A good education sets up a child for success in the future. The best university in Nigeria, according to rankings is the University of Ibadan. Following closely are the University of Lagos and the University of Nigeria. Discover more about the top 10 institutions of higher learning in the country.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- The University of Ibadan is the best university in Nigeria as of 2025.
- The best university in Nigeria ranks at #1006 in the world and #13 in Africa.
- Finding the best university in Nigeria is a top priority for many students who want to further their education.
- University rankings in Nigeria are based on research outputs, alumni influence, and non-academic prominence.
Best university in Nigeria: Top 10 universities
| Ranking | Institution | Location |
| 1 | University of Ibadan | Ibadan, Oyo |
| 2 | University of Lagos | Mainland Akoka, Yaba, Lagos |
| 3 | University of Nigeria | Nsukka, Enugu |
| 4 | Obafemi Awolowo University | Ile Ife, Osun |
| 5 | University of Port Harcourt | Port Harcourt, Rivers State |
| 6 | Ahmadu Bello University | Zaria, Kaduna |
| 7 | Covenant University | Ota, Ogun State |
| 8 | University of Ilorin | Ilorin, Kwara State |
| 9 | University of Benin | Benin City, Edo State |
| 10 | Federal University of Technology, Minna | Minna, Niger State |
This list of the top 10 best universities in Nigeria is based on EduRank rankings, based on research outputs, alumni influence, and non-academic prominence. Note that the list may not consider other factors, making it subjective.
10. Federal University of Technology, Minna
- Location: Minna, Niger State
- Year founded: 1983
- Global ranking: 2929
- Ranking in Africa: 62
The Federal University of Technology, Minna, ranks high on the list of the top 10 best federal universities in Nigeria. Founded in 1983, this institution of higher learning specialises in technological education. The Federal University of Technology, Minna, offers bachelor's and master's degrees in various technology-related fields.
9. University of Benin
- Location: Benin City, Edo State
- Year founded: 23 November 1970
- Global ranking: 2746
- Ranking in Africa: 57
The University of Benin (UNIBEN) is among the top 20 best universities in Nigeria. It is a public research university located in Benin City, Edo State. On 1 April 1975, UNIBEN became a federal institution. Did you know UNIBEN has a teaching hospital called the University of Benin Teaching Hospital?
8. University of Ilorin
- Location: Ilorin, Kwara State
- Year founded: August 1975
- Global ranking: 2516
- Ranking in Africa: 46
The University of Ilorin is among the best universities in Nigeria in 2025. The federal government-owned public research university has 16 faculties and over 100 academic departments offering over a hundred programmes. The University of Ilorin has the highest enrollment of foreign students in the country.
7. Covenant University
- Location: Ota, Ogun State
- Year founded: 21 October 2002
- Global ranking: 2248
- Ranking in Africa: 39
Covenant University (CU) is a Nigerian private university in Ota, Ogun State and is among the top 10 best private universities in Nigeria. This institution of higher learning was founded by David Oyedepo and opened its doors on 21 October 2002. At one point, Covenant University became the first Nigerian university to be ranked in the 401-500 category of world universities by Times Higher Education.
6. Ahmadu Bello University
- Location: Zaria, Kaduna
- Year founded: 4 October 1962
- Global ranking: 2130
- Ranking in Africa: 35
The Ahmadu Bello University is among the top 10 best state universities in Nigeria. It is one of the largest public research institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa. Ahmadu Bello University courses include 199 doctoral programmes, 129 M.Phil programmes, 278 master's programmes, 61 postgraduate diploma programmes, and 114 undergraduate programmes.
5. University of Port Harcourt
- Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers State
- Year founded: 1975
- Global ranking: 1667
- Ranking in Africa: 29
The University of Port Harcourt is among the top 5 best universities in Nigeria today. Founded in 1975, the university offers various programmes across faculties, including health sciences, humanities, social sciences, engineering, and management sciences. The University of Port Harcourt is a dynamic and influential institution that contributes significantly to Nigerian education and beyond.
4. Obafemi Awolowo University
- Location: Ile Ife, Osun
- Year founded: 1961
- Global ranking: 1658
- Ranking in Africa: 28
Obafemi Awolowo University is among the top federal universities in Nigeria, located in Ile-Ife, Osun State. In 1975, a new military government introduced decrees making the university a federal institution. Today, Obafemi Awolowo University is among the top 5 universities in Nigeria.
3. University of Nigeria
- Location: Nsukka, Enugu
- Year founded: 1955
- Global ranking: 1520
- Ranking in Africa: 25
The University of Nigeria is a federal and public research university. It is the first full-fledged indigenous and first autonomous university in Nigeria. Through its vast network of graduates, the University of Nigeria has made a substantial contribution to the country's political, industrial, economic, and cultural growth.
2. University of Lagos
- Location: Mainland Akoka, Yaba, Lagos
- Year founded: 1962
- Global ranking: 1383
- Ranking in Africa: 23
The University of Lagos is a prestigious public research university in Lagos, Nigeria. Founded in 1962, it is one of the first-generation universities in the country and consistently ranks among the top universities in Africa. The University of Lagos offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in multiple disciplines under different faculties.
1. University of Ibadan
- Location: Ibadan, Oyo
- Year founded: 1948
- Global ranking: 1006
- Ranking in Africa: 13
The University of Ibadan is arguably the best state university in Nigeria. Initially founded as the University College Ibadan in 1948, the university has maintained its affiliation with the University of London. It became an independent institution in 1962, making it the oldest degree-awarding university in the country.
Which university is the finest in Nigeria?
The University of Ibadan is arguably the best institution of higher learning in the country. EduRank places it at number 1006 in the world.
Which are the top 10 best universities in Nigeria?
The best universities in Nigeria in 2025 are the University of Ibadan, the University of Lagos, the University of Nigeria, Obafemi Awolowo University, the University of Port Harcourt, Ahmadu Bello University, Covenant University, the University of Ilorin, the University of Benin, and the Federal University of Technology, Minna.
Which are the top 5 best universities in Nigeria in 2025?
The top five universities in Nigeria in 2025 are the University of Ibadan, the University of Lagos, the University of Nigeria, Obafemi Awolowo University, and the University of Port Harcourt.
Which is the fastest-growing university in Nigeria?
Philomath University and Lagos State University (LASU) are among the fastest-growing universities in the country.
Which is the best university in Africa?
The University of Cape Town is ranked as the best university in Africa by EduRank. The institution ranks at position 239 in the world.
The University of Ibadan is arguably the best university in Nigeria in 2025. The best universities in the country are known for offering world-class universities.
Legit.ng recently published a list of federal universities in Nigeria, cut-off marks, and school fees. There are numerous universities in present-day Nigeria. Some are private, while others are state or federal.
If you are a student who desires to acquire higher education, you need to look at the list of federal universities in Nigeria. These institutions offer multiple programmes at different levels of academic learning.
.. Source: Legit.ng
