In Nigeria, university education is majorly controlled by the government. Tertiary education in Nigeria comprises Universities (Public and Private), Monotechnics, Polytechnics, and Colleges of education.
Nigeria has a total of 153 universities registered by NUC, and as of August 2017, over 40 to 45 Universities were owned by Federal and state governments, respectively, while 68 universities are privately owned.
If you hope to enrol in a Nigerian University and don’t know which university to go for,
In this article, you will be given important details on the top universities in Nigeria; this way, you can finally decide on the one that suits you best.
Top 10 Universities in Nigeria
Here, the list of the top universities in Nigeria has been provided to serve you its purpose.
1. University of Ibadan (UI)
The University of Ibadan is Nigeria’s oldest and premier public University. The University of Ibadan strives to be the best in Nigeria by providing quality education through its commitment to excellence.
The Institution has contributed to Nigeria’s political, economic, cultural, and industrial development through its graduate network.
This has built the University a reputation for being one of the most prestigious universities in Africa.
The Institution’s growth is seen in the establishment of its academic programs in 17 faculties which includes;
- Arts
- Science
- Basic Medical sciences
- Clinical Sciences
- Agriculture and Forestry
- Social sciences
- Education
- Veterinary Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Technology
- Law
- Public health
- Dentistry
- Renewable Natural Resources
- Environmental Design and Management
- Multidisciplinary Studies
- Economics and Management Sciences
The University’s College of Medicine is comprised of the faculties of Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Public health, and Dentistry
2. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
Since its inception in 1962, the University of Lagos, UNILAG, has given excellent and research-based education to students worldwide.
It has three campuses in Lagos; the Main Campus in Akoka (mostly encircled by a magnificent view of the Lagos lagoon), the School of Radiography in Yaba, and its College of Medicine in Idi-Araba, Surulere.
The University of Lagos started with 131 students enrolled in its Institution, which has grown to over 40,000 students. Having a high staff strength, the Institution is made up of 12 faculties;
- Arts
- Science
- Basic Medical sciences
- Business administration
- Clinical Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Pharmacy
- Environmental Sciences
- Law
- Public health
- Dental Sciences
3. Covenant University, Otta
Covenant University, Ota, is an accredited international private university offering various full- and part-time educational programs across high-tech areas.
It provides quality and affordable education to everyone without discrimination.
As part of the liberation commission, Dr David Oyedepo, the bishop of the Living Faith Church, founded the University.
According to Dr David Oyedepo, the optimum goal of the University is to transform its graduates into expert thinkers, unusual managers, and hyper-resourceful technocrats in all fields of human endeavour.
They aim to empower students from around Nigeria and beyond with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to effectively meet their academic, social, and personal goals.
4. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, is a federal government research university in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Founded in 1962 as the University of Northern Nigeria by the first premier of Northern Nigeria, Ahmed Bello, who the Institution was named for.
The University operates a main campus at Samaru and a pre-degree school in Funtua.
Ahmadu Bello University could be one of the best choices for those looking to pursue a career in Medical sciences, as it has one of the largest teaching hospitals in the country to support medical teaching and research.
The University hosts faculties on both its campuses, which include;
- Physical sciences,
- Life sciences,
- Social sciences,
- Arts and languages,
- Education,
- Environmental design,
- Engineering,
- Medical sciences,
- Agricultural sciences
- Accounting,
- Business administration,
- Local government and development studies
- Public administration.
- Law
5. The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
The Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) is a federal government-owned university.
Founded in 1981 as part of the Nigerian government’s initiative to establish universities that specialize in developing graduates with both practical and academic knowledge of technology.
It is situated in Akure, the state capital of Ondo State. The University offers pre-degree science programs, Short-Term courses, and University Advanced Basic Science programs.
The University is made up of 9 schools and a college of Medicine;
- College of Health Sciences
- School of Basic Medical Sciences (SBMS)
- School of Basic Clinical Sciences (SBCS)
- School of Clinical Sciences (SCS)
- School of Computing (SOC)
- School of Life Science (SLS)
- School of Physical Science (SPS)
- School of Earth and Mineral Sciences (SEMS)
- School of Environmental Technology (SET)
- School of Engineering and Engineering Technology (SEET)
- School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT)
- School of Logistics and Innovation Technology (SLIT)
- School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS)
6. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
University of Benin, Benin City is a public university in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Established in 1970, it offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses to its students.
