The Nigerian Federal Universities have been at the frontline in presenting diversified and vibrant educational landscapes that cater quality education to students nationwide. These universities generally maintain academic excellence, great research exposure, and cultural diversities, making them pivotal in shaping Nigeria’s future courses.
This article pinpoints some of the best federal universities in Nigeria, their national and world rankings, the advantages of attending any of such schools, and useful tips that will assist prospective students in making the best choices.
Below are some of the best federal universities in Nigeria, according to their standing both in the country and outside it, including Africa and the world. Some include others for their good academic records, research contributions, graduate employability, international collaborations, infrastructural development, student satisfaction, and solid global partnerships that have given these institutions these prestigious positions.
Top Best Federal Universities in Nigeria 2024/2025
Universities | National Ranking | Africa Ranking | World Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
University of Ibadan (UI) | 1 | 20th | 801–1000 |
University of Lagos (UNILAG) | 2 | 20th | 1001–1200 |
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) | 3 | 20th | 1001–1200 |
Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) | 4 | 41th | 1001–1200 |
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) | 5 | 41st | 1201–1500 |
University of Benin (UNIBEN) | 6 | 41th | 1201–1500 |
Bayero University, Kano (BUK) | 7 | 41th | 1201–1500 |
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) | 8 | 41th | 1201–1500 |
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | 9 | 74th | 1501+ |
Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) | 10 | 74th | 1501+ |
Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUSOK) | 11 | 74th | 1501+ |
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) | 12 | 74th | 1501+ |
Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) | 13 | 74th | 1501+ |
Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) | 14 | N/A | 1501+ |
University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) | 15 | N/A | 1501+ |
University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) | 16 | N/A | 1501+ |
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi (ATBU) | 17 | N/A | 1501+ |
University of Jos (UNIJOS) | 18 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University, Lafia (FULAFIA) | 19 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University, Lokoja (FULOKOJA) | 20 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University, Dutse (FUD) | 21 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) | 22 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University, Kashere (FUKASHERE) | 23 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University, Wukari (FUWUKARI) | 24 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University, Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) | 25 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University, Gusau (FUGUS) | 26 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University, Gashua (FUGA) | 27 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University, Otuoke (FUOTUOKE) | 28 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University, Ndifu-Alike (FUNAI) | 29 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University, Ikot-Abasi (FUIAB) | 30 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) | 31 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM) | 32 | N/A | 1501+ |
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) | 33 | N/A | 1501+ |
Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola (MAUTECH) | 34 | N/A | 1501+ |
Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna (NDA) | 35 | N/A | 1501+ |
Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko (NMU) | 36 | N/A | 1501+ |
Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB) | 37 | N/A | 1501+ |
National Open University of Nigeria, Lagos (NOUN) | 38 | N/A | 1501+ |
Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna (AFIT) | 39 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO) | 40 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA) | 41 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (FUHSI) | 42 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University of Medical Sciences, Ondo (UNIMED) | 43 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University of Medical Sciences, Uburu (FUMSU) | 44 | N/A | 1501+ |
Nigerian Police Academy, Wudil (POLAC) | 45 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University of Technology, Babura (FUTB) | 46 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University of Technology, Daura (FUTD) | 47 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University of Technology, Gusau (FUTG) | 48 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University of Technology, Ibadan (FUTI) | 49 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University of Technology, Jalingo (FUTJ) | 50 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University of Technology, Katsina (FUTK) | 51 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University of Technology, Ondo (FUTO) | 52 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University of Technology, Zungeru (FUTZ) | 53 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University, Ndifu-Alike (FUNAI) | 54 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University, Otuoke (FUOTUOKE) | 55 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University of Medical Sciences, Ondo (UNIMED) | 56 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University of Medical Sciences, Uburu (FUMSU) | 57 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO) | 58 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA) | 59 | N/A | 1501+ |
Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (FUHSI) | 60 | N/A | 1501+ |
Why Consider Federal University in Nigeria?
Federal universities in Nigeria provide many benefits that students greatly desire. Following are five compelling reasons to think about a federal school:
Affordable Tuition Fees: Federal universities are publicly funded, which allows students from all socioeconomic groups to study at an affordable price.
Diverse Programs: They provide a broad spectrum of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional programmes of study to meet a wide range of academic interests.
Renowned Faculty: Federal universities have highly qualified professors and lecturers with cutting-edge expertise in their areas of expertise.
Extensive Research Opportunities: These institutions have research facilities that drive innovation and scholarship.
Cultural Diversity: Federal universities draw students from all over Nigeria, enriching cultural interaction and collaboration.
Best Federal Universities in Nigeria FAQ
The University of Ibadan (UI) is widely regarded as the best federal university in Nigeria.
Yes, federal universities are government-subsidized, making them more affordable than private institutions.
Yes, many federal universities offer scholarships based on merit and financial need.
Requirements typically include five credits in O-Level examinations, a good UTME score, and post-UTME assessment.
Yes, most federal universities offer a wide range of postgraduate programs, including master’s and doctoral degrees.
The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) is renowned for its engineering programs.
Yes, all federal universities are accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Yes, universities like UI and UNILAG rank within the top 1000 globally according to Times Higher Education.
Yes, international students are welcome and often enjoy affordable tuition rates.
Facilities include state-of-the-art libraries, sports centers, and well-equipped laboratories.
Yes, most federal universities provide on-campus accommodation at subsidized rates.
The University of Ibadan (UI) is highly regarded for its medical programs.
Yes, security measures are in place to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Activities include sports, music, debate clubs, and entrepreneurship programs.
Yes, transfers are possible but subject to specific university policies.
Note : The above ranking represents Nigeria’s federal universities’ performance and accreditation status, using information from the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and reports from the National Universities Commission. Federal universities in Nigeria are reputedly leading institutions in driving higher education, research, and national development. The various rankings are representative of academic excellence, research output, infrastructure, and, finally, contribution to national and global knowledge.
It must be made clear that these kinds of rankings do not present absolute judgment but rather serve as guidelines to shed light on the comparative performance of institutions in a particular period. Many federal universities excel in certain disciplines or are renowned for their historical contributions, even though they may not consistently rank at the top in general rankings. New or specialized institutions might also not have impressive rankings yet but are considered to be potentially very promising because their capacity and programs keep improving.
At Universities.ng, therefore, we regard the choice of a university to be far more than simply comparing university rankings. This would include programs available, location, facilities, and their affordability, career opportunities, among others. Federal universities, being funded by the public, often establish wider access to education with more focus on diversity and inclusiveness. Their rankings, however, may even factor in infrastructural shortcomings and limited finances in those facilities.
This current ranking is to serve as a guide to assist students, parents, and other stakeholders. Of course, this must be supplemented with further investigations and, where applicable, consultations with the universities. For the latest information about programmes, their accreditation, and various modes of entry, we advise readers to reach out to the universities themselves or check with the NUC.