In choosing a university for young men and women to attend in Nigeria, parents and their wards tend to search for the best option which is also affordable. It is crucial for students seeking academic excellence and career opportunities to go for the best universities and this article aims to provide a ranking of the 10 best best higher insitutions in Nigeria.
Per a recent report by The Times Higher Education on Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings, Nigeria has Convenant University at the top, while Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) trails in 2nd place and Benson Idahosa University, is third. The aforementioned Nigerian institutions were ranked 7th, 26th, and 30th respectively in the overall list of sub-Saharan Africa university rankings.
According to The Times Higher Education, Nigeria is the most-represented nation overall, with 37 ranked institutions. However, in this article the list will contain 10 best universities in Nigeria (public and private) as of July 2023, in descending order.
10. Adeleke University
This is a private, faith-based university founded in 2011 by Adeleke’s Springtime Development Foundation based in Ede, Osun State and it derives its name from its founder and pro-chancellor Adedeji Adeleke, a business tycoon and father of music superstar, David ”Davido” Adeleke.
Adeleke University is ranked 45th in sub-Saharan Africa but 10th in Nigeria. It offers admission to hundreds of students looking to be in faculties in arts, law, engineering, medical science, business and social science.
9. Umaru Musa Yar’adua University
Founded in 2006 as Katsina State University, it was later renamed Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University (UMYU). On this ranking it sits at the 9th position of best universities in Nigeria while it is in the 43rd place in sub-Saharan Africa. The vice-chancellor of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU), Katsina is Shehu Salihu-Muhammad.
8. Obafemi Awolowo University
The prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) is a federal government-owned university situated in the ancient city of Ile-Ife, Osun state, Nigeria. Established in 1961, it was originally named University of Ife by the regional government of Western Nigeria which was led by Samuel Ladoke Akintola and renamed “Obafemi Awolowo University” on May 12, 1987 in honour of late Obafemi Awolowo, the first premier of the Western Region of Nigeria.
OAU is in the 39th place in sub-Saharan Africa and the 8th spot in Nigeria according to the rankings. The first set of classes at the institution commenced in 1962.
7. Cross River University of Technology
Cross River University of Technology, (CRUTECH), located in the capital city of Calabar is a state-owned higher institution which offers bachelor’s degree programs in Science and technology, Agriculture, Education, among others. It was founded in 2002 and is the 7th on the Nigeria ranking while it also sits in 37th place in sub-Saharan Africa.
6. University of Ibadan
The University of Ibadan (UI) in Oyo state was founded in 1948 as the University College, Ibadan (UCI). It is the oldest degree-awarding institution in Nigeria which was originally one of many colleges within the University of London. UI became an independent university in 1962. The higher institution sits at the 6th spot in Nigeria rankings and 36th place in sub-Saharan Africa.
5. Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun state
Redeemers University is the 5th on the list of best universities in Nigeria and 35th in sub-Saharan Africa). It is a private university located in Ede, Osun state. The institution which was established in 2005 is owned by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
4. Nnamdi Azikiwe University
The renowned Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka in Anambra state also called UNIZIK is a federal owned institution established in 1991 and named after Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the Premier of the Eastern region of Nigeria. UNIZIK or NAU was formerly Anambra State University of Technology.
The higher institution comes 31st in sub-Saharan Africa and 4th in Nigeria. It has two campuses – main campus is in Awka, the state capital, while its other campus is in Nnewi.
3. Benson Idahosa University
Located in Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria, Benson Idahosa University is a private institution founded in 2002. Formerly known as Christian Faith University (CFU), it was renamed in honour of a revered Pentecostal minister from Benin City, Archbishop Benson Idahosa. Benson Idahosa University is the 3rd University on this list as far as Nigeria is concerned and the 30th in sub-Saharan Africa.
2. Federal University of Agriculture, (FUNAAB)
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) in Ogun state is one of the three federal universities of agriculture founded in 1988 by the Nigerian government. It relocated to its current location, outside of the city of Abeokuta in 1997. FUNAAB is the 2nd best university in Nigeria and 26th in sub-Saharan Africa.
The programmes it offers include but are not limited to agricultural management and rural development, plant science and crop production, engineering, physical science, veterinary medicine, biological science, environmental research management, animal science and livestock production, etc.
1. Covenant University
Covenant University, Ota, Ogun state was established in 2002 by Bishop David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church Worldwide. The private Pentecostal Christian University takes the number 1 spot in Nigeria and 7th place in sub-Saharan Africa.is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, it has a student population of about 8000.
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