Nigeria is a country with a lot of history, a lot of cultures, and a lot of people. There are many universities in Nigeria and they offer different types of courses to students. These universities are ranked according to their performance in various fields such as medicine, engineering, and business management.
The best universities in Nigeria are the ones that offer you a great education and a chance to pursue your dreams.
You can earn a degree from one of our top universities, and use it to get into a job that you love—or even start your own business!
In this article, we’ll tell you about some of the top universities in Nigeria but before that, we’ll divert into why you should study in Nigeria so read on!
Why Should I Study In Nigeria?
- You’ll discover a new language: Although English, which is the official language of Nigeria, is the most frequently used language for instruction in its universities, studying there will also give you the chance to learn a number of native tongues. There are over 525 spoken languages in Nigeria, and picking up a new tongue will do wonders for your CV.
- Excellent teaching credentials: Numerous top-ranked colleges in Nigeria provide low tuition in addition to being at the forefront of structured classroom work experience, practicals, and even internships.
- Potential Networking Contacts: Universities in Nigeria, which has a population of over 200 million, accept students from all throughout the country. After graduation, you’ll have the chance to meet new individuals from all backgrounds, take in diverse cultures, and create lifelong friends thanks to this.
- Reasonable tuition costs: Nigerian universities are still renowned for providing courses at low costs in comparison to educational institutions in other parts of the world, even if the tuition fee you pay in a college in Nigeria depends on the institution and the type of study.
- Simple Visa Application: Compared to other nations, candidates have a better chance of obtaining a student visa to study in Nigeria. Applying for a student visa to Nigeria is simple and quick once you have obtained a conditional or unconditional admission offer from a Nigerian university.
Challenges Of Studying In Nigeria
- Infrastructure: Lessons, labs, and workshops are only accessible to 30% of the population.
- Poor Quality: A shortage of teachers, insufficient financing for technology, and a lack of critical resources all contribute to the poor quality of higher education.
- Cults: There are also many cults that pose a threat to educational institutions and the students that attend them.
- Poor Founding: One of the major issues with education in Nigeria is funding, which is hampered by poor staff pay and a lack of funds for resources.
Top Best Universities In Nigeria
Below are lists of the top best universities you can choose as your institution of study in Nigeria:
- University of Ibadan
- University of Ilorin
- University of Lagos
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- University of Nigeria
- Federal University of Minna
- University of Landmark
- Babcock University
- AfeBabalola University
- Ahmadu Bello University
- Lagos State University
- University of Abuja
- Federal University of Owerri
- University of Port Harcourt
- Bayero University Kaduna
You can read 10 Best Art Courses To Study In Nigeria Universities
Now let’s take a better look at each of these university
#1. University Of Ibadan (UI)
The University of Ibadan (UI) is the best university in Nigeria among the top ten institutions. The UI is currently Nigeria’s top university, this being said.
The University of Ibadan was named as the nation’s top Federal University by the National Universities Commission (NUC). In their most recent 2020 rankings of global universities, it was also listed in the Reuters Top 100.
UI is a renowned university that was established in 1947. It offered courses in the humanities, sciences, and medicine and was originally associated with the University of London.
The school has been named one of Nigeria’s top 10 universities as a result of its outstanding standards.
The fully approved school provides a variety of academic programs.
#2. University Of Ilorin
A renowned NUC-accredited university is UNILORIN. According to NUC criteria, UNILORIN, which was formerly considered the top academic institution of higher education in the nation, is currently recognized as Nigeria’s fourth-best university.
In 2014, the University of Ilorin became the first institution in Nigeria to be listed among the top 20 institutions on the continent.
The school once had the most applicants nationwide, according to JAMB. The university offers a wide range of academic programs in numerous subjects through its 15 authorized faculties, colleges, and postgraduate schools.
#3. University Of Lagos
Nigerians regard the University of Lagos (UNILAG) as one of the country’s top 10 institutions of higher learning. It is Nigeria’s seventh-best university.
UNILAG was founded in 1962 and has three campuses throughout Lagos. The two other campuses are located in Yaba and Surulere, respectively, while the main campus is in Akoka.
