Best universities for studying architecture in Nigeria: A guide to top programmes and institutions
Simply put, architecture is a course that equips students with the art and practice of designing and constructing buildings. In Nigeria, it is a highly marketable course. Every year, thousands of high school graduates consider pursuing architectural programmes. It is important to explore the best universities for studying architecture in Nigeria before applying for your dream course.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Best universities for studying architecture in Nigeria
- 10. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)
- 9. Federal University of Technology, Minna
- 8. Ahmadu Bello University
- 7. Nnamdi Azikiwe University
- 6. University of Nigeria
- 5. University of Ibadan
- 4. University of Lagos
- 3. Obafemi Awolowo University
- 2. Covenant University
- 1. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
- What are the best universities for studying architecture in Nigeria and their cut-off marks?
- Which university has the best architecture programme?
- Does architecture pay well in Nigeria?
- Which university is the best for architecture in Nigeria?
- How many years does it take to study architecture in Nigeria?
- Which are the best universities for studying architecture in Nigeria and their fees?
Key takeaways
- The best universities for studying architecture in Nigeria include the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and Covenant University.
- Architecture is among the most marketable courses in the country.
- Some institutions offer a BSc. Architecture, while others have architectural engineering.
Best universities for studying architecture in Nigeria
What are the top 10 universities for architecture? Below is a list of the best universities for studying architecture in Nigeria, ranked by EduRank according to their research performance in architecture or architectural engineering. Note that the list may be subjective.
Ranking | Institution | Location |
1 | Federal University of Technology, Akure | Gaga, Ondo |
2 | Covenant University | Ota, Ogun State |
3 | Obafemi Awolowo University | Ile-Ife, Osun |
4 | University of Lagos | Mainland Akoka, Yaba, Lagos |
5 | University of Ibadan | Ibadan, Oyo |
6 | University of Nigeria | Nsukka, Enugu |
7 | Nnamdi Azikiwe University | Awka, Anambra State |
8 | Ahmadu Bello University | Zaria, Kaduna |
9 | Federal University of Technology, Minna | Minna, Niger |
10 | Ladoke Akintola University of Technology | Ogbomoso, Oyo State |
10. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)
Source: UGC
- Location: Ogbomoso, Oyo State
- Founded: 23 April 1990
- Motto: Excellence, Integrity and Service
- Type: Public
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) is a public research institution that enrolls nearly 30,000 students across seven faculties and a college. The Department of Architecture at LAUTECH is highly regarded, making it one of the top 10 best universities to study architecture in Nigeria, as it focuses on developing essential skills in architecture and environmental sciences.
9. Federal University of Technology, Minna
Source: UGC
- Location: Minna, Niger
- Founded: 1983
- Motto: Technology for Empowerment
- Type: Federal Government-owned
The Federal University of Technology, Minna, specialises in technological education and offers bachelor's and master's degrees in various technology-related fields. It is on the list of federal universities that offer architecture in Nigeria.
Architecture is offered in the Department of Architecture. The course does not just give students education and experiences, but also helps them succeed in their chosen careers.
8. Ahmadu Bello University
Source: UGC
- Location: Zaria, Kaduna
- Founded: 4 October 1962
- Motto: The first duty of every university is the search for and the spread of knowledge, and the establishment of the nation
- Type: Public research university
Ahmadu Bello University is one of the best universities for studying architecture in Nigeria in 2026. It was opened in 1962 as the University of Northern Nigeria. The Department of Architecture offers a Bachelor of Science (Architecture) degree.
7. Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Source: UGC
- Location: Awka, Anambra State
- Founded: 1991
- Motto: Discipline, Self-Reliance and Excellence
- Type: Public
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, is a federal university in Nigeria. Taken over by the national government in 1992, the university now offers a robust undergraduate architecture programme. Its full-time four-year architecture course makes it one of the best 30 universities to study architecture in Nigeria, training students in both design and technical aspects of the field.
6. University of Nigeria
- Location: Nsukka, Enugu
- Founded: 1955
- Motto: To Restore the Dignity of Man
- Type: Federal public research university
The University of Nigeria is ranked among the top architectural engineering universities in Nigeria and Africa. It was the first land-grant university in Africa. The Department of Architecture offers a four-year programme and a three-year programme for direct entry students that leads to the degree of Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Architecture.
5. University of Ibadan
- Location: Ibadan, Oyo
- Founded: 1948
- Motto: Recte Sapere Fons (To think straight is the fount of knowledge)
- Type: Public
The University of Ibadan is among the top 20 best universities to study architecture in Nigeria. The institution offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in architecture. These programmes prepare students for careers in building design, planning, and construction.
4. University of Lagos
Source: UGC
- Location: Mainland Akoka, Yaba, Lagos
- Founded: 1962
- Motto: In deed and in truth
- Type: Public
The University of Lagos is among the top 10 best universities for studying architecture in Nigeria in 2025. Founded in 1962, it is one of the first-generation universities in the country and consistently ranks among the top universities in Africa.
The Department of Architecture at this university aims to become the pace-setting Department of Architecture in Nigeria and beyond.
3. Obafemi Awolowo University
Source: UGC
- Location: Ile-Ife, Osun
- Founded: 1961
- Motto: For Learning and Culture
- Type: Federal university
At Obafemi Awolowo University, the Department of Architecture was established as a distinct academic unit in 1982. The BSc. Architecture and M.Sc. programmes are designed as parts of a comprehensive programme leading to the first professional degree.
2. Covenant University
Source: UGC
- Location: Ota, Ogun State
- Founded: 21 October 2002
- Motto: Raising a New Generation of Leaders
- Type: Private Christian university
Covenant University is arguably the best private university to study architecture in Nigeria. It is affiliated with Living Faith Church Worldwide and is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities. Covenant University has a Department of Architecture that offers a four-year programme leading to the award of the BSc. Architecture degree.
1. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
Source: UGC
- Location: Gaga, Ondo
- Founded: 1981
- Motto: Technology for Self-Reliance
- Type: Federal university
The Federal University of Technology, Akure, is a top-ranking university of technology in Nigeria. The overall philosophy of the training programme in the Department of Architecture is to produce competent, skilled, and versatile graduates who can handle the work environment.
What are the best universities for studying architecture in Nigeria and their cut-off marks?
The cut-off mark for architecture in Nigerian universities may vary from one institution to another. Each university sets its cut-off marks. Even so, the cut-off points for architecture are generally high.
Which university has the best architecture programme?
In Nigeria, the Federal University of Technology, Akure, arguably has the best architecture programme. On the global front, those on top of the list include Carnegie Mellon University, the University of California - Berkeley, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Stanford University.
Does architecture pay well in Nigeria?
Architecture is among the highest-paying courses in Nigeria. Architects in the country can earn a good salary.
Which university is the best for architecture in Nigeria?
The best university to study architecture in Nigeria is the Federal University of Technology, Akure.
How many years does it take to study architecture in Nigeria?
It takes an average of four academic years to study architecture in Nigerian universities.
Which are the best universities for studying architecture in Nigeria and their fees?
University of Lagos (UNILAG) has a reputable architecture department, focusing on urban planning, design, and construction technology. Fees for Nigerian students are approximately ₦60,000 to ₦120,000 per session. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) provides a comprehensive architecture programme with strong research and design components. Fees for Nigerian students range from ₦50,000 to ₦100,000 per session.
The best universities for studying architecture in Nigeria include the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Covenant University, Obafemi Awolowo University, the University of Lagos, and the University of Ibadan. Their strong curriculum design, emphasis on theory and practical skills have seen them produce well-equipped graduates.
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