Education in Africa, especially in countries like Nigeria, has seen many challenges lately. Maintaining a high standard of learning is very difficult given the instability in the Nigerian government. The frequency of academic strikes among Nigerian universities has increased, but some universities in Africa’s most populous country are beginning to stand the test.
Looking at the best universities in Nigeria in Webometrics latest ranking of top universities in Africa, all of which rank among the top 8 universities in South Africa, and a Nigerian university ranked among the top 20 universities in Nigeria.
Best Universities in Nigeria
10. University of Port Harcourt
The University of Port Harcourt was founded in 1975 as University College at Port Harcourt. It is located in the city of Choba/Aluu, Rivers State, Nigeria, in the South-South Geopolitical Zone.
In 1977 University College, Port Harcourt received full university status with a total of six schools; Humanities, Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Education Sciences and Science Laboratory Technology. Currently, however, the university has one college, twelve faculties and seven schools.
9. University of Abuja
The University of Abuja is one of the newer higher institutions in Nigeria to make this list. Established in 1988, the university began its academic activity in 1990. The university offers undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate courses.
The main campus is located on Abuja Airport Road. Gwagwalada is the location of the mini-campus from which the university began.
8. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
The University of Benin was founded in 1970. It began as an Institute of Technology and was designated a full university by the National Universities Commission (NUC) on July 1, 1971.
The university has continued to grow with a range of faculties, departments, institutes and units offering courses at the postgraduate, undergraduate, diploma and certificate levels.
There are currently over 40,000 students enrolled at the university in total, made up of full-time and part-time students.
7. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
The University of Nigeria is a federal university located in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. It was founded in 1955 and officially opened on October 7, 1960.
It is the first full-fledged indigenous and autonomous university in Nigeria, modeled on the American education system, with a vision to position itself at the forefront of research and development, innovation, knowledge transfer and human resource development in the global academic environment, while upholding the core values promote that ensure the restoration of human dignity.
6. Covenant University, Ota
Covenant University is a private Christian university affiliated with Living Faith Church Worldwide in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.
A growing, dynamic vision is born, founded on a Christian mission ethos, the vision-driven University is committed to excellence at the cutting edge of learning. It is also driven by a compelling vision to educate a new generation of leaders for the African continent based on a holistic human development curriculum and blended learning to nurture Total Men who are committed to the development of their world.
5. University of Ilorin
The University of Ilorin is a state-owned university in Ilorin, Kwara State, western Nigeria.
It was one of the seven higher institutions of learning instituted by a German Army decree in 1975 to implement the educational guidelines of the country’s Third National Development Plan to provide more opportunities for Nigerians pursuing university education.
4. University of Ibadan (UI)
University of Ibadan (UI) is Nigeria’s premier university located in Ibadan, Oyo State. The institution offers both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. However, admission in the University of Ibadan is very difficult and competitive.
3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife
Obafemi Awolowo University is a comprehensive public institution founded in 1962. It is located on a vast area totaling 11,861 hectares in Ile-Ife, Osun State, southwest of Nigeria.
During the 1970s and early 1980s, the university has achieved a prominent position among African universities with a vibrant academic and social atmosphere and a high international reputation. Today, the university has a long tradition of excellence that has produced one Nobel Laureate and four National Merit Award winners from its midst.
2. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
Founded in 1962, the University of Lagos has been providing quality and objective education to Nigerians and their neighbors for over four decades.
The University has built a legacy of excellence and has been instrumental in the production of graduates and academics who have directly or indirectly had a tremendous impact on Nigeria’s growth and development. The awards and prizes won demonstrate the University of Lagos’ positive impact on education and academic affairs in Nigeria.
1. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) is a public research university in Zaria, Kaduna State, Northern Nigeria.
It started in 1961 as the University of Northern Nigeria under the recommendation of the Ashby Commission on Post-School Certificate and Higher Education in Nigeria. Ahmadu Bello University became fully operational in 1962 with the following educational institutions: the defunct Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology, founded in 1955; the Clerical Training Center in Congo, established in 1957; Samaru Agricultural Research Station established in 1924 and Shika Livestock Farm started in 1928.
Today the university has a very popular and respected medical program with its own ABU Teaching Hospital, one of the largest teaching hospitals in Nigeria and Africa.