Would you like to know the best university in Nigeria?
You are so fortunate, and I am thrilled to share with you the most recent university ranking in Nigeria, which identifies the top best universities in Nigeria for 2023
Because achieving a degree from the most prestigious institution in Nigeria is a priority for many Nigerian students, they have set their sights on doing so as a part of their long-term plans for their professional lives.
After you have settled on the idea that you want to attend one of the most prestigious institutions in Nigeria, there are a lot of details that you should be on the lookout for.
You should think about things like the professors, the cost, and the research opportunities available.
If you are interested in gaining admission to a university in Nigeria or are simply compiling information for future use, you will find it fascinating to read more about the best universities in Nigeria.
Why don’t you get a pen and paper and look into these educational institutions that have pleasant surroundings, competent administration, and strikes? Regarding that, we would look into it.
And now for the million-dollar question: which is the best university in Nigeria today?
Related: Top 10 Best colleges in UK
The Best University In Nigeria By NUC
You must have heard it severally that choosing a university is one of the most important decisions you will have to make in your life. That’s legit.
It reminds me of the time I was in that stage of my life, having to choose where I’d want to further my studies and most definitely I was looking for the very best university in Nigeria.
One of the pitfalls to avoid when looking up for a university to attend in Nigeria is to base your choice on emotions and limited criteria.
Little would you know that it’s an important decision that needs to undergo good scrutiny and more guidance?

The honest truth is where you have your university education will have a long-lasting impact on your personality and your professional life, that’s why you need to search intently for the best university in Nigeria.
Happily, I’m not the only one searching for the best universities in Nigeria, sure you are too and can’t wait for it, especially if you’re alumni like myself or probably you are seeking admission as a fresher.
As a matter of fact, education is a once in a lifetime opportunity to open the heart and mind to the unbelievable wonders of the universe.
Still, you shouldn’t let schooling affect your education. Yes, click to learn more.
10 Factors to Consider When Choosing a University In Nigeria
Good news is an education in Nigeria is overseen by the appropriate body, the Ministry of Education ably headed by the current Minister Adamu Adamu.
If you’re on the hunt for a university to attend in Nigeria, you will agree with me that looking out for the best might just be one of the important steps you’d take, right?
Don’t you also think there’s a need to consider a wide range of factors when choosing the best university in Nigeria?
Such as;
- Is the university an accredited institution?
- What kind of environs does the best university in Nigeria have that would aid such once in a lifetime opportunity?
- The location
- The size of the university
- Cost of study/tuition fee of the university
- What is the academic quality of the so-called best institution in Nigeria?
- Is the campus safe?
- Does the best university have good research quality?
- What reputation does the university have, both at home and abroad?
- Does the so-called best university in Nigeria offer the course of study of my choice, and sure other personal factors on your list?
Alright, I’m sure some people are vouching for their own university as the best university in Nigeria considering the bullet points above, the likes of UniPort, UniLag, Unad, Unilorin, etc.
Let us all take a chill pill as I would unleash the best university in Nigeria to us all, but if and only if such university meets the NUC criteria and some other factors.
Briefly What Is NUC National Universities Commission?
NUC is an acronym of National Universities Commission of Nigeria established in 1962 as an advisory body, then 1974 became a statutory body.

It’s currently a parastatal which means a government-owned corporation and is part of the Federal Ministry of Education.
NUC was established to promote good quality higher education, develop and manage university education in Nigeria. Other functions include:
- Granting approval for all academic programmes run in Nigerian universities;
- Granting approval for the establishment of all higher educational institutions offering degree programmes in Nigerian universities;
- Ensure quality assurance of all academic programmes offered in Nigerian universities; and
- Channel for all external support to the Nigerian universities.
Okay, that was needed to pre-inform us of certain details before unleashing the best university in Nigeria because finding the right university is a task and comes with a lot of confusion.
In the course of reading this post, you would gain added knowledge as to what to look for when considering a university for higher learning, that’s a plus for you.
We learn more by looking for the answer to a question and not finding it than we do from learning the answer itself.” – Lloyd Alexander
Basically, universities in Nigeria are classified based on ownership; private universities probably owned by individuals or state universities owned by the state government, and federal universities owned by the federal government of Nigeria.
Well, Nigeria is blessed with a good number of institutions for higher learning, join me as we take a quick review of all Universities in Nigeria.
You would recall it was aforementioned that one of the functions of NUC (sure you’re used to the acronym by now) is to grant approvals for the establishment of all higher institutions offering degree programmes in Nigerian universities.
How then would we pick the best university in Nigeria after finding out that virtually all the universities are registered under the NUC? (Big sigh)
Are you aware that there are universities ranking bodies?
Well, there are many different universities ranking bodies, but what are the functions of universities ranking bodies?
Thankfully, universities around the world are constantly assessed and ranked. Recently, from one of the ranking bodies, Webometrics ranking of world universities, we compiled some top universities in Nigeria.
