Sociology is one of the most important courses in understanding culture, society as well as human behavior. It provides students with the ability to analyze social issues as well as guide policy decisions, and strengthen community relations. In Nigeria, Sociologists are in high demand for social work, education, public policy research and corporate companies. The study of sociology can help you understand the issues of inequality, crime, as well as family dynamics and development. The choice of the best university is vital since it will determine the level of education in research, opportunities for research, as well as professional relationships. A solid sociology degree assists students in developing analytical thinking and skills in communication, which are essential to solving the social problems in Nigeria.
The following are the requirements to determine”the “Best University to Study Sociology in Nigeria” for the academic year 2025
To determine Nigeria’s top sociology-related universities, The most important factors are:
- Accreditation and quality of curriculum
- The expertise of the faculty and their research accomplishments
- The availability of current learning resources for students
- Internships and fieldwork opportunities
- Career and employability support for graduates
Top 10 Universities to Study Sociology in Nigeria
Nigeria is home to many universities that offer solid sociology courses. Here are the top five out of the top ten options for 2025:
1. University of Ibadan (UI)
University of Ibadan, the oldest university in Nigeria, provides a sociology course that is known for its academic excellence as well as extensive research. The University of Ibadan’s Department of Sociology trains students in criminology, social theory, gender studies, criminology, and sociology of development and prepares graduates to be successful in a variety of disciplines.
Why Choose UI?
- Reputation-based social science research with a high-standing Education
- Prof. with extensive experience, an active research agenda
- Modern research and library facilities as well as a modern library.
- A strong focus on both global and local social problems
- Employment rates of very high graduates
Characteristics of Teaching
- Social theories, tutorials and theorists
- projects focusing focus on Nigerian social issues
- Research on community and urban research
- Discussions in groups on gender and family concerns
- Social scientists in seminars with experienced sociologists
The comprehensive curriculum of UI makes it an ideal choice for students who want to become sociologists.
2. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
The University of Lagos, situated in Nigeria’s main commercial center, provides an internationally renowned sociology degree that concentrates on urban sociology, psychology, as well as social policy. The UNILAG curriculum is designed to prepare students to pursue careers in social work, research or policy analysis, as well as corporate social accountability.
Why Choose UNILAG?
- Central location, with easy ability to access a variety of social settings
- Faculty members with academic and practical experience
- A strong industry network and connections to NGO
- Internship opportunities with Lagos companies
- Active Student Sociology Society
Characteristics of Teaching
- Urban communities on field trips
- Tutorials on deviance, crime, and other research
- The projects analyze the impact of social change in Lagos
- Workshops on methods of research
- Public policy seminars and the governance
Urban environments at UNILAG provide students with a practical experience of interactions between people.
3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, offers a sociology degree that focuses on the social sciences, demography as well as development research. The OAU Department of Sociology and Anthropology gives students a solid basis for careers in government service, non-profit organizations and research institutions.
Why Choose OAU?
- An extensive curriculum that incorporates practical applications
- Faculty with different research skills
- Opportunities to work in fieldwork in both urban and rural regions
- Assistance for research projects of students
- Quality education at a reasonable cost with affordable tuition
Characteristics of Teaching
- Tutorials on demographic and population research
- projects for community development
- Study of rural social structures
- Discussions in groups on the stratification of social life
- Workshops on collecting data and analysis
OAU’s curriculum prepares students for tackling Nigeria’s complex social problems.
4. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, provides a sociology curriculum that is focused on the effects of social change, poverty and the resolution of conflicts. The ABU’s Department of Sociology trains students to think critically and suggest solutions for social issues, particularly those that affect the north of Nigeria.
Why Choose ABU?
- High-quality education at a reasonable price with high standards
- A strong focus on both national and regional social problems
- An expert faculty member with extensive research experience in conflict and development.
- Possibilities to intern with NGOs as well as government agency
- The focus is on the application of sociology
Characteristics of Teaching
- Tutorials on the sociology of rural areas as well as poverty
- projects focusing on conflict resolution strategies
- Fieldwork in diverse communities
- Social inequality in the group assignments
- Seminars on Nigerian development challenges
The ABU program provides students with knowledge and skills that can improve the well-being of communities.
5. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has a well-organized sociology curriculum that includes industrial sociology, family sociology, as well as social policies. The UNN’s Department of Sociology trains students to be aware of social systems and aid in development across Nigeria as well as elsewhere.
Why Choose UNN?
