20 Best Universities In Nigeria, Programs And Requirements

Nigeria is home to a wide range of reputable universities that provide quality education across various fields of study, contributing significantly to the nation’s academic, technological, and economic advancement. From federal and state-owned institutions to private universities, the Nigerian higher education system offers diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programs in areas such as Medicine, Law, Engineering, Agriculture, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Technology. These universities are recognized not only for their academic excellence but also for their research output, infrastructure, and global collaborations. Admission into these institutions is competitive and often based on performance in national examinations like the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), as well as specific departmental or faculty requirements. This blog highlights the top 20 universities in Nigeria, outlines their most popular programs, and provides detailed admission requirements to guide prospective students in making informed academic choices.

Top 20 Best Universities In Nigeria, Programs And Requirements
University students

Table of Content

  1. Introduction
  2. Top 20 best Universities in Nigeria
  3. Programs And courses
  4. Requirements for admission
  5. Conclusion

Top 20 Best Universities In Nigeria

Here are the top 20 best Universities in Nigeria you need to know:

1. University of Ibadan (UI)

  • Programs: UI is Nigeria’s oldest university, and it is known for fields like Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, Engineering, and the Humanities.
  • Requirements: To get in, you will need 5 O’level credits (including English and Mathematics), a good JAMB score, and solid performance in the Post-UTME exam.

2. Covenant University

  • Programs: This private university is famous for Engineering, Architecture, Business Management, Computer Science, and Economics
  • Requirements: 5 O’level credits, a strong JAMB score, and you’ll also need to pass Covenant’s own entrance screening, known as CUSAS.

3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

  • Programs: OAU shines in fields like Law, Pharmacy, Medicine, Architecture, and Economics
  • Requirements: You need 5 O’level credits, a competitive JAMB score, and to ace the Post-UTME test.

4. University of Lagos (UNILAG)

  • Programs: UNILAG is a top choice for Law, Mass Communication, Medicine, Engineering, and Creative Art.
  • Requirements: Like most universities, you’ll need 5 O’level credits, a good JAMB score, and to pass the Post-UTME screening.

5. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)

  • Programs: ABU offers great programs in Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine, Engineering, and Medicine.
  • Requirements: 5 O’level credits, a strong JAMB score, and Post-UTME success.

6. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

  • Programs: UNN has strong programs in Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, Mass Communication, and the Arts
  • Requirements: Same formula: 5 O’level credits, a solid JAMB score, and passing Post-UTME.

7. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)

  • Programs: This is the place to be for Engineering, Environmental Technology, and Applied Sciences.
  • Requirements: 5 O’level credits (especially in Maths and English), a good JAMB score, and a strong Post-UTME showing.

8. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)

  • Programs: UNILORIN is well-known for Medicine, Law, Engineering, Business Administration, and the Sciences
  • Requirements: You’ll need the usual 5 O’level credits, a competitive JAMB score, and Post-UTME performance.

9. Lagos State University (LASU)

  • Programs: LASU offers solid programs in Law, Business Admin, Medicine, Arts, and Social Sciences
  • Requirements: 5 O’level credits, a good JAMB score, and Post-UTME screening.

10. University of Benin (UNIBEN)

  • Programs: UNIBEN is strong in Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering, and Law
  • Requirements: 5 O’level credits, a good JAMB score, and a competitive Post-UTME.

11. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)

  • Programs: If you’re interested in Petroleum Engineering, Medicine, or Business Admin, UNIPORT is a great choice.
  • Requirements: You’ll need 5 O’level credits, a solid JAMB score, and to pass the Post-UTME test.

12. Bayero University, Kano (BUK)

  • Programs: BUK is known for Medicine, Engineering, Education, Law, and Agricultural Science
  • Requirements: 5 O’level credits, a strong JAMB score, and Post-UTME success.

13. Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)

  • Programs: FUTMINNA specializes in Engineering, Environmental Tech, and Information Technology.
  • Requirements: You’ll need 5 O’level credits, a good JAMB score, and to pass the Post-UTME screening.

14. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)

  • Programs: UNIZIK offers excellent programs in Engineering, Business Admin, Medicine, and Law.
  • Requirements: 5 O’level credits, a solid JAMB score, and Post-UTME performance.

15. University of Jos (UNIJOS)

  • Programs: UNIJOS has strong programs in Law, Business Admin, Sciences, Arts, and Medical Sciences.
  • Requirements: 5 O’level credits, a competitive JAMB score, and success in Post-UTME.

16. University of Abuja (UNIABUJA)

  • Programs: UNIABUJA is great for Political Science, Medicine, Law, Business Admin, and Engineering.
  • Requirements: You will need 5 O’level credits, a strong JAMB score, and good Post-UTME performance.

17. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)

  • Programs: If you’re into Agriculture, Food Science, or Environmental Management, FUNAAB is your go-to.
  • Requirements: 5 O’level credits in relevant subjects, a good JAMB score, and a strong Post-UTME showing.

18. Ekiti State University (EKSU)

  • , EKSU offers solid programs in Education, Law, Engineering, and the Social Sciences.
  • Requirements: 5 O’level credits, a good JAMB score, and Post-UTME success.

19. Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA)

  • Programs: AAUA is known for Social Sciences, Law, Education, and the Arts.
  • Requirement: Same as others—5 O’level credits, a competitive JAMB score, and passing Post-UTME.

20. Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)

  • Programs: FUOYE has strong offerings in Engineering, Sciences, Social Sciences, and Agriculture.
  • Requirements: You’ll need 5 O’level credits, a solid JAMB score, and success in Post-UTME.

General Admission Requirements

To get into most Nigerian universities, the key things you’ll need are:-

  • O’level results: This means 5 credits (including English and Mathematics) in WAEC, NECO, or GCE.
  • JAMB UTME score: A good score in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is essential.
  • Post-UTME screening: After JAMB, most universities have their own internal exam (Post-UTME) that you need to pass.
  • Direct entry: If you’re using a diploma, OND, or A-levels, Direct Entry requirements apply.

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Conclusion

Choosing the right university in Nigeria is a crucial step toward academic and professional success. The institutions listed above represent some of the best in terms of program offerings, facilities, academic standards, and national reputation. As competition for admission remains high, prospective students are encouraged to carefully study the specific requirements of each institution and begin their preparations early. Whether you’re aiming for a career in medicine, law, engineering, or the arts, Nigeria offers a wide range of university options to help you achieve your goals.

Share with us in the comments section which university you like to pursue your academic career.

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