A recent report has revealed the list of Nigerian universities with the highest number of first-class graduates in the 2024 academic session. Covenant University, located in Ota, Ogun State, leads the pack with the highest proportion of first-class graduates, recording that 1 in 5 students graduated with top honors.
Top Universities by First-Class Graduates
The University of Benin (UNIBEN) recorded the highest number of first-class graduates at 385, while the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) had the lowest count among the top ten, with 122 first-class graduates.
According to data from StatiSense, a fact-checking and data analytics organization, approximately 17% of graduates from private universities earned first-class degrees, compared to only about 3% from public universities in the top 10 list. The information was shared on Saturday, April 25, 2026, via their X handle @StatiSense.
Full List of Universities
- Covenant University — 339 (21%)
- Afe Babalola University — 226 (14%)
- Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) — 519 (8%)*
- University of Ibadan — 428 (6%)
- University of Lagos (UNILAG) — 340 (3%)
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) — 122 (3%)
- University of Benin (UNIBEN) — 385 (2%)*
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) — 256 (2%)
- University of Nigeria (UNN) — 252 (2%)
- Bayero University, Kano — 180 (2%)
*Universities marked with an asterisk convocated two sets together.
Public Reactions
The report sparked diverse reactions on social media. User @YenengM54179 commented, "Private universities are just marketing themselves, just like the way private secondary schools bastardized the education sector."
@AkintoyePeace stated, "It is easier to earn first class degree in a private university in Nigeria than public university." However, @YinkaTinuade defended Covenant University, saying, "All Covenant University graduates I have encountered are exceptional, first-class or not! Very well-rounded products. This shows the teaching is all-inclusive."
@AdeyinkaStates1 offered a statistical perspective: "Statistically, 22% is too high, while 2% is too low. Ordinarily, there should be a posteriori analysis to understand why there's so much deviation from the expected Gaussian distribution."
@IAmHorjorbor noted, "At least 50% of that UNIBEN number is from the faculty of Engineering. Scholars and Jackos dey dat faculty." Meanwhile, @oyadnimi observed, "You'll never find OAU here. Those ones gatekeep first-class undergraduate degrees like mad."
@oluwatobil25976 pointed out that "The top 6 are in SW. No state university at all."
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In a similar vein, Anosike Hyacinth graduated with first-class honors in Philosophy from Imo State University, achieving a CGPA of 4.59. He emphasized consistency, curiosity, and collaboration as keys to his success, forming a study group called 'Academia' to foster focus.
Additionally, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) announced that 617 students achieved First Class honors at its 56th convocation ceremonies, with business administration graduate Umeozor Benedict securing a perfect 5.0 CGPA as the best graduating student.
