TOP 7 BEST UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA
Nigeria's population is growing steadily, and so is the education system. Over the years, the country has experienced a blossoming higher education sector. Some are owned by states and the federal government, while others are privately owned.
There are Universities in this great country that offer quality education. Quality education can transform societies and give confidence to an individual to reach their full potential. Go through the list below to ascertain the top 7 best Universities in Nigeria that offer something this good.
1. University of Ibadan (UI)
The University of Ibadan is a public University in Ibadan, Nigeria. The University was established in 1948. As of then, it was University College Ibadan and was among many colleges within the University of London.
In 1962, it became an independent university. It is the earliest degree-awarding institution in Nigeria.
The University of Ibadan aims to expand the frontiers of knowledge by providing excellent conditions for both learning and research. They aim to produce graduates that are great in character and have sound judgement. And also to contribute to society's transformation through innovation and creativity.
The University's buildings present an interpretative labyrinth which makes them so interesting. The campus provides a spectacular display of 'modern architecture. These designs virtually make this University a city on its own.
Among the school's notable structures lies the Kenneth Dike Library. The library has a large capacity for students, containing books relating to almost all feeds of knowledge both inside and outside the university community.
UI has educated many notable alumni such as Sadique Abubakar (Nigerian chief of air staff), and Adiele Afigbo (historian)
UI became the first Nigerian University in Times Higher Education ranking to reach the top 1000. Prior to this, it had always reached the top 10 African Universities in Webometrics Rankings. Currently, this University is ranked No.1 in Nigeria.
Motto: "For knowledge and sound judgement."
2. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
This is a public research university located in Lagos, Nigeria. It was founded in 1962.
It is among the first five universities created in Nigeria, which is now known as "first generation Universities".
UNILAG's main objective is to be a top-class university to achieve excellence in knowledge, character as well as service to humanity.
The University of Lagos provides a conducive environment for teaching, research, learning, and development, where students and staff will compete and interact effectively with other counterparts globally.
The university library is the hub for the universities' academic work. All types of documents are categorised for members of the university community to access easily.
The University of Lagos has built an excellent legacy and has been instrumental in producing top-range graduates that are notable alumni like Wande Abimbola(Yoruba professor) and Rilwan Akiolu(Oba of Lagos).
The University Ranks 501-600 globally in the 2022 "Times Higher Education World University Rankings." It is ranked 2nd in Nigeria.
Motto: "In deed and truth."
3. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
University of Nigeria, Nsukka is a federal university which is located in Nsukka, Enugu state. It was founded in 1955 by Nnamdi Azikiwe.
The University was formally opened on October 7, 1960. It was the first full-fledged native and autonomous University in the country. At the time, Ibadan was still a university college granting London degrees. It was also the first land-grant University in Africa.
The University aims to educate, attract, transform and train qualified persons to a high level of manpower, thoroughly equip them with adequate and updated knowledge as well as specialised skills in research and innovation which can be deployable for first-rate development and also improvement in all areas of human endeavour.
UNN has four campuses that provide a conducive learning and research environment for its students.
The university library is of several divisions for effective collection, use and administration of the resources that arm any researcher or student with definite information.
The University alumni consist of numerous politicians, like the ministers, state governors, senators and others both in and outside the Nigerian government, actors, academics and business people.
In 2019, the University was ranked Nigeria's No.1 on quality research output. It ranked No.7 in Nigerian Universities by TFE TIMES.
Motto: "To restore the dignity of man."
4. Covenant University (CU)
Covenant university is a private, Christian university located in Ota, Ogun state, Nigeria. The University is owned by Living Faith Church Worldwide. It was founded on October 21, 2002.
It is a member of the Association of African Universities, Association of Commonwealth Universities, and National Universities Commission.
Covenant University focuses on employing leading-edge methods of teaching and learning, as well as professional services that promote life-applicable, integrated, and life-transforming education.
Covenant university's campus is an ultra-modern new generation campus, with beautifully planned gardens and also architectural masterpiece buildings which offer a unique, empowering and stimulating context for inspiring creative activities and research.
The university library is also known as the "Centre for Learning Resources (CLR)", with the provision of resources beneficial to students and researchers.
Covenant university has a good record of notable alumni that ranges from academics, business people, actors and so on.
It was ranked in the top 401-500 category of world universities in 2019 by Times Higher Education as a top 401-500 category of world universities in 2019.
Motto: "Raising a New Generation of Leaders"
5. University of Ilorin
This is a federal government-owned university. It was established in August 1975.
The University focuses on promoting effective and efficient human resource management. Increase revenue generation. And promote an environment-friendly University.
It provides an expansive campus that is conducive to research and learning for all students.
The primary responsibility of the university library is to acquire, select and organise books, documents, periodicals, maps, and newspapers that provide the best quality reading and research output. It provides specialised offline and online services for all students and staff.
Some notable alumni like Femi Adebayo (Nollywood actor), Salamat Ahuoiza Aliu (the first female neurosurgeon in West Africa), and Jekwu Anyaegbuna(writer and poet).
Charles Ayo (former Vice-chancellor, Covenant University) attended this University.
The University of Ilorin rated 401+ in the "Young University Rankings list of the world's best universities". In 2021, JAMB reported this University is the most sought-after University in Nigeria.
Motto: "Probitas Doctrina: Better by far."
6. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
The University of Benin is a public research University. It is located in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. It was established in 1970.
The University of Benin started as an Institute of Technology. On July 1, 1971, Nigeria National University Commission (NUC) accorded UNIBEN the status of a full-fledged University. This was when it changed from an "Institute of Technology" to "University of Benin (UNIBEN)."
On April 1, 1975, the state government requested the University be controlled by the Federal Government.
UNIBEN's aim is deeply invested in improving the lives as well as the status of the country. The University's commitment is to positively impact every Nigerian youth and improve Nigeria's economy and well-being by improving educational standards.
The University's buildings are sparsely built and are not close to each other to create enough space for its staff and students.
The University has a world-class library with offline and online facilities, which is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. The library is modern and provides an up-to-date stock of books that equips students with materials that are most recent for their studies.
UNIBEN has produced many notable alumni like Omoni Oboli (actress), Babatunde Fashola (former Lagos State governor),
James Ibori (former Delta State governor) and other esteemed students.
The University of Benin ranked 2472nd in 2022 overall world rankings by EduRank.
Motto: "Knowledge for Service"
7. Lagos State University (LASU)
Lagos State University is located in Ojo, Lagos State, Nigeria. The University was founded in 1983 for advancement in learning and the establishment of academic excellence.
LASU focuses on making the University research, innovation, and development hub for both Lagos state and national development.
The school has great infrastructural facilities and ensures the facilities are readily available for smooth performance of academic and administrative duties.
The university library coordinates all activities of various departments with a large number of books to borrow.
Many notable alumni have emerged from this school, such as Oluranti Adebule (former Lagos State Deputy governor) and Wizkid (singer and songwriter).
Lagos State University was ranked by Times Higher Education as one of the top 600 universities in the world in 2020. On June 23, 2021, LASU emerged as the best young Nigerian University.
Motto: “For Truth and Service”
