Top 10 Ranked Universities in Nigeria

Top 10 Universities in Nigeria

I have taken a few days to analyse and compile a small selection of some of Nigeria’s leading universities to inform the global audience of what the list of Nigeria’s leading universities looks like. My selection of Nigeria’s 10 best universities is based on the following criteria;

1. Quality of Academic Programmes

2. Quality of Graduates produced

3. Academic accomplishments

4. Quality of teaching staff

5. Learning Environment

6. Global rating

Although most of Nigeria’s universities have a multitude of problems such as; poor funding, government interference, politicization of administrative roles, over stretching of facilities, low morale among staff and the infamous brain drain, they still are a force to reckon with going by the academic antecedents of many their teaching staff and students as well. My list of Nigeria’s best Universities and a brief profile of each of them.

1. University of Ibadan

Founded in 1945, University of Ibadan is Nigeria’s oldest federal university. Located in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo state in South Western Nigeria, U.I as it is also known is by all the above stated criteria Nigeria’s best University. It has produced so many outstanding graduates such as Professor Wole Soyinka, Late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Justus Esiri, Gamaliel Onosode, Pat utomi and many other Nigerians from all works of life. It boasts of a large student population from all corners of the federation with a relatively conducive learning environment when compared with many other Nigerian universities. It also has some of Nigeria’s brightest academicians and has a regional rating in Africa of Number 32.

2. University of Lagos

Unilag as it is called by most Nigerians is the second University in Nigeria going by academic standards and quality of Academic programmes. Located in Akoka, Lagos State, Unilag is a university competing against the odds to be a world class university.

3. University of Ilorin

This is a federal university known for having an uninterrupted academic calendar unlike most other public universities. A four year course in the university runs smoothly without any disruptions (ASUU strike/industrial action, cultism, student unrest and what have you). The university facilities are in good condition and there is satisfactory staff welfare package in place.

4. Obafemi Awolowo University

Obafemi Awolowo University aka OAU formerly known as the University of Ife was renamed after the late leader of the Action Group political party of south western Nigeria, Obafemi Awolowo “the sage”. The university is renowned for making the most of its scarce resources and has had notable professor Wole Soyinka as one of its teaching staff.

5. University of Benin

But for academic disruptions due to politics and student unrest that rare their ugly heads from time to time, the university of Benin is a good university with some of Nigeria’s finest lecturers. Although many of its teaching staff are regarded as glorified secondary school teachers who are merely out to make a quick buck from selling handouts and marks to students.

6. Ahmadu Bello University

Formerly known as University of Zaria, ABU as it is also known is the best University in Northern Nigeria and is recognized nationally as one of the best in the country.

7. University of Nigeria

Located in Nsukka town of Enugu State in South Eastern Nigeria, UNN as it is also called has also produced many accomplishments in research, literature and social sciences fields. Some notable products of the university include literary Icons; Chinua Achebe of things fall apart fame and Chimamanda Adichie author of purple hibiscus.

8. City University of Technology

Formerly known as the Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech), City University of Technology as it is now known is Nigeria’s foremost institution of technology producing some of the country’s best engineers and technicians. Yabatech or City University is Nigeria’s oldest University (a position formerly held by U.I till it was deposed following the conversion of Yabatech to a university).

9. University of Port Harcourt

This university is known for producing many of Nigeria’s Entertainers especially actors and comedians. But that is besides the fact that it boasts of a good academic environment and teachers who known their onions.

10. University of Jos

Located in the once peaceful town of Jos, UNIJOS is also a federal university located in Northern Nigeria. It however has in the field of medical research made a name for itself among many Nigerian universities.