With just 131 students when it first opened, UNILAG has grown tremendously over time to rank among the most crowded universities in Nigeria. In addition, UNILAG is ranked as one of Nigeria’s top 10 institutions.
One of the greatest remote learning institutions is located there, offering professional courses in areas, including science education, business administration, and accounting.
#4. Obafemi Awolowo University
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), which spans 11,862 hectares of land, is the largest institution of higher learning in the nation by landmass.
The university’s previous name, University of Ife, was given to it when it was founded in 1962. Among the top 10 universities in Nigeria, the university is ranked eighth best.
Obafemi Awolowo University has been listed as one of the top 10 universities in Nigeria by international rankings of educational excellence.
As a result, it is not unexpected that many university aspirants list the school as their top choice on their JAMB application forms.
In the 1970s, OAU became one of the continent’s first academic institutions.
#5. University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
The NUC placed UNN, which opened its doors in 1955, as Nigeria’s ninth-best university.
Founded initially on December 17, 1960, the UNN is the first indigenous or autonomous university. The institution comprises 102 departments and 15 authorized faculties.
In addition to schooling, the university also provides herbal medications and studies on African and developmental issues.
Additionally, they have institutes dedicated to studying climatology, energy research, and space science.
The university is proud to be an ICT Hub in West Africa and has played host to numerous regional events, including the NUGA Games.
#6. Federal University Of Technology, Minna.
This university started in 1983 with the goal of encouraging academic performance.
The institution is located in Minna, the state capital of Niger State, and it spans an area of up to 10,650 hectares. It is not only one of the top 10 institutions in Nigeria, but it is also one of the biggest.
#7. Landmark University
This higher education facility is ranked seventh among Nigeria’s top private institutions. The World Mission Agency (WMA), a Dr. David Oyedepo-founded Christian mission organization, is in charge of the missionary school.
Nigerians are familiar with Landmark University for its goal of developing a generation of problem solvers through a high-quality, practically relevant training program and innovative knowledge.
Undergraduate and graduate degree programs are offered by Landmark University in a number of faculties.
#8. Babcock University
Babcock University is ranked as Nigeria’s fifth-best university, demonstrating the continued dominance of private institutions of higher learning in that country.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church of Nigeria owns Ilishan-Remo Christian Private University, which was founded in April 1999 and is located in Ogun State, Nigeria.
David C. Babcock, an American missionary who oversaw the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s operations in Nigeria, was the inspiration behind the naming of the university.
Babcock University has a significant influence on the Nigerian educational system, placing it in the top 200 universities in Africa.
Famous Nigerian musicians Davido, OlumideOworu, and DeboOgundoyin, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, are just a few of the well-known individuals that attended the institution.
#9. AfeBabalola University
On our list of the top 10 best universities in Nigeria, AfeBabalola University comes in at number three and is the second private institution.
According to the NUC 2021 assessment, the university is rated as the third-best private university in Nigeria. A Nigerian lawyer founded AfeBabalola University in 2009 and gave it his own name.
With a teaching hospital that is well-equipped and located in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria, AfeBabalola University has improved its reputation as one of the greatest universities in the country.
The private university has a lofty goal to spearhead educational change in Nigeria by offering a top-tier educational center of excellence in academics, character, sports, and career development.
#10. Ahmadu Bello University
One of the few institutions in Nigeria that offers medicine and surgery is ABU, which was founded in honor of the Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Sir Ahmadu Bello.
Numerous undergraduate and graduate programs are offered by the university ( and offer associate degrees and vocational and remedial programs). It boasts a sizable medical department and its own ABU Teaching Hospital, one of the biggest teaching hospitals in Nigeria and Africa.
#11. Lagos State University
The Lagos State Enabling Law created LASU in 1983 with the goals of fostering academic achievement and advancing learning. This institution is a top university in Nigeria and the only state university in the former British colony. It offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses.
Candidates must be 16 years of age or older.
Candidates must receive a minimum of 6 (six) “Cs (Credits)” in their O’level exam (s). This needs to cover three additional subjects pertinent to their course of study, in addition to English and math.
