Best universities in Nigeria 2025
Discover the Times Higher Education Nigeria University Rankings 2025 and compare the 21 institutions that rank the highest in the country.
The list highlights the top universities in Nigeria scored based on a thorough evaluation that looks at key areas such as teaching quality, research excellence, industry partnerships, and international outlook. The methodology behind THE’s rankings is trusted globally by students, academic, policymakers, and industry leaders.
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Top universities in Nigeria
| Nigeria Rank 2025 | WUR Rank 2025 | University | Overall | Teaching | Research Environment | Research Quality | Industry | International Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 801–1000 | Covenant University | 34.5–38.1 | 23.1 | 25 | 51 | 53.9 | 47.2 |
| =2 | 1001–1200 | Ahmadu Bello University | 30.7–34.4 | 23.1 | 12.4 | 55.7 | 19.8 | 40.9 |
| =2 | 1001–1200 | Landmark University | 30.7–34.4 | 17.3 | 18.6 | 60.5 | 20.7 | 32.7 |
| =2 | 1001–1200 | University of Ibadan | 30.7–34.4 | 30.1 | 13.4 | 57.8 | 20.9 | 42.5 |
| =2 | 1001–1200 | University of Lagos | 30.7–34.4 | 15.7 | 14.9 | 64.5 | 21.5 | 42.4 |
| =6 | 1201–1500 | Bayero University | 25.2–30.6 | 21.1 | 9.5 | 52 | 17.2 | 48.8 |
| =6 | 1201–1500 | Federal University of Technology Akure | 25.2–30.6 | 24.5 | 10.9 | 43.4 | 18.8 | 45.9 |
| =6 | 1201–1500 | Federal University of Technology, Minna | 25.2–30.6 | 16.4 | 8.2 | 47.6 | 16.5 | 41.9 |
| =6 | 1201–1500 | University of Benin | 25.2–30.6 | 18.6 | 8.6 | 50.6 | 17.7 | 36.6 |
| =6 | 1201–1500 | University of Ilorin | 25.2–30.6 | 15.9 | 9.3 | 48.7 | 17.4 | 40.2 |
| =6 | 1201–1500 | University of Nigeria Nsukka | 25.2–30.6 | 29.4 | 10.4 | 36.7 | 19.2 | 39.4 |
| =12 | 1501+ | Ekiti State University | 10.5–25.1 | 22.9 | 3.6 | 13.6 | 15.9 | 33.9 |
| =12 | 1501+ | Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta | 10.5–25.1 | 16.1 | 9 | 26.2 | 23.5 | 33.1 |
| =12 | 1501+ | Federal University of Technology, Owerri | 10.5–25.1 | 29 | 7.3 | 21.8 | 23.5 | 36.7 |
| =12 | 1501+ | Federal University Oye-Ekiti | 10.5–25.1 | 10.8 | 8.6 | 12.6 | 16 | 37.7 |
| =12 | 1501+ | Ladoke Akintola University of Technology | 10.5–25.1 | 14.2 | 10.5 | 37 | 25.3 | 35.2 |
| =12 | 1501+ | Lagos State University | 10.5–25.1 | 13.3 | 9 | 26.1 | 17 | 43.7 |
| =12 | 1501+ | Nnamdi Azikiwe University | 10.5–25.1 | 23.1 | 8.2 | 29 | 19 | 34 |
| =12 | 1501+ | Obafemi Awolowo University | 10.5–25.1 | 19.1 | 11.7 | 31.6 | 36.5 | 39.3 |
| =12 | 1501+ | University of Port Harcourt | 10.5–25.1 | 22.7 | 9 | 18.2 | 20.6 | 34.7 |
| =12 | 1501+ | Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto | 10.5–25.1 | 15 | 8.1 | 35.7 | 16 | 47.4 |
Key Insights from the 2025 THE Nigeria University Rankings
- Nigeria has a growing presence in global higher education with 21 universities featured in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025.
- Covenant University stands out as the best university in Nigeria in 2025. It has maintained its position for two consecutive years among the best universities in the country through its strong emphasis on industry collaboration and international outlook.
- Ahmadu Bello University and Landmark University scored highly for Research Quality pillar looks at a university's role in spreading new knowledge and ideas.
- Federal universities play a significant role in the Nigerian education landscape, with institutions like Bayero University and the University of Nigeria Nsukka striving to enhance their global positions through academic excellence and industry partnerships.
Choosing the right university in Nigeria
As Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria continues to expand its higher education sector to meet the needs of its young and dynamic population.
Students considering the best universities in Nigeria should evaluate key factors such as programme offerings, research opportunities, campus facilities, and industry collaborations. Nigeria’s universities offer diverse strengths, whether in research quality, innovation, or international outlook.
Use the Nigeria university rankings above to explore institutions that align with your academic and career goals.
The table for the best universities in Nigeria was derived from data collected from the THE World University Rankings. The results are calculated using 18 performance indicators underlying five metrics: research environment, teaching (the learning environment), research quality, industry and international outlook. For more insights and a detailed breakdown of our ranking methodology, visit our methodology page.
