In this article, you will find a list of the best federal universities in Nigeria alongside their faculties and some of their very notable alumni.
Though there are over 180 universities established across the 36 states of Nigeria and exactly 49 of them are owned by the federal government, in this article, we focused on the top 10 federal universities in the country.
These 180 Universities include State universities, Federal universities, and private universities.
State universities are owned by the states where they are located, private universities are owned mostly by individuals and in some cases by firms, churches, and other organizations, while Federal Universities are owned generally by the country, and managed by the federal government.
In 2021 the National University Commission ranked a majority of the federal universities in Nigeria among the top 100 universities in the country.
According to the rank list released by Webometrics; the largest academic ranking of higher education institutions in Nigeria, which uses a ranking system based on how effective a university’s web domain is, how relevant its academic articles are e.t.c. also ranked most Federal universities among the 120 best.
Following these rankings, I have listed the 10 best federal universities in Nigeria.
On the other hand, tuition fees for federal universities are cheaper than that of State and private universities. You can also check the list of the cheapest federal universities in Nigeria.
If you have just graduated from college and you are looking for the best Federal universities in Nigeria to enroll in, where you will have a good learning experience, then this article is specifically written for you.
Table of Contents
10 Best Federal Universities in Nigeria
- University of Ibadan
- University of Lagos
- Obafemi Awolowo university
- Ahmadu Bello university
- University of Ilorin
- University of Nigeria
- University of Benin
- University of Abuja
- Federal University of Technology Owerri
- University of Technology Mina
The University of Ibadan
The University of Ibadan is the oldest university in the history of Nigeria. It was established in 1932 and is currently organized into sixteen (16) faculties and nighty-two 92 departments. The university engages with Academic programs in Arts, Sciences & Medicines and is now a comprehensive citadel of learning with a total number of sixteen(16) faculties.
It is currently ranked as the best Federal University in Nigeria and has the best medicine and economy departments in the country.
The World Health Organization ranking of tertiary institutions shows that UCH where Unibadan medical students are trained is the best in West Africa and, the third all over Africa.
The University’s Postgraduate school is well acknowledged within and outside the country as one of the largest in Africa. Unibadan has also produced some notable Alumni which are listed below.
Notable Alumni of The University of Unibadan
- Chinua Achebe
- Femi Adebayo
- Emeka Anyaoku
- Wole Soyinka
- Christopher Okigbo
- Sari Wiwa
Faculties in Unibadan
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty Public Health
- Faculty of the Social Sciences
- Faculty of Technology
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Environmental Design and Management
- Faculty of Physical Sciences
- Faculty of Sciences
- Faculty of Economics
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
- Faculty of Pharmacy
The University of Lagos
The University of Lagos, a public research university in Lagos, also known as “Unilag” was established in 1962. It is not just one of the best universities in Nigeria, but also among the first generation universities in Nigeria organized into twelve faculties and sixty (60) departments.
It is one of the best Federal Universities in Nigeria and it’s currently ranked the 3rd best university in Africa. It also provides qualitative and research-driven education to individuals around the world yet it has remained one of the most competitive when regarding admissions.
The university has a conducive learning environment, and also promotes skill development through extracurricular activities. Unilag has won many awards including the 2021 American Bar Association of International Human Rights Award, The 2021 Nigerian Society international Award, and various other notable awards. Some alumni of the university have been listed below.
Some notable Alumni of The University of Lagos
- Fami Gbajabiamila
- Yemi Osibanjo
- Wale Adenuga
- Wole Soyinka
- Seyi Makinde
- Lai Mohamed, and many others.
If you have a great zeal for research, skill development, and acquisition, the University of Lagos may be one of the best options to check out.
Faculties in Unilag
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Basic Medical Science
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Dental Science
- Faculty of Social Science
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Faculty of Clinical Science
- Faculty of Management Science
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Environmental Science
The Obafemi Awolowo University
0bafemi Awolowo University (OAU) is one of the top federal universities in Nigeria currently and also one of the oldest, established in 1962. It was formerly known as “University of Ife” and was later renamed after Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1987.
The university is located in Osun State and is organized into thirteen faculties that offer many Art and Science undergraduate courses and the school is also committed to the highest level of scientific research. It is also a great option for scholars who have an interest in studying research and statistics.
It is ranked among the 10 best federal universities in Nigeria due to its academic excellence and intellectual supremacy. In 2018 The university won the award of the most outstanding public university in the southwest. It also won the MLS Goal of The Year Award in 2014, and also the CAF Youth Player of the Year Award in the years 2004,2005.
Alumni of Obafemi Awolowo University.
