20 Best Universities In Nigeria 2024

Nigeria has a long list of over 100 universities, and new ones are getting established yearly. These universities are either public or private, with varying degrees of expertise. The long list of universities and their varieties can make it difficult for one to choose the best ones, especially when attempting to get a degree certificate in any of them. In this article, we’ll be examining the 20 best universities in Nigeria in 2024. 

The characteristics used in determining these best universities are the output of research, quality of research, educational standard, infrastructure, alumni, and relevance of name. There are universities in Nigeria with better standards than others, and most of these better universities have a long history of delivering quality education. Most of these universities are also older and better equipped than the regular universities. 

Here are the 20 Best Universities in Nigeria 2024;

1. University of Ibadan, Ibadan

The University of Ibadan is the first university to be established in Nigeria. The university is located in Ibadan. The university is known for its high educational standard, and it has produced notable alumni across Nigeria. In academics, research, and educational standards, no university in Nigeria beats the University of Ibadan. For over ten years now, the university has occupied the top spot in most Nigerian universities’ rankings. 

2. Covenant University, Ota

Covenant University is a younger university when compared to some other universities on this list; however, the university has created a lasting image of itself as a university of high educational standards and research. The school equally has good infrastructure, faculty, and notable young alumni. The school excels in entrepreneurship and engineering. 

3. University of Lagos, Akoka

The University of Lagos was established in 1962, and since then, it has made a name for itself. At the center of Lagos’ hustle and bustle, the university’s high standard in academics and extra-curricular activities is unparalleled. It is a school with scholars and entertainers alike. Since its establishment, the school has produced notable alumni in all industries of the economy. 

4. University of Nigeria, Nsukka

The University of Nigeria has its main campus in the developing city of Nsukka and holds the record as the first indigenous university in Nigeria. The university is widely noted for its high academic standard, research output, and quality of research. It is a university for people who seek quality education. The University of Nigeria is one of the universities in Nigeria with the longest list of notable alumni. 

5. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, is the best university in Northern Nigeria. It was established in 1962 by the Northern region of Nigeria. The university is well-known for its diversity and inclusion. The school is equally academically and morally structured. There is also quality infrastructure present on the university’s campus. 

6. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife

This university is located in Ile-Ife, Osun State. It is considered one of Nigeria’s first-generation universities. It’s a school known for its strict adherence to quality education and high morality. With average infrastructure, the university performs beyond the level of infrastructure on campus. Like other schools mentioned, the school has produced notable alumni as well. 

7. University of Benin, Benin

The University of Benin is located in the ancient city of Benin. It is among Nigeria’s second-generation universities. Recognized for its quality education and faculty, the University of Benin is often a top-choice university for most students. The school has produced a good number of technocrats carrying out exploits around the world. 

8. University of Ilorin, Ilorin

Often presented with the mantra, “Better by Far,” the University of Ilorin is one of the best universities in Nigeria. For over ten years, the school has occupied the top spot for the most sought-after university in Nigeria. The school gained popularity in the past for maintaining a steady school calendar. The infrastructure and quality of education in the school are equally above average. 

9. University of Port Harcourt

University of Port Harcourt is located in the oil-rich city of Port Harcourt. A federal and public university, it is averagely funded with average infrastructure and considerable good educational quality. The school has done well in the rankings of universities in Nigeria over the years. 

10. Lagos State University, Ojo

Lagos State University, Ojo, is the best state university in Nigeria. The school is well-funded by the Lagos State Government. The school has one of the best medical schools in Nigeria as well as in other disciplines. The infrastructure and quality of research and education in the school are clearly above average. 

11. Federal University of Technology, Akure

Federal University of Technology, Akure, is one of the foremost technology universities in Nigeria. Located in Akure, and considered part of Nigeria’s second-generation universities, the school has made a name for itself. The level of education, research, and quality of alumni in the institution is clearly above average. 

12. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, is one of the best universities in Nigeria. Located in Awka, and established in the 1990s, Nnamdi Azikiwe University has managed to make a good reputation for itself. The school has grown rapidly over the years to be considered good at education and infrastructural development. It’s a top-choice university for students annually. 

13. University of Calabar, Calabar

University of Calabar is a popular school in Nigeria and was established over 40 years ago. The school has one of the best medical schools in Nigeria. The University of Calabar is equally good in other disciplines and areas of study. 

14. Bayero University, Kano

Bayero University, Kano, is the second-best university in Northern Nigeria. Located in the commercial city of Kano, the university has established itself as an institution of excellence and quality education over the years. The school has one of the best law facilities and Islamic schools in Nigeria. 

15. Federal University of Technology, Minna

This Federal University of Technology is located in Minna. In terms of technology and technical study, this school is one of the best universities in Nigeria. The educational standard is high, and the school is focused on technology mostly, so, technology courses are done well here. 

16. Federal University of Technology, Owerri

The Federal University of Technology, Owerri, is just like that of Akure and Minna. The school is more focused on technology and technical courses than other courses. The level of science and practicals done in the school is on a high level. The educational standard in the school is equally above average. 

17. Ladoke University of Technology, Ogbomosho

This school, popularly known as LAUTECH, is one of the best state universities in Nigeria. Having a long history of education and growth, the school has produced good graduates working in a wide range of fields. The school specializes more in science and technology courses which they have done well. 

18. Afe Babalola University, Ado-ekiti

Afe Babalola is one of the best universities in Nigeria, and the second-best private university in Nigeria. A much younger school when compared to the schools on this list, Afe Babalola has managed to get a good reputation for itself. The school is well-funded. The educational standard, research output quality, staff quality, and infrastructure quality are all great. It’s a great school for those who can afford the fees. 

19. Landmark University, Omu-Aran

This university is the sister school of Covenant University. It is located in Omu-Aran, Kwara State. Just like Covenant, the school is growing very fast and is fast gaining relevance. The educational standard in the school is high with quality infrastructure. The school ranks well among all Nigerian universities, and in a few years, the school should be competing with Covenant University. 

20. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

This is the best University of Agriculture in Nigeria. A school focused on the study of Agriculture, it performs well in that area. There are also other courses studied in the university. The academic standard of the school is above average, and their research output is amazing. 

Conclusion

In the list above are the 20 best universities in Nigeria 2024. These universities are selected due to their educational standard, quality of research, relevance of name, and notable alumni. The universities have all produced people who have made remarkable contributions in their different fields.