The Best Universities and Polytechnics in Nigeria for 2024

Nigeria is famous for some of its universities, polytechnics and colleges of education approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Every year, Nigeria tertiary institutions produce amazing graduates.

The best Universities in Nigeria (Top 10 and Top 100) are among the very best in the world as students can choose from literally tens of thousands of study programmes.

80% of Nigerian universities are privately owned, some are accredited while others are not.

Are you planning on getting admission to any university or polytechnic in Nigeria?

Or are you seeking to send your child there?

There is a compiled and well research list of the best tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

This list will help you know where you are putting your money into and also where you may spend the next years of your life gaining knowledge.

The tertiary institutions listed here are duly accredited, courses and award of degrees are approved by a working senate so that alone concretizes the authenticity of this list.

While application in some of these Nigerian schools may be expensive, especially for non-indigenes – it’s a decision that will almost certainly benefit your academic or professional career, especially if you get a degree from one of the top-ranking institutions.

Explained: How Do The University Rankings Work?

Based on the ranking released by Cybermetrics Lab, a research group belonging to the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), the largest public research body in Spain, we present you the top 100 tertiary institutions in Nigeria for this year.

Please note that the schools listed here do not have a permanent position, they can either drop in the ranking or go higher as this depends on a lot of factors.

Factors For Ranking The Top 100 Best Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria

• Academic prestige
• Attractiveness of campus
• Availability of Adequate Learning Facilities
• Number of First Class and Second-Class Upper Graduates
• Qualifications of Lecturers
• Research and Development
• Satisfaction of students and alumni
• Scholarly excellence
• Sheer intellectual horsepower
• Size and quality of the school
• Speed of Academic Calendar (Session)

Top 100 Universities and Polytechnics in Nigeria

Ranking	World Rank	University
1	1258	University of Ibadan
2	1374	Covenant University Ota
3	1685	University of Nigeria
4	1742	Obafemi Awolowo University
5	1836	University of Lagos
6	2285	Ahmadu Bello University
7	2492	University of Port Harcourt
8	2517	Federal University of Technology Akure
9	2700	University of Benin
10	2901	Adekunle Ajasin University
11	3030	Federal University of Technology Minna
12	3280	Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
13	3357	Bayero University Kano
14	3423	University of Calabar
15	3476	Landmark University
16	3527	University of Ilorin
17	3599	University of Jos
18	3602	Lagos State University
19	3638	Federal University of Technology Owerri
20	3644	University of Uyo
21	3910	Rivers State University of Science and Technology
22	3960	Redeemer’s University
23	4013	University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
24	4054	Federal University Oye, Ekiti
25	4112	University of Abuja
26	4159	University of Maiduguri
27	4162	Usmanu Danfodiyo University
28	4397	Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State
29	4442	Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University
30	4633	Osun State University
31	4760	Kwara State University
32	4796	Nnamdi Azikiwe University
33	5382	Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun
34	5714	Niger Delta University
35	5815	Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi
36	5840	Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola (Federal University of Technology)
37	6077	Olabisi Onabanjo University (Ogun State University)
38	6181	Benue State University
39	6329	Skyline University Nigeria
40	6382	Delta State University Nigeria
41	6394	Babcock University
42	6444	Imo State University Owerri
43	6468	American University of Nigeria
44	6568	Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo (FUNAI)
45	6672	Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike
46	6736	African University of Science and Technology, Abuja
47	7254	Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma
48	8040	Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna
49	8214	National Open University of Nigeria
50	8348	Federal University Dutsin Ma
51	8429	Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University (Katsina State University)
52	8443	Kogi State University
53	8712	Ekiti State University Ado Ekiti (University of Ado Ekiti)
54	8928	Cross River State University of Science and Technology Calabar
55	9023	Igbinedion University Okada
56	9316	Ebonyi State University
57	9354	Edo University Iyamho
58	9404	Kaduna State University
59	9867	Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (Anambra State University of Science and Technology, Uli)
60	9912	Nile University of Nigeria (Nigerian Turkish Nile University Abuja)
61	9940	Akwa Ibom State University of Technology
62	9960	Joseph Ayo Babalola University
63	10115	Federal University Kashere, Gombe State
64	10122	Technical University Ibadan
65	10174	Federal University Otuoke Bayelsa
66	10394	Tai Solarin University of Education
67	10495	Godfrey Okoye University
68	10555	University of Medical Sciences, Ondo
69	10652	Nasarawa State University
70	10886	Lagos Business School Pan Atlantic University
71	10886	Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai
72	10976	Federal Polytechnic Ilaro
73	11016	Auchi Polytechnic
74	11066	Baze University Kuchigoro
75	11094	Federal University Lokoja Kogi State
76	11339	Coal City University
77	11404	Elizade University Ilara Mokin
78	11465	Yaba College of Technology
79	11588	Lead City University, Ibadan
80	11788	Adeleke University, Ede
81	11895	Federal University Lafia Nasarawa State
82	11950	Abia State University, Uturu
83	12056	Federal University Wukari, Taraba State
84	12359	Benson Idahosa University
85	12530	Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti
86	12622	Pan African University Lagos
87	13012	Ajayi Crowther University Oyo
88	13166	Al Hikmah University Ilorin
89	13377	Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil
90	13459	Bells University of Technology Otta
91	13909	Bowen University
92	13938	Polytechnic Ibadan
93	13981	Gombe State University Gombe
94	14082	Bingham University New Karu
95	14180	Lagos State Polytechnic
96	14216	Federal Polytechnic Bauchi
97	14338	Mountain Top University
98	14651	Madonna University Nigeria
99	14711	Petroleum Training Institute Effurun
100	14754	Taraba State University, Jalingo