- Adebayo Adelabu
- Peter Awelewa Adebiyi
- Dapo Abiodun
- Olusegun Adeniyi
- Saburi Adesanya
- Dami Ajayi
- Dele Mohammed, and several others
Faculties in Obafemi Awolowo University
- Faculty of Administration
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences
- Faculty of Clinical Sciences
- Faculty of Clinical Sciences
- Faculty of Dentistry
- Faculty of Environmental Design and Management
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Faculty of Sciences
- Faculty of Technology
The Ahmadu Bello University
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) is a federal government research university in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Abu was founded on 4th October 1962, as the University of Northern Nigeria. It was named after Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, the first premier of Northern Nigeria.
The University has a wide range of graduate and undergraduate programs. It has a large Medical program with its Teaching Hospital one of the largest Teaching Hospitals in Nigeria and Africa.
The university has won many awards since its establishment in 1962. In 2021, The Chinese Embassy offered 50 students in 200 level with the highest cumulative grade point Scholarship awards. in 2021 also, six students from the university won the 2021 Huawei Nigerian ICT competition.
It ranked 1st out of 111 other universities in Nigeria by the Nigerian University Commission (NUC) 2021. These qualities make ABU consistently rank in the list of the 10 best federal universities in Nigeria
Some notable Alumni of Amadu Bello University
- Adamu Adamu
- Azubuike Ihejirika
- Atiku Abubakar
- Attahiru Jega
- Adetoye Oyetola Sode
- Mohammed Mana, and many others.
Faculties in Ahmadu Bello University
- Faculty of Administration
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of
- Faculty of Physical Sciences
- Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences
- Faculty of Dentistry
- Faculty of Environmental Design
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical sciences
- Faculty of Life Sciences
- Faculty Engineering
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences.
- Faculty of Dentistry
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences
The University of Ilorin
The University of Ilorin, also known as Unilorin, is owned by the federal government and is located in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. It was established in August 1975. The university is organized into 15 faculties that offer many undergraduates and postgraduates studies covering both Arts and Sciences.
Unilorin is one of the 10 best federal universities in Nigeria because it prospers in an environment that promotes critical thinking, competitiveness, self-development, innovation, and creativity. Another wonderful thing about The University of Unilorin is that it has a very conducive learning environment that aids the teaching and learning process.
This makes Unilorin highly competitive with other federal universities. The University has several both nationally and internationally. In 2020, the university won the “Top 100 Achievements” award by the United Kingdom-based International Achievement Forum.
Some notable alumni of the university
- Femi Adebayo
- Eziekel Adebiyi
- Adekunleb Adejuyigbe
- Lasisi Elenu
- Temi Olajide
- Akin Odebunmi
- Kunle Falodun, and many others.
Faculties in Unilorin
- Faculty of Management Science
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Life Science
- Faculty of Physical Science
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
- Faculty of Communication and Information
- Faculty of Social Science
- Faculty of Basic Medical Science
- Faculty of Clinical Science
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Environmental Science
- Faculty of Law
The University of Nigeria
The University of Nigeria, also known as UNN, is a federal-owned university located at Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. UNN is the first indigenous university in Nigeria and it was modeled upon the American educational system.
It is one of the most reckoned universities in Nigeria with a total number of fifteen (15) faculties and 102 departments.
The university offers 108 undergraduate programs and 211 post-graduate programs. It is counted among the 10 best federal universities in Nigeria due to its constant dissemination of quality education to its undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The university is at the forefront of research and development innovation, knowledge transfer, and human resources development in the global academic terrain. UNN won the Tetfund award on Research and Utilization on February 2, 2022, including other prestigious awards it has been offered since its establishment.
Some notable Alumni in UNN.
- Cathy Echeozo
- Godwin Emefiele
- Asisi Asoebi
- Obiageli Ezekwesili
- Emeka Onwuka
- Charles Chukwuma Soludo
- Dora Akunyili
- Ike Ekweremadu, and several others.
Faculties in UNN
- Faculty of Arts.
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Basic Medical Science
- Faculty of Biological Science
- Faculty of Business Administration
- Faculty of Dentistry
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Environmental Studies
- Faculty of Health Science
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Physical sciences
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Faculty of Clinical Sciences
The University of Benin
The University of Benin, also known as Uniben is among the leading public research universities in Nigeria owned by the federal government. It is located in Benin City, Edo State, and was established in 1970.
Uniben Awards higher education degrees like post-doctorates degrees, doctorate’s degrees, Master’s degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. It is organized into 15 faculties that offer both Arts and Science courses in diverse areas of study.
The University of Uniben is one of the best 10 federal universities in Nigeria because it thrives in an environment that promotes creativity, self-development, unconstrained scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and competitiveness.
The university has also won uncountable awards, nationally and internationally, including the international award for Vehicle Innovation in 2021, the 2018 Huawei National Award, e.t.c.
