Top 20 Best Universities in Nigeria (2025 Ranking)

Nigeria is home to some of Africa’s most prestigious higher institutions. With over 170 universities in Nigeria, including federal, state, and private institutions, choosing the best can be overwhelming.

This ranking considers academic reputation, research output, graduate employability, facilities, international outlook, and student satisfaction.

Whether you’re a prospective student, parent, or education consultant, this comprehensive ranking covers the top universities in Nigeria based on academic performance, research excellence, employability, infrastructure, and innovation.

Below is the 2025 ranking of the top 20 best universities in Nigeria.

1. University of Ibadan (UI)

Location: Ibadan, Oyo State
Founded: 1948
Type: Federal
Specialties: Public Health, Arts, Social Sciences, Medicine, Humanities

UI continues to lead as Nigeria’s premier university in 2025. With top-tier postgraduate programs, extensive library resources, and internationally recognized research, UI is ideal for students pursuing both academic and professional careers. Its affiliated teaching hospital and international collaborations enhance its global outlook.

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2. Covenant University

Location: Ota, Ogun State
Founded: 2002
Type: Private
Specialties: Computer Science, Engineering, Business Administration

Covenant University is Nigeria’s top private university. With a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, innovation, and discipline, it consistently ranks high in employability. The university integrates Christian values with academic excellence, making it a hub for future tech and business leaders.

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3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

Location: Ile-Ife, Osun State
Founded: 1961
Type: Federal
Specialties: Law, Engineering, Pharmacy, Arts

Famous for its striking architecture and cultural heritage, OAU offers a well-rounded education rooted in academic discipline and activism. It boasts top facilities in natural sciences and consistently produces influential professionals across Nigeria.

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4. University of Lagos (UNILAG)

Location: Lagos
Founded: 1962
Type: Federal
Specialties: Mass Communication, Medicine, Engineering, Law

Located in the heart of Nigeria’s commercial capital, UNILAG provides unparalleled industry exposure. Its alumni dominate the media, legal, and political landscape. With several ongoing infrastructure projects, its academic offerings are only getting stronger.

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5. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)

Location: Zaria, Kaduna State
Founded: 1962
Type: Federal
Specialties: Agriculture, Islamic Studies, Engineering, Medicine

ABU is the pride of Northern Nigeria. With a sprawling campus and hundreds of programs, ABU is especially strong in agriculture and Sharia law. Its low tuition and strong alumni network make it a great value.

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6. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

Location: Nsukka, Enugu State
Founded: 1960
Type: Federal
Specialties: Arts, Medicine, Agriculture

UNN is known for its unique academic calendar and rigorous postgraduate programs. It was founded by Nigeria’s first president and has maintained a strong presence in education and innovation.

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7. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)

Location: Akure, Ondo State
Founded: 1981
Type: Federal
Specialties: Engineering, ICT, Space Tech

FUTA is Nigeria’s leading university for technology and innovation. It plays a key role in the NigeriaSat space program and collaborates with international institutions on robotics and smart agriculture.

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8. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)

Location: Ilorin, Kwara State
Founded: 1975
Type: Federal
Specialties: Education, Science, Law

Known for its uninterrupted academic calendar, UNILORIN is ideal for students who value academic stability. It has a strong education faculty and well-structured undergraduate programs.

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9. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)

Location: Ogbomoso, Oyo State
Founded: 1990
Type: State
Specialties: Engineering, Pure Sciences

LAUTECH is regarded for its hands-on approach to science and engineering education. Despite past strikes, it has bounced back with a stronger, more resilient academic structure.

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10. University of Benin (UNIBEN)

Location: Benin City, Edo State
Founded: 1970
Type: Federal
Specialties: Medicine, Law, Engineering

UNIBEN is a top choice for students in the South-South region. It features one of Nigeria’s best medical schools and is also known for engineering and law.

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11. Babcock University

Location: Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State
Founded: 1999
Type: Private
Specialties: Medicine, Business, Law

A faith-based institution, Babcock is well-respected for its highly-rated medical school and structured business programs. It has a peaceful campus and strong focus on moral education.

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12. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)

Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Founded: 1975
Type: Federal
Specialties: Petroleum Engineering, Social Sciences

Given its location in an oil-rich state, UNIPORT is a go-to for petroleum engineering and geology. The university also offers strong postgraduate programs in public policy and environmental sciences.

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13. Nile University of Nigeria

Location: Abuja
Founded: 2009
Type: Private
Specialties: Medicine, ICT, International Relations

Nile University is among the most modern in Nigeria, with world-class labs, a medical school, and growing international partnerships. Its student-centered model promotes global exposure.

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14. Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)

Location: Minna, Niger State
Founded: 1983
Type: Federal
Specialties: ICT, Engineering, Architecture

FUTMINNA continues to push Nigeria’s technology education forward. Its innovations in architecture and IT education make it a strong federal tech university in 2025.

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15. Pan-Atlantic University (PAU)

Location: Lagos
Founded: 2002
Type: Private
Specialties: Business, Communication, Entrepreneurship

Home to Lagos Business School, PAU is a premium private university with a global reputation. It emphasizes leadership and ethics in its undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

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16. University of Jos (UNIJOS)

Location: Jos, Plateau State
Founded: 1975
Type: Federal
Specialties: Law, Environmental Science, Medical Sciences

UNIJOS combines cultural diversity with academic rigor. It serves as a major academic hub in central Nigeria and offers competitive law and medical programs.

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17. Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)

Location: Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
Founded: 2009
Type: Private
Specialties: Law, Engineering, Health Sciences

Founded by renowned legal icon Afe Babalola, ABUAD stands out for its ultra-modern infrastructure, teaching hospital, and strong research output. It continues to rise in global rankings.

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18. University of Uyo (UNIUYO)

Location: Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
Founded: 1991
Type: Federal
Specialties: Engineering, Education, Agriculture

UNIUYO provides a strong academic base for students in southeastern Nigeria. It offers well-structured courses and has improved its infrastructure significantly in recent years.

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19. Redeemer’s University

Location: Ede, Osun State
Founded: 2005
Type: Private
Specialties: Biological Sciences, ICT, Humanities

Run by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Redeemer’s University leads in genomics and public health research. The school’s discipline and growing global network enhance its profile.

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20. Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE)

Location: Effurun, Delta State
Founded: 2007
Type: Federal
Specialties: Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Energy

As Africa’s first petroleum university, FUPRE is a specialist institution for the energy sector. It collaborates with oil companies and has cutting-edge training centers.

When selecting a university in Nigeria, it’s essential to consider not just rankings but also the course quality, learning environment, access to internships, and long-term career goals. Each university on this list has unique strengths and areas of specialization.

Whether you’re looking for cutting-edge research, moral discipline, entrepreneurial development, or access to global opportunities, this 2025 ranking of the top 20 best universities in Nigeria offers a trusted guide.