If you’re a student or parent looking for the best universities in Nigeria, you’ve come to the right place. Choosing the right school can shape your career and academic journey, so it’s important to know your options.
In this post, we’ll highlight the top 10 best universities in Nigeria for 2025, covering both public institutions and private universities that offer quality education, modern facilities, and supportive learning environments.
Let’s explore the list so you can make an informed choice.
Top 10 Best Universities in Nigeria (2025 Edition)
Here are list of the top best Universities in Nigeria with outstanding record:
1. Covenant University, Ota
Address: Km 10 Idiroko Road, Ota, Ogun State
Type: Private Christian University
Visit School’s Website
Why Is Covenant among the top best Universities in Nigeria?
Covenant University is one of the top best private universities in Nigeria. It offers premium education and is well-known for focusing on leadership, entrepreneurship, and character development of its students.
In 2025, it topped the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings for Nigerian Universities, securing a global position between 201 to 1000.
2. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
Address: Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State
Type: Public University
Established in 1962, ABU is one of the largest Universities in Nigeria and a hub for research and academic excellence, offering many great programs across various disciplines.
3. University of Ibadan (UI)
Address: Ibadan, Oyo State
Type: Public University
As Nigeria’s oldest University, UI has an outstanding record of academic achievement and good management.
University of Ibadan has modern-day technologies, well-trained staff, a serene campus, support extracurricular activities, with a focus on research and development.
4. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
Address: Akoka, Lagos State
Type: Public University
Why It’s Great? UNILAG is a leading institution and among the top best Universities in Nigeria you can enroll in if you want a secured place with premium education.
It offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs and has maintained a decent campus life and industry connections.
5. Babcock University (Ilishan-Remo, Ogun)
Babcock University has an outstanding reputation, especially for health and management courses. They also focus a lot on character and spiritual development.
Address: Ogun State
Type: Private University
6. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife
Address: Ile-Ife, Osun State
Type: Public University
Another great institution that made it to our list of top best Universities in Nigeria is Obafemi Awolowo University. It is respected for its academic excellence and peaceful campus.
It has good facilities like sports fields, laboratories, music studio, library, active alumni and a strong emphasis on research and innovation.
7. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
Address: Nsukka, Enugu State
Type: Public University
UNN is popular for its great records, commitment to academic excellence, and community development.
It’s one of the oldest Universities in Nigeria with good management, qualified staff, peaceful and secured environment, it offers a wide range of programs and has a strong research focus, making it a good place to pursue your educational career.
8. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
Address: Ilorin, Kwara State
Type: Public University
UNILORIN is recognized for its academic stability and uninterrupted academic calendar.
It’s one of the largest Universities in Nigeria by landmass and provides its students with high standard education, making it worth attending.
9. Afe Babalola University (ABUAD, Ado-Ekiti)
ABUAD is a top-tier Private University. It offers competitive courses like medicine, law, Engineering, Computer Science, Nursing, Pharmacy, Mass Communication, and lots more.
Address: Ado-ekiti Nigeria.
Type: Private University
10. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
Address: Benin City, Edo State
Type: Public University
UNIBEN is one of the top best Universities in Nigeria doing so well academically and otherwise.
It’s known for its diverse programs and strong emphasis on research and development. It has a good campus life and strong industry connections.
Benefits of Attending Top best Universities in Nigeria
Universities in Nigeria are growing fast. They offer great facilities, stable academic calendars, and strong academic programs.
These schools might cost more, but they offer great learning environments and consistent calendars.
Are there International Recognition of Nigerian Universities?
Let’s be honest, Nigerian Universities don’t always get the credit they deserve globally. But that’s changing.
More Universities in Nigeria are appearing in world rankings. They are improving research, partnering with global institutions, and adopting new technologies.
Examples of International Recognition Universities in Nigeria:
a. Covenant University is ranked in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
b. University of Ibadan is recognized by QS World Rankings.
c. Ahmadu Bello University and UNILAG are also showing up in global academic databases like Scopus and Web of Science.
So yes, Nigerian Universities are stepping up and getting noticed worldwide.
FAQs for Top Best Universities in Nigeria
Q1. What’s the best University in Nigeria right now?
Covenant University is currently leading the charts in 2025. It’s ranked top in Nigeria and globally recognized.
Q2. What are the cheapest Universities in Nigeria?
Public Universities like UNN, UI, and ABU are much cheaper compared to Private Universities. Their fees are government-subsidized.
Q3. How can I get admission into a Nigerian University?
Even if you’re a foreign students, it’s easy to get admission into the Nigeria University. You’ll need to:
- Register and sit for JAMB/UTME.
- Meet the cut-off mark of your chosen University.
- Pass Post-UTME.
- Submit O’Level results
- Apply through the University portal
In case you do not want Jamb stress or meeting Jamb cut-off marks stuff, there are other alternatives to gain admission in Nigeria Universities.
Q4. Can international students study in Nigerian Universities?
Yes, they can. Most of these top best Universities in Nigeria listed above accept international students.
However, you’ll need to process a visa and submit your transcripts and English proficiency proof before you can be accepted.
Q5. What’s the duration of study in Nigerian Universities?
It depends on the course, but here’s an idea:
- 4 years for most bachelor’s degrees
- 5 years for engineering and law
- 6 years for medicine.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve seen the full list of the top universities in Nigeria, along with their locations and contact details, you have a solid starting point. These universities don’t just offer quality education—they also shape your future and open doors to opportunities.
Whether you’re aiming for a public powerhouse like UNILAG or UI, or a thriving private institution like Covenant University, you’re already on the right track by exploring your options.
Next, take some time to visit each university’s website, review their programs, admission requirements, and fees. Consider what aligns best with your goals, location preference, and budget before making a decision.