Could it also mean that the best University in Nigeria is the most popular university in Nigeria? I’m curious just as you are too.
A university should be a place of light, of liberty, and of learning. – Benjamin Disraeli
It’s pretty easy to get jealous when UNN students begin to tell you so many good things about their school, and UniLag, Unilorin and so on also joined the heated argument of being the best university in Nigeria.
Have you found yourself in such a gathering where people tend to start bragging about their school as the best university in Nigeria? I did too
Top 10 Universities In Nigeria 2023
Now you’re very anxious. Oasdom.com has you covered, I know ex-students are eager to see if their institution falls on that category of top 10 and prospective students can’t wait to make a choice.
Well, the best university in Nigeria is…. Drum roll…. Let’s see the list of Top 10 universities in Nigeria and which uni takes the lead.
Did you know that the NUC also ranked the best university in Nigeria 2016? Wait..
Disclaimer: Oasdom.com is not a body that ranks universities, also these top 10 universities in Nigeria have their rank on other ranking bodies outside Nigeria, but for a start let’s take a quick view of the Nigerian university ranking.
1. University of Ibadan UI
The first on the list has its motto “Right thinking is the fount (of knowledge)” with an acronym UI. Let’s roll the drum for the University of Ibadan in Oyo State.
The University of Ibadan is the first on the list of top 10 universities in Nigeria. UI tops this list because the institution stood out, in terms of being charted, gained accreditation from the appropriate body
The University of Ibadan offers at least a four years undergraduate degree, post graduate degree, masters and doctorate degrees. UI also delivers courses predominantly in a traditional, face-to-face, non-distance format.
Aside from the aforementioned, University of Ibadan is globally recognized, ex-UI students represent the great institution home and abroad owing to the quality of education received in the institution.
The University of Ibadan can also be said to be an institution of high and in-depth quality academics as it maintained that league on the list of top 10 universities in Nigeria 2016 and 2017 respectively.
Don’t you think there’s something more fascinating about the University of Ibadan? There’s more one needs to know about the University of Ibadan.
If you know more, kindly drop a comment on why the university of Ibadan is the best university in Nigeria.
As a prospective student seeking admission, I’d love to advise that when you are about to make a choice of institution, aside from emotional attachment or the norms of oh! My friends are there, look intently at these factors such as;
- Schools vision and mission
- UTME cut off mark
- University cut off mark
- Course and choice of study is it available and duration
- Is the school one of the best university in Nigeria? Etc.
Did you know that University of Ibadan takes the lead as the first on the list of best Federal Universities in Nigeria.
Enough of the sermon lets ride on and see the position of other universities in Nigeria that has made the top 10.
2. Covenant University CU
Covenant is second on the list of top 10 best universities in Nigeria and takes the lead as the best private university in Nigeria.
There are 160 recognized higher-education institutions in Nigeria, some of these are privately owned and Covenant University is unique.
The massive academic exploits done by some students of Covenant University is inspiring. Got more interesting facts about Covenant University? Use the comment box.
3. Obafemi Awolowo University OAU
Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife is the third on the list of top 10 best universities in Nigeria with acronym OAU (Oba Awon University)
Of the Greatest Ife students! Greatest of the greatest gbagba of the greatest gbigbi (smiles). Well, that is how OAU students hail each other and to amplify the greatness of their university.
The quality of the products of the great OAU from its inception depicts the academic excellence the institution has been offering to students.
Wouldn’t you want to know cool facts, campus life and other interesting things about Obafemi Awolowo University? Check that out.
4. University of Nigeria Nsukka UNN
The fourth on the list of top ten best universities in Nigeria has its motto “to restore the dignity of man”, the one and the only University of Nigeria, Nsukka with acronym UNN.
Also as a result of the good standard of education, University of Nigeria Nsukka is one of the most aspired universities in Nigeria.
UNN undergraduates and ex-students! What have you got to say about your school? The comment box below this post is open to you too.
5. University of Lagos UNILAG
The University of Lagos is fifth on the list of top 10 best universities in Nigeria.
Unilag has found itself in a must-go city in Nigeria – Lagos state and is one of the most preferred for admission seekers.
Unilag is the first choice of those in the southwest jurisdiction. Situated in the center of excellence can equally mean academic excellence is also top-notch.
6. Ahmadu Bello University Zaria ABU
Ahmadu Bello University Zaria is the sixth on the list of best universities in Nigeria, with an acronym ABU, located in the north.
ABU Zaria attested to be on this list as a result of academic excellence. Another thing is ABU has a reputable medical program.
with its own teaching hospital, ABUTH been the largest teaching hospital in Nigeria and Africa, making it one of the best nursing schools.
7. Federal University of Technology Minna
Federal University of technology Minna is the seventh on the list of Nigeria’s top 10 best universities.
FUT Minna is the best university of technology in Nigeria, being a technology school it’s a good choice of school for Jambites who wish to study professional courses like Urban and Regional Planning, Architecture and others.
