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List of Federal, State, and Private Universities in Nigeria 2027

Date Published: 2026-09-10 14:28:25
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12 minutes read.

Nigeria is home to a large number of universities, offering a wide range of courses for students across the country. These universities are divided into three main categories: Federal, State, and Private. Each category has its unique characteristics, such as the source of funding and management style.

List of Federal, State, and Private Universities in Nigeria 2027
List of Federal, State, and Private Universities in Nigeria 2027

Choosing the right university is an important step for anyone planning to pursue higher education. It’s not just about getting a degree; it’s also about finding a school that fits your needs, interests, and career goals. Whether you’re looking for a government-funded university or a privately-owned institution, this guide will help you explore your options.

Check: 2027 JAMB UTME Questions and Answers Study Guide Solutions

This article provides a complete list of all accredited universities in Nigeria for 2027. It is organized by Federal, State, and Private institutions to make it easy for you to find the information you need. With this list, you can start making informed decisions about your education.

Also Check: JAMB Cut-off Mark 2027/2028 for All Schools

Categories of Universities in Nigeria

In Nigeria, universities are grouped into three main categories: Federal, State, and Private. Each category has unique features that set it apart, making it easier for students to choose the one that best suits their preferences and needs.

1. Federal Universities

Federal universities are funded and managed by the Federal Government of Nigeria. These institutions are known for their relatively low tuition fees because they are subsidized by the government. Federal universities often have larger campuses and offer a wide range of courses. Examples include the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU).

2. State Universities

State universities are owned and managed by individual state governments. These universities primarily serve residents of their respective states, although students from other states can also apply. Tuition fees in state universities are generally higher than in federal universities, but they remain an affordable option for many students. Examples include Lagos State University (LASU) and Delta State University (DELSU).

3. Private Universities

Private universities are owned by individuals, organizations, or religious groups. These institutions are entirely self-funded, so their tuition fees are usually higher than those of federal and state universities. However, private universities often offer smaller class sizes, modern facilities, and a more personalized learning experience. Examples include Covenant University and Babcock University.

Read: JAMB Recommended Textbooks 2027/2028 for All Subjects

List of Federal Universities in Nigeria

Federal universities are managed and funded by the Federal Government, making them some of the most affordable options for students. These universities are spread across Nigeria’s states and offer a wide variety of programs in fields like science, technology, arts, and social sciences. Below is a detailed list of federal universities in Nigeria, organized by state:

Name State Abbreviation Location Founded
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi ATBU Bauchi 1980
Ahmadu Bello University Kaduna ABU Zaria 1962
Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo Ebonyi AE-FUNAI Ikwo 2011
Bayero University Kano BUK Kano 1977
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta Ogun FUNAAB Abeokuta 1988
Federal University Birnin Kebbi Kebbi FUBK Birnin Kebbi 2013
Federal University Dutse Jigawa FUD Dutse 2011
Federal University Dutsin-Ma Katsina FUDM Dutsin-Ma 2011
Federal University Gashua Yobe FUGASHUA Gashua 2013
Federal University Gusau Zamfara FUGUS Gusau 2013
Federal University Kashere Gombe FUK Kashere 2011
Federal University Lokoja Kogi FUL Lokoja 2011
Federal University of Lafia Nasarawa FULAFIA Lafia 2010
Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun Delta FUPRE Effurun 2007
Federal University of Technology Akure Ondo FUTA Akure 1981
Federal University of Technology Minna Niger FUTMIN Minna 1983
Federal University of Technology Owerri Imo FUTO Owerri 1981
Federal University Otuoke Bayelsa FUO Otuoke 2011
Federal University Oye-Ekiti Ekiti FUOYE Oye-Ekiti 2011
Federal University Wukari Taraba FUW Wukari 2011
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike Abia MOUAU Umudike 1992
Modibbo Adama University, Yola Adamawa MAU Yola 1981
National Open University of Nigeria Lagos NOUN Victoria Island 1983
Nnamdi Azikiwe University Anambra UNIZIK Awka 1992
Obafemi Awolowo University Osun OAU Ile Ife 1961
University of Abuja Federal Capital Territory UNIABUJA Gwagwalada 1988
University of Agriculture, Makurdi Benue UAM Makurdi 1988
University of Benin Edo UNIBEN Benin City 1970
University of Calabar Cross River UNICAL Calabar 1975
University of Ibadan Oyo UI Ibadan 1948
University of Ilorin Kwara UNILORIN Ilorin 1975
University of Jos Plateau UNIJOS Jos 1971
University of Lagos Lagos UNILAG Akoka 1962
University of Maiduguri Borno UNIMAID Maiduguri 1975
University of Nigeria, Nsukka Enugu UNN Nsukka 1955
University of Port Harcourt Rivers UNIPORT Port Harcourt 1975
University of Uyo Akwa Ibom UNIUYO Uyo 1991
Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto UDUS Sokoto 1975
Federal University of Transportation, Daura Katsina FUTD Daura 2023

