Looking for the best leading universities in Nigeria? in this article, we are going to outline some of the most reputable institutions in nigeria and why they are the best.

No doubt Nigerian universities have periodically had their highs and lows in the educational sector, given that only six universities were featured in the Times Higher Education World Ranking.

However, there are

out of over 130 institutions including federal and state government and also private universities.

Be that as it may, there are also a good number of recommendable universities in Nigeria. This post features a compilation of the top ten leading universities in Nigeria;

Top 10 Leading Universities in Nigeria

1.University of Ibadan

Located in Oyo State, south-western Nigeria the influence and history of the University of Ibadan have not only made it a renowned university in Nigeria but also in Africa. The university was established in 1948 and was formally an affiliated college of the University of London as the University College Ibadan.

In 1962 the college gained its independence and became known as the first University in Nigeria and the best federal university to date. The university is known as a learning Catedral that offers over 75 courses which are grouped into 16 different faculties.

More so the university of Ibadan has the largest postgraduate school in Africa. Prominent scholars like Prof. Wole Soyinka, Kayode Fayemi, Chukwu Emeka Ike, Emeka Anyaoku to mention a few are all notable alumni from the University of Ibadan.

2. UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA

The University of Nigeria popularly known as UNN is recognized as the first university in Nsukka, Enugu State, and also as the first self-governing university in Nigeria.

Founded in 1955 by Nnamdi Azikiwe the university was ranked as the second-best university in Nigeria by the National Universities Commission.

Modelled upon the American educational system UNN has three reputable campuses in Enugu State– Nsukka, Enugu, and Ituku-Ozalla – and the Aba campus in Abia State. UNN is recognized for its full-fledged university-embedded ICT Hubs in West Africa known as Roar Nigeria Hub.

The institution offers various courses spanning from over 108 undergraduate programs and 211 postgraduate programs.UNN has produced eminent figures in society such as Peter Obi, Charles Soludo, Dora Akunyili, Godwin Emefiele, and many others.

 3.University of Lagos

We have the university of Lagos as the third best university in Nigeria, the University of Lagos is widely referred to as the first generation university due to its establishment in 1962 after Nigeria gained its independence.

Commonly known as Unilag and as a university that started with just 131 students the university has grown to become one of the most populated universities in Nigeria. More so the institution has consistently remained one of the most competitive schools in terms of admission.

The University of Lagos has been ranked in a recent Forbes magazine publication as the 3rd best university for entrepreneurship in Africa, the university has also educated reputable leaders in the society such as Yemi Osibanjo, Daniel Olukoya, Linda Ikeji, Lekan Fatudo, and many others.

4.Obafemi Awolowo University

The fourth leading university featured in our post is Obafemi Awolowo University, formally known as the University of Ife, and was renamed Obafemi Awolowo University in honour of chief Obafemi Awolowo the brainchild of the university.

The university`s foundation was laid in 1961 in the ancient city of Ile-Ife, Osun state, and is known as the largest university in Nigeria.

Based on its numerous records the university is consistently cited as one of the best teaching hospitals in Nigeria. Obafemi Awolowo University has 13 accredited faculties including two colleges.

Furthermore, the university`s quality of education and standard of teaching has produced six exceptional graduates who won National Merit Awards. The university champions a good number of reputable alumni to mention a few are Femi Otedola, Dele Momodu, Femi Falana, Jimoh Ibrahim.

5.Covenant University

We have Covenant University ranted here on our post as the fifth leading university in Nigeria. Covenant University since its establishment in 2002, has been a trailblazing institution particularly for consistently ranking as the best private university in Nigeria.

Located in Ota, Ogun State, Covenant University is acknowledged as one of the world-leading Christian Mission Universities in Africa. The university is also rated as one of the most expensive private universities with high-class facilities.

In addition, Covenant University is the most sought-after private university and very selective with its admission status. The Times Higher Education ranked Covenant University as the first Nigerian University to be ranked in the category of world universities.

The university has also won several awards and achievements some of which include; being rated as the Nigerian university with the best software developers, one of the top 5 best universities for postgraduate studies, and a lot more achievements that aren’t mentioned on its post.

6.Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Ahmadu Bello University is recognized as the best federal university in Northern Nigeria and is commonly referred to as ABU or ABUZaria.

Founded in 1962 a year after the establishment of OAU in the spirit of a united Africa the university has existed as one of the most academically outstanding universities in the north.

Situated in Zaria, Kaduna State, ABU is a public research institute with over 15 accredited faculties, as the sixth-best university featured in this post the university lives up to expectations with over 1400 academic and research staff with 6000 non-teaching and administrative staff who strive to improve the academic lives of its students.

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria continues to improve among Africa’s academically strongest universities.

7.Federal University of Technology, Minna

Federal University of Technology, Minna is not only one of the top ten leading universities in Nigeria but also one of the best technical universities in Nigeria. Founded in 1983 FUTMINA, is a federal-owned university known for its distinction in technological education.

FUTMINA is a high recommendable university for its groundbreaking excellence in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering. The university is also among the country’s largest universities in terms of size.

The Federal University of Technology has 10 NUC accredited faculties.

8.University of Ilorin

We have 8 prestigious universities featured on this post but the top ten won`t be complete without the inclusion of the University of Ilorin.

The University of Ilorin famously known as UNILORIN was established in 1975 and is located in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. The university’s excellence was depicted in 2014 when it was ranked among the top 20 universities in Africa.

Nevertheless, the University of Ilorin was once ranked as the best university in Nigeria, boasting alongside its 95 accredited courses in 15 different faculties and not to mention its staff strength of about 4000 academic and non-academic staff.

University of Ilorin between 2014-2016 was reported by JAMB to have the highest number of admission seekers in the country amongst other universities.

9.University of Benin

The University of Benin was founded in 1970 as a federal-owned public research institute and is the ninth top ten leading universities featured here.

The university is located in Benin, Edo State, and is the best learning hub for courses in Art and Humanities, and visual arts. The prestigious institution has formed collaborations with many world-class universities and international and local bodies such as FORD Foundation, USAID, and United Negro College Fund (UNCF).

The university is one of the first institutions in Nigeria to appoint a female Vice-Chancellor. The university has 15 faculties and various programs both for postgraduate and undergraduate students and has reputable alumni in different spheres of life.

10.University of Abuja

The University of Abuja is located in the vibrant city and capital of Nigeria, Abuja. Founded in 1988 the university has existed as one of the best universities in the country and is one of the largest universities in Nigeria.

Admission into this university is relatively competitive, and in fact, is one of the low tuition universities in Nigeria alongside other federal universities.

In addition, the university has one of the best well-equipped Medical centres with standard facilities in Nigeria.

conclusion

Have you been having a hard time choosing which university would suit you best academically? well, this post has been about the top ten leading universities in Nigeria. We hope this post helps narrow down your search to the selected best.

What do you think, did we miss any school you had in mind? kindly share your thoughts in the comment section.