As competition in Nigeria's higher education sector intensifies, the 2026 AD Scientific Index Rankings provides a data-driven look at private universities that excel in research productivity and scholarly impact.
With over 159 accredited and over 53 percent of all universities owned, private universities dominate the higher education sector in Nigeria.
Experts believe that the growth of ivory towers in the country is driven by private investment, better infrastructure and a focus on science and technology. Therefore, 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 best 10 ranked private universities in Nigeria 2026 according to the AD Scientific Index.
Covenant University
Covenant University is a faith-based private institution established in 2002 by the Living Faith (WINNER) Church based in Ota, Ogun State.
The university is among the best ranked institutions in the country by global organizations such as Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings and QS Global University Rankings.
Covenant University is renowned for its focus on research, innovation and leadership development.
According to the AD Scientific Index 2026, Covenant University is ranked 1,857th in the world, 36th in Africa and 3rd in Nigeria.
Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)
Afe Babalola University, established in 2009, is named after its founder, Afe Babalola, a legal scholar and is located in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Since inception, the university has progressed in academics with emphasis on excellence and infrastructure development. The university operates several colleges including law, medicine and engineering.
According to the AD Scientific Index report, ABUAD is ranked 2,631st in the world, 112th in Africa and 18th in Nigeria.
Mariam 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 is known for its focus on global-standard education with programs in law, business, social sciences and health.
According to the AD Scientific Index, MAAUN is ranked 2,948th globally, 131st in Africa and 19th in Nigeria.
Redeemer's University of Nigeria (RUN)
Redeemers University is a faith-based institution established in 2005 by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, and is located in Ede, Osun State.
The university is known for its focus on research, particularly science and public health, as well as its structured academic environment.
According to the index, RUN is ranked 3,007th in the world, 136th in Africa and 20th in Nigeria.
Bowen University
Bowen University, established in 2001 by the Nigerian Baptist Convention, is located in Iwo, Osun State.
The faith-based university combines academic education with strong moral and religious values, offering programs in a variety of disciplines.
Bowen is ranked 3,070th globally, 140th in Africa and 21st in Nigeria.
Milestone University
Landmark University was established in 2011, and is located in Omu-Aran, Kwara State.
With a mission to promote food security and innovation in Nigeria, Landmark University has a strong focus on agriculture, science and technology.
It is ranked 3,121st in the world, 143rd in Africa and 22nd in Nigeria.
Babcock University
Babcock University is a faith-based institution owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, founded in 1959, and located in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.
Babcock offers programs in medicine, law, and social sciences with an emphasis on discipline and academic structure.
The university is ranked 3,605th globally, 180th in Africa and 31st 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's focus is primarily on postgraduate education in science, engineering and technology with a strong research orientation.
The university is ranked 4,177th in the world, 205th in Africa and 38th in Nigeria.
Bells University of Technology
Bell's University of Technology was founded in 2005 by former President of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo, and is located in Ota, Ogun State.
Bell University specializes in engineering, environmental science, and technology-driven programs.
It ranks 4,690th globally, 234th in Africa and 46th in Nigeria.
Augustine University
Augustine University is a faith-based institution located in Ilara, Epe, Lagos State and was established in 2015.
Augustine University offers programs in the humanities, sciences, and management with a focus on character development and academic discipline.
It is ranked 4,967th in the world, 258th in Africa and 54th in Nigeria.