Nigeria’s private higher education sector is gaining fresh momentum on the global academic stage, with new data pointing to steady improvements in research output and faculty performance.
The 2026 edition of the AD Scientific Index, which tracks institutions using near real-time metrics, shows that Nigeria now has 310 universities in total, made up of 186 public universities and 124 private universities.
The system also evaluates 24 research institutions, five companies and two hospitals, reflecting the growing overlap between academia, industry and scientific research.
Despite structural challenges ranging from funding constraints to infrastructure gaps, Nigeria’s private universities are carving out a stronger presence in research-driven education.
Top 10 best private universities in Nigeria, according to latest ranking 2026
| Rank | University | Location | Year Founded | World Rank | Top 10 Scientists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Covenant University | Ota | 2002 | 221 | 16 |
| 2 | Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) | Kano | 2021 | 416 | 7 |
| 3 | Afe Babalola University | Ado-Ekiti | 2009 | 440 | 6 |
| 4 | Redeemer’s University | Ede | 2005 | 534 | 5 |
| 5 | Bowen University | Iwo | 2001 | 623 | 4 |
| 6 | Landmark University | Omu-Aran | 2011 | 638 | 3 |
| 7 | Bells University of Technology | Ota | 2005 | 919 | 2 |
| 8 | African University of Science & Technology (AUST) | Abuja | 2007 | 1,078 | 2 |
| 9 | Babcock University | Ilishan-Remo | 1959 | 1,130 | 1 |
| 10 | Augustine University Ilara Epe | Ilara | 2015 | 1,298 | 1 |
Covenant University tops Nigeria’s private rankings
At the top of the 2026 private university chart is Covenant University, founded in 2002 and located in Ota, Ogun State.
It ranks first nationally among private universities and 221st globally, with 16 scientists in the top 10 success percentile, underscoring its growing influence in engineering, technology and applied research.
Second on the list is Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) in Kano. Established in 2021, the institution ranks 416th globally, with seven scientists in the top 10 percentile, marking a rapid rise for one of Nigeria’s youngest private universities.
Other leading institutions include Afe Babalola University in Ado-Ekiti, Redeemer’s University in Ede, and Bowen University in Iwo.
These universities continue to invest heavily in postgraduate training, laboratory facilities and international research partnerships.
Specialised institutions such as Landmark University in Omu-Aran and Bells University of Technology in Ota highlight the sector’s growing focus on agriculture, engineering and applied sciences.
African University of Science & Technology (AUST) in Abuja maintains a niche in advanced scientific research, while older institutions such as Babcock University also remain relevant in the national research ecosystem.
Private universities expand Nigeria’s research footprint
The data reflects how private universities are becoming central to Nigeria’s research growth at a time when public institutions are strained by funding shortfalls and industrial actions. Many private institutions now compete for international grants, attract foreign-trained faculty and partner with global research networks.
While Morocco and Egypt still dominate continental rankings, Nigeria’s growing representation among Africa’s leading private universities signals rising competitiveness in scientific output and academic influence.
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