Nigeria is a country on a steep ascent. Its economy and its population are growing steadily and are only set to keep expanding.
Proportionally, the youth population is one of the largest in the world, and the country has a blossoming higher education sector.
Although only six universities feature in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the country is home to almost 130 institutions. Some of these are owned by the federal and state governments, while 50 are privately owned.
Check out the best universities in Nigeria based on data collected by Times Higher Education.
1. University of Ibadan
The University of Ibadan began with just three departments – science, medicine and the arts – but has since expanded to take in 13 faculties, including social sciences, agriculture and forestry, education, technology, law and dentistry.
The founding mission of the university was to make education available to all. It has a well-established Distance Learning Centre where students who have financial or familial barriers are able to study.
Ibadan also has its own zoological and botanical gardens filled with many endangered animals and plants, and a number of conservation programmes are supported.
2. Lagos State University
Established in 1983, Lagos State University is a public university in Nigeria, operating three major campuses, namely: Ojo, Ukeja and Epa.
Lagos State University is the only state university in Lagos State.
Notable alumni include former deputy governor of Lagos State Oluranti Adebule, singer and songwriter Brymo, actress Chioma Chukwuka and Tajudeen Obasa, member of the National Assembly.
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3. University of Lagos
The University of Lagos was founded in 1962 and has three campuses in Lagos, the nation’s commercial capital. These are: the Main Campus at Akoka (which is largely surrounded by the scenic view of the Lagos lagoon), the School of Radiography at Yaba, and its College of Medicine, at Idi-Araba, Surulere.
The University offers over 86 undergraduate and 140 postgraduate programmes spread across 12 faculties and five institutes.
There are also 10 research centres, some of which are Centres of Excellence and over a hundred research groups. Some of the research being undertaken at the university include drug research and herbal medicine, economic policy analysis and autism and neuro development disorders among others.
The best universities in Nigeria 2021
Click on each institution to see its full World University Rankings 2021 results
| World University Rank 2021 | Nigeria Rank 2021 | University | City/state |
| 401–500 | 1 | University of Ibadan | Ibadan |
| 501–600 | 2 | Lagos State University | Lagos |
| 601–800 | 3 | University of Lagos | Lagos |
| 801–1000 | 4 | Covenant University | Ogun |
| 1001+ | =5 | University of Nigeria Nsukka | Nsukka |
| 1001+ | =5 | Obafemi Awolowo University | Ife |
Read more: The 10 most beautiful universities in Africa
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