Top 50 best universities in Nigeria as of 2026: NUC university ranking

Choosing the right university is an important step for students. The best universities in Nigeria offer strong academics, good facilities, and career opportunities. The 2026 NUC ranking lists the top 50 universities to guide students in making informed choices.

Key takeaways

• The 2026 NUC ranking lists the best universities in Nigeria based on academics, facilities, and research.
• These top 50 universities provide quality education and strong career opportunities.
• Students can use the ranking to choose a university that aligns with their goals and interests.
• The list highlights institutions that consistently maintain high standards in teaching and learning.

Best Universities in Nigeria

There’s no public, reliable 2026 ranking from the National Universities Commission (NUC) or other major global ranking bodies that ranks 50 Nigerian universities in a consistent, trusted order. Below is a list of 50 Nigerian universities based on the latest 2025/2026 national visibility, global recognition, and Times Higher Education (THE) 2026 rankings.

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Note: Only some universities have official THE global band placements; the rest are included because they consistently appear in national rankings, research output lists, or reputable education analyses.

University of Ibadan (UI)

Nigeria’s highest-ranked university globally, known for strong research output, postgraduate programs, and academic excellence. UI is widely regarded as the top 10 universities in Nigeria due to its strong research output and global ranking.

University of Lagos (UNILAG)

A major research-intensive institution noted for innovation, entrepreneurship, and a vibrant academic community. UNILAG’s innovation and global visibility place it among the top 10 best universities in Nigeria in 2026.

Bayero Kano (BUK)

Recognised for international outlook, growing research strength, and wide program offerings in sciences and humanities. BUK’s international outlook consistently ranks it within the top 5 best universities in Nigeria for northern institutions.

Covenant (CU)

A leading private university known for technology-driven learning, strong industry ties, and high graduate employability. CU stands out for discipline and technology-driven learning, ranking within the top 20 best universities in Nigeria.

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Landmark

A rapidly growing private university with strong agricultural, engineering, and science programs. Landmark’s growth in agriculture and engineering places it comfortably in the top 30 best universities in Nigeria.

Ahmadu Bello (ABU)

One of Nigeria’s largest and most reputable universities with a broad academic reach and strong research heritage. ABU’s broad academic reach makes it one of the major institutions under the top 100 universities in Nigeria by NUC.

Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna)

Specialises in technology, engineering, and applied sciences with a focus on innovation. FUT Minna is highly respected for engineering and appears consistently in the top 100 universities in Nigeria in 2025.

University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)

Popular for academic stability, extensive faculties, and consistently high national rankings. UNILORIN’s stability and strong academic structure earned it a spot in the top 20 best universities in Nigeria in 2025.

University of Jos (UNIJOS)

A respected public university known for research, education quality, and a vibrant academic environment. UNIJOS is known for research and teaching quality and belongs to the top 10 best universities in Nigeria as of 2026.

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University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

One of Nigeria’s oldest universities with strong academic programs and nationwide influence. UNN’s strong academic history makes it relevant of the top 20 best universities in Nigeria as of 2026

Babcock

A top private institution offering strong programs in health sciences, business, and social sciences.

Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)

One of Nigeria’s best tech universities, widely recognised for engineering and innovation.

Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)

A rising public university offering diverse programs and expanding research activity.

University of Benin (UNIBEN)

Known for medical sciences, law, and engineering, with a strong research presence.

University of Calabar (UNICAL)

Offers a wide academic disciplines and serves as a major institution in southern Nigeria.

Obafemi Awolowo (OAU)

A top-tier university known for academic rigour and excellent engineering and arts programs.

Lagos State (LASU)

Respected for law, business, and social sciences, with steady improvements in research output.

University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)

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Strong in petroleum studies, engineering, and health sciences.

Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)

Nigeria’s leading agricultural university with expanding research capacity.

Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)

Highly regarded for engineering, technology, and medical programs.

Olabisi Onabanjo (OOU)

Offers diverse programs and is a key institution in southwestern Nigeria.

Ekiti State (EKSU)

A well-established state university with multiple academic faculties.

Delta State (DELSU)

Strong academic reputation across science, law, and humanities.

Rivers State (RSU)

Known for engineering, environmental sciences, and research in oil and gas.

University of Abuja (UNIABUJA)

A fast-growing federal university with expanding postgraduate programs.

