Top 10 Most Beautiful Campuses in Nigeria

Compiling a list of the top 10 most beautiful campuses in Nigeria was never going to be an easy task considering the vast array of universities in the country, albeit we came up with a list anyways. Whether you agree with me on this or not will now be a question of how many people are on my side on this.

That notwithstanding, that a University looks ancient in terms of the building inherent shouldn’t disqualify it from making this list, what should matter is if the architectural designs and structure of the buildings have remained intact over the years.

So, yes! you will see a quite a number of first generation universities on this list not because they necessarily have the finest buildings but because their architectural designs, landscapes and structures cannot be compared to what is obtainable in our new generation universities especially the private institutions.

There are over 90 universities in Nigeria consisting of Federal, State and Private institutions; You may want to call it a fair number considering the population of the country.

As a result of the oil boom years of the 1970s, tertiary level of education was expanded to reach every sub-region of Nigeria. The federal government and the state governments were previously the only bodies licensed to operate universities. Recently, licenses have been granted to individuals, corporate bodies and religious bodies to establish private universities in the country. At least there is one university in every state of the federation.

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Considering the huge number of universities in Nigeria especially those with beautiful campuses, it will be okay for anyone to disagree with my ‘Top 10 most beautiful campuses in Nigeria’ but like they say; beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.

Amidst the very beautiful campuses scattered across the length and breadth of the country, here are the top 10 most beautiful campuses around. Wait till you get to the list before you raise your objections;

10. UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN (U.I)

U.I is Nigeria’s premier university  and virtually the oldest University in Nigeria. It originated from Yaba College founded in 1932 in Yaba, Lagos as the first tertiary educational institute in Nigeria. Yaba College was transferred to Ibadan, becoming the University College of Ibadan, in 1948. The university was founded on its own site on 17 November 1948.  Though characterized by obsolete structures, the University campus is still a site to behold and has never stopped being one of the most beautiful and breathtaking campuses in Nigeria.

In as much that U.I might not have deserved topmost position on our list, it would be a sin not to have it on our top 10 list of most beautiful campuses in Nigeria.

9. GOMBE STATE UNIVERSITY

But for its breathtaking landscape and beautiful environment, Gombe State University would not have made my list of 10 most beautiful campuses in Nigeria. So, let’s give it to this University in one of the most silent states in North-east Nigeria for placing 9th on this list; rubbing shoulders with the big guns.

Gombe State University is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities and was established in the year 2004 and is one of the few new generation universities on our list.

8. FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, ABEOKUTA (FUNAAB)

FUNAAB is the pearl of Ogun state and gives that part of South-West region of Nigeria a bit of repute. Asides being number 8 on this list, FUNAAB is the most beautiful Federal University of Agriculture in the country.

The University was established on 1 January 1988 by the Federal Government when four universities of technology, earlier merged in 1984, were de-merged. This led to the creation of the first two universities of agriculture in Abeokuta and Makurdi.

7. LANDMARK UNIVERSITY, KWARA STATE

Landmark University (LMU) is located in Omu-Aran, Kwara State in Nigeria. It is a Private Christian University and was founded by Dr. David Oyedepo.

Landmark University was established by Living Faith Church Worldwide on March 21, 2011 as the second university owned by the church. The purpose of the establishment as stated by the chancellor is towards the realization of the Agrarian revolution. According to the Chancellor, Dr. David Oyedepo, the name “Landmark” was gotten based on inspiration on how the school is to operate. This is also evident in the motto of the school, which is “Breaking new grounds”.

6. UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT, CHAOBA

The University of Port Harcourt is a university in the Nigerian city of Port Harcourt in Rivers state. It is in fact the only South-south University on this list. University of Port Harcourt was established in 1975 as University College, Port Harcourt, and was given university status in 1977. If you don’t want to leave the south-south region of the country and yet want to attend a reputable university, then UNIPORT should be your destination.

 

5. UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS

This university probably houses the most beautiful girls you can find in a Nigerian University. Some people call it ‘Federal University of swag’ others call it ‘University toh badt’, I call it the raw deal. University of Lagos is the most sought after higher institution in Nigeria not because of the beauties inherent there or the somewhat breathtaking structures but because it is situated in  the centre of excellence – LASGIDI–the city where dreams come true.

Unilag has the best of everything you can imagine!

University of Lagos (UNILAG), an institution once rumoured to be renamed after the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election annulled by the then Military Government of Nigeria, Moshood Abiola University, Lagos (MAULAG), (the controversial name Ex-President Jonathan was going to rename UNILAG before he rescinded his decision after facing widespread criticism) is situated in Akoka, jewel of Yaba which is considered the 10th hottest location in Lagos. Unilag’s senate house is one of the best architectural pieces you can find in any Nigerian University, making it one of the best university in Nigeria.

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4. AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA.

ABU, is the pearl of the north and the best university in that part of the country. ABU – the oldest University in Northern Nigeria is named after the Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Sir Ahmadu Bello, the first premier of Northern Nigeria who was killed in 1966 in an Igbo-led coup consequent of his slanderous actions and inactions against the Ibos. The University has one of the finest collections of north’s bests.

If you want to see pretty hijab wearing Hausa and Fulani ladies then ABU is your destination.

The university has a large medical program with its own A.B.U. Teaching Hospital, one of the largest hospitals in Nigeria. Also, I’ll bet ABU is the biggest University in Nigeria.

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3 . UNIVERSITY OF BENIN, BENIN CITY

Okay, I didn’t give this famous institution the number one spot only because the people who know me so well will cry blue murder!

UNIBEN has always been an all-rounder and its magnificent structure is just one of its many astounding attributes. In fact Uniben most probably has the best gate house in Nigeria amongst our tertiary institutions.

The University buildings from the entrance to the campus and hostel are a class act and one of the finest ever.  In 1985, Grace Alele-Williams made history as the first Nigerian woman to become the head (vice-chancellor) of a Nigerian university. She was the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin till 1991.

Uniben only bane is cultism.

2. COVENANT UNIVERSITY, OTA

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Covenant University is arguably the best private university with the most beautiful campus in Nigeria. This is the third privately owned university on our list and the second university owned  Pastor David Oyedepo led Living Faith Church Worldwide to make this list. Located in Ota, Ogun state, the university beats FUNAAB hands down as the most beautiful higher institution in Ogun state.

The University was established in 2002 as a Private Christian University and a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities. In January 2015, it was ranked as the best university in Nigeria according to Webometrics.

1.OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY ILE-IFE

Formerly called University of Ife, OAU is the best University in Nigeria, in terms of awe-gaping and historic structures. There are so many amazing structures in Ife that you would wonder if it is a University for just civil Engineers, Architects and Estate surveyors.

‘Oba awon Universities’ like the students of the institution prefer to call it, is no doubt the most beautiful Nigerian university ever. Now I’m saying that categorically because if you’ve had any prior objections on the previous ones on my list I believe there can never be any objections on this one except you have a personal vendetta for Ife.

Oba awon University is definitely the King of all Nigerian universities and also stands tall in Africa. OAU rivals are not even in the country so why should anyone raise an eyebrow that it came tops on our list.

The University was named after a Nigerian legend and a person who many believe is the best Nigerian President there never was, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, on 12 May 1987 . The man who has his image crested on the 100 naira note was the first premier of the western region.

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun state, the brain child of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo is situated in a place that is widely believed to be the origin of the Yoruba people; the dwelling place of Oduduwa.

Oba awon University is probably the best thing to ever happen to Osun state.

So that’s my list of the top 10 finest Nigerian Universities ever (top 10 most beautiful campuses in Nigeria)

I expect a standing ovation for OBA AWON UNIVERSITY!!!

Oya, who’s in the hood that thinks otherwise?

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