Top Nigerian Universities

They say, “Education is Key” and “Knowledge is Power.” But Nigeria’s educational system has been rocked to its core over the years following a decline in the quality of education and standard of operation at the tertiary level.

Should one still expect a good education level, given the unpredictability of the Nigerian leadership and the absence of a well-organized system in the nation? After all, Schools have been negatively impacted since it has become challenging to maintain a good standard of learning in light of the mounting instances of lousy management and infrastructure.

Academic union strikes have become more frequent recently. As a result, the nation’s educational system appears to be collapsing further. However, some institutions have established records for others, so all isn’t lost. These institutions have continued to keep the education scale on a balance as they continue to graduate properly trained and well-equipped individuals into the labor system.

This article aims to highlight some of these institutions and recognize their contribution to the country’s educational sector.

University Of Ibadan

Among the top 10 universities in Nigeria, the University of Ibadan (UI) is rated as the best. This means that UI is currently Nigeria’s top university.

The University of Ibadan was named the top Federal University in the nation by the National Universities Commission (NUC). In addition, in their most recent rankings of international universities for 2020, it was also included in the Reuters Top 100.

UI was established in 1947 and is a top university. It previously had ties to the University of London and offered humanities, sciences, and medicine courses. The school has earned a spot among Nigeria’s top 10 universities due to its strong standards.

The institution, which has earned full accreditation, provides various academic programs. There are 14 faculties that, include the 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.

The medical school at UI is still considered the top program in Nigeria. In addition, many graduates from the university are making the country proud in different parts of the world.

UI has earned accreditation from organizations like the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC), COREN, NBA, and NMA as one of the top universities in Nigeria. The institution is also a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU).

Covenant University

So far, Covenant University is considered the best private university in the country and consistently ranks among the top 10 best universities in the nation.
Tuition and other costs at Covenant University are pretty pricey. However, expenses are directed at getting the most out of the students.

The institution is considered one of Africa’s top Christian mission universities. One of Nigeria’s most revered spiritual leaders and the Bishop and General Overseer of the Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel, Dr. David Oyedepo, is the founder of Covenant University.

After getting licensing approval from the Federal Government to operate as an independent commercial business, the institution began its operation in June 2002.

Covenant University, one of Nigeria’s top 10 universities, was reported to have been founded on the principles of spirituality, capacity building, a positive outlook, integrity, diligence, and sacrifice.

 Afe Babalola University

On our list of the top 10 universities in Nigeria, Afe Babalola University comes in at number three and is the second private institution.

According to the NUC 2021 ranking, the university is recognized as the third-best private university in Nigeria. A Nigerian lawyer who established Afe Babalola University in 2009 gave it his name. Afe Babalola University is one of the top institutions in Nigeria. It is located in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria, and has a well-equipped teaching hospital.

With a world-class educational center of excellence in academics, character, sports, and vocational development, the private institution aims to lead educational reform in Nigeria.

The six faculties at Afe Babalola University are the College of Sciences, College of Law, College of Engineering, School of Social and Management Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, and College of Agriculture.

University Of Ilorin

The University of Ilorin must be included on this list of the top 10 universities in Nigeria (UNILORIN).

A renowned NUC-accredited university is UNILORIN. According to NUC criteria, UNILORIN, 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 in the continent. The school once had the most applicants nationwide, according to JAMB. The university offers various academic programs in numerous subjects through its 15 authorized faculties, colleges, and postgraduate schools.

The faculty ofArts, 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. 

The Unilorin Sugar Research Institute, the Postgraduate School and Institute of Education, and two faculties in the College of Health Sciences are also present.

Babcock University

Babcock University is ranked as Nigeria’s fifth-best university, demonstrating the continued dominance of private institutions of higher learning in the 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 significantly influences the Nigerian educational system, placing it in the top 200 universities in Africa. Numerous well-known individuals, including the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Debo Ogundoyin, and renowned actors and musicians from Nigeria, including Davido and Olumide Oworu, were graduates of the school.

There are nine faculties and numerous departments at Babcock University. These faculties include the School of Medicine, School of Nursing Sciences, Public and Allied Health, Faculty of Science and Technology, School of Social Sciences, Education and Humanities, Law and Security Studies, and School of Management Sciences.

Landmark University

Nigeria’s sixth-best university is Landmark University. Private Landmark University is associated with the Living Faith Church.

The 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.

Landmark University in several faculties and offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs. They include the College of Agricultural Sciences, College of Engineering, College of Pure and Applied Science, and College of Business and Social Sciences.

University of Lagos

Nigerians regard the University of Lagos (UNILAG) as one of the country’s top 10 institutions of higher learning. Furthermore, it is Nigeria’s seventh-best university. UNILAG was founded in 1962 and had three campuses throughout Lagos. The two other campuses are 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 most outstanding remote learning institutions offers professional courses in science education, business administration, and accounting. There are 12 authorized faculties at UNILAG, each with various departments, including the Faculties of Arts, Basic Medical Science, Business Administration, Clinical Sciences, Dental Sciences, and Education. Others are the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Science, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Management Sciences

Obafemi Awolowo University

Obafemi Awolowo Institution (OAU), which spans 11,862 hectares of land, is the largest university in Nigeria in terms of landmass. The University of Ife was the previous name of the institution when it was founded in 1962.

Among the top 10 universities in Nigeria, the university comes in at number eight according to international rankings of educational excellence. In light of this, it is not surprising to observe that many university applicants list the institution as their top preference on their JAMB application forms.

In the 1970s, OAU was one of the continent’s first academic institutions to be founded. Since its founding, it has produced outstanding graduates who have achieved success.

University Of Nigeria, Nsukka

In our ranking of the top 10 institutions in Nigeria, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) is the ninth institution.

The NUC classified UNN, founded in 1955, as Nigeria’s ninth-best university.

On December 17, 1960, the first indigenous/autonomous university, UNN, officially opened its doors. There are 102 departments and 15 authorized faculties within it.

The school provides instruction and courses in African studies, developmental studies, and herbal medications. They have also constructed centers to study climate change, energy research, and space science.  There are four campuses for the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

The institution can take pride in being an ICT Hub in West Africa and has hosted numerous regional competitions, including the NUGA Games.

Prominent members of society like Prof. Dora Akunyili, Godwin Emefiele, Peter Obi, Charles Soludo, Herbert Wigwe, and many others were educated at the institution. Additionally, it is a member of organizations like the Association of African Universities (AAU).

Federal University Of Technology, Minna

In a recent rating of the top 10 universities in Nigeria by NUC, Futminna, Minna comes in at number ten. It was started in 1983 to foster intellectual brilliance.

The institution is located in Minna, the capital city of Niger State, and it spans an area of up to 10,650 hectares. In addition to ranking among Nigeria’s top ten universities, it is also one of the most prominent institutions in the world.

The Federal University of Technology Minna is home to several colleges and centers, including The Senate building, Student Center, Student Hostels, University Library, Staff Houses, School of Environmental Technology (SET), School of Engineering and Engineering Technology (SEET), School of Agriculture and Technology (SAAT), Computer Center, Industrial Developmental Center, and School of Innovative Technology (SIT).