Difference Between Polytechnic and University in Nigeria

Polytechnic and University in Nigeria are different academic awarding institutions.

Polytechnic awards both the National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND certificate).

Universities in Nigeria award Diploma, BSc, MSc, and PhD certificates.

University is the best because they offer programs in postgraduate studies.

Difference Between HND and BSc

Polytechnics in Nigeria award HND after the completion of a four-year academic program.

After two school sessions, Polytechnic students earn an ND result.

They go for a one-year industrial training programme.

After the addition of two academic sessions, ND holders get an HND certificate.

HND holders in Nigeria are eligible to go for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

How many universities are in Nigeria?

There are 171 Universities in Nigeria according to the National Universities Commission (NUC):

• 44 Federal Universities
• 48 State Universities
• 79 Private Universities

Best 6 Federal Universities in Nigeria

Here is the list of the best 6 Federal Universities in Nigeria according to the Times Higher Education:

• University of Ibadan (UI)
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
• University of Lagos (UNILAG)
• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
• University of Benin (UNIBEN)
• Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO)

Note that the ranking fluctuates every year.

Accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC) is the principal factor.

Best State Universities in Nigeria

Here is the list of best state universities in Nigeria:

• Lagos State University (LASU)
• Rivers State University (RSU)
• Delta State University (DELSU)
• Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma (AAU)
• Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)

Easiest Universities to Gain Admission in Nigeria

This is the list of universities which are less competitive and easier to gain admission in Nigeria; meaning they don’t have many applications every year.

• Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara State
• Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State
• Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun
• Federal University, Kashere
• Federal University, Wukari
• Federal University, Oye-Ekiti
• Federal University, Birnin-Kebbi
• Federal University, Lafia
• Federal University, Ndufu-Alike
• Federal University, Dutse

Instead of applying in those over-competitive universities, you can try these universities which are less competitive and can offer you a better chance of being admitted.

Most Expensive Universities in Nigeria and Their Fees

Below is a list of some of the most expensive universities in Nigeria.

Note: These universities are listed in no particular order and the fees mentioned here are not constant, and school fees across various schools depend on the different courses and other factors.

• Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (N1 million – N2.5 million)
• American University Nigeria, Adamawa State (N1.9 million – N2.7 million per session)
• Babcock University, Ogun State (N700,000 and above)
• Baze University, Abuja (N2m – N3.2million per session)
• Benson Idahosa University, Benin City (N1 million or less)
• Bowen University, Ogun State (N450,000 – N1.3 million)
• Covenant University, Ogun State (N1.2 million on average)
• Lead City University, Ibadan (350,000 and above)
• Nile University (N2.7 million – N4.8 million per session)
• Pan Atlantic University, Lagos (N2 million and above per session)

10 Cheapest Federal Universities in Nigeria 

One of the major factors young people consider before selecting a tertiary institution to attend is the tuition.

They would have to pay every session.

Federal institutions in Nigeria are undoubtedly cheap compared to state-owned universities.

Here, we will look at the ten cheapest federal universities in Nigeria.

We will rate these schools based on the average tuition the students pay every year.

In no particular order, here are the cheapest federal universities in Nigeria.

• Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (N20,000 to N33,000)
• Bayero University, Kano (N26,000 to N40,000)
• Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (N18,250 to N33,000)
• National Open University of Nigeria (N36,000 to N41,000)
• Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (N19,500 to N30,000)
• University of Abuja, Abuja, FCT (N39,300 to N42,300)
• University of Benin, Benin City (N13,000 and N49,000)
• University of Calabar, Calabar (N30,000 to N42,000)
• University of Ibadan, Ibadan (N20,000 to N35,000)
• University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos (N14,500 to N65,000).

The Cheapest Private Universities in Nigeria

Private universities are the most expensive universities in Nigeria.

Fortunately, I discovered recently that there are some private universities in Nigeria that do not collect so much as school fees.

So, if you have been wishing to attend a private university but don’t have the money required, this list might help you find a cheap private university this year.

Most Affordable Private Universities in Nigeria With School Fees

• Adeleke University (N273,000 – N450,000‎)
• Ajayi Crowther University (N162,000 – N782,000)
• Alhikmah University (N103,000 – N600,000)
• Babcock University (N288,000 – N560,000)
• Crescent University (N283,000 – N1,000,000)
• Fountain University (N341,000)
• Lead University (N200,500 – N550,00)
• Obong University (N180,00 – N200,000)
• Oduduwa University (N170,000 – N197,000)
• Renaissance University (N200,000 to N700,000)
• Rhema University (N152,000 – N464,000)

Why Private Universities are Better in Nigeria

• Care for students
• No strike
• No UTME Requirements

How many private universities are currently in Nigeria?

As of the time of this publication, there were 79 private universities in Nigeria that are recognized.

These 79 are spread across the thirty-six states in Nigeria.

Does a Private University require JAMB?

Some private universities in Nigeria require JAMB, while some do not.

But all universities conduct some examinations to determine if a potential candidate would qualify to gain admission or not.

When you are seeking admission to a university, you will find out if they require JAMB or not.

Which Private University is the first in Nigeria?

The first university in Nigeria is Igbinedion University Okada. It was established in 1999.

The University has recorded several landmark achievements, including being the first private university to produce medical doctors in Sub-Saharan Africa and producing the first private university graduate in 2006 to bag the first class at the Nigerian Law School.

Requirements For Studying Medicine in Nigeria

First, before a student can apply to study medicine, he/she is expected to have completed his/her secondary education and have a minimum of 5 credits including Mathematics, English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

With the above, you’re set to sit for the JAMB UTME examination.

The student sitting for the exams is expected to score higher that students applying for other courses due to the extreme competitiveness of the course.

Cut Off Mark to Study Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria Universities

Cut off mark to study medicine in Nigeria vary depending on the institution of choice.

Since medicine and surgery is a professional course, it is not surprising that the general JAMB cut off for medicine is always pegged at 200 up wards.

Universities offering medicine normally allow students who scored 250 and above to write POST UTME because of the competitive nature of the course.

How Many Years Does it Takes to Study Medicine in Nigeria?

For those that get admitted, it takes 6 years of studies to get certified as a medical doctor.

Over these six years period, the student is taught a lot to get him/her equipped with the required knowledge and skills to be a medical doctor.

The regular six-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program in Nigeria comprises 12 months in preliminary basic sciences, 18 months in the Basic Medical Sciences preclinical program (including courses in human anatomy, medical biochemistry, and human physiology), and the remaining 42 months in the teaching hospital as a clinical study.

