Especially when it comes to university degrees, Nigerians are enthralled by the prospect of obtaining one. It is possible that this fascination is not based on the pursuit of high-quality education, but rather on the desire to be able to say that one has graduated and is on the way to finding employment. Increasing numbers of prospective undergraduates (Jambites) enroll at UC Berkeley with each passing year. All of us have high expectations of being accepted into one of the country’s many universities. Yes, this explosion has given the impression that all Nigerian universities are in high demand, but there are some that are in extremely high demand as a result of this explosion.
Some candidates are no longer concerned with the rankings of these institutions or how good these universities are; instead, they opt for universities that are in lower demand, while others are adamant about their selection of the best universities available.
A new record was set in 2015 when 1.7 million candidates registered for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations in Nigeria. For the period 2012 to 2016, the Nigerian Joint Admission and Matriculations Board (JAMB) published a list of Nigerian universities with the highest number of applicants. According to the JAMB, no information was made available for 2015 or 2017, respectively.
2012 was the most sought-after year for admission to the University of Benin. In 2013, the University of Ilorin, on the other hand, surpassed it. With a total of 411,340 applicants between 2012 and 2016, UNIILORIN has become the most sought-after Nigerian university in recent years. For the first time in four years, UNIBEN recorded a total of 331 178, which was the second highest total. UNN and UNILAG are the two organizations that follow UNIBEN in the order of precedence.
Aside from being the only state university to make the list, Imo State University was also the only one to appear twice, first in 2012 at 9th place with 55,834 applicants and then again in 2013 at 8th place with 45,169 applicants.
Here is the most recent list of the top ten most desirable universities in Nigeria, which was published in 2022.
10. University of Jos, Jos – 40,366
This University was established in November 1971. It first started as a satellite campus of the University of Ibadan. Its doors were open to the first set of students in January 1972 to run a pre-degree course. In October 1973, the first bachelor of arts degree was launched. However, the ruling military government under General Murtala Mohammed established the UniJos as a separate institution in October 1975.
9. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife – 45,924
Founded in October 1961, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) is owned and operated by the Federal Government and the university is situated in the ancient city of Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. It was initially named University of Ife but changed to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) on the 12th of May 1987 in honour of Chief Obafemi Awolowo (1909–1987), who was the first premier of the Western Region of Nigeria.
8. University of Ibadan, Ibadan – 59,176
Popularly known as Unibadan or UI, this is the oldest university in Nigeria founded in 1932 in Yaba, Lagos. Actually, the university started off as Yaba College but moved on to itsown site on 17 November 1948. It is now located five miles which is 8 kilometres from the centre of the main city of Ibadan.
7. University of Lagos, Lagos – 60,659
One of the most prestigious Universities in Nigeria is the “University of Lagos.” It was established with the aim of creating an institution of higher learning in which Nigerians can be highly trained to meet up with the demands of the labour market in the country. It was commissioned in in 1962.
6. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka – 61,862
The universities on this list are some of the top Federal Universities in Nigeria which have churned out millions of graduates over the years. Becuase of the perceived quality of these institutions, their demand by potential college students can be overwhelming.
5. Bayero University, Kano – 64,220
Popularly known as “BUK,” Bayero University, Kano was founded in 1977. Its campus is situated in Kano State in Nigeria. The name of the university was initially known as “The University College” before it was upgraded to its current status.
4. University of Nigeria, Nsukka – 65,954
Commonly referred to as UNN, the University of Nigeriawas founded by the late Nnamdi Azikiwe. It is located in Nsukka, Enugu State and officially started on the 7th of October 1960.
3. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria – 75,383
ABU for short is a Federal Government university that is mainly research-based. The university was founded on October 4, 1962, in Zaria, Kaduna State as the University of Northern Nigeria. It has Samaru (main) and Kongo as its two major campuses.
2. University of Benin, Benin – 81,363
The University of Benin was commissioned to a full-fledged university by the “National Universities Commission (NUC),” on 1 July 1971. Before the commissioning, it was commenced as the Institute of Technology in 1970.
1. University of Ilorin, Ilorin – 103,238
The University of Ilorin started out as a college which was affiliated with the oldest university in Nigeria, University of Ibadan, in 1975. The then principal was Dr. T.N. Tamuno who facilitated the enrollment of the first 200 students into the school following an entrance examination. The college started off with tree academic courses including; Art, Education and Science.
In conclusion, because of the prestige and importance associated with the acquisition of a higher degree, the number of candidates seeking to gain admission into universities is on the rise from year to year. Though the institutions available can’t comfortably accommodate new secondary school graduates all at once, students are willing to settle for university choices they believe are of a lesser demand. Nevertheless, given the population of the teeming Nigerian graduates such a strategy might be of little significance. Nevertheless, it is worth the shot to acquire that coveted degree. From the list above you can make an informed choice when filling for the school, you would like to enrol in.