#12. The University of Abuja.
The University of Abuja, a premier institution of higher learning in Nigeria, was founded in January 1988. It was created as a dual-mode institution with the authority to conduct programs for both traditional and online study.
The university offers diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate degree programs. It also serves as a center for a distance learning school, enabling those who are unable to attend a traditional university to receive a university education.
The applicant must have earned at least 5 Credits (C) in five subjects from WASSCE, NABTEB, or NECO, or an equivalent examination.
The University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) is projected to be the top choice of institution for candidates.
#13. Federal University of Technology Of Owerri
The first Executive President of Nigeria, ShehuShagari, formed and appointed the first provisional council in order to create the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), the country’s oldest technological university, in 1980.
Applying for admission to FUTO is the ideal course of action if you’re looking for the top civil engineering program among Nigerian colleges.
#14. University of Port Harcourt.
UNIPORT, one of Nigeria’s busiest and most prestigious colleges, was founded in 1975 with the goal of spreading education to every region of the nation.
The school’s major goal is to ensure that Nigerian kids in Port Harcourt are educated and capable of supporting themselves. The University of Port Harcourt, which has continuously appeared on the NUC’s list of the top 20 best schools, was ranked first in Nigeria and first in Africa by Times Higher Education in 2015.
Admission criteria for UniPort UTME Candidates must have received a minimum of five O’level credit grades in those five disciplines, including English and maths. It could be a GCE, WAEC, NECO, or other scores that is comparable.
#15. Bayero University Kano
Bayero Institution Kano (BUK), which is located in Kano and is renowned for being the first university in its state, accepts students from all across the nation.
BUK was established in 1975 after changing its name from Bayero University College and becoming a legitimate university.
This esteemed institution is regarded as one of the best in Nigeria for academic pursuits.
Admission requirements for Bayero University Kano Candidates must be at least 16 years old.
A minimum of 6 (six) “Cs (Credits)” marks are required for candidates’ O’level results (s). English language, math, and three other topics pertinent to their area of study must be included.
What To Consider While Choosing a University
In the end, there are a few key things to consider when deciding which university is right for you:
- Location: Location matters, but it’s also important to consider whether you can travel back and forth from school in between semesters. If your classes are always in the same place, this shouldn’t be a problem!
- Cost: You’ll want to consider whether you can afford the tuition at each university. The top universities in Nigeria all cost around $3000 or less per year, but some may have higher prices. If you’re going to be paying for most of your education up front and don’t mind saving money over time by reducing your loan payments (and of course if you have the means!), then these schools might be a good fit for you.
- Extracurricular activities: You might want to look into what extracurricular activities are offered at each university before making your final decision! Some universities offer clubs, like engineering or business clubs, that can help with internship opportunities after graduation, while others offer sports teams or other activities that will make it easier for students from different backgrounds and experiences to connect with each other.
Also check: 10 Best Art Courses To Study In Nigeria Universities
Frequently Asked Questions
What Nigerian university is the best?
Ibadan University. When the University of Ibadan first opened, there were only three departments: science, medicine, and the arts. Since then, the university has grown to include 13 faculties, including those for the social sciences, agriculture, and forestry, education, law, technology, and dentistry.
Which university in Nigeria offers the greatest programs for education study?
College of Education Adeyemi, Ondo State: The Adeyemi College of Education is an institution of higher learning run by the federal government located in Ondo City, Ondo State, Nigeria. Obafemi Awolowo University is affiliated with its degree programs.
Which institution of higher learning in Nigeria is the calmest?
The most tranquil university in Nigeria is UsmanuDanfodiyo University in Sokoto.
Conclusion
The top best universities in Nigeria are the University of Ibadan, the University of Lagos, and the University of Nigeria Nsukka, etc.
These universities offer the best education and academic programs to students. They also provide student support services that make it easy for students to succeed at school.
In addition, these schools have a quality faculty that teaches with passion and care for their students. They also encourage collaboration among professors and staff members so that they can create new programs and courses for their students.
Finally, these universities have an excellent alumni network that helps connect students with one another after they graduate from college.
