Best Universities In Nigeria
Introduction
Lofty Scholars attempts to address the question of the best universities in Nigeria by publishing an article on the subject.
Undoubtedly, education is one of the most valuable gifts a parent can provide for their children. In Nigeria, there are over 500 universities, but only a select few are considered the best by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Best Universities In Nigeria
What are the top-ranked universities in Nigeria and how are they evaluated? The National Universities Commission (NUC) released the latest list of the best universities in Nigeria, which can be helpful if you’re searching for the best local institution to send your children to.
If you’re interested in finding out the best university in Nigeria according to the NUC, you can find a detailed list in the article below.
1. University of Ibadan
According to NUC representatives, the University of Ibadan is the best university in Nigeria. The institution, which offers 13 faculties, was established in 1947 as a college under the University of London. Local students were trained in Arts, Science, and Medicine before it became a full-fledged university in 1962.
The 13 faculties available to applicants are Arts, Science, Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Agriculture and Forestry, Social Sciences, Education, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Technology, Law, Public Health, and Dentistry. The faculties of Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, and Public Health and Dentistry belong to the University’s College of Medicine.
In addition to the faculties, the University of Ibadan has various academic units such as the Institute of Child Health, Institute of Education, Institute of African Studies, Centre for Child Adolescent and Mental Health, Centre for Educational Media Resource Studies, African Regional Centre for Information Science (ARCIS), Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (CEPACS), Centre for Petroleum, Energy, Economics and Law (CPEEL), Centre for Sustainable Development (CESDEV), Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI), Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training (IAMRAT), Centre for Drug Discovery, Development & Production (CDDDP), and Centre for Control & Prevention of Zoonosis (CCPZ).
2. University of Lagos
The University of Lagos, located in the vibrant city of Lagos, is one of the top universities in Nigeria. Founded in 1962, UNILAG has three campuses in Akoka, Yaba, and Surulere, and is often referred to as the “University of First Choice” and the “Nation’s Pride.”
Initially, the university had only 131 students, but that number has since grown to 40,000. UNILAG has a dedicated staff of 3365 individuals and offers courses through its 12 faculties, including Arts, Basic Medical Science, Business Administration, Clinical Sciences, Dental Sciences, Education, Engineering, Environmental Science, Law, Pharmacy, Science, and Social Science. Additionally, the university has two centers: the Center for Human Rights and the Center for African Regional Integration and Borderland Studies.
For those who live far from Lagos, UNILAG’s Distance Learning Institute offers the opportunity to study Accounting, Business Administration, Science Education, and Library Information Services.
3. Obafemi Awolowo University
Obafemi Awolowo University, also known as the University of Ife, was established in 1962 and covers an area of 11,862 hectares. It has a central campus and residential area for students, as well as headquarters, a training and research farm. During the 1970s and 1980s, OAU was a leading educational institution in Africa, and its graduates include Nobel Laureates and several National Merit Award holders.
The university has several related institutions, including the Centre for Energy Research and Development (CERD), the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), the African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education- English (ARC SSTE-E), and the United Nations Regional Centre for Training in Aerospace Survey (RECTAS).
4. Ahmadu Bello University
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), named in honor of Sardauna of Sokoto and the Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, was established in 1962. It operates on the former sites of the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology, the Clerical Training Centre in Kongo, the Samaru Agricultural Research Station, and the Shika Livestock Farm.
ABU currently has 12 faculties, 2 campuses, 1 Post-Graduate School, and 82 academic departments, with an enrollment of about 35,000 students. Additionally, there are 5 institutes, 6 specialized centers, a Division of Agricultural Colleges, a School of Basic and Remedial Studies, a Demonstration Secondary School, a Primary School, and a Consultancy Outfit. ABU employs 1,400 academic and 6,000 non-academic staff members.
5. University of Ilorin
The University of Ilorin was established in 1976, admitting its first set of 200 students in October of that year. It currently comprises 15 faculties and was the first Nigerian institution to rank among the top 20 African universities in 2014, placing 1824th in the world ranking.
According to JAMB statistics, between 2012 and 2016, UNILORIN had the highest number of applicants, making it the most popular university in Nigeria during that period.
6. Covenant University
Covenant University is widely regarded as the best private institution of education in Nigeria. The university was established in 2000 with the objective of creating a world-class Christian mission university, under the leadership of its founder, Dr. David Oyedepo.
The university opened its doors to students in March 2002, after obtaining a license to operate as a private educational institution. The National University Commission (NUC) approved the application with remarkable speed.
At Covenant University, young people are not only taught academic subjects but also imbued with deep spiritual values such as honesty, diligence, responsibility, and the full disclosure of their potential. The teachers utilize Christian ethos and high moral ideals to educate worthy Nigerian citizens. As a result, graduates of the institution are not only accomplished performers, but also expert thinkers, talented managers, and scientists.
7. University of Nigeria, Nsukka
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), the seventh-ranked institution by the National Universities Commission (NUC), was founded by Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe in 1955.
However, the formal opening did not take place until the 7th of October 1960. UNN has four campuses: Nsukka (UNN), Enugu (University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, UNEC), Ituku-Ozalla (University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH), and Aba (University of Nigeria Aba Campus, UNAC).
UNN was the first autonomous educational institution in the country. Currently, applicants can choose from 15 faculties and 102 academic departments, offering 82 undergraduate and 211 post-graduate courses. Initially, the university accepted 220 students, who were trained by 13 members of the academic staff, and the first classes were held in October 1960.
8. University of Benin
UNIBEN, also known as the University of Benin, gained recognition as the institution where Nigeria’s first female vice-chancellor, Grace Alele-Williams, studied. She held the position from 1985 until 1991.
Currently, UNIBEN has approximately 40,000 students enrolled. The administration collaborates with various local and international institutions, such as USAID, the Ford Foundation, UNCF (United Negro College Fund), and RMRDC
9. University of Abuja
The University of Abuja, located in the capital city of Nigeria, is one of the best universities in the country. It was established in 1990 on an 11,800-hectare plot of land and is home to several faculties, including the Senate Chamber, Science Laboratories, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Management Sciences, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Remedial Studies, and the Institute of Education.
The main campus also includes a Medical Centre and recreational facilities.
10. University of Port Harcourt
The University of Port Harcourt, which started as a University College in 1975, received university status in 1977. In 2015, it was ranked as the 6th best university in Africa by Times Higher Education (THE).
The institution offers 12 different educational directions, including the Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Management Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Applied Science, Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Agriculture, and Faculty of Law.