8. University of Ilorin
The University of Ilorin takes the 8th position on the list of top ten universities in Nigeria.
One fascinating thing about Unilorin is the fact that strike is a no, simply because they’re not part of Academic Staff Union of University ASUU. I’m sure you know what that means right.
Unilorin is a good school and one of the schools with the cheapest tuition fee, and they have excellent lecturers and professors.
9. Federal University of Technology Akure FUTA
Federal University of Technology Akure FUTA as it is popularly called is the 9th best university in Nigeria and it is the second best Federal university of technology in Nigeria.
10. University of Benin UNIBEN
The University of Benin is the tenth on the list of top 10 universities in Nigeria.
Also known as UNIBEN – this institution is one of Nigeria’s first generation federal universities. The university was founded in 1970 and is located in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
So we have the top 10, isn’t it? What’s the position of your school if you’re not in the top 10? This topic of the best university is just like comparing wizkid and davido net worth and wanting to know who is the richest.
Check the rankings of other universities in Nigeria by the NUC.
More of the Best Universities in Nigeria 2020 NUC
Below, you will find the ranking positions of other 40 best universities in Nigeria;
11th Position: University of Port Harcourt
12th Position: University of Agriculture Abeokuta
13th Position: Federal University of Technology Owerri
14th Position: Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
15th Position: Bayero University Kano
16th Position: Lagos State University
17th Position” University of Uyo
18th Position: Nile University
19th Position: University of Calabar
20th Position: Nnamdi Azikiwe University
21st Position: University of Jos
22nd Position: Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti
23rd Position: University of Maiduguri
24th Position: Olabisi Onabanjo University (Ogun State University)
25th Position: American University of Nigeria
26th Position: Federal University Oye Ekiti State
27th Position: Ebonyi State University Abakaliki
28th Position: Landmark University
29th Position: Adekunle Ajasin University
30th Position: Niger Delta University
31st Position: Abia State University Uturu
32nd Position: University of Abuja
33rd Position: Ekiti State University Ado Ekiti (University of Ado Ekiti)
34th Position: African University of Science & Technology Abuja
35th Position: Babcock University
36th Position: Cross River State University of Science & Technology, Calabar
37th Position: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University
38th Position: Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi
39th Position: Redeemer’s University
40th Position: Osun State University
41st Position: Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma
42nd Position: Benue State University, Makurdi
43rd Position: Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo FUNAI
44th Position: Enugu State University of Science & Technology
45th Position: Federal University Dutsin-Ma
46th Position: Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike
47th Position: Imo State University Owerri
48th Position: Adeleke University Ede
49th Position: Auchi Polytechnic
50th Position: Kwara State University
51st Position: Lagos Business School Pan Atlantic University
The question is, how many of these above institutions are state universities in Nigeria? Check that out.
The Top 3 Best Private University In Nigeria
Which is the best private university in Nigeria?
Not all universities in Nigeria are government owned, we have privately owned universities and they are thus doing well..
Forget about what you might have heard about these institutions, such as, it’s a higher boarding school for the rich, it’s another option for someone that couldn’t gain admission in a government-owned university, etc.
Products of private universities in Nigeria would wow you. The top 3 best private universities in Nigeria are:
1st Position: Covenant University
2nd Position: Babcock University
3rd Position: Afe Babalola University
Also Read: Top online doctoral programs in business
The 3 Best Universities for Law in Nigeria
Make crime pay. Become a lawyer. – Will Rogers
Admission seekers who agree with Will Rogers, should look up these universities; according to research they are the best 3 universities in Nigeria for law
And remember Law is one of the lucrative professions in Nigeria.
- University of Ilorin
- University of Lagos
- University of Ibadan
Also Read: Top 10 cheapest private universities in Nigeria
The Best University In Nigeria For Medicine
Funnily, you may not be able to read a doctor’s handwriting and prescription, but you’ll notice his bills are neatly typewritten.
Attend these best 3 universities in Nigeria for medicine,
- Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile Ife
- Amadu Bello University in Zaira
- University of Lagos
Also Read: Full list of accredited polytechnics in Nigeria
Best Nigerian University Summary Notes
Although education is essential, regardless of the level of schooling that has been completed, prospective students should be aware that the success of a student is not dependent on the institution of higher learning that they enroll in.
Whether a student attends the best university in Nigeria or not, the onus is on them to put in the work necessary to be successful, regardless of the institution they attend.
When you first begin your studies at a post-secondary institution, one of the most crucial things for you to be aware of is the level of competition that exists within the academic setting.
You might find out the most recent information about universities in Nigeria by going to the websites or portals of those universities.
Our discussion on the top universities in Nigeria, including the best private universities and the best universities for law and medicine, is now complete.
Which of these top 10 universities, then, does not belong on the list, and which one ought to have been ranked first? You’re going to want to share your thoughts, so please do so in the section provided below.
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It took a while to research and put this together, please like and share on your favorite social media platforms.