Average IQ in Nigeria
Nigeria has an average IQ of 84, ranking #118 out of 195 countries globally. This is considered below average on the worldwide scale.
That's the national average. Where do you rank?
Country averages are estimates built from limited data. Your own score is something you can actually measure — the free test takes about 15 minutes.
Key Statistics
Education System in Nigeria
Nigeria provides 9 years of compulsory basic education (6+3 system). As Africa's most populous country, significant disparities exist between the more educated south and the less resourced north.
IQ and Economic Development
Nigeria's GDP per capita of $5,360 reflects a lower-income economy. Research shows a moderate correlation (r ≈ 0.7) between national GDP and measured IQ, though this relationship is complex and bidirectional.
With 6.7 average years of schooling and a 1.8% GDP investment in education, Nigeria has room to increase education investment relative to GDP.
Countries with Similar IQ Scores
Africa Rankings
| # | Country | Avg IQ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mauritius | 92 |
| 2 | Morocco | 87 |
| 3 | Tunisia | 87 |
| 4 | Egypt | 86 |
| 5 | Algeria | 86 |
| 6 | Seychelles | 86 |
| 7 | Libya | 85 |
| 8 | South Africa | 84 |
| 9 | Madagascar | 84 |
| 10 | Botswana | 83 |
Data Sources for Nigeria
National IQ estimates are approximate and based on meta-analyses of available cognitive testing data (Becker, 2019; Lynn & Vanhanen, 2012; World Population Review, 2025). These scores reflect measured test performance and are influenced by education, nutrition, healthcare, and socioeconomic factors — they do not measure innate intelligence. Within-country variation is much larger than between-country differences. IQ tests developed in Western contexts may not translate fairly across all cultures. Interpret with appropriate caution.
See the full methodology on our main IQ by Country page for complete source descriptions and data quality notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Country averages answer curiosity. If the question behind your search is really about your own path, start with our career aptitude test guide — what these tests measure, what they miss, and how to use one well.
Where a number like this actually leads
A national average says little about any individual. What a score does predict is the kind of work it suits — that is the question the career tools answer.
Where do you rank?
Nigeria's average is 84. Take the free 15-minute test to see your own score and where you land against every country on this map.