A good education prepares a child for future success. According to rankings, the best university in Nigeria is the University of Ibadan. Following closely are the University of Lagos and the University of Nigeria. Discover more about the top 10 institutions of higher learning in the country.

Key takeaways

• The University of Ibadan is the best in Nigeria as of 2025, as per multiple rankings.
• The best university in Nigeria ranks at #1006 in the world and #13 in Africa.
• Finding the best university in Nigeria is a top priority for many students who want to further their education.
• University rankings in Nigeria are based on research outputs, alumni influence, and non-academic prominence.

Best university in Nigeria: Top 10 universities

This list of the top 10 best universities in Nigeria is based on the Times Higher Education rankings, based on research outputs, alumni influence, and non-academic prominence. Note that the list may not consider other factors, making it subjective. So, what are the top 10 best universities in Nigeria?

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10. University of Nigeria, Nsukka

• Location: Nsukka, Enugu
• Year founded: 1955
• Global ranking: 1201-1500

The University of Nigeria is a federal and public research university. It is among the top 20 best universities in Nigeria in 2026. The University of Nigeria is the first full-fledged indigenous and autonomous university in Nigeria. Through its vast network of graduates, the University of Nigeria has made a substantial contribution to the country’s political, industrial, economic, and cultural growth.

9. University of Jos

• Location: Bauchi Rd, Jos 930103, Plateau, Nigeria
• Year founded: 1975
• Global ranking: 1201-1500

The University of Jos is a federal university in Nigeria with 15 faculties. The first students admitted in January 1972 were pre-degree students. Degree courses in Arts were introduced in October 1973, and in Science and Education the following year. The same year, the Bauchi Road Campus, which then accommodated only the Faculties of Environmental, Natural, Medical Sciences and Education, was acquired.

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In October 1975, the government announced the establishment of seven new Universities and University Colleges, including the University of Jos.

8. University of Ilorin

• Location: Ilorin, Kwara State
• Year founded: August 1975
• Global ranking: 1201-1500

The University of Ilorin is among the best universities in Nigeria in 2025. The federal government-owned public research university has 16 faculties and over 100 academic departments offering over a hundred programmes. The University of Ilorin has the highest enrollment of foreign students in the country.

7. Federal University of Technology, Minna

• Location: Minna, Niger State
• Year founded: 1983
• Global ranking: 1201-1500

The Federal University of Technology, Minna, ranks high on the list of the top 10 best federal universities in Nigeria. Founded in 1983, this institution of higher learning specializes in technological education. The Federal University of Technology, Minna, offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in various technology-related fields.

6. Ahmadu Bello University

• Location: Zaria, Kaduna
• Year founded: 4 October 1962
• Global ranking: 1201-1500

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The Ahmadu Bello University is among the top 10 best state universities in Nigeria in 2026. It is one of the largest public research institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa. Ahmadu Bello University courses include 199 doctoral programmes, 129 M.Phil programmes, 278 master’s programmes, 61 postgraduate diploma programmes, and 114 undergraduate programmes.

5. Landmark University

• Location: 43FP+3V8, Road, Omu-Aran 251103, Kwara, Nigeria
• Year founded: 2011
• Global ranking: 1001-1200

Landmark University is a private Christian university, affiliated with the Living Faith Church Worldwide and located in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria. In 2014, Landmark University was among the top five best universities in Nigeria, according to Webometrics.

4. Covenant University

• Location: Ota, Ogun State
• Year founded: 21 October 2002
• Global ranking: 1001-1200

Covenant University (CU) is a Nigerian private university in Ota, Ogun State and is among the top 10 best private universities in Nigeria. This institution of higher learning was founded by David Oyedepo and opened its doors on 21 October 2002. At one point, Covenant University became the first Nigerian university to be ranked in the 401-500 category of world universities by Times Higher Education.

Covenant University’s school fees for the 2025/26 period range from N1,713,891.00 to N2,009,280.00.

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3. Bayero University Kano

• Location: Gwarzo Road, Kano, Nigeria
• Year founded: 21 October 2002
• Global ranking: 1001-1200

Bayero University Kano is the first university in Kano State, North-western Nigeria. Its history traces back to when Bayero University Kano was the Ahmadu Bello College, set up in 1960, located within the School for Arabic Studies (SAS), in the old city of Kano. With the establishment of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1962, it was renamed Abdullahi Bayero College.

In 1977, all University Colleges in the country were raised to the status of full-fledged universities by the Federal Government, thus Abdullahi Bayero University College became Bayero University, Kano.

2. University of Lagos

• Location: Mainland Akoka, Yaba, Lagos
• Year founded: 1962
• Global ranking: 801-1000

The University of Lagos is a prestigious public research university in Lagos, Nigeria. Founded in 1962, it is one of the first-generation universities in the country and consistently ranks among the top universities in Africa. The University of Lagos offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in multiple disciplines under different faculties.

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1. University of Ibadan

• Location: Ibadan, Oyo
• Year founded: 1948
• Global ranking: 801-1000

The University of Ibadan is arguably the best state university in Nigeria. Initially founded as the University College Ibadan in 1948, the university has maintained its affiliation with the University of London. It became an independent institution in 1962, making it the oldest degree-awarding university in the country.

Which university is ranked the best in Nigeria in 2026?

The University of Ibadan is arguably the best institution of higher learning in the country. Times Higher Education places it at 801-1000 in the world.

Which is the fastest-growing university in Nigeria?

Philomath University and Lagos State University (LASU) are among the fastest-growing universities in the country.

Which is the best university in Africa?

The University of Cape Town is ranked as the best university in Africa by EduRank. The institution ranks at position 239 in the world.

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The University of Ibadan is arguably the best university in Nigeria in 2026. Such institutions are known for offering world-class education, strong research and providing a vibrant campus life to students. Some of the country’s rich celebrities studied in these institutions.

Legit.ng recently published a list of federal universities in Nigeria, cut-off marks, and school fees. There are numerous universities in present-day Nigeria. Some are private, while others are state or federal.

If you are a student who desires to acquire higher education, you need to look at the list of federal universities in Nigeria. These institutions offer multiple programmes at different levels of academic learning.

Source: Legit.ng