduate programs, associate degrees, vocational and remedial programs. ABU has produced many high-profile individuals, including Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria, Solomon Arase, former IGP of police, and many others.
ABU has 2 campuses: the Samaru campus, the main campus, and the kango campus. Currently, it has 12 faculties and 82 academic departments.
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The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)
Ranking seventh on our list of the top ten best universities in Nigeria is FUTMINNA. FUTMINNA was founded in 1983 to facilitate national independence in science and technology and has become one of the best-rated universities in Nigeria.
Located in the capital of Niger state, Minna, Futminna is one of the largest universities in Nigeria, occupying about 10,000 hectares of land. The University is notable for its excellence in biotechnology and genetic engineering.
Some notable centers in FUTMINNA include the school of innovative technology, the school of agriculture and technology, industrial development center, and others.
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University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
The University of Ilorin was established in 1975 and started its academic session on the 25th of October, 1976. It is currently eighth on our list of the top ten best universities in Nigeria. Unilorin was the first Nigerian academic institution to appear in the rank of 20 best African universities in 2014.
UNILORIN has 3 campuses, 15 faculties, and 92 departments, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The school also has facilities for the preservation of endangered plants and animals. This prestigious institution has produced many successful individuals, including Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, W.F Kumuyi, and others.
University of Benin (UNIBEN)
The University of Benin was founded in 1970 and is located in the capital city of Edo state, Benin. It’s among the best-rated universities in Nigeria, with about 40,000 total student enrollments.
UNIBEN is popular for its collaboration with several universities worldwide and with local and international organizations such as the Ford Foundation, USAID, UNCF (United Negro College Fund), and many others. The school has two main campuses, located in Ugbowo and Ewan.
The school has 15 faculties and has produced many successful individuals, including the former governor of Lagos state, Babatunde Fashola.
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University of Abuja
Last but not least of our top ten best universities in Nigeria is the University of Abuja. The university was founded in 1988 and is located in the federal capital territory, Abuja.
The institution offers graduate studies, postgraduate studies, and distance learning schools.
This University also has one of the best medical schools in the country, with the medical center equipped with adequate facilities.
Conclusion
There you have it. These are the top ten best universities in Nigeria. These schools have indeed lasted the test of time.
Therefore, you can rest assured you’ll get a quality education in whatever program you choose to enroll in from either of these schools.