This comprehensive list showcases Nigeria’s federal universities, offering affordable and diverse opportunities for higher education.

List of State Universities in Nigeria

State universities are owned and managed by individual state governments in Nigeria. These institutions aim to provide affordable education primarily to residents of their respective states, though they also admit students from other regions. State universities often focus on addressing the educational needs of their local communities. Below is a detailed list of state universities in Nigeria, organized by state:

Name State Abbreviation Location Founded
Abdulkadir Kure University Niger AKUM Minna 2023
Abia State University Abia ABSU Uturu 1981
Adamawa State University Adamawa ADSU Mubi 2002
Adekunle Ajasin University Ondo AAUA Akungba-Akoko 1999
Akwa Ibom State University Akwa Ibom AKSU Uyo 2010
Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology Kano ADUSTECH Wudil 2001
Ambrose Alli University Edo AAU Ekpoma 1981
Bauchi State University Bauchi BASUG Gadau 2012
Bayelsa Medical University Bayelsa BMU Yenagoa 2018
Benue State University Benue BSU Makurdi 1992
Borno State University Borno BOSU Maiduguri 2016
Bukar Abba Ibrahim University Yobe YSU Damaturu 2006
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Anambra ANSU Uli 2000
University of Cross River State Cross River UNICROSS Ekpo-Abasi, Calabar 2002
Delta State University, Abraka Delta DELSU Abraka 1992
Delta State University of Science and Technology Delta DSPZ Ozoro 2021
Dennis Osadebay University Delta DOU Asaba 2021
Ebonyi State University Ebonyi EBSU Abakaliki 1996
Edo State University, Uzairue Edo EDSU Iyamho 2016
Ekiti State University Ekiti EKSU Ado Ekiti 1981 (current name 2011)
Enugu State University of Science and Technology Enugu ESUT Enugu 1979
Gombe State University Gombe GSU Gombe 2004
Gombe State University of Science and Technology Gombe GSUST Kumo 2017
Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Niger IBBUL Lapai 2005
Ignatius Ajuru University of Education Rivers IAUE Port Harcourt 1971 (university 2009)
Imo State University Imo IMSU Owerri 1981
Kaduna State University Kaduna KASU Kaduna 2004
Kebbi State University of Science and Technology Kebbi KSUSTA Aliero 2006
Prince Abubakar Audu University Kogi PAAU Anyigba 1999
Kwara State University Kwara KWASU Malete 2009
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Oyo LAUTECH Ogbomoso 1990
Lagos State University Lagos LASU Ojo 1983
Lagos State University of Education Lagos LASUED Ijanikin 1958 (university 2022)
Lagos State University of Science and Technology Lagos LASUST Ikorodu 1977 (university 2021)
Nasarawa State University Nasarawa NSUK Keffi 2001
Niger Delta University Bayelsa NDU Amassoma 2000
Olabisi Onabanjo University Ogun OOU Ago-Iwoye 1982
Osun State University Osun UNIOSUN Osogbo 2006
Plateau State University Plateau PLASU Bokkos 2005
Rivers State University Rivers RIVSU Port Harcourt 1972 (university 1980)
Sule Lamido University Jigawa SLU Kafin-Hausa 2013
Tai Solarin University of Education Ogun TASUED Ijebu Ode 1978 (university 2005)
Taraba State University Taraba TSU Jalingo 2011
Umaru Musa Yar’adua University Katsina UMYU Katsina 2006
Sokoto State University Sokoto SSU Sokoto 2009
University of Delta Delta UNIDEL Agbor 2021
Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano YUMSUK Kano 2012
Zamfara State University Zamfara ZSU Talata Mafara 2018

This list showcases the diversity of state universities in Nigeria, offering students a wide range of choices across various fields.