Students who have been admitted to a five-year program through DE are removed from the 12-month basic sciences program and thus start their 18-month preclinical activities in basic medical sciences.

Via many technical assessments called first (for preclinical) and second, third, and fourth during clinical years, improvement in the MBBS program is moderated.

For all medical students, regardless of the mode of entry, the first MBBS technical test acts as the key to clinical programs.

It is therefore a high-stake test that serves as a powerful additional selection force in Nigerian medical schools for good medical education.

Best Universities to Study Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria

If you are looking for the best university to study medicine in Nigeria, here is a list of the top accredited best medical schools in Nigeria which will definitely give value to your money.

The list is alphabetized.

• Abia State University
• Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
• Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma
• Bayero University, Kano
• College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, (DELSU) Abraka
• College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife
• College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin-City, Edo State
• College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State
• College of Medicine, University of Ilorin, Kwara State
• College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Ozara-Ituku Enugu State
• Ebonyi State University
• Faculty of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State
• Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LASUTH)
• Madonna University, Okija
• Niger Delta University (NDU)
• The University of Lagos, College of Medicine
• The University of Calabar
• The University of Ilorin
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka
• University of Port-Harcourt

Best Universities in Nigeria to Study Law

• Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti
• Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
• Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma
• Covenant University
• Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
• University of Benin, Ugbowo
• University of Ibadan, Ibadan
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Best Universities in Nigeria to Study Engineering and Technology

• Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun
• Federal University of Technology, Akure
• Federal University of Technology, Minna
• Federal University of Technology, Owerri
• Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
• Obafemi Awolowo University
• University of Benin, Ugbowo
• University of Ilorin, Ilorin

Best Universities in Nigeria to Study English and Literary Studies

• Covenant University
• Lagos State University
• Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
• University of Benin, Ugbowo
• University of Ibadan, Ibadan
• University of Lagos, Akoka
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Best Universities in Nigeria to Study Political Science

• Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
• Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma
• Delta State University, Abraka
• Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
• University of Ibadan, Ibadan
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka
• University of Lagos, Akoka

Best Universities in Nigeria to Study Theatre and Media Arts

• Delta State University, Abraka
• Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
• University of Ibadan, Ibadan
• University of Ilorin, Ilorin
• University of Lagos, Akoka
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka
• University of Port-Harcourt, Choba

Best Universities in Nigeria to Study Mass Communications

• Covenant University, Ota
• Delta State University, Abraka
• Enugu State University of Technology, Enugu
• University of Benin, Ugbowo
• University of Lagos, Akoka
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Best Universities in Nigeria to Study Business/Management Based Courses (Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Insurance)

• Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
• Caleb University, Lagos
• Covenant University, Ota
• Pan-African University, Lagos (Postgraduate ONLY)
• University of Ilorin, Ilorin
• University of Jos, Jos
• University of Lagos, Akoka
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Best Universities in Nigeria to Study Pharmacy

• Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
• University of Benin, Ugbowo
• University of Ibadan, Ibadan
• University of Jos, Jos
• University of Lagos, Akoka
• University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri

Best Universities in Nigeria to Study Veterinary Medicine

• Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
• Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
• Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi
• Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike
• University of Ibadan, Ibadan
• University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Best Universities in Nigeria to Study Pure and Natural Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Zoology, Geology, Botany, Mathematics, Computer Science, Microbiology, Biochemistry)

• Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
• Covenant University, Ota
• Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti
• Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
• Federal University of Technology, Akure
• Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
• University of Ibadan, Ibadan
• University of Ilorin, Ilorin
• University of Lagos, Akoka

Best Universities in Nigeria to Study Arts and Humanities (Music, Fine Arts, Linguistics, African and European Languages, Religious Studies, Philosophy)

• Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
• University of Benin, Ugbowo
• University of Calabar, Calabar
• University of Ibadan, Ibadan
• University of Ilorin, Ilorin
• University of Lagos, Akoka
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka
• University of Port-Harcourt, Choba

Best Universities in Nigeria for Arts, Science, Adult and Early Childhood Education

• Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri (University Affiliated)
• Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port-Harcourt
• Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu-Ode
• University of Benin, Ugbowo
• University of Ilorin, Ilorin
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka
• University of Uyo, Uyo
• Uthman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

Best Universities in Nigeria to Study Agricultural Sciences

• Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
• Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi
• Federal University of Technology, Akure
• Federal University of Technology, Minna
• Federal university of Technology, Owerri
• Landmark University, Omu-Aran
• Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike
• Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola

Best Universities in Nigeria to Study Social Sciences (Economics, Sociology, Psychology, Public Administration, Geography, Tourism)

• Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma
• Covenant University, Ota
• Delta State University, Abraka
• University of Benin, Ugbowo
• University of Ibadan, Ibadan
• University of Ilorin, Ilorin
• University of Lagos, Akoka
• University of Port-Harcourt, Choba

Best Universities to Study Industrial Chemistry in Nigeria

• Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu (ESUT)
• Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE)
• Federal University of Technology, Akure
• Kaduna State University, Kaduna (KASU)
• Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa (OSUSTECH)
• University of Ibadan (UI)
• University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT)

Best Universities to Study Biochemistry in Nigeria

• Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
• Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil (KUST)
• Lagos State University, Ojo (LASU)
• Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (OAU)
• University of Benin (UNIBEN)
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

Best Universities to Study Geology in Nigeria

• Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State (FULOKOJA)
• Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBU)
• Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye
• Osun State University, Osogbo (UNIOSUN)
• The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE)
• University of Calabar (UNICAL)

Best Universities to Study Science Laboratory Technology in Nigeria

• Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU)
• Ekiti State University
• Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
• Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso (LAUTECH)
• University of Benin (UNIBEN)
• University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT)

Best Universities to Study Computer Science in Nigeria

• Federal University of Technology, Akure
• Federal University of Technology, Minna
• Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil (KUST)
• Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso (LAUTECH)
• River State University of Science and Technology (RSUST)
• University of Benin (UNIBEN)
• University of Lagos (UNILAG)

Best Universities to Study Industrial Physics in Nigeria

• Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli
• Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
• Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu (ESUT)
• Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu-Nike – Enugu State
• Imo State University, Owerri (IMSU)
• Micheal and Cecilia Ibru University
• Renaissance University, Enugu
• University of Agriculture, Makurdi
• University of Mkar, Mkar

Best Universities to Study Microbiology in Nigeria

• Cross River State University of Science and Technology, Calabar (CRUTECH)
• Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU)
• Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State (FULAFIA)
• Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (OAU)

Best Universities to Study Physics and Electronics in Nigeria

• Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba
• Federal University, Birnin Kebbi (FUBK)
• Federal University, Dutsin-ma
• Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa (FUOTUOKE)
• Osun State University Osogbo (UNIOSUN)
• University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT)

Best Universities to Study Biotechnology in Nigeria

• Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti – Ekiti State
• Federal University of Technology, Akure
• Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
• Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State (FUD)

Best Universities to Study Pure and Applied Mathematics in Nigeria

• Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli
• Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso (LAUTECH)
• Paul University, Awka – Anambra State
• University of Benin (UNIBEN)
• University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT)

Best Universities to Study Pharmacy in Nigeria

• Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
• Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK)
• Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (OAU)
• Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye
• University of Benin (UNIBEN)
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
• University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT)
• Usumanu Danfodiyo University (UDUSOK)

Best Universities to Study Nursing Science in Nigeria

• Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
• Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (OAU)
• University of Benin (UNIBEN)
• University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
• University of Lagos (UNILAG)
• University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
• University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT)

Note: You understand that this list is not absolute.

This has been compiled based on personal research and views of other important researchers.

Final Words

At the schools in this ranking, you will mix with the brightest faculty and students in the world, and developing your knowledge and skills so that you yourself will join the world’s elite academics, scientists, and thinkers.

Have you gone through and see your school’s ranking?

What’s your say regarding these rankings?

Please leave your comments below.

READ ⇒ Top 41 High-Paying Courses to Study in Nigeria [Earn ₦750k Monthly After Graduation]