If you plan on schooling in Africa, Nigeria is one of the best countries in the world to get your first degree at affordable fees. Lots of public and private universities in the country charge less than $200 for tuition fees per annum. This makes Nigeria one of the cheapest countries to study on Earth.
Our schools have been severely affected as maintaining a high standard of learning has proven difficult.
Despite the educational challenges in the country, degrees awarded by Nigerian universities are recognized all over the world, this means that even if you schooled in Nigeria, there is a splendid chance that you can work abroad even if your first degree was from a Nigerian university.
However, there are as some institutions in Nigeria that have set some wonderful records to withstand educational standard with countries of the world.
This list of the most popular universities in Nigeria includes higher education institutions that meet different criteria, such as accreditation by the appropriate Nigerian higher education-related organization, teaching mode, education standard, etc.
But, Since there are more that 200 tertiary institutions in Nigeria, it’ll be very difficult to pick the best amongst others.
However, there are as some institutions in Nigeria that have set some wonderful records to withstand educational standard with countries of the world.
This list of the most popular universities in Nigeria includes higher education institutions that meet different criteria, such as accreditation by the appropriate Nigerian higher education-related organization, teaching mode, education standard, etc.
But, Since there are more that 200 tertiary institutions in Nigeria, it’ll be very difficult to pick the best amongst others.
In order to obtain accurate and unbiased rating results of top 10 universities in Nigeria, we’ll derive our citation from the Times Higher Education (THE), a British magazine specializing in higher education worldwide.
Aside from giving you a rundown of the best universities in Nigeria, you’ll also get to see a brief history of these institutions.
What Are The Best Universities In Nigeria?
According to the ranking, the University of Ibadan and the University of Lagos share the top spot in Nigeria.
Both universities, which are federal government-owned, ranked between 401 and 500 globally. Covenant University, a private varsity, is the third-best in the country and ranked between 601 and 800 globally.
With that said, let’s see the top 10 best universities in Nigeria in detail below according to the Times Higher Education 2023 ranking:
World Ranking: Best Universities In Nigeria 2023
10. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)
The University was jointly owned by the Oyo and Osun States until November 20, 2020 when the University became solely owned by the Oyo State following a mutual agreement between the two states. LAUTECH as a university and its staff has won many awards and accolades among which are: Best State University in Nigeria.
LAUTECH Location: LAUTECH Ladoke Akintola University of Technology is located in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.
LAUTECH Establishment: The University was established on April 23, 1990 under the old Oyo State with the name Oyo State University of Technology, Ogbomoso (OSUTECH). Upon the creation of the Osun State out of the Old Oyo State in 1991, the name of the University was changed to LadokeAkintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso (LAUTECH).
The University was jointly owned by the Oyo and Osun States until November 20, 2020 when the University became solely owned by the Oyo State following a mutual agreement between the two states.
LAUTECH Ranking: For the umpteenth time, the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo
State, has been named one of the tenth leading Universities in Nigeria. Its position on the list also confirmed the University’s ranking as the best State University.
The proclamation which declared LAUTECH as tenth best in Nigeria was made by the Times Higher Education (THE) which examined 1,799 Universities across 104 countries. The ranking table is based on 13 performance indicators, including teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and International outlook.
Students population in LAUTECH: The university enrolls over 30,000 students and employs more than 3,000 workers including contract staff
LAUTECH Faculties & Departments: LAUTECH has seven faculties, 42 NUC-Accredited courses and a college.
LAUTECH Iconic Alumni:
The school has produced prominent figures in society such as Shina Peller, Singer Temmie Ovwasa (YBNL Princess), Seyi Olofinjana, Samson Abioye, Peju Alatise and many others.
9. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta is one of the higher institutions of learning owned and run by the Federal government of Nigeria
FUNAAB Location: The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) is a Federal University in Nigeria and is located in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
FUNAAB Establishment: The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, or FUNAAB, was established on 1 January 1988 by the Federal Government when four universities of technology, earlier merged in 1984, were demerged. This led to the creation of the first two universities of agriculture in Abeokuta and Makurdi.
