In this article, we’ll explore a list of Nigerian universities boasting the highest percentage of full professors. Are you curious about which Nigerian universities rank in the top ten for full professors? If so, this article is for you! Keep reading to find out.
Ranking by Percentage of Full Professors (Top 10)
- Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto
Clinching the top spot for the highest percentage of full professors in Nigeria, UDUS is a public research university established in 1975. Located in Sokoto, northwestern Nigeria, the university boasts a rich history, being named after the founder of the Sokoto Caliphate, Usman dan Fodio. Its motto, “ikraa,” translates to “Read,” emphasizing the importance of scholarship.
UDUS offers a comprehensive range of academic programs across various faculties, including Agriculture, Arts, Arabic and Islamic Studies, Education, Engineering, Law, Life Sciences, Social Sciences, and Medicine (including Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy). Notably, the university operates a teaching hospital alongside its academic programs.
- Obafemi Awolowo University
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), established in 1961, is a prominent federal university located in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Originally named the University of Ife, it was renamed after Obafemi Awolowo, the first premier of the Western Region, who championed its creation.
OAU boasts a rich academic landscape with 13 faculties and two colleges offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. These include humanities, arts, sciences, social sciences, medicine, engineering, and technology. The university also partners with the Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) to provide A-Level programs for students seeking direct entry.
Beyond academics, OAU provides a well-equipped learning environment. The Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library offers a vast collection of resources with online access and computerization for efficient use. The university also boasts a well-developed Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure, ensuring campus-wide internet connectivity.
- University of Ibadan
Taking the third spot for the highest percentage of full professors (29.04%), the University of Ibadan (UI) boasts a long and prestigious history. Established in 1948 as University College Ibadan, UI was initially affiliated with the University of London. It gained independence in 1962, becoming Nigeria’s oldest degree-awarding institution.
UI is a public research university, actively contributing to Nigeria’s development through its strong network of graduates in various fields like politics, industry, economics, and culture. While the details above don’t mention the specific faculties or programs, UI’s ranking indicates a faculty with a significant concentration of highly qualified professors.
- Federal University of Technology, Akure
The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), established in 1981, secures the fourth position with a 27.28% concentration of full professors. Founded by the Nigerian government to focus on practical and theoretical technology education, FUTA has grown into a respected institution.
FUTA prioritizes “Technology for Self Reliance” through its academic programs. While the specific details aren’t provided here, the university likely offers programs in engineering, sciences, agriculture, and related fields.
The university fosters collaboration between faculty, researchers, and students through dedicated research teams. These teams delve into various disciplines like engineering, agriculture, health sciences, and social sciences, contributing to advancements in their respective areas.
FUTA’s strong showing in the full professor ranking, coupled with its research focus, suggests a faculty dedicated to both education and pushing the boundaries of knowledge.
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
Rounding out the top five is the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), with a 27.25% concentration of full professors. Established in 1988, FUNAAB is a public research university focused on agricultural development.
FUNAAB’s motto, “Knowledge for Development,” reflects its commitment to using education to advance the agricultural sector. The university offers studies in agriculture, sciences, and related fields that contribute to a strong foundation in food production and sustainability.
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
Claiming the sixth spot with a 27.20% concentration of full professors, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) is a well-established university in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. Founded in 1990, LAUTECH has grown into a prominent institution with over 30,000 students.
LAUTECH’s motto, “Excellence, Integrity and Service,” underscores its commitment to academic quality and ethical conduct. The university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across seven faculties and a college. These programs encompass a variety of fields, including pure and applied sciences, medicine, agriculture, engineering and technology, and environmental science.
LAUTECH boasts a record of excellence. Notably, it was recognized as the best state university in Nigeria for two consecutive years (2003 and 2004) by the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC). Furthermore, in the recent World Universities ranking by Webometrics, LAUTECH secured the top spot among Universities of Technology in Nigeria and ranked seventh among all Nigerian universities.
- University of Abuja
The University of Abuja (UniAbuja) secures the seventh position with a 25.53% concentration of full professors. Established in 1988, UniAbuja is a public university located in the Nigerian capital city, Abuja. It operates as a “dual-mode” university, offering both conventional on-campus programs and distance learning options for flexible education.
UniAbuja’s motto, “For Unity and Scholarship,” reflects its commitment to both national unity and academic excellence. The university offers a broad range of disciplines to cater to a diverse student body.
- Ekiti State University
Ekiti State University (EKSU), formerly known by various names including Obafemi Awolowo University, Ado-Ekiti, takes the eighth spot with a 25.47% concentration of full professors. Established in 1982, EKSU is a state-owned university situated in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Interestingly, EKSU holds the record for the most name changes in Nigeria’s university system, having been known as Obafemi Awolowo University, Ondo State University, and University of Ado-Ekiti before its current name. The university is also a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, indicating international recognition.
- Godfrey Okoye University
Godfrey Okoye University (GOU), established in 2009, holds the ninth position with a 23.46% concentration of full professors. Notably, GOU is the first Catholic University in Africa to be owned by a Catholic Diocese.
Located in Enugu, Nigeria, GOU’s mission centers on providing quality education that fosters strong personal development and promotes dialogue between religion and knowledge. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields through its faculties of Arts, Education, Law, Natural & Applied Sciences, and Management & Social Sciences.
Beyond its curriculum, GOU actively cultivates international collaborations for research and student education. The write-up mentions partnerships with universities like Birmingham City University and Bowie State University, alongside organizations like UNESCO and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. These collaborations potentially provide valuable international exposure for students and faculty.
- University of Benin
Rounding out the top ten is the University of Benin (UNIBEN) with a 23.26% concentration of full professors. Established in 1970, UNIBEN is a public research university owned by the Federal Government of Nigeria and located in Benin City, Edo State.
UNIBEN operates across two campuses and boasts fifteen faculties encompassing a diverse range of academic disciplines. UNIBEN’s inclusion in the top ten with a noteworthy percentage of full professors suggests a well-established faculty offering a comprehensive range of educational programs.