Top 5 Universities in Nigeria Ranking

Nigeria is experiencing rapid growth both in population and economy. With one of the world’s largest youth populations, its higher education system is thriving. According to the 2023 Times Higher Education Ranking, this article outlines the top 15 universities in Nigeria.

About Times Higher Education: Times Higher Education (THE) is a premier international platform for higher education. It provides unparalleled perspectives, analysis, and data-driven rankings that shape the global discourse on universities and educational institutions. Founded with the aim of aiding academic institutions in making informed decisions, THE offers a wide array of information, including news, features, opinion articles, and specialized reports. THE’s rankings are highly esteemed by academic institutions, students, and policymakers due to their comprehensive methodology, providing essential benchmarks for evaluating institutional performance and academic achievement. Dedicated to fostering innovation and discourse in higher education, Times Higher Education remains a vital resource for academic stakeholders.

The Best Universities in Nigeria in 2023, According to Times Higher Education:

1. Covenant University

Covenant University is a private Pentecostal Christian institution located in Ota, Nigeria. It is dedicated to advancing knowledge and developing leaders. Established in 2002, it comprises four colleges focusing on various disciplines such as Business and Social Sciences, Leadership and Development Studies, Engineering, and Science and Technology.

Location: Ota, Nigeria

Colleges:

• College of Business and Social Sciences
• College of Leadership and Development Studies
•  College of Engineering
• College of Science and Technology

 Courses Offered:

• Engineering (Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Civil Engineering, General Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering)
• Business and Economics (Business and Management, Economics and Econometrics, Accounting and Finance)
• Physical Sciences (Geology, Environmental Science, Earth Science, Marine Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, Mathematics, Statistics)
• Social Sciences (Politics and International Studies, Communication and Media Studies, Sociology)
• Computer Science
• Clinical and Health Sciences
• Life Sciences (Biological Sciences)
• Arts and Humanities (Languages, Literature, Linguistics, Architecture, Psychology)

2. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, is a federal institution focusing on agricultural sciences and related fields. Established in 1988, it offers diverse divisions including Biological Science, Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, and Environmental Research Management. The university also boasts various amenities on campus such as sports facilities, health centers, and research centers.

 Location: Abeokuta, Nigeria

Colleges:

Colleges of Biological Science, Food Science and Human Ecology, Engineering, Physical Science, Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural Management and Rural Development, Animal Science and Livestock Production, Plant Science and Crop Production, Environmental Research Management

Courses Offered:

Sciences (Biological Sciences)

Technology and Engineering (General Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering)

Physical Sciences (Chemistry, Statistics, Mathematics, Earth and Marine Sciences, Geology)

Economics and Business (Management and Business, Econometrics, Economics, Finance, Accounting)

Social Sciences (Media Studies, Communication)

3. Benson Idahosa University

Benson Idahosa University is a Christian faith university located in Benin City, Nigeria. Established in 1993, it offers diverse academic programs across faculties such as Arts and Education, Science, Law, Social and Management Science, and Basic Medical and Health Sciences. The university has a strong athletic tradition and a growing reputation for academic excellence.

Location: Benin City, Nigeria

Faculties:

Faculties of Arts and Education, Science, Law, Social and Management Science, Basic Medical and Health Sciences

Courses Offered:

• Social Sciences (Politics and International Studies, Communication and Media Studies, Sociology)
• Arts and Humanities (Languages, Literature, Linguistics)
• Engineering and Technology (Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering)
• Business and Economics (Business and Management, Accounting and Finance, Economics and Econometrics)
• Physical Sciences (Physics and Astronomy, Mathematics and Statistics, Geology, Environmental Science)
• Computer Science
• Education
• Law
• Clinical and Health Sciences
• Life Sciences (Biological Sciences, Agriculture and Forestry)

4. Nnamdi Azikiwe University

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, located in Awka, Nigeria, is a federal institution offering a wide range of academic disciplines. Established in 1991, it comprises 14 faculties covering areas such as agriculture, arts, biosciences, education, engineering, environmental sciences, health sciences, law, management sciences, medicine, pharmaceutical sciences, physical sciences, and social sciences. The university is known for its commitment to research and innovation.

Location: Awka, Nigeria

Faculties:

Faculties of Agriculture, Arts, Biosciences, Education, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Health Sciences and Technology, Law, Management Sciences, Medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences

Courses Offered:

• Social Sciences (Geography, Sociology, Communication and Media Studies, Politics and International Studies)
• Life Sciences (Agriculture and Forestry, Biological Sciences, Sport Science)
• Engineering and Technology (General Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering)
• Arts and Humanities (Languages, Literature, Linguistics, History, Philosophy, Theology, Architecture)
• Business and Economics (Economics and Econometrics, Business and Management, Accounting and Finance)
• Physical Sciences (Mathematics and Statistics, Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry, Geology, Environmental Science)
• Computer Science
• Clinical and Health Sciences (Medicine and Dentistry, Other Health, Psychology)
• Education

5. Redeemer’s University

Redeemer’s University is a private institution located in Ede, Osun State, Nigeria. Established in 2005, it offers various faculties including basic medical science, engineering, humanities, law, management science, natural science, and social science. The university is known for its research excellence, particularly in the field of infectious diseases.

Location: Ede, Osun State, Nigeria

Faculties:

Basic Medical Science, Engineering, Humanities, Law, Management Science, Natural Science, Social Science

• Courses Offered:
• Basic Medical Science
• Engineering
• Humanities
• Law
• Management Science
• Natural Science
• Social Science

These universities represent the pinnacle of higher education in Nigeria, offering diverse academic programs and contributing significantly to the nation’s educational landscape.

In addition to these universities, various scholarship opportunities are available for students, including Federal Scholarship Board scholarships, Kaduna State scholarships, Qatar University scholarships, undergraduate scholarships in Nigeria, fully funded scholarships for Indian students, and agriculture scholarships. However, it’s essential to exercise caution as some scholarships may be misleading. For those interested in studying abroad from India, guidance on how to secure scholarships can be found through reputable sources and scholarship halls.