Top 10 Best Federal Universities in Nigeria (2024)

Are you preparing for JAMB and you don’t know the best university to choose? Continue reading and we will help you gain insight and clarity on the best Nigerian federal universities.   

Best Federal Universities in Nigeria

There are currently 264 universities in Nigeria. The federal government-owned are 51, state governments own 66 and private individuals/ organisations own 147.

Out of the over 200 universities, only Thirty-nine Nigerian universities submitted data for the world university ranking. However, only 15 were featured in the rankings. The remaining 24 had the “reporter” status.

Nigerian Federal government-owned universities are some of the best academic institutions that Nigeria has to offer. 

A major advantage of these institutions is the access to impressive academic facilities- and you don’t have to break the bank! 

According to the World University Ranking, these are the top federal universities that guarantee a remarkable academic journey.

University of Ibadan (UI)

The University of Ibadan (UI) is a renowned public research university located in Ibadan, Nigeria. Established in 1948, it is the oldest university in Nigeria. UI is known for its academic excellence and has consistently ranked among the top universities in Africa.

The university’s campus is situated on a large expanse of land, providing a serene and conducive environment for learning. UI offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and health sciences.

The academic structure of UI includes 17 faculties, 92 departments, and research centres. 

Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)

 FUTA is renowned for its emphasis on science and technology education. It was established in 1981 and FUTA has consistently ranked among the top universities in Nigeria. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across engineering, sciences, management, and agricultural technology. 

FUTA’s campus boasts modern facilities, including well-equipped laboratories and research centres, fostering a conducive learning environment. The university’s strong focus on academic excellence and technological advancement has positioned it as a key institution in Nigeria.

University of Lagos (UNILAG)

The University of Lagos (UNILAG), Nigeria, stands as one of the country’s most prestigious institutions. Established in 1962, UNILAG is a federal university located in the cosmopolitan city of Lagos. It has consistently ranked among the top universities in Nigeria and is renowned for its academic excellence.

UNILAG offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in arts, sciences, engineering, social sciences, business, and health sciences. The university is committed to providing quality education and fostering a conducive learning environment.

The campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and recreational spaces.

The academic structure of UNILAG includes 12 faculties, and 3 campuses, the main one is at Akoka while the other 2 are at Yaba. 

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), established in 1955, is one of Nigeria’s premier universities. It is located in Nsukka, Enugu State, and stands as the first fully autonomous university in Nigeria.

UNN offers programmes across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, engineering, agriculture, health sciences, and social sciences. The university is known for its comprehensive and diverse academic offerings.

UNN has 15 faculties with 102 academic departments. It offers 82 undergraduate programmes and 211 postgraduate programmes. The institution has four campuses: Nsukka; Enugu campus (UNEC); University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla and the University of Nigeria Aba campus (UNAC).

University of Benin (UNIBEN)

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) is located in Benin City, Nigeria. Established in 1970, it started as an Institute of Technology and was later upgraded to a full-fledged university in 1971. UNIBEN is known for its commitment to academic excellence and has gained recognition both nationally and internationally.

UNIBEN’s main campus is situated in Ugbowo, Benin City, and it covers a vast expanse of land. The university has well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and recreational facilities. The campus is designed to foster a conducive learning environment for students. It has 15 faculties and 2 campuses. 

Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), located in Ogun State, Nigeria, was established in 1988. It is one of the specialized universities in the country, focusing on agricultural and related disciplines. FUNAAB’s mission includes providing high-quality education, research, and extension services in agriculture.

The university is known for its diverse academic programs, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in fields such as Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Management Sciences, and Environmental Sciences.

Nnamdi Azikwe University (UNIZIK)

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) is a Nigerian federal university located in Awka, Anambra State. Established in 1991, it was named after Nigeria’s first President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. The university is committed to academic excellence, research, and community service. 

UNIZIK offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including Arts, Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences, Health Sciences, and Management Sciences. 

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), located in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, is a prominent public university known for its commitment to academic excellence, research, and community development. 

Obafemi Awolowo University was established in 1962 as the University of Ife and later renamed in 1987 in honour of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a prominent Nigerian statesman and the first premier of the Western Region of Nigeria.

 OAU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including Arts, Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences, Health Sciences, and Management Sciences. The university is recognized for its rigorous academic standards and commitment to producing well-rounded graduates.

University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)

The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) was established in 1975, at Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Just like other federal institutions, it offers programmes in Arts, Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences, Management Sciences, and Health Sciences.

Ahmadu Bello University Zaria (ABU)

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) is located in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Established in 1962, it is one of the largest and oldest degree-awarding institutions in the country. 

ABU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including Agriculture, Engineering, Environmental Design, Humanities, Law, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Health Sciences. The university is known for its diverse academic offerings, catering to a broad spectrum of fields.

Unfortunately, ABU was one of the Nigerian universities that had a reporter status in the world university ranking. 

Conclusion

And there you have it, the top 10 best Federal universities in Nigeria. 

So, do you think the list is correct? Which school should be added to the list and why should it be added? Let us know in the comments section, we would love to hear from you.