…as UNILAG, OAU miss out
In the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, 10 Nigerian universities were rated as the most prestigious, setting the standard for quality education and groundbreaking research.
According to the Times Higher Education Rankings for 2025; the following 10 universities are Nigeria’s most prestigious tertiary institutions:
American University of Nigeria (AUN)
On the topmost list is the American University of Nigeria, renowned for its American-style curriculum and commitment to entrepreneurship and leadership development.
It was founded by Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former vice president, who sought guidance from the American University in Washington, DC, on creating an institution modelled after the American education system in Nigeria.
Read also: Top 10 Nigerian universities in Times Higher Education 2025 rankings.
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
In the second position is the Ahmadu Bello University, a historically significant institution known for its impact on science, engineering, and agriculture.
ABU is the second oldest university in Nigeria. It was established in Zaria as the University of Northern Nigeria in October 1962, starting with four faculties and 426 students.
It offers a wide range of faculties, including physical sciences, social sciences, education, environmental design, medical sciences, and law, among others.
Covenant University
Covenant University, Ota in Ogun State is a private university with a strong emphasis on technology and entrepreneurship and continues to rise in global rankings.
The university comprises four colleges, primarily focused on vocational studies: the College of Business and Social Sciences, the College of Leadership and Development Studies, the College of Engineering, and the College of Science and Technology.
Read also: Here are Nigeria’s 20 affordable private universities in 2025
Landmark University
Landmark University, a private Christian institution, was founded in 2011 by the Living Faith Church Worldwide.
Situated in Kwara State, western Nigeria, the university comprises four colleges: Agricultural Sciences, Engineering, Pure and Applied Sciences, and Business and Social Sciences.
Each college is further divided into departments that offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
The university has established collaborations with prominent agricultural organisations in the country, including the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture and the National Space Research and Development Agency.
Lagos State University (LASU)
The Lagos State University has firmly established itself as a leading public tertiary institution in Nigeria and is gaining recognition in law and the social sciences.
Read also: Prioritise adequate funding of existing Nigerian universities — Fatusi, UniMed VC.
The University of Ibadan (UI)
The University of Ibadan is Nigeria’s first university, and the oldest and has continues to be a leader in research and postgraduate studies.
The university offers a broad range of academic programmes across its 16 faculties that include: arts, science, basic medical sciences, clinical sciences, agriculture, social sciences, education, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, technology, law, public health, dentistry, economics, renewable natural resources, and environmental design and management.
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology was originally established in 1990 as Oyo State University of Technology, Ogbomoso (OSUTECH). It was renamed just one year later.
The university is located in Ogbomoso, a city in Oyo State, southwestern Nigeria.
There are 12 faculties at the university: agricultural sciences, basic medical sciences, basic clinical sciences, clinical sciences, nursing sciences, computing and informatics, environmental sciences, engineering and technology, food and consumer sciences, pure and applied science, management sciences, and renewable natural resources.
Each faculty is divided into different departments, which offer a range of both undergraduate and graduate degree programmes.
Nasarawa State University, Keffi
Nasarawa State University, Keffi aims to provide quality university education and prepare graduates with skills for successful careers.
Located in Keffi, a traditional town in north-central Nigeria, it has a rich history, and its inhabitants mainly engage in tin and columbite mining and farming.
The university comprises ten faculties and colleges, offering a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate degree programmes.
Its motto, ‘knowledge for development,’ underscores its commitment to advancing social, economic, and technological development in the state and nation.
Read also: FG fires degree holders from Benin, Togo universities
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, is one of the three federal universities of agriculture created by Nigeria’s government in 1988.
It is divided into colleges of environmental research management, animal science and livestock production, agricultural management and rural development, plant science and crop production, biological science, food science and human ecology, engineering, physical science, and veterinary medicine.
Bayero University
Bayero University is located in Kano, a city in northern Nigeria and the capital of Kano State.
The first university in the state, it was founded in 1975 when it was upgraded from Bayero University College to a fully accredited university.
There are two colleges within the university: the colleges of health science and natural and pharmaceutical sciences.
Between them, there are 11 faculties including the faculties of arts and Islamic studies, agricultural sciences, computer science and information technology, communication, engineering, earth and environmental sciences, education, law, management sciences, social sciences and veterinary medicine.
Surprisingly missing in this year’s top 10 list are the University of Lagos, and Obafemi Awolowo University, which comes as a surprise.
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