List of Private Universities in Nigeria

Private universities in Nigeria are owned and managed by individuals, organizations, or religious groups. These institutions are self-funded, which allows them to maintain high standards of education, modern facilities, and small class sizes. Although tuition fees in private universities are typically higher, they often provide a more personalized and structured learning environment. Below is a comprehensive list of private universities in Nigeria, organized by state:

Name State Abbreviation Location Founded
Achievers University Ondo AC Owo 2007
Adeleke University Osun AUE Ede 2010
Afe Babalola University Ekiti ABUAD Ado-Ekiti 2009
African University of Science and Technology Federal Capital Territory AUST Abuja 2007
Ahman Pategi University Kwara APU Pategi 2021
Ajayi Crowther University Oyo ACU Oyo 2005
Al-Hikmah University Kwara AHU Ilorin 2005
Al-Qalam University Katsina AUK Katsina 2005
American University of Nigeria Adamawa AUN Yola 2005
Anchor University Lagos Ayobo 2014
Arthur Jarvis University Cross River AJU Akpabuyo 2016
Ave Maria University Nasarawa AMU Piyanko 2021
Babcock University Ogun BU Ilishan-Remo 1959 (university 1999)
Baze University Federal Capital Territory BAZE Abuja 2011
Bells University of Technology Ogun BUT Ota 2004
Benson Idahosa University Edo BIU Benin City 2002
Bowen University Osun BU Iwo 2001
Caleb University Lagos CUL Ikorodu 2008
Caritas University Enugu Enugu 2004
CETEP City University Lagos Yaba 2005
Chrisland University Ogun CLU Abeokuta 2015
Christopher University Ogun Mowe 2015
Clifford University Abia CLU Owerrinta 2016
Coal City University Enugu CCU Enugu 2016
Covenant University Ogun CU Ota 2002
Crawford University Ogun Igbesa 2005
Crescent University Ogun Abeokuta 2005
Dominican University Ibadan Oyo DUI Ibadan 2016
ECWA Bingham University Nasarawa BU New Karu 2005
Edwin Clark University Delta ECU Kiagbodo 2015
Elizade University Ondo EU Ilara-Mokin 2012
Evangel University, Akaeze Ebonyi EUA Akaeze 2012
Fountain University, Osogbo Osun FUO Osogbo 2007
Godfrey Okoye University Enugu GOU Enugu 2009
Greenfield University Kaduna GFU Kaduna 2019
Gregory University Abia GUU Uturu 2012
Hallmark University Ogun Ijebu-Itele 2015
Hezekiah University Imo Umudi 2015
Igbinedion University Edo IUO Okada 1999
Joseph Ayo Babalola University Osun JABU Ikeji-Arakeji 2006
Kings University Osun KU Odeomu 2015
Koladaisi University Oyo KU Ibadan 2015
Kwararafa University Taraba Wukari 2005
Landmark University Kwara LU Omu-Aran 2011
Lead City University Oyo LCU Ibadan 2015
Madonna University Rivers Elele 1999
McPherson University Ogun MCU Seriki-Setayo 2012
Mewar University Nasarawa Masaka 2021
Michael and Cecilia Ibru University Delta MCIU Agbara-Otor 2015
Mountain Top University Ogun MTU Makogi Oba 2015
Mudiame University Edo Irrua 2021
Nile University of Nigeria Federal Capital Territory NUN Abuja 2009
Novena University Delta Ogume 2005
Obong University Akwa Ibom Obong Ntak 1997 (university 2007)
Oduduwa University Osun OUI Ipetumodu 2009
PAMO University of Medical Sciences Rivers Port Harcourt 2017
Pan-Atlantic University Lagos PAU Lekki 2002
Paul University Anambra Awka 2009
Peaceland University Enugu PUE Enugu 2023
Philomath University Federal Capital Territory PU Kuje 2021
Precious Cornerstone University Oyo PCU Ibadan 2017
Redeemer’s University Nigeria Osun RUN Ede 2005
Renaissance University Enugu Ugbawka 2005
Rhema University Abia Aba 2009
Ritman University Akwa Ibom Ikot Ekpene 2015
Salem University Kogi Lokoja 2007
Samuel Adegboyega University Edo SAU Ogwa 2011
Skyline University Nigeria Kano SUN Kano 2018
Summit University Kwara Offa 2015
Veritas University Federal Capital Territory VUNA Bwari 2007
Wesley University Ondo WUO Ondo 2007
Western Delta University Delta WDU Oghara 2007
Westland University Osun WUI Iwo 2019
University of Mkar Benue Mkar 2005