Some Notable Alumni of Uniben
- Oladipo Agboluaje
- Fred Ajudua
- Mary Akpobome
- Gbenga Aluko
- Helen Asemota
- Johnny Drill
- Ijeoma Uchegbu, and several others.
Faculties in Uniben
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Management Sciences
- Faculty of Life Sciences
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Faculty of Physical Sciences
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Faculty of Medical Sciences
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences
- Faculty of Dentistry
- Faculty of Medicine
The University of Abuja
The University of Abuja (UofA) also known as UniAbuja is a federal university located in Abuja and was founded in 1988. It is organized into 14 faculties that offer different courses in both Arts and Science fields.
The University of Abuja is a model university in Nigeria that offers both staff and students a serene and conducive environment for living, teaching, learning, working, and research. Several awards have been offered to the university since its creation in 1998.
The school has won many awards since its creation and has continued to be among the best federal universities.
Some notable Alumni of Uniabuja
- Aisha Ahmad
- Dickson Akoh
- Osita Izunasa
- Oluwole Oke
- Olumide Idowu
- Emmanuel Omale
- Blessing Onuh
- Uzee Usman
Faculties in UniAbuja
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Management Sciences
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Clinical Sciences
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Management Science
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
- Faculty of Physical Science
The Federal University of Technology Owerri
The Federal University of Technology Owerri, also known as Futo is a federal university in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. It is currently organized into 11 faculties mostly based on technological Sciences.
The university is highly acknowledged for its versatility in the area of technological sciences. Futo is mostly recommended for Nigerians who wish to go further in technological sciences during their tertiary education.
The Federal University of Technology Owerri is among the best federal universities in Nigeria because it continues to produce students who are highly qualified in the field of technology, and also, it has one of the best conducive teaching and learning environments.
In 2019, the university won the 1st National Design Competition organized by the Nigerian Institute of Civil Engineers. It also won the award of the Best University Bursar in 2021 and several other awards.
Alumni of Futo
- Dr. Andrew Ogaga
- Uwem Ukpong
- Prof Nsubuisi
- Ekekwe
- Sir Ndukwe Osogho
Faculties in Futo
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences
- Faculty of Biological Sciences
- Faculty of Engineering and Technology
- Faculty of Electrical Systems and Engineering Technology
- Faculty of Environmental Science
- Faculty of Health Technology
- Faculty of Management Technology
- Faculty of Information and Communication Technology
- Faculty of Physical Sciences
- Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology
The University of Technology Minna
The Federal University of Technology Mina, also known as Futminna is a federal-owned university located in Minna Niger State, Nigeria. It was established on 1st February 1983. The university is organized into 10 faculties
The university ranks in the list of the 10 best federal universities in Nigeria following several awards it has been offered both in the national and international field of education. In 2012, Futminna won the national software innovation competition award organized by students in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Within the school also, students are offered some important awards such as “award for best graduating students, for best creative and best industrial students e.t.c. The university has also produced some notable Alumni.
Some notable Alumni
- Kemi Adesoye
- Arch. Dooshima Yemisi Suswan
Faculties in Futminna
- Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Technology
- Faculty of Innovative Technology
- Faculty of Infrastructure, Process Engineering, and Technology
- Faculty of Environmental Technology
- Faculty of Life Sciences
- Faculty of Physical Sciences
- Faculty of Information and Communication Technology
- Faculty of Science and Technology Education.
- Faculty of Postgraduate Studies
Best Federal Universities in Nigeria – FAQs
Is federal university better than state university?
Federal universities are equipped with more infrastructural facilities compared to state universities; auditoriums, libraries, theatres, laboratories e.t.c are well equipped and this makes the teaching-learning environment very conducive for learners.
Is federal university better than private?
Federal universities have more departments and staff with advanced degrees when compared with private universities. Also, graduates of some federal universities with good CGPA have the opportunity of being given automatic employment.
Which federal university is the cheapest in Nigeria?
- University of Calabar
- University of Abuja
- Usman Danfodio University
- National Open University
- Federal University Dutsin-Ma
- University of Port Harcourt
- Micheal Okpara University
Which university is NO. 1 in Nigeria?
The University of Ibadan is the no.1 University in Nigeria by national ranking.
Which university is the most beautiful in Nigeria?
Top 5 beautiful universities in Nigeria
- University of Lagos
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- Ahmadu Bello University
- Covenant University
- Federal University of Technology Minna
Top 5 Largest Universities in Nigeria
The University of Ilorin is the largest university in Nigeria having 15,000 hectares of land.
- University of Ilorin – 15,000 hectares
- University of Abuja – 11,824 hectares
- The Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta – 10,000 hectares
- Ahmadu Bello University – 7,000 hectares
- Obafemi Awolowo University – 5,260 hectares
Is Unilag a federal or state University?
The University of Lagos is a federal university