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10 Best Public Universities in Nigeria (2025)

Victor Iyiola
Public Universities in Nigeria

A public university is a higher education institution that is mainly funded by the federal or state government. Public universities are what many Nigerians know as federal and state universities.

The problem with public universities in Nigeria is the constant strike in Nigeria that delay the academic calendars of students. That is why many with financial capacity opt for private universities in Nigeria.

So which is the best university in Nigeria today? Which state has the best university in Nigeria? What are the best universities in Nigeria according to NUC? In the post, we will discuss the 10 best public universities in Nigeria.

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Best Public Universities in Nigeria
Conclusion

Best Public Universities in Nigeria

Here are the Top 10 public universities in Nigeria:

1. University Of Ibadan (UI)

The University of Ibadan is located in Ibadan in Oyo State. UI is the first and oldest degree-awarding institution in Nigeria.

Contrary to what many Nigerians think, the University of Ibadan was not established as a standalone university. It was built by the British government as a College in 1948, and it was affiliated with the University of London.

In 1967, seven years after Nigeria got her independence, UI became a fully functioning degree-awarding institution.

Faculties University Of Ibadan

The University of Ibadan offers more than 75 courses in which students can get a degree. They are grouped into 16 faculties.

Notable Alumni of the University Of Ibadan

A university that has been in existence since 1948 will surely have graduates that have made many impacts, right?

2. The University of Lagos (UNILAG)

The University of Lagos, widely known to many as UNILAG is a Federal Research University in Akoka, Lagos State.

UNILAG was founded in 1962 and has been providing qualitative and research-oriented learning to all students that have studied there.

Faculties at the University of Lagos

Notable Alumni of the University of Lagos

3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) is a federal government-owned degree-awarding institution in Nigeria.

OAU was established in 1960 (as the University of Ife) but commenced learning in 1962. This university has more than 12,000 hectares of land, making it the second-largest university by land mass in Nigeria (after UNILORIN).

Faculties at Obafemi Awolowo University

Notable Alumni of Obafemi Awolowo University

4. University Of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka was the first full-fledged indigenous and first autonomous university in the country.

It was established by Nnamdi Azikiwe, who served as the first President of Nigeria from 1963 to 1966. UNN has over 14 Faculties and more than 100 departments.

Faculties at University Of Nigeria, Nsukka

Notable Alumni of the University Of Nigeria, Nsukka

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5. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)

UNILORIN is widely known all over Nigeria for its very fast academic calendar, an advantage not possessed by most other public universities in the country.

UNILORIN is the largest Nigerian university by land mass, having over 15,000 hectares of land. 

In 2014, it became the first Nigerian university to be ranked among the top 20 universities in Africa.

Faculties at the University of Ilorin

Notable Alumni of the University of Ilorin

6. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU)

Ahmadu Bello University is the first Higher Education Institution in Northern Nigeria. It was founded in 1962 and has been a major learning centre for many students.

Faculties at Ahmadu Bello University

Notable Alumni of Ahmadu Bello University

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7. Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)

The Federal University of Technology, Minna is one of the 10 best public universities in Nigeria. FUTMINNA is respected for its advancement in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering.

Faculties at the Federal University of Technology, Minna

8. University Of Abuja

The University of Abuja was established in 1990 as a mini campus. It was later relocated to a new and permanent campus along Airport Road, Abuja.

Faculties at the University Of Abuja

9. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)

The Federal University Of Technology, Akure was founded in 1981. FUTA is also widely known as one of the best technology schools in Nigeria.

While other universities boast of land mass and excellence in many fields, none has ever surpassed FUTA in the Computing, Information Technology and Software Engineering fields.

Faculties at the Federal University of Technology, Akure

Notable Alumni of the Federal University of Technology, Akure

10. University Of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT)

UNIPORT was founded in 1975 but was not recognized until 1977.

UNIPORT is ranked as one of the best universities in the South-southern part of Nigeria. In fact, it was ranked as the 6th best university in Africa and the best university in Nigeria by Times Higher Education (THE) in 2015.

Faculties at the University Of Port-Harcourt

Notable Alumni of the University Of Port-Harcourt

Conclusion

There are many standard public universities in Nigeria, but these are the top 10.

Note that all info on this page are not guessed or arbitrarily provided. They are from verified sources, including the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Times Higher Education (THE).

Also, they are all solely based on merit. We are not paid to include or exclude any individual or institution.

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