School in Nigeria: Top 10 best universities in Nigeria
Written By
Joy EmehWriter| Editor| Content Strategist
Many aspiring university applicants get confused about which university to apply for: federal, state or private. That confusion and dilemma are understandable. Don't worry; you will learn from this article about the top 10 best universities in Nigeria.
Indeed, the Nigerian educational system has gone through challenges; however, some wonderful schools within the sector are recommendable.
What are the top 10 best universities in Nigeria?
Here is a list of the top 10 best universities in Nigeria:
- University of Ibadan
- Covenant University
- Afe Babalola University
- University of Ilorin
- Babcock University
- Landmark University
- University of Lagos
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- University of Nigeria Nsukka
- Federal University of Technology, Minna
With the instability of the Nigerian government and the lack of a well-structured system in the country, would one still expect a high education standard?
Of course, our schools have been severely affected as maintaining a high standard of learning has proven difficult.
The rate at which academic unions go on strikes has increased recently. It is said that even at this current time when the universe is united to fight the coronavirus pandemic, the Academic Staff Union of Universities deems it fit to go on strike.
The state of education in the nation seems to crumble more and more. However, all hope is not lost, as some institutions have set some records for others to break.
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.
Nigerian higher education-related organizations are bodies or agencies that oversee the affairs of universities in Nigeria. The organizations include:
The Federal Ministry of Education, Nigeria
- The National Universities Commission (NUC)
- Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities
- University Associations
- Qualification authorities
With that said, let's see the top 10 best universities in Nigeria in detail. These universities are also among the most popular universities in Nigeria.
1. University of Ibadan
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.
UI is an excellent academic institution founded in 1947. It was formerly affiliated with the University of London and ran arts, science, and medicine courses. Because of the school's high standards, it has been rated among the top 10 best universities in Nigeria.
The school, which is fully accredited, offers different academic programmes. It has 14 faculties, which include:
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences
- Faculty of Clinical Sciences
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Faculty of Technology
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Public Health
- Faculty of Dentistry
- Faculty of Environmental Design and Management
UI's College of Medicine is still regarded as the best in Nigeria. The institution itself has churned out many graduates who are doing the nation proud in various parts of the world.
As one of the best universities in Nigeria, UI has received accreditation from bodies such as the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC), COREN, NBA, and NMA. The school also has a membership affiliation with the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU).
2. Covenant University
So far, Covenant University has consistently been rated among the top 10 best universities in the country, and so far, it is regarded as the best private university in the nation.
It is rated the fifth-best university in our list of top universities in Nigeria.
Indeed, Covenant University's tuition and miscellaneous fees are expensive. Still, the costs are channelled into making the best out of the students.
The university is classified as one of Africa's world-leading Christian mission universities.
The founder of Covenant University, Dr David Oyedepo, is one of Nigeria's most respected spiritual figures and the Bishop and General Overseer of the Living Faith Church, a.k.a. Winners Chapel.
The institution started full operation in June 2002 after receiving license approval from the Federal Government to operate as an independent private entity.
Being one of the top 10 best universities in Nigeria, Covenant University was established on the core values of spirituality, capacity building, positive mentality, integrity, diligence, and sacrifice.
3. Afe Babalola University
Afe Babalola University is the third-best university in Nigeria as well as the second private university on our list of the top 10 best universities in Nigeria.
In the private sector, the university is ranked as the third-best private university in Nigeria according to NUC 2021 rating. Afe Babalola University was established in 2009 by a Nigerian lawyer who named the university after himself.
Afe Babalola University is situated in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria, with a well-equipped teaching hospital, which has elevated the university's profile as one of the best universities in Nigeria.
The private institution has a grand vision to lead education reform in Nigeria by providing a world-class educational centre of excellence in academics, character, sports, and vocational development.
Afe Babalola University's Colleges/Faculties
Afe Babalola University has six faculties, namely:
- College of Sciences
- College of Law
- College of Engineering
- School of Social and Management Sciences
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences
- College of Agriculture
4. University of Ilorin
This list of the top 10 best universities in Nigeria won't be complete without including the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).
UNILORIN is a famous NUC-accredited university. UNILORIN, once ranked the best academic institution of higher education in the country, is today ranked the 4th best university in Nigeria according to NUC standards.
The University of Ilorin was the first Nigerian university to be ranked among the top 20 African universities in 2014.
