Nigeria’s tech renaissance isn’t only happening in Lagos’ co-working spaces or Silicon Valley–style hubs—it’s being sparked in classrooms, student hostels, and university labs across the country.
Behind some of Africa’s fastest-growing startups are Nigerian universities shaping bold thinkers, resilient innovators, and daring founders.
Here are eight universities leading the charge:
1. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife
OAU sits firmly at the top as the nation’s biggest breeding ground for tech founders. Alumni have launched some of Nigeria’s most influential startups, including Jobberman, Moniepoint, Kudi, PropertyPro, FarmCrowdy, Cowrywise, MainOne, and TalentQL.
The secret? OAU was one of the earliest campuses wired into Nigeria’s digital future, with bustling cyber cafés and a strong computing culture in the early 2000s—a foundation that gave rise to an enduring spirit of innovation.
2. Covenant University, Ogun State
Renowned for its Hebron Startup Lab and deliberate entrepreneurship programs, Covenant has produced founders behind PiggyVest, PushCV, MDaaS, and Kora Network. Its structured mentorship and tech-driven academic culture make it a consistent launchpad for globally minded entrepreneurs.
3. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
Sitting at the crossroads of Nigeria’s tech and creative economy, UNILAG is plugged directly into Lagos’ startup ecosystem. Through hackathons, incubators, and industry partnerships, it has nurtured startups like Publiseer and Buycoins. Even Forbes has recognized UNILAG as a hotspot for entrepreneurial learning.
4. University of Ibadan (UI)
UI’s research pedigree translates into innovation beyond academia. Its alumni are shaping health-tech, edtech, and media startups. By leveraging academic networks and collaborations, UI continues to birth founders with scalable, socially impactful ventures.
5. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
UNILORIN is widely respected for applied science and engineering programs that equip students with hands-on product development skills. Its graduates often transition smoothly into building practical tech solutions for Nigerian markets.
6. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)
A stronghold in applied sciences, LAUTECH boasts alumni like Samson Abioye, co-founder of Pass.ng. Known for its technical rigor, the university consistently produces founders adept at building hardware and software solutions.
7. Babcock University, Ogun State
Beyond its faith-based identity, Babcock has quietly nurtured some of Nigeria’s most successful tech entrepreneurs, including Paystack’s founders, Shola Akinlade and Ezra Olubi, as well as the creators of MyMusic. Strong mentorship and innovation-friendly programs give Babcock its edge.
8. Pan-Atlantic University / Lagos Business School
Pan-Atlantic, through its business-focused ecosystem, sharpens strategy, finance, and entrepreneurial leadership. Its ties to industry and executive programs equip founders with the polished skills to scale ventures sustainably.
Why This Matters
Nigeria’s startup boom is not an accident—it’s the product of institutions that fuse technical training, entrepreneurial incubation, and robust alumni networks. These eight universities aren’t just producing graduates; they’re cultivating visionaries who are rewriting Africa’s digital future, one startup at a time.
