Top 20 Universities In Nigeria 2025: Accredited By The National Universities Commission (Nuc)

With over 200 universities in Nigeria today, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. However, the National Universities Commission (NUC) regularly accredits institutions that meet national standards for teaching, research, infrastructure, and governance.

In this 2025 guide, we present the Top 20 NUC-accredited universities in Nigeria, covering federal, state, and private categories. These universities stand out for their academic performance, global rankings, innovation, and student satisfaction.

Top 20 NUC-Accredited Universities in Nigeria (2025)

Below is the official list of top-performing universities across Nigeria, based on academic reputation, accreditation, graduate employability, and research strength.

1. University of Ibadan (UI)

• Type: Federal

• Location: Ibadan, Oyo State

• Highlights:

  • Nigeria’s first university

  • Known for research, medicine, arts, and social sciences

  • Strong global academic partnerships

2. University of Lagos (UNILAG)

• Type: Federal

• Location: Akoka, Lagos

• Highlights:

  • Center of academic excellence in commerce, law, and engineering

  • Highly urban and competitive

3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

• Type: Federal

• Location: Ile-Ife, Osun State

• Highlights:

  • Historically strong in engineering, law, and humanities

  • Well-equipped academic and ICT infrastructure

4. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)

• Type: Federal

• Location: Zaria, Kaduna State

• Highlights:

  • One of the largest in West Africa

  • Great for agriculture, medicine, and education studies

5. Covenant University

• Type: Private

• Location: Ota, Ogun State

• Highlights:

  • Top-ranked private university

  • Leading in tech, business, and innovation

6. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

• Type: Federal

• Location: Enugu State

• Highlights:

  • Great for arts, sciences, and medical programs

  • Home of Nigeria’s first indigenous university model

7. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)

• Type: Federal

• Location: Ondo State

• Highlights:

  • STEM-focused curriculum

  • Strong partnerships with international tech institutions

8. Bayero University, Kano (BUK)

• Type: Federal

• Location: Kano State

• Highlights:

  • Leading university in Northern Nigeria

  • Excellent in Islamic studies, medicine, and environmental sciences

9. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)

• Type: Federal

• Location: Kwara State

• Highlights:

  • Famous for academic calendar stability (few/no strikes)

  • Good for law, sciences, and social sciences

10. Lagos State University (LASU)

• Type: State

• Location: Lagos State

• Highlights:

  • Leading state-owned university

  • Known for law, education, and social sciences

11. University of Benin (UNIBEN)

• Type: Federal

• Location: Edo State

• Highlights:

  • Strong research institution

  • Popular for medicine, engineering, and management

12. Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE)

• Type: Federal (Specialized)

• Location: Delta State

• Highlights:

  • Specialized in oil and gas-related engineering

  • High employability rate in the energy sector

13. Landmark University

• Type: Private

• Location: Kwara State

• Highlights:

  • Agritech-focused private university

  • Excellent academic structure and mentorship programs

14. University of Calabar (UNICAL)

• Type: Federal

• Location: Cross River State

• Highlights:

  • Strong in arts, law, and biological sciences

  • Historic student activism and diverse culture

15. Nile University of Nigeria

• Type: Private

• Location: Abuja

• Highlights:

  • International-standard learning environment

  • Tech-focused with quality academic facilities

16. Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI)

• Type: Federal

• Location: Ebonyi State

• Highlights:

  • Fast-rising university with strong development focus

  • Popular for science, arts, and management programs

17. Babcock University

• Type: Private

• Location: Ogun State

• Highlights:

  • Health sciences and management excellence

  • Home to Nigeria’s first private university hospital

18. Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)

• Type: Federal

• Location: Ekiti State

• Highlights:

  • One of the best new-generation federal universities

  • Offers diverse, accredited programs

19. University of Jos (UNIJOS)

• Type: Federal

• Location: Plateau State

• Highlights:

  • Strong presence in arts, education, and law

  • Culturally rich and student-friendly campus

20. Rivers State University (RSU)

• Type: State

• Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers State

• Highlights:

  • Oil and gas engineering focus

  • Practical training and coastal research strength

Summary Table: Top 20 NUC-Accredited Universities

What Makes a University NUC-Approved?

• Fully accredited academic programs

• Qualified teaching staff

• Adequate infrastructure (labs, libraries, ICT)

• Strong administrative systems

• Compliance with national quality assurance standards

How to Choose the Right University for You

1. Course Accreditation: Confirm the course you want is NUC-approved.

2. Faculty Strength: Look at staff qualifications and department reputation.

3. Research Opportunities: Does the school support your field of interest?

4. Location: Proximity, climate, and student lifestyle matter.

5. Academic Stability: Consider schools with fewer strikes (e.g., UNILORIN).

6. Affordability: Consider tuition costs, especially for private and state universities.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a UTME candidate, Direct Entry student, or international applicant, these Top 20 NUC-accredited universities in Nigeria (2025) offer great choices for a high-quality education.

Choosing from this list increases your chances of getting a recognized degree, job opportunities, and a vibrant academic experience.