The University of Benin is one of the most reputed universities in the country, offering various courses in different fields, and institutes within the University are very active in discharging their functions effectively.
The University is also known to have produced the first female vice-chancellor in Nigeria, Grace Alele Williams, who was appointed in 1985 and held the position till 1991.
The Institution is big on collaboration as it collaborates with local and international bodies such as USAID, UNCF (United Negro College Fund), Ford Foundation, and RMRDC (Raw Materials Research and Development Council of Nigeria), amongst others.
7. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
The University of Ilorin, popularly known as Unilorin, is a university in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, owned by the federal government.
Unilorin started with 200 students enrolled in the Institution on October 23, 1976, and commenced academic activities on October 25, 1976.
The University has one of the greatest land areas—roughly 15,000 hectares—compared to other higher education institutions nationwide. According to JAMB, it was the most coveted Nigerian University in 2021.
The University currently consists of 15 faculties which include;
- Arts
- Life Sciences
- Agriculture
- Management sciences
- Environmental Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Social sciences
- Communication and Information Sciences
- Education
- Engineering and Technology
- College of Health Sciences (made up of Basic Medical and Clinical Sciences)
- Institution of Education and UNILORIN sugar Research institute
- Veterinary Medicine
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Law
8. The University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), is a non-profit public higher education institution in the suburban setting of Nsukka, Enugu State.
Established in 1952 by the colonial government of Nigeria as an affiliate of University College Ibadan, it was then known simply as the State College.
It officially assumed its present name in 1958 after its autonomy from Uyo happened four years later.
The University consists of four campuses;
- Nsukka (University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN)
- Enugu (the University of Nigeria Campus, UNEC)
- Ituku-Ozalla (University of Nigeria, UNTH) and
- Aba (the University of Nigeria Aba Campus, UNAC)
The University comprises 15 faculties and 102 academic departments. The University also provides 82 undergraduate and 211 postgraduate programs.
9. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Obafemi Awolowo University is a diverse, dynamic, and unique University that offers leading world-class educational opportunities in the fields of Arts, Humanities, Education, and Sciences.
Obafemi Awolowo University also houses several government parastatals, which include;
- The Center for Energy Research and Development (CERD)
- The National Center for Technology Management (NACETEM)
- The United Nations Regional Centre for Training in Aerospace Survey (RECTAS)
- The African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education – English (ARC SSTE-E)
It is one of the largest universities in Nigeria and has long been known as a prestigious institute of learning.
10. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
The Federal Government founded the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta FUNAAB, on January 1, 1988, when four technological universities amalgamated in 1984 were demerged.
As a result, the first two agricultural universities in Abeokuta and Makurdi were established.
The University commenced its first operations at the old Abeokuta Grammar School campus in Isale-Igbein, near the city centre. And she was later moved to its permanent location in 1997.
At the start of the University’s establishment, five colleges were introduced in October 1988 that consists of;
College of Agricultural Management, Rural Development and Communication Studies (COLAMRUCS), which name was later changed to COLAMRUD (College of Agriculture Management and Rural Development)
- College of Animal Science and Livestock Production (COLANIM)
- College of Environmental Resources Management (COLERM)
- College of Natural Sciences (COLNAS)
- College of Physical Sciences (COLPHYS)
- College of Biological Science (COLBIOS)
- College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT)
In March 2002, two other colleges were introduced; the College of Engineering (COLENG) and the College of Veterinary Medicine (COLVET).
- College of Food Science and Human Ecology (COLFHEC)
- College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD)
FUNAAB, as it is popularly known, is one of the three Agriculture Universities in Nigeria, including Makurdi (Benue State) and Umudike (Abia State).
Conclusion
Your desired school might not have made it to the list, but that shouldn’t discourage you.
This list is compiled to give you more details on the top 10 universities in Nigeria, as there are many other great universities in Nigeria.
Hope this article was informative enough for you. If you agree with this list, kindly share your opinions via the comment box.
Leave a Comment