The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has published its detailed rankings of Nigerian universities in anticipation of the 2024 admissions period. This evaluation, as outlined in JAMB’s latest bulletin, assesses institutions based on five key criteria: the number of candidates applying to each university, the national spread of admissions, improvements in gender balance, the number of international students, and adherence to admission guidelines.
According to JAMB’s rankings, the top ten universities in Nigeria are led by the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Bayero University Kano (BUK), and the University of Benin (UNIBEN). Here is a closer look at these leading institutions:
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) – Located in Kwara State, UNILORIN was established in 1975 and has become one of the most sought-after universities in Nigeria. Known for its strong academic programs and research opportunities, UNILORIN had a significant number of applicants, with 97,351 candidates applying for the 2023/2024 academic session.
- University of Lagos (UNILAG) – Founded in 1962, UNILAG is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious universities. The Lagos-based institution is recognized for its excellence in research and community engagement. For the 2023/2024 academic year, UNILAG received 75,967 applications.
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) – Located in Awka, Anambra State, UNIZIK was named after Nigeria’s first president, Nnamdi Azikiwe. Established in 1991, UNIZIK had 58,956 applicants this year. It is known for offering a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
- Bayero University Kano (BUK) – BUK, founded in 1977, is situated in Kano State and named after the Emir of Kano, Abdullahi Bayero. It has grown into a major institution with a subscriber population of 57,150 for the 2023/2024 session. BUK provides a variety of programs across multiple disciplines.
- University of Benin (UNIBEN) – Located in Benin City, Edo State, UNIBEN has been a leading institution since 1970. Initially an Institute of Technology, it became a full university in 1971. With 55,455 applicants this year, UNIBEN is recognized for its strong academic programs and research.
In addition to these top five, the remaining five universities in the top ten are:
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ife – With 51,437 applicants.
- University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka – With 51,402 applicants.
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria – With 50,196 applicants.
- University of Ibadan (UI) – With 44,476 applicants.
- Federal University Lafia (FULAFIA) – With 38,121 applicants.
These rankings highlight JAMB’s focus on various factors such as the number of applications, the spread of admissions across Nigeria, and adherence to admission guidelines. The top-ranked universities are noted for their high application rates, wide-reaching admissions, and significant international student presence.
Additionally, JAMB has extended its reach beyond Nigeria for the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), conducting the test in several countries across Africa, Europe, and Asia. This international expansion aims to elevate the profile of Nigerian universities and align them with global educational standards.