JAMB once reported that the school had the highest number of applicants nationwide. With 15 accredited faculties, colleges, and postgraduate schools, the university offers various academic programs in multiple fields. There is the faculty of
- Arts
- Agriculture
- Environmental Science
- Life Sciences
- Management Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Communication and Information Sciences
- Education
- Engineering and Technology
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Veterinary Medicine and Law
It also has two faculties in its College of Health Sciences (basic medical and clinical sciences), the Postgraduate School and Institute of Education, and the Unilorin Sugar Research Institute.
5. Babcock University
Private universities continue to stand out among higher institutions in Nigeria, with Babcock University placed as the 5th best university in Nigeria.
The Christian private university established in April 1999 in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun, Nigeria's 2nd richest state, is owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church of Nigeria.
The university was named after an American missionary, David C. Babcock, who led the work of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nigeria.
Babcock University is ranked among the top 200 best universities in Africa due to its impact on the Nigerian educational sector.
The school has produced many notable personalities, including famous Nigerian musician Davido, popular Nigerian actor Olumide Oworu, and the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Debo Ogundoyin.
Babcock University's Colleges/Faculties
Babcock University has nine faculties with different departments. These 9 faculties include:
- School of Medicine
- Computing and Engineering Sciences
- Education and Humanities
- Law and Security Studies
- Management Sciences
- School of Nursing Sciences
- Public and Allied Health
- Faculty of Science And Technology
- School of Social Sciences
6. Landmark University
Landmark University is the sixth-best university in Nigeria. Landmark University is a private university affiliated with the Living Faith Church.
The higher institution is ranked fifth among the best private universities in Nigeria. The missionary school is led by the World Mission Agency (WMA), a Christian mission organization established by Dr David Oyedepo.
Landmark University is well-known in Nigeria for its mission to raise a generation of solution providers through a qualitative and life-applicable training system and creative knowledge.
Landmark University provides undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in a variety of faculties.
Landmark University's Colleges/Faculties
At the time of this writing, Landmark University has four different colleges with different departments, namely:
- College of Agricultural Sciences
- College of Engineering
- College of Pure and Applied Science
- College of Business and Social Sciences
7. University of Lagos
University of Lagos (UNILAG) is famous in Nigeria and is among the top 10 best universities in Nigeria. It is the 7th best university in Nigeria.
Established in 1962, UNILAG 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, which started with only 131 students, has exploded over the years to become one of the most populated universities in Nigeria. Aside from that, UNILAG is also rated one of the top 10 best universities in Nigeria.
It also boasts one of the best distance learning institutes, offering professional courses in accounting, business administration, science education, etc.
UNILAG has 12 accredited faculties with different departments, which include:
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Basic Medical Science
- Faculty of Business Administration
- Faculty of Clinical Sciences
- Faculty of Dental Sciences
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Environmental Science
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Faculty of Management Sciences
8. Obafemi Awolowo University
For landmass, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) is the largest university in the country, as it covers as much as 11,862 hectares of land. The university was established in 1962 and was formerly known as the University of Ife.
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 among the top 10 best universities in Nigeria. Hence, it is not surprising to see many university applicants entering the school as their first choice in JAMB application forms.
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.
Obafemi Awolowo University aims to use cutting-edge technology to provide teaching, research, and community services to its students and the nation.
9. University of Nigeria, Nsukka
We have the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) as the 9th university in our top 10 best universities in Nigeria.
UNN, established in 1955, was ranked the ninth-best university in Nigeria by the NUC.
UNN is the first indigenous/autonomous university that began formally on December 17th, 1960. It has 15 faculties, which are all accredited, and 102 departments.
The university offers education, African studies, developmental studies, and herbal medicine and drugs. They also have centers built to explore space science, climate change, and energy research.
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, which is one of the top 10 best universities in Nigeria, has four campuses:
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN in Nsukka
- University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, UNEC in Enugu
- University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH in Ituku-Ozalla
- University of Nigeria Aba campus, UNAC in Aba
The school has hosted many regional events, such as the NUGA games, and is one university that can boast of an ICT Hub in West Africa.
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).
10. Federal University of Technology, Minna
Futminna, Minna makes it to the 10th position in NUC's recent ranking list of the top 10 best universities in Nigeria. It was established in 1983 to promote academic excellence.
The university occupies as much as 10,650 hectares of land and is in Minna, the capital city of Niger State. Besides being one of the top 10 best universities in Nigeria, in terms of size, it is also among the country's largest universities.
Some structures and centres found within the Federal University of Technology Minna include:
- School of Agriculture and Technology (SAAT)
- School of Engineering and Engineering Technology (SEET)
- School of Environmental Technology (SET)
- Students Centre
- Students Hostels
- The University Library
- Staff houses
- Senate building
- Computer Centre
- Industrial Developmental Centre
- School of Innovative Technology (SIT)