FUNAAB Students Population: FUNAAB has over 15,000 and 1,000 both undergraduates and postgraduate respectively.
FUNAAB Ranking: FUNAAB is currently rated among 1500+ best university in the world according to The Times Higher Institution education ranking.
FUNAAB Faculties & Departments: FUNAAB has a number of 10 Faculties and 47 courses.
Iconic Alumni / Famous Graduates in FUNAAB: The school has produced prominent figures in society such as Fisayo Ajisola, Kizz Daniel, Jumoke Odetola, Japheth J. Omojuwa, Nkem Owoh and many others.
8. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has risen to become one of the best federal universities in Nigeria. OAU has the largest landmass university in the country, as it covers as much as 11,862 hectares of land.
OAU Location: The university is located in Ife-Ife, an ancient Yoruba city in Osun State, southwestern Nigeria.
OAU Establishment: This university was founded in 1961 but was officially established in 1962 and was formerly known as the University of Ife.
OAU was among the first academic institutions in Africa to be established in the 1970s. Since its establishment, it has produced top-class graduates who have done well enough to win many prestigious awards, such as the National Merit Awards.
OAU Ranking: The university is the eighth-best university among the top ten best universities in Nigeria.
According to the international rankings based on the quality of education, Obafemi Awolowo University has been ranked between 1201-1500 best university in the world.
OAU Faculties & Departments: Obafemi Awolowo University has a number of 2 Colleges, 13 Faculties, 92 Departments, 19 Research Centres.
OAU Students population: The student population which has risen steadily from 244 in 1962/63 to over 30,000 at present.
OAU Iconic Alumni / Famous Graduates: The school has produced prominent figures in society such as Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Adedamola Adefolahan (Fireboy), Akinwumi Adesina, Dele Momodu, Adedapo Oluseun Abiodun and many others.
7. University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
We have the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) as the seventh (7) university in our top 10 best universities in Nigeria.
UNN Ranking: UNN is currently rated between 1201-1500 best university in the world according to The Times Higher Institution education ranking.
UNN Establishment: However, the university (UNN) is the first indigenous/ autonomous university in Nigeria that was established in 1955 by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, but formally began on December 7th, 1960.
UNN Faculties And Departments: It has 15 faculties, which are all accredited, and 102 departments.
UNN Location: This federal University is located in the South Eastern part of Nigeria in Nsukka, Enugu State.
UNN Students population: UNN has an extensive list of over 200 postgraduate programs, 1,500 active academic staff, and more than 50,000 intelligent students in different academic programs.
UNN Iconic Alumni / Famous Graduates: The school has produced prominent figures in society such as Prof. Dora Akunyili, Godwin Emefiele, Peter Obi, Charles Soludo, Herbert Wigwe, and many others. It also has membership affiliations with associations such as the Association of African Universities (AAU).
6. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
UNIBEN is a record-breaking institution in Nigeria. It is the first tertiary institution in the country to have a female vice-chancellor in Nigeria. Professor Grace Alele-Williams was the first female vice-chancellor in Nigeria (1985-1991).
Aside from propagating the principle of democracy, the University of Benin is also one of the best universities in Nigeria to study arts including visual arts, cultural and creative arts.
UNIBEN Establishment: UNIBEN started as a university of technology before it transformed into a fully-fledged university. It was Established on the 13th of November 1970.
UNIBEN Location: The University of Benin is located in the ancient city of Benin, Edo state.
UNIBEN Ranking: According to the Times Higher Education World Ranking for 2023, UNIBEN is the sixth-best university in Nigeria and in the top 1201-1500 band of universities in the world.
UNIBEN Faculties & Departments: UNIBEN currently has over twelve (13) faculties and 66 departments as the time of writing this content.
UNIBEN Students population: UNIBEN boast of almost 85,000 active students enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
UNIBEN Iconic Alumni / Famous Graduates: UNIBEN has produced influential Nigerian businessmen, politicians, and leaders including Babatunde Fashola, Emmanuel Uduaghan, and Lilian Imuatinyan Salami,
Richard Mofe-Damiji, Omoni Oboli and many others.
5. Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA)
FUTA stands as one of the best universities in Nigeria 2023. One of the things that makes this institution special is its specialization in information technology. Even the school motto “technology for self-reliance” ensures that the focus is on developing the technological sphere of Nigeria in both theoretical and practical aspects.
FUTA Location: The Federal University of Technology Akure is located in Akure, the capital city of Ondo State in Nigeria.
FUTA Establishment: The institution was founded in 1981 by the government of Nigeria in a bid to encourage more graduates with both a theoretical knowledge of technologies as well as a practical knowledge of how to apply them to real world scenarios.
FUTA Ranking: According to the Times Higher Education World Ranking for 2023, FUTA is the fifth-best university in Nigeria and in the top 1001-1200 band of universities in the world.
FUTA Faculties & Departments: The university has grown tremendously, stretching its academic disciplines and research across six different schools with seven (7) faculties and over forty (40) academic departments.
FUTA Students population: 15,000 students
FUTA Iconic alumni / Famous Graduates: The school has produced prominent figures in society such as Ndubuisi Ekekwe, Taiwo Odubiyi, Temidayo Oniosun, Sam Obiago, Eniola Olaniyan and many others
4. Bayero University Kano (BUK)
Bayero University has evolved from a small college running Advanced Level training programmes to one of the respected Nigerian Universities, recognized beyond the shores of the country.
BUK Found: The seed of Bayero University Kano was the Ahmadu Bello College founded in January 1960 by the Northern Nigeria Ministry of Education headed by Isa Kaita to prepare senior secondary certificate holders for General Certificate of Education (G.C.E.) and A-level in Arabic, Hausa, Islamic History, Islamic studies and English Literature. As the first university in Kano state, it was named after the Premier of Northern Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello.
BUK Location & Establishment: The university is located within the School for Arabic Studies (SAS), in the old city of Kano. With the establishment of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1962, it was renamed Abdullahi Bayero College. In 1964 it moved to a temporary site at the old Kano Airport Hotel, admitting its first set of ten undergraduate students for a B.A. degree programme of Ahmadu Bello University. In 1975, the college became a university college, and was renamed Bayero University College, with Mahmud Tukur as principal.
BUK Ranking: According to the Times Higher Education World Ranking for 2023, BAYERO UNIVERSITY is the fourth-best university in Nigeria and in the top 1001-1200 band of universities in the world.
BUK Students Population: Total current student enrolment is 46,492 (37,214 undergraduates, and 9,278 Postgraduate Students).
BUK Faculties & Departments: The prestigious Bayero University Kano consists of about 16 Faculties and over 90 departments (or courses as some would prefer to call it), in addition to affiliated colleges offering a variety of academic programmes.
BUK Iconic Alumni / Famous Graduates: The school has produced prominent figures in society such as Aisha Yesufu, Halima Abubakar, Funky Mallam, Attahiru Jega, Deji Adeyanju and many others.
3. Covenant University (CU)
Covenant University is the only private Nigerian university on our list of the best Nigerian universities of 2023. It’s is also one of the youngest established universities in Nigeria.
The university has won some serious awards and duly recognized for its awesome works. In 2014, CU was awarded the best Centenary ICT driven University in Nigeria.
CU Establishment: Covenant University was established on the 21st of October 2002 by Dr. David Oyedepo. CU is a Christian university structured to raise its students to become God-fearing professionals, and it has its main and only campus at Ota, Ogun state.
CU Ranking: Covenant University was also listed in the 2023 Times Higher Education ranking as the third-best university in Nigeria and in the top 601-800 band of universities in the world.
CU Faculties & Departments: Convenant university has four faculties which are the College of Business and Social Sciences (CBSS), College of Leadership Development Studies (CLDS), College of Engineering, and College of Science and Technology (CST) and also nine (9) Departments and eleven (11) programmes in the College.
