Nigeria has a blossoming educational sector, just like its population is increasing. The educational system is divided into three levels; primary, secondary and tertiary. The tertiary system comprises polytechnics, monotechnics, colleges of education and universities. Each group of tertiary institution offers different qualifications for the courses offered.
In time past, none of the universities in Nigeria ever had the chance of being on the ranking of top universities in the world. But, all that has changed ever since the University of Ibadan first broke the record. In total, there are about 130 institutions of higher learning in Nigeria, while 50 are privately owned. If you want to learn about the top ten universities out of these 130 institutions, then this article is for you. For the record, here is an article on the list of federal universities in Nigeria and private universities in Nigeria.
Top 10 Universities In Nigeria
According to Times Higher Education universities ranking, here are the top ten universities in Nigeria, As of November 2023:
1. University Of Ibadan
Popularly known as UI, university of Ibadan is the premier university in Nigeria and has been holding the position of Nigeria’s best university for quite a long time now. The University of Ibadan is one of the oldest universities in Nigeria it is also one of the most prestigious universities in Africa. It started off as the University college, Ibadan in 1948 with just three departments; science, arts and medicine as one of the colleges of the University of London. It became an independent university and a public research institution in 1962. The university offers both undergraduate and post graduate programmes. The institution has produced notable Nigerians in various departments like Professor Wole Soyinka, Air Marshall Sadique Abubakar, Chinua Achebe, J.F. Ade Ajayi, Grace Alele-Williams, among others.
2. University Of Lagos
University of Lagos is a prestigious university located in the mega city of Lagos. It was founded in 1962 and currently has three campuses located in the Lagos district. The university is also recognized by top bodies as a research institution. It is also home to over a hundred research groups. Some of the research being undertaken in the university includes; drug research and herbal medicine, economic policy analysis and autism and neuro development disorders, among others. The institution offers over 86 undergraduate and 140 postgraduate programmes.
3. Covenant University
Covenant university is a private Pentecostal Christian university owned by the world mission agency and the Living Faith Church Worldwide. It was established in 2002 and has grown into a leading higher institution of study in Nigeria. The university is organized into four colleges; the college of business and social sciences, college of leadership and development studies, college of engineering and the college of science and technology. The university has won several awards for being one of the best higher institution of study in Nigeria.
4. University Of Ilorin
Also known as Unilorin, University of Ilorin is another top institution of higher learning in Nigeria owned by the federal government. It was established in 1975 to provide more opportunities for Nigerian youths to acquire university education at a low cost. The university currently has 15 faculties and over 60 academic departments. The school also offers both undergraduate and post graduate studies.
5. University Of Nigeria, Nsukka
University of Nigeria is the first full-fledged indigenous and autonomous university in Nigeria. It is also the first land grant university in Africa. The university was founded by Nnamdi Azikiwe in 1955 and was formally opened in 1960. It is modelled upon the American educational system. It is located in Nsukka, Enugu state and has three campuses in Enugu state; Nsukka, Enugu and Ituku-Ozalla and the Aba campus in Abia state. The university has a total of 15 faculties and 102 academic departments.
6. Obafemi Awolowo University
Obafemi Awolowo university is another top university in Nigeria located in the ancient city of Ile-Ife in Osun state. It was originally named University of Ife before its name was changed to Obafemi Awolowo university in honour of the late sage, Obafemi Awolowo. The university is recognized for having one of the best facilities to study professional courses like, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry and a host of others.
7. University Of Port Harcourt
Commonly referred to as Uniport, University of Port Harcourt is another federal government owned higher institution of learning located in Chiba in Port Harcourt, Rivers state. It was established in 1975 as the University college, Port Harcourt before it was awarded the status of a university in 1977. The university is also among the high ranking universities in Nigeria and was ranked 6th in Africa in 2015.
8. Ahmadu Bello University
Ahmadu Bello University is a research based higher institution of learning located in the northern part of Nigeria. It was named after the Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Sir Ahmadu Bello. Also known as Abuzaria, the university was founded on October 4th, 1962 ad the pioneer university of northern Nigeria. The university operates two campuses; one in Samaru and the other in Kongo both in Zaria. The university also has a pre-degree school in Futua. The university also offers a wide number of courses in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes including degree programmes in vocational programmes in remedial courses. Abuzaria also prides itself for being one of the universities in Nigeria that offers a robust medical programme.
9. Federal University Of Technology, Minna
FUTMINNA as it is fondly called, is a federal government owned university of technology located in Minna, Niger state. It was founded in 1983 and currently has 10 faculties. The university specializes in technology education and known for its excellence in delivering courses like; biotechnology and genetics engineering. The university also has a history in the development of vaccines and drugs in Nigeria.
10. Federal University Of Technology, Akure
Federal university of technology, Akure is another top university in Nigeria that specializes in providing technical knowledge to students. It was founded in 1981 with the aim of creating a university that specializes in the production of graduates with practical and theoretical knowledge of technologies. It is located in Akure, Ondo state and has a history of producing notable Nigerian inventors, like Ndubuisi Ekekwe. Apart from offering technological courses, the institution also offers medicine as part of its course of study.