- The balanced curriculum integrates theory with fieldwork
- Faculty members with experience in the Nigerian social system
- New teaching tools and resources for research
- Student-led research opportunities
- A special emphasis on social and ethical responsibility as well as ethics
Characteristics of Teaching
- Workshops on industrial relations as well as labor research
- projects on social and family structures
- Visits to cities and rural communities
- Workshops on the research methodology
- Seminars on analysis of social policies
The UNN’s curriculum helps students become social changemakers.
6. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
University of Benin, Benin City, offers an extensive sociology course that focuses on inequality, social institutions as well as community development. The UNIBEN’s Department of Sociology provides students with the theoretical and practical knowledge to comprehend and resolve the social issues that affect Nigeria.
Why Choose UNIBEN?
- Quality education at a reasonable price with high-quality teachers
- Curriculum covering diverse sociological topics
- Faculty members who are active in research and teaching on Nigerian social problems
- Internship opportunities in social and charitable organizations
- Assistance for research by students as well as community-based projects
Characteristics of Teaching
- Social perspectives in tutorials
- Social Inequality Projects and Class Structure
- Community development projects through fieldwork
- Discussions with a group on social issues
- Workshops on family and social research
The practical approach of UNIBEN helps students create positive social change.
7. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
Nnamdi Azikiwe Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, offers a sociology degree that emphasizes the study of social issues as well as the development of sociology and social policies. The UNIZIK Department of Sociology trains students to deal with national and local social problems and prepares them for jobs as researchers in public service as well as NGOs.
Why Choose UNIZIK?
- A strong curriculum that is complemented by a practical, research-oriented
- Faculty members with a variety of experiences in professional and academic studies
- Quality tuition at a reasonable price with excellent training
- Research opportunities for communities
- Focus is placed on the Nigerian social dynamic
Characteristics of Teaching
- Social statistics tutorials and methods of research
- Urban and rural projects on social problems
- Visits to communities for field visits
- Workshops on developing policy
- Workshops on development and gender
The program at UNIZIK equips students with abilities to contribute meaningfully to society.
8. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
University of Ilorin, Ilorin, provides a sociology curriculum that covers the social theories as well as deviance and institutions of society. The UNILORIN’s Department of Sociology blends classroom education with hands-on knowledge and prepares students to take on a variety of roles in the public and private sectors.
Why Choose UNILORIN?
- Quality, affordable and accessible education
- The curriculum focuses on both traditional and current social concerns
- Faculty members with strong research profile
- Possibilities for interns to work in both NGOs and government
- The emphasis is on professional and ethical behavior
Characteristics of Teaching
- Social theories, tutorials as well as Nigerian society
- The projects focus on juvenile delinquency, as well as crimes
- Family and marriage research
- Workshops on engaging communities
- Workshops on urbanization and social changes
Its curriculum prepares graduates who are ready to work in policies and social work.
9. Lagos State University (LASU)
Lagos State University, Ojo, offers a sociology course that focuses on the social sphere, urbanization and policies. The LASU Department of Sociology takes advantage of Lagos its diverse and vibrant social scene, offering students exposure to social interactions in real life.
Why Choose LASU?
- Strategic position in Nigeria’s most populous city
- Affordable tuition and an appropriate course
- Professors with real-world experience in the sociology of cities
- A strong connection to Lagos-based organizations
- Opportunities to intern and do fieldwork
Characteristics of Teaching
- Trips to cities and communities in Lagos
- Tutorials on the social stratification process and inequality
- Housing and slum projects study
- Seminars on interventionist policies
- Workshops on deviance and crime within cities
The LASU urban-focused program teaches students to tackle complicated social problems.
10. Bayero University Kano (BUK)
Bayero University Kano offers a sociology degree that focuses on the study of culture and region along with social development as well as conflict resolution. The BUK’s Department of Sociology equips students with skills to recognize and address social issues, specifically in the northern part of Nigeria.
Why Choose BUK?
- Regional relevance and affordable education
- Faculty with experience in Nigerian social and cultural structures
- Education that addresses development, conflict and inequity
- Opportunities to work in various communities
- The emphasis is on the application of sociology and the understanding of culture
Characteristics of Teaching
- Training on ethnic relations and conflicts
- Development projects for communities in the northern part of Nigeria
- Trips to visit cities and rural communities
- Seminars on strategies to alleviate poverty
- Workshops on the influence of culture on social behaviors
The BUK program prepares students for a positive contribution to Nigeria’s socio-cultural and economic advancement.
Conclusion
Sociology is crucial to understanding and addressing Nigeria’s complicated social problems. These institutions provide an excellent educational experience, training in the field as well as research possibilities that prepare students for jobs in research, social work or public policy, as well as the development of communities. Selecting the best university can help students develop the necessary skills to understand social problems and help contribute to the progress of our nation. Choose a school that is compatible with your career and interests for a successful start within sociology.