CU Location: Covenant University (CU) is a private Christian university which located in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
CU Students population: Covenant University has over 6,500 active students
CU Iconic Alumni / Famous Graduates: The school has produced prominent figures in society such as Simisola Bolatito Kosoko (aka simi), Chike-Ezekpeazu Osebuka (aka, Chike), Ini Dima-Okojie, Adebukola Oladipupo, Mimi Onalaja and many others.
2. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
UNILAG started with only 131 students, which has exploded over the years to become the most famous and one of the most populated universities in Nigeria. It’s 2nd among the top 10 best universities in Nigeria as of 2023.
UNILAG is also one of the best distance learning institutes, offering professional courses in accounting, business administration, science education, etc.
UNILAG Establishment: UNILAG Established in 1962, it has three campuses in 3 different locations in Lagos. While the main campus is at Akoka, the other two are at Yaba and Surulere, respectively.
UNILAG Found & Location: Founded in 1962, the University of Lagos is a federal government university located in Lagos state. Its location makes students have a feel of the beautiful city of Lagos while enjoying life on campus.
UNILAG Faculties & Departments: UNILAG has twelve (12) accredited faculties and sixty three (63) different departments.
UNILAG Students population: The University of Lagos has over 120,000 active students learning in over 12 faculties.
UNILAG Ranking: UNILAG sits between 401st and 500 best university in the world according to the Times Higher education ranking.
UNILAG Iconic Alumni / Famous Graduates: The school has produced prominent figures in society such as pastor Enoch Adeboye, Genevieve Nnaji, Yemi Osinbajo, Bobrisky, Ramsey Nouah, Linda Ikeji and many others.
1. University of Ibadan (UI)
The University of Ibadan (UI) is the number one best university among the top ten best universities in Nigeria. This is to say that UI is currently the best university in Nigeria.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) listed the University of Ibadan as the best Federal University in the country. It was also featured in the Reuters Top 100 in their latest 2020 rankings of world universities.
The Times Higher Education (THE) rated the University of Ibadan as number 401-500 best University in the World Rankings 2023.
Because of its excellent performance, UI is one of the most respected universities on earth and even affiliated with the University of London. This means that if you graduate from this university, you can easily get a student visa and study in the UK.
The University of Ibadan did not just become the best university in Nigeria overnight. It started as the University College of Ibadan in 1948 and became a Federal Independent University in 1963.
Since then, this tertiary institution has grown to become one of the most prestigious school of higher learning in Africa and has set a vantage for other Nigerian tertiary institutions to follow in its path.
UI Ranking: 401-500
UI Establishment: 1948
UI Faculties: 17
UI Departments: 92
Location: Ibadan, Oyo state
Students population: 41,743
UI Iconic Alumni / Famous Graduates:The school has produced prominent figures in society such as, Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, William Kumuyi, Godwin Obaseki,
Benedict Ayade and many others.
Final Thought
Education in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, has faced several obstacles in recent years. Maintaining good academic standards in Nigeria is challenging due to the country’s political volatility. Academic strikes at Nigeria’s universities have become more common, but some institutions in the continent’s most populous country are beginning to live up to expectations.
Internal and external stakeholders must be involved in systematic transformation initiatives if the necessary improvements in university operations in Nigeria are to be achieved. To help enhance university education, the Nigerian government should adopt a strategy on how the private sector may help improve university education quality by actively participating in financial and physical facility development in Nigerian institutions.
Table:
| S/N | Universities | Nigeria Rankings | Global Rankings |
| 1. | University of Ibadan (UI) | 1 | 401-500 |
| 2. | University of Lagos (UNILAG) | 1 | 401-500 |
| 3. | Convenant University (CU) | 3 | 601-800 |
| 4. | Bayero University Kano (BUK) | 4 | 1001-1200 |
| 5. | Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) | 4 | 1001-1200 |
| 6. | University of Benin (UNIBEN) | 6 | 1201-1500 |
| 7. | University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) | 6 | 1201-1500 |
| 8. | Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | 6 | 1201-1500 |
| 9. | Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) | 7 | 1500+ |
| 10. | Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) | 7 | 1500+ |