Federal University Dutse (FUD)

A newer federal university is gaining attention for science and agriculture.

Federal University Lafia (FULafia)

Noted for stable academic structure and growing research capacity.

Federal University Gusau (FUGUS)

Developing institution focused on sciences and humanities.

Federal University Lokoja (FULokoja)

Expanding rapidly with programs in the sciences, social sciences, and arts.

Federal University Kashere (FUKashere)

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Provides a range of undergraduate programs and growing institutional visibility.

Federal University Wukari (FUWukari)

Known for agriculture, science programs, and community-focused research.

Federal University Ndufu-Alike (FUNAI/Alex Ekwueme Federal University)

Respected for science, tech, and environmental studies.

Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA)

Focuses on agricultural and science-based programs.

Nasarawa State, Keffi (NSUK)

A popular state university known for law, business, and social sciences.

Benue State (BSU)

Recognised for social sciences, health sciences, and humanities.

Ambrose Alli University (AAU Ekpoma)

Offers a broad range of programs and contributes to regional academic growth.

Adekunle Ajasin, Akungba (AAUA)

A respected institution known for environmental sciences and humanities.

Kwara State (KWASU)

Research-driven with strong entrepreneurship and innovation programs.

University of Uyo (UNIUYO)

Provides diverse academic offerings and strong arts and science programs.

University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)

Known for resilience, research activity, and medical sciences.

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (MOUAU)

in agriculture, veterinary sciences, and biological sciences.

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Niger Delta (NDU)

Known for its contributions to environmental and oil-region studies.

Ebonyi State (EBSU)

Offers programs across medicine, law, social sciences, and education.

Enugu State University of Science & Technology (ESUT)

Strong emphasis on engineering, tech, and applied sciences.

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu (COOU)

Provides diverse academic programs with growing national recognition.

Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE)

Specialises in education and arts programs with expanding faculties.

Imo State (IMSU)

Known for strong law, humanities, and science disciplines.

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (ATBU)

A major technology and engineering university in northern Nigeria.

Modibbo Adama (MAUTECH)

Offers engineering, tech, and agricultural programs with rising visibility.

Kaduna State KASU)

An important state university offering strong programs in the sciences and social sciences.

Best private universities in Nigeria

There are several private universities in Nigeria. Here is a list of the top:

Frequently asked questions

With so many strong universities in Nigeria, it’s normal to still have questions after viewing the rankings. To clear up common concerns and guide your choice, here are some quick FAQs;

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1. What is the top-ranked university in Nigeria as of 2026?

The University of Ibadan (UI) is widely recognised as Nigeria’s highest-ranked based on national performance indicators and global ranking lists like THE 2026.

2. Are private universities included in the top university rankings?

Yes. Institutions such as Covenant, Babcock, and Landmark University consistently appear in national rankings due to their academic quality and strong industry engagement.

3. How does the NUC rank universities in Nigeria?

The National Universities Commission (NUC) considers factors like accreditation status, program quality, research output, student population, and institutional governance when ranking institutions.

4. What determines a university’s global ranking?

Global rankings (like THE, QS) assess research output, teaching quality, international outlook, industry engagement, and citations to determine a university's global standing.

5. Do Nigerian universities appear in global rankings?

Yes. Institutions like UI, UNILAG, ABU, Covenant, and BUK appear in official Times Higher Education (THE) ranking bands each year.

6. Are state universities as competitive as federal universities?

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LASU and DELSU perform strongly and often rank close to federal institutions in research and teaching quality.

7. Can the rankings change yearly?

Absolutely. Rankings are updated annually based on new performance data, meaning universities can rise or fall depending on improvements or declines in academic indicators.

8. Which university is the best in Nigeria?

The University of Ibadan, Ibadan, is the best in Nigeria, followed by the University of Lagos. Both institutes lie between positions 401–500 in the university world ranking.

The 2026 NUC ranking highlights the best universities in Nigeria for quality education and supportive learning environments. Students can use this list to find the school that fits their goals. These top 50 universities represent the leading options for higher education in Nigeria.

Legit.ng delved deeper into the most marketable courses in Nigeria. The article lists degree programs that lead to well-paying professions. The demand for these graduates is very high in the country's job market.

Graduates who do not research the job market and courses on demand are highly likely to do courses that will render them unemployed for a long time. Therefore, check the article to find out the most valuable degrees.

Source: Legit.ng