London, United Kingdom – The 2024 edition of Nigerian university rankings by Times Higher Education (THE) has just been released, evaluating over 35 universities across the country.

Top 15 Universities in Nigeria Unveiled for 2024

15 Nigeria’s Best Universities for 2024

Here’s a quick overview of the top 15 universities in Nigeria for 2024:

Covenant University
University of Ibadan
Federal University of Technology, Akure
University of Lagos
Bayero University
University of Ilorin
University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Afe Babalola University
University of Benin (UNIBEN)
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)
Lagos State University (LASU)
Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)

1. Covenant University Tops the List

According to THE, Covenant University leads the pack in the 2024 rankings. The British magazine utilized carefully selected indicators to assess teaching quality, research output, and societal impact. The top three positions are secured by Covenant University, University of Ibadan (UI), and the Federal University of Technology, Akure.

Covenant University is globally ranked between 601st and 800th. Established in 2002 in Ota, Nigeria, it is a private Pentecostal Christian University. The institution comprises four colleges: Business and Social Sciences, Leadership and Development Studies, Engineering, and Science and Technology.

2. University of Ibadan (UI)

Established in 1932, the University of Ibadan (UI) holds the distinction of being Nigeria’s pioneer university. Originally affiliated with the University of London, it gained full autonomy in 1962. UI offers a diverse array of academic programs spanning 16 faculties, encompassing fields such as arts, sciences, medical sciences, agriculture, social sciences, education, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, technology, law, public health, dentistry, economics, renewable natural resources, and environmental design and management.

3. Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA)

Located in the capital city of Ondo state, Akure, the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) boasts ten schools covering a wide spectrum of disciplines. These include life sciences, physical sciences, earth and mineral sciences, environmental technology, engineering and engineering technology, agricultural and agricultural technology, logistics and innovation technology, computing, postgraduate studies, and the college of health sciences.

4. University of Lagos (UNILAG)

Founded in 1962, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) stands as a prominent public research institution situated in Lagos. UNILAG hosts twelve faculties offering a variety of programs including arts, clinical sciences, education, engineering, and law.

5. Bayero University Kano (BUK)

Bayero University, situated in Kano, a major city in northern Nigeria and the capital of Kano state, holds the distinction of being the second-largest city in Nigeria after Lagos. Established in 1975, it was the first university in the state, evolving from Bayero University College to a fully accredited university.

6. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)

Founded in 1975, the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) is located in Ilorin, the state capital of Kwara state. UNILORIN offers a wide range of subjects including agriculture, clinical sciences, medical sciences, law, education, engineering and technology, physical sciences, arts, pharmaceutical science, social sciences, veterinary medicine, and management sciences.

7. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

The University of Nigeria (UNN) Nsukka, a federal university situated in Enugu, traces its roots back to 1955 when it was established by Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first President of Nigeria. Formally opened in 1960, UNN operates 102 academic departments across 15 faculties, offering 82 undergraduate programs and 211 postgraduate programs.

8. Afe Babalola University

Located in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state, Afe Babalola University is a private institution established in 2009. Spanning 130 hectares of land, the university offers various academic programs.

9. University of Benin (UNIBEN)

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) is situated in the city of Benin in Edo state. Initially established as an Institute of Technology in 1970, it gained university status in 1971, adopting its current name in 1972, and achieving federal institution status in 1975. UNIBEN operates across two campuses: the Ekehuen campus and the main Ugbowo site.

10. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)

Established in 1988 by the Nigerian government, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) is one of three federal universities of agriculture in the country. It shifted to its current location, a 10,000-hectare site situated 10 miles outside the city of Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun state, in 1997. FUNAAB is organized into various colleges covering areas such as environmental research management, animal science and livestock production, agricultural management and rural development, plant science and crop production, biological science, food science and human ecology, engineering, physical science, and veterinary medicine.

11. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)

Originally established in 1990 as Oyo State University of Technology, Ogbomoso (OSUTECH), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) underwent a name change just one year later. Located in Ogbomosho, a city in Oyo state, southwestern Nigeria, LAUTECH remains dedicated to technological education.

12. Lagos State University (LASU)

Founded in 1983, Lagos State University (LASU) is a public university with three major campuses: Ojo, Ukeja, and Epa. Owned by the Lagos state government, LASU is the sole state university in Lagos. It boasts a student population of over 35,000 enrolled in diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs.

13. Nnamdi Azikiwe University

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, established in 1991, is located in Akwa, the capital of Anambra state. Accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC), it operates multiple campuses across Awka, Nnewi, Agulu, and Ifite-Ogwuari in the Ayamelum local government area.

14. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), formerly known as the University of Ife, is a Nigerian university owned and operated by the federal government. Established in 1962, it was renamed in 1987 in honor of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s history, known for his contributions as a lawyer, nationalist, and politician. OAU is organized into 13 faculties, offering a diverse range of undergraduate courses.

15. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)

Founded in 1975 to cater to Rivers state’s educational needs, the University of Port Harcourt (Uniport) attained full university status in 1977. Its faculties cover various disciplines including health sciences, humanities, social sciences, laboratory technology, education, engineering, management sciences, agriculture, pharmaceutical sciences, dentistry, law, and a business school.

Best 4 Universities in Nigeria

In related news, ranking was made by U.S. News, which highlighted the top universities globally. Each Nigerian institution underwent evaluation based on criteria such as research performance, ratings by the academic community worldwide and in Africa, among other factors. U.S. News is renowned for its comprehensive rankings across various sectors, including education, healthcare, finance, and automotive industries.

UI (No.349 in best global universities)
UNILAG (No.587 in best global universities)
OAU (No.1,088 in best global universities)
UNN (No. 1,198 in best global universities)

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