Tertiary institutions in Nigeria are an important component of the nation’s educational system, offering advanced learning opportunities beyond secondary schooling.
Over the years, the argument around whose school or even alma mater was the best usually dominate the trends. Everyone’s university is the best, inasmuch as it fulfil the essence of its establishment. However, some universities stand out among their peers.
In this article, we utilised the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings for 2024 to come up with a list of the top 10 universities in Nigeria. Important to note that these top 10 universities in no particular order:
1. University of Ibadan
The University of Ibadan is a public research university in Ibadan, Nigeria. The university was once a college of the University of London. The college was established in 1948 as University College Ibadan, one of many colleges within the University of London. It is a public university in Nigeria and one of the oldest.
2. Covenant University
Covenant University is in Ota, Ogun state, Nigeria. This university started in 2002. It is a private school with Christian beliefs. Bishop David Oyedepo, who also started the Living Faith Church Worldwide, founded it.
3. Obafemi Awolowo University
Obafemi Awolowo University is a federal university in Ile-Ife, Osun State. The university was founded in 1961 and classes commenced in October 1962 as the University of Ife by the regional government of Western Nigeria, led by Samuel Ladoke Akintola.
4. Ahmadu Bello University
The Ahmadu Bello University is a public research university located in Zaria, Kaduna State. It was opened in 1962 as the University of Northern Nigeria.
5. University of Lagos
The University Of Lagos (UNILAG) is a public research university in Lagos. It takes a slot on the list of 10 best universities in Nigeria due to a long-standing status of giving the best in class learning and research.
It offers over 110 undergraduate and 129 postgraduate programs. Its top programs include business, engineering, law, and environmental sciences.
Furthermore, UNILAG offers health sciences, management sciences, education, and arts programs.
6. University of Nigeria, Nsukka
The University of Nigeria is in Nsukka, a vibrant town in Nigeria’s southeastern part. The University of Nigeria has 15 academic faculties offering undergraduate and graduate courses. You can take a course in agriculture, medicine, and management sciences. Also, the University provides engineering, arts, humanities, and social sciences.
7. University of Benin
The University of Benin is known for its commitment to academic excellence. Its most popular alumni are Babatunde Fashola, a lawyer and former Lagos State Governor; and Tom Ilube, a British entrepreneur.
The University of Benin has 15 faculties offering over 80 undergraduate and graduate programs. You can pursue engineering, law, medicine, education, arts, management sciences, or humanities.
8. Federal University of Technology, Minna
The Federal University of Technology is a top-tier public institution in the bustling city of Minna. FUT stands among the top 10 universities in Nigeria for offering highly-marketable technology courses.
The University has over 48 undergraduate and 119 postgraduate programs.
Its top programs include agriculture, engineering, innovative technology, and information and communication technology.
9. University of Ilorin
University of Ilorin, also known as UNILORIN, is a federal government-owned school in Kwara state, North Central Nigeria. It’s known for its strong programs in business, law, and medicine.
10. University of Port Harcourt
The University of Port Harcourt was established in 1975 as University College, Port Harcourt. It’s known for its strong programs in petroleum engineering, business, and environmental sciences.