Nigeria’s tertiary education system has seen tremendous development in recent years. With changes over the years, it’s no longer enough for parents and students to take for granted simply enrolling at any university. Now more than ever, selecting a university above many others in Nigeria to attend is what will ultimately make all the difference.
Admission into a university is one of the most important phases in anyone’s academic career.
It has a direct impact on the student’s future, coining his or her destiny.
In this article, I will be talking about the most highly sought-after universities in Nigeria, and that have the capacity to give you value for your tuition and other learning expenses.
Let’s get right into it.
TOP 10 INSTITUTIONS – ALL UNIVERSITIES – FIRST CHOICE
| RANK | INSTITUTIONS | TOTAL NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS (YEARLY) |
| 1 | University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State | 103,582 |
| 2 | Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria | 82,984 |
| 3 | University of Lagos, Lagos State | 74,800 |
| 4 | Bayero University, Kano, Kano State | 70,376 |
| 5 | University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State | 68,971 |
| 6 | University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State | 68,805 |
| 7 | University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State | 62,606 |
| 8 | Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife, Osun State | 58,914 |
| 9 | Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State | 58,292 |
| 10 | University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State | 57,318 |
TOP 10 INSTITUTIONS – ALL POLYTECHNICS – FIRST CHOICE
| RANK | INSTITUTIONS | TOTAL NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS (YEARLY) |
| 1 | Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna, Kaduna State | 5,014 |
| 2 | Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State | 3,469 |
| 3 | Federal Polytechnic, Haro, Ogun State | 3,293 |
| 4 | Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri, Borno State | 2,758 |
| 5 | Yaba College Of Technology, Yaba, Lagos State | 2,601 |
| 6 | Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Kwara State | 2,543 |
| 7 | Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, Kaduna State | 2,032 |
| 8 | Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State | 2,004 |
| 9 | Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Imo State | 1,895 |
| 10 | The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State | 1,836 |
TOP 10 INSTITUTIONS – ALL COLLEGES OF EDUCATION – FIRST CHOICE
| RANK | INSTITUTIONS | TOTAL NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS (YEARLY) |
| 1 | Federal College of Education, Zaria, Kaduna State | 4,370 |
| 2 | Kaduna State College of Education, Cidan-Waya, Kafanchan, Kaduna State | 3,707 |
| 3 | Saadatu Rimi College of Education, Kumbotso, Kano State | 2,999 |
| 4 | Federal College of Education, Kano, Kano State | 2,451 |
| 5 | Federal College of Education (Tech.), Combe, Combe State | 2,239 |
| 6 | College of Education, Katanga, Nasarawa State | 2,093 |
| 7 | Federal College of Education, Katsina, Katsina State | 2,057 |
| 8 | Federal College of Education (Tech.), Potiskum, Yobe State | 1,945 |
| 9 | Isa Kaita College of Education, Dutsinma, Katsina State | 1,783 |
| 10 | FCT College of Education, Zuba, Abuja | 1,189 |
These are the most sought-after universities in Nigeria, including polytechnics and colleges of education. If you want to attend any university, polytechnic, or college of education, you might want to consider these institutions
The Top Two: Unilorin and Unilag
Leading the pack is the University of Ilorin, attracting the highest number of applicants for the 2023 UTME. It is followed closely by the University of Lagos, cementing its position as one of the premier educational institutions in Nigeria.
The Best of the Rest
Lagos State University secured the third position in this sought-after list, with Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, taking fourth place. The recognition of these institutions is a testament to their commitment to providing quality education in Nigeria.
Top 10 List: Variety and Diversity
The remainder of the top 10 includes a diverse range of institutions across the country. The University of Benin, University of Nigeria, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, the Nigerian Defence Academy, and the University of Ibadan all made the cut. These institutions have consistently attracted a significant number of applicants, demonstrating their popularity among prospective students.
A Significant Recognition
Being among the top 10 most sought-after universities is a significant achievement. It shows the level of trust and confidence that prospective students and their parents have in these institutions. These universities have shown over time that they can deliver on their promises of high-quality education, solid academic reputation, and a conducive learning environment.
Implications and Expectations
The rankings could influence the decisions of prospective students in subsequent application years, further increasing the competition for admission into these institutions. The listed universities, in turn, will need to continue investing in their infrastructure, faculties and learning resources to meet these increasing demands and maintain their positions as top-choice institutions.
To conclude, as the struggle for quality tertiary education in Nigeria continues, it is clear that these top 10 institutions are at the forefront. They provide a beacon of hope for a brighter future for Nigerian students and set the benchmark for educational excellence in the country.