This extensive list highlights the diversity and growth of private universities in Nigeria.

How to Choose the Right University

Choosing the right university is an important decision that can shape your career and future. With so many options available, it’s essential to consider a few key factors to ensure you make the best choice for your academic and personal goals. Here are some tips to guide your decision:

1. Accreditation

  • Ensure the university is accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in Nigeria. Accreditation confirms that the institution meets the required standards for education.

2. Course Offerings

  • Check if the university offers the course or program you want to study.
  • Research the quality of the department and faculty in your chosen field.

3. Tuition Fees and Affordability

  • Federal universities are generally more affordable due to government funding.
  • State universities have moderate fees, while private universities tend to be more expensive but offer modern facilities and smaller class sizes.
  • Choose a university that fits your budget or offers scholarship opportunities.

4. Location

  • Consider the university’s location in relation to your home and personal preferences.
  • Urban campuses may provide more opportunities for networking and internships, while rural campuses may offer a quieter environment for study.

5. Facilities and Resources

  • Look for universities with up-to-date libraries, laboratories, and other facilities related to your course.
  • Check for additional resources like hostels, recreational centers, and career development programs.

6. Reputation and Alumni Success

  • Research the university’s reputation in your desired field.
  • Consider the success stories of its alumni and how well graduates are doing in the job market.

7. Class Size and Learning Environment

  • Private universities typically have smaller class sizes, which can lead to more personalized attention from lecturers.
  • Federal and state universities often have larger class sizes, so consider what learning environment suits you best.

8. Special Features

  • Some universities focus on specific areas like technology, agriculture, or medicine. If you have a clear career path, specialized universities may be a better fit.

9. Student Support Services

  • Check if the university provides support services like counseling, mentorship programs, and career guidance.

10. Extracurricular Activities

  • Consider universities that offer extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, and cultural events. These activities can help you build soft skills and make your university experience more enjoyable.

Making Your Final Decision

After considering these factors, visit the university if possible, speak with current students or alumni, and read online reviews to get a clearer picture. Remember, the right university is one that aligns with your academic goals, financial capacity, and personal preferences.

Conclusion

Nigeria offers a diverse range of universities across the Federal, State, and Private categories, each with unique features to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for affordability, specialized programs, or a personalized learning environment, there’s a university for you.

Federal universities are known for their affordability and broad course offerings. State universities balance affordability with accessibility, often catering to students within specific regions. Private universities provide modern facilities, smaller class sizes, and a structured learning environment, though they come with higher tuition fees.

Choosing the right university requires careful consideration of factors like accreditation, course offerings, tuition fees, location, and reputation. By using this comprehensive guide, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision that aligns with your academic and career goals.

FAQs

How many universities are accredited in Nigeria?

There are over 200 accredited universities in Nigeria, including Federal, State, and Private institutions.

Which is the oldest university in Nigeria?

The University of Ibadan (UI), established in 1948, is the oldest university in Nigeria.

What is the difference between Federal, State, and Private universities?

– Federal universities are funded and managed by the Federal Government.
– State universities are managed by state governments and serve their respective states.
– Private universities are owned by individuals, organizations, or religious groups and are self-funded.

Which universities are best for specific fields?

– Technology: Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Covenant University.
– Medicine: University of Ibadan (UI), Lagos State University (LASU).
– