10 Best Universities in Nigeria (2015/ 2016)

The following is the latest (2015/2016) ranking of universities, as released by the National Universities Commission (NUC). The ranking, which is done yearly, is based on general academic standards, as graded by the commission.

It should be noted that this is not the “webometric” ranking, which only puts into account the gravity of the online presence of universities rather than academic standards. So, the NUC ranking is absolutely different from the web ranking.

The first ten universities on the ranking are listed below, with brief information about each of them.

1. University of Lagos (UNILAG)

Usually acclaimed as “the university of first choice and the nation’s pride,” It was founded on 22nd of October 1962 with the mission to provide a conductive, teaching, learning, research and development environment, where staff and students will interact and compete effectively with other counterparts in their various fields across the globe. UNILAG’s main campus is located at Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, while the College of Medicine is located at Idi Araba, Surulere in Lagos.

Since the establishment of the school, it has never depreciated in standard. And that has brought her the opportunity of being presently ranked the best amongst other universities in the country. It presently has a capacity of more than 40,000 students and about 3500 staff strength.

Some of the university’s well-known alumni include Wale Adenuga, Akinwunmi Ambode, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Wale Babalakin, Teju Babyface, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Genevieve Nnaji, and Funke Akindele.

2. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

Also founded in 1962  in Ile Ife, Osun State, Obafemi Awolowo University (formerly called University of Ife). The university has since been known for her excellent academic standards, and can presently boast of a Nobel Laureate and four National Merit Award winners.

Though, the school has a relatively slow academic schedule, this is still justifiable with their quality of education produce.

3. University of Ibadan (UI)

UI, as it is fondly called, was the first university in Nigeria. It was established in 1948. It took off with three. But presently, the school is running about thirteen faculties. It has yet to make provision for management courses.

Apart from being the premier university, it also gained prestige from its location “Ibadan”, which was the capital of the old Western region. The premier university caters a lot for research works and concentrates more on postgraduate programs as compared to other universities.

4. University of Ilorin

The university was established in 1975 as University College of Ilorin, when it operated as an affiliate of University of Ibadan. It gained full autonomy in 1977. It presently has fifteen faculties, although it also started with three, like the University of Ibadan.

UNILORIN had been ranked ‘first’ several times by the NUC. The most recent was in 2013.

5. Covenant University, Ota

This is the only private university in the list of the best 10 universities in Nigeria. It is located in Ota, Ogun State. It is owned by Living Faith Church (winners chapel), under the administration of Bishop David Oyedepo.

Covenant University was founded in year 2002 with about 1,500 students.  It was established with the mission to create knowledge and restore the dignity of the black man via a human development and total man concept-driven curriculum. This curriculum employs innovative, leading edge, teaching and learning methods, research and professional services that promote integrated, life-applicable, life-transforming education that is relevant to the context of Science, Technology and Human Capacity Building. The institution has a very strict rules and regulations. And that makes it popularly called “no nonsense university”.

6. Federal University of Technology, Minna

FUTMINNA was founded in 1983, to specialize in technical education in country. Located along Minna – Kataeregi – Bida Road in Niger state, it has a capacity of 13,000 undergraduates, 2,000 post graduates and about 700 administrative staffs.

7. University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Commonly referred to as UNN, this is a federal university located in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. Founded in 1955 and formally opened on 7 October 1960, the University of Nigeria has four campuses — three (Nsukka, Enugu and Ituku-Ozalla) in Enugu State, and one in Aba, Abia State.

The University of Nigeria (UNN) was the first full-fledged indigenous and first autonomous university in Nigeria, modeled upon the American educational system. It is one of the five elite universities in the country. The university has 15 faculties and 102 academic departments. The university offers 82 undergraduate programs and 211 postgraduate programs.

8. University of Benin, Ugbowo

UNIBEN was founded in 1970, as an Institute of Technology. It was accredited as a full-fledged university by the NUC in 1971, and had its name changed from Institute of Technology to University of Benin in 1972. The University, since then, has continued to grow in standard with a number of faculties, departments, institutes and units, following NUC’s directives.

The University offers courses at various levels: postgraduate, undergraduate, diploma and certificate. Presently, the total student enrollment stands at over 40,000 made up of both full-time and part-time students shared among the various faculties.

9. University of Port Harcourt

The university was established as The University College, Port Harcourt in 1975. It was given a university status in 1977. The school has ten faculties accommodating 35,000 to 40,000 students.

UNIPORT has produced eminent personalities in the country. They include former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Timipre Sylva (former Executive Governor of Bayelsa State), Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (Governor of River state), Agbani Darego (former Miss World), Muma Gee (singer and actress), and Rita Dominic (Nollywood actress).

10. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

ABU was established by the federal government in 1962. It is located in Zaria, Kaduna State. It was initially called University of Northern Nigeria after which it was named after the Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Sir Ahmadu Bello, the first premier of Northern Nigeria.

Ahmadu Bello University runs a wide variety of undergraduate and post graduate programs (and offers associate degrees and vocational remedial studies) and it has always been the best University in Northern Nigeria. The university has three campuses – Samaru and Kongo campus (both in Zaria), and the School of Basic Studies in Funtua.

Ahmadu Bello University has also produced prominent people and Nigerian leaders. Amongst the alumni are late Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’adua (former president, Federal Republic of Nigeria),  Namadi Sambo ( former vice President of Nigeria), Dahiru Mustafa (former Chief Justice of Nigeria), and Muhammad Bawa (former Ekiti state governor).

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