Looking for the top 10 best universities in Nigeria and their fees in 2025? You're not alone. Every year, millions of Nigerian students and parents search for the best institutions that provide quality education, affordable tuition, international recognition, and career opportunities after graduation.
This article gives you a full breakdown of the best universities in Nigeria in 2025, their tuition fees, academic strengths, global rankings, and what makes each one unique.
Whether you're a JAMB candidate, a transfer student, or just comparing your options, this guide has everything you need to know.
What Makes a University the Best in Nigeria?
Before we look at the top 10, let’s understand how a university earns the title of "best" in Nigeria:
Academic excellence and WAEC/NECO/UTME performance
Graduate employability in local and international job markets
Affordable tuition and value for money
Infrastructure and campus development
Research and innovation output
International collaborations and global rankings
Strong faculties across disciplines
Student satisfaction and alumni success
These are the key factors used to rank the top universities in Nigeria for 2025.
Top 10 Best Universities in Nigeria and Their Fees (2025)
Here’s a comprehensive list of the top 10 best universities in Nigeria in 2025 and their estimated tuition fees for undergraduate students.
1. University of Ibadan (UI)
Location: Ibadan, Oyo State
Ownership: Federal
Tuition Fees: ₦40,000 – ₦150,000/year
Ranking: 1st in Nigeria, Top 10 in Africa
The University of Ibadan remains the number one university in Nigeria in 2025. Established in 1948, UI is the oldest and most prestigious university in the country. It offers top-rated courses in medicine, law, science, arts, and engineering.
UI is affordable yet academically rigorous, with over 100,000 applicants yearly. It has the highest research output and a very competitive admission process.
2. Covenant University
Location: Ota, Ogun State
Ownership: Private
Tuition Fees: ₦1.2 million – ₦2.5 million/year
Ranking: 2nd in Nigeria, Top 500 Globally
Covenant University is the best private university in Nigeria in 2025. It offers a strong academic structure blended with leadership training and entrepreneurship.
The school runs a strict code of conduct, highly rated engineering and ICT programs, and has world-class facilities. Its tuition is higher but considered worth it due to excellent graduate outcomes.
3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Location: Ile-Ife, Osun State
Ownership: Federal
Tuition Fees: ₦35,000 – ₦120,000/year
Ranking: 3rd in Nigeria
Popularly known as OAU, this university is famous for its architectural beauty, academic traditions, and quality teaching. It offers highly rated courses in law, engineering, medicine, and arts.
OAU is one of the best universities in Nigeria with low tuition and a large alumni base.
4. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
Location: Akoka, Lagos
Ownership: Federal
Tuition Fees: ₦55,000 – ₦130,000/year
Ranking: 4th in Nigeria
UNILAG is one of the most popular federal universities in Nigeria. It combines academic excellence with vibrant student life in Lagos.
It’s known for its law, business, and creative arts faculties. With its location in Nigeria’s commercial capital, UNILAG students have direct access to internships, media, and tech opportunities.
5. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
Location: Zaria, Kaduna State
Ownership: Federal
Tuition Fees: ₦25,000 – ₦100,000/year
Ranking: 5th in Nigeria
ABU is the best university in Northern Nigeria. It has a massive student population and offers diverse programs, from agriculture and engineering to medicine and education.
ABU’s low fees, strong academic history, and cultural diversity make it one of Nigeria’s best.
6. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
Location: Nsukka, Enugu State
Ownership: Federal
Tuition Fees: ₦40,000 – ₦95,000/year
Ranking: 6th in Nigeria
Founded by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, UNN remains one of the most respected universities in Nigeria. Its law, pharmacy, and engineering faculties are among the best in West Africa.
UNN is academically competitive and produces some of the best professionals in the country.
7. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
Location: Akure, Ondo State
Ownership: Federal
Tuition Fees: ₦40,000 – ₦80,000/year
Ranking: 7th in Nigeria
FUTA specializes in science, technology, and engineering programs. It is widely regarded as one of the best technical universities in Nigeria in 2025.
Students are trained in practical innovation, and the campus is equipped with labs and research facilities.
8. Babcock University
Location: Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State
Ownership: Private (Christian Mission)
Tuition Fees: ₦700,000 – ₦2.2 million/year
Ranking: 8th in Nigeria
Babcock University is a leading private institution known for high discipline, structured academic calendar, and excellence in medicine, law, and social sciences.
Although it’s one of the more expensive universities, parents trust Babcock for quality education, safety, and spiritual development.
9. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
Location: Ilorin, Kwara State
Ownership: Federal
Tuition Fees: ₦30,000 – ₦70,000/year
Ranking: 9th in Nigeria
UNILORIN is one of the most stable federal universities in Nigeria. It rarely goes on strike and has an uninterrupted academic calendar.
It offers top-notch education in science, humanities, and health sciences, and its affordability attracts students from all regions.
10. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)
Location: Ogbomoso, Oyo State
Ownership: State (Oyo State)
Tuition Fees: ₦140,000 – ₦250,000/year
Ranking: 10th in Nigeria
LAUTECH is a top state university in Nigeria and one of the best for engineering and medical sciences. Despite funding challenges in the past, it remains competitive in 2025.
LAUTECH graduates are respected in the tech, science, and medical industries.
Summary Table: Top 10 Best Universities in Nigeria and Their Fees (2025)
| University Name | Location | Ownership | Tuition Fees (₦) | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Ibadan | Ibadan | Federal | ₦40k – ₦150k | 1st |
| Covenant University | Ota | Private | ₦1.2m – ₦2.5m | 2nd |
| OAU | Ile-Ife | Federal | ₦35k – ₦120k | 3rd |
| UNILAG | Lagos | Federal | ₦55k – ₦130k | 4th |
| ABU Zaria | Zaria | Federal | ₦25k – ₦100k | 5th |
| UNN | Nsukka | Federal | ₦40k – ₦95k | 6th |
| FUTA | Akure | Federal | ₦40k – ₦80k | 7th |
| Babcock University | Ogun | Private | ₦700k – ₦2.2m | 8th |
| UNILORIN | Ilorin | Federal | ₦30k – ₦70k | 9th |
| LAUTECH | Ogbomoso | State | ₦140k – ₦250k | 10th |
Why These Are the Best Universities in Nigeria
They produce top WAEC and JAMB performers
High graduate employability in banks, tech, medicine, and government
Global collaborations with universities in the U.S., UK, and Canada
Consistent academic calendars and quality teaching
Affordable tuition in relation to educational value
FAQs – Top 10 Best Universities in Nigeria and Their Fees 2025
Which is the best university in Nigeria in 2025?
The University of Ibadan is currently the best university in Nigeria, based on research output, academic quality, and rankings.
Which private university is best in Nigeria?
Covenant University ranks as the best private university in Nigeria in 2025.
How much are tuition fees in Nigerian universities?
Fees range from ₦25,000 to ₦2.5 million per year, depending on the school and ownership.
Are federal universities cheaper than private ones?
Yes. Federal universities are subsidized by the government and are generally more affordable.
Which university has the best engineering program in Nigeria?
FUTA, OAU, and LAUTECH are widely recognized for their engineering excellence.
Final Thoughts: Top 10 Best Universities in Nigeria and Their Fees (2025)
Choosing the right university is a major step toward future success. The top 10 best universities in Nigeria in 2025 combine academic strength, global relevance, and affordability.
Whether you want to study medicine, engineering, law, or social sciences, these universities provide the foundation for a successful career — both locally and internationally.
Invest wisely in education. Choose from Nigeria’s best and give yourself the competitive edge that top graduates enjoy.