Nigeria’s best 10 private universities by AD Scientific Index 2026 rankings

As competition intensifies in Nigeria’s higher education sector, the 2026 AD Scientific Index ranking provides a data-driven look at the private universities excelling in research productivity and scholarly influence.

With more than 159 accredited and over 53 percent of all university ownership, private universities dominate the higher education sector in Nigeria.

Experts believe that the growth of the Ivory Towers in the country is driven by private investment, improved infrastructure, and a focus on science and technology. Hence, some Nigerian private universities are gaining recognition globally.

According to the AD Scientific Index 2026, which ranks institutions based on H-index, citations, and research impact, several Nigerian private universities have secured top positions.

Here are the 2026 best 10 ranked private universities in Nigeria according to the AD Scientific Index.

Covenant University

Covenant University is a faith-based private institution founded in 2002 by the Living Faith (Winners) Church, located in Ota, Ogun State.

The university is one of the country’s best ranked institutions by global organisations such Times Higher Education (THE) rankings, and QS Global University ranking.

Covenant University is renowned for its focus on research, innovation, and leadership development.

According to the AD Scientific Index 2026, Covenant University ranks 1,857 in the world, 36 in Africa, and third in Nigeria.

Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)

Afe Babalola University, founded in 2009, is named after its founder, Afe Babalola, a legal luminary and is located in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Since commencement, the university has made inroads in the academic space, with emphasis on excellence and infrastructure development. The university operates across multiple colleges, including law, medicine, and engineering.

According to the AD Scientific Index report, ABUAD ranks 2,631 in the world, 112 in Africa, and 18 in Nigeria.

Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN)

Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria was established in 2021 and is located in Kano.

It is one of the private tertiary institutions in Northern Nigeria, and it is known for focusing on global-standard education, with programmes in law, business, social sciences, and health.

According to the AD Scientific Index, MAAUN is ranked 2,948 globally, 131 in Africa, and 19 in Nigeria.

Redeemer’s University of Nigeria (RUN)

Redeemer’s University is a faith-based institution founded in 2005 by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, and it is located in Ede, Osun State.

The university is known for its focus on research, particularly in science and public health, as well as its structured academic environment.

RUN is ranked 3,007 in the world, 136 in Africa, and 20 in Nigeria, according to the index.

Bowen University

Bowen University, founded in 2001 by the Nigerian Baptist Convention, is located in Iwo, Osun State.

The faith-based university combines academic learning with strong moral and religious values, offering programmes across various disciplines.

Bowen ranks 3,070 globally, 140 in Africa, and 21 in Nigeria.

Landmark University

Landmark University was established in 2011, and it is located in Omu-Aran, Kwara State.

Landmark University has more focus on agriculture, science, and technology, with a mission to drive food security and innovation in Nigeria.

It ranks 3,121 in the world, 143 in Africa, and 22 in Nigeria.

Babcock University

Babcock University is a faith-based institution owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, established in 1959, and it is located in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.

Babcock offers programmes across medicine, law, and social sciences, with a strong emphasis on discipline and academic structure.

The university ranks 3,605 globally, 180 in Africa, and 31 in Nigeria.

African University of Science and Technology (AUST)

The African University of Science and Technology was established in 2007 and is located in Abuja.

AUST has its focus mainly on postgraduate education in science, engineering, and technology, with a strong research orientation.

The university ranks 4,177 in the world, 205 in Africa, and 38 in Nigeria.

Bells University of Technology

Bells University of Technology was established in 2005 by Olusegun Obasanjo, former president of Nigeria, and it is located in Ota, Ogun State.

Bell University specialises in engineering, environmental sciences, and technology-driven programmes.

It ranks 4,690 globally, 234 in Africa, and 46 in Nigeria.

Augustine University

Augustine University is a faith-based institution located in Ilara, Epe, Lagos State, and was founded in 2015.

Augustine University offers programmes in humanities, sciences, and management, with a focus on character development and academic discipline.

It ranks 4,967 in the world, 258 in Africa, and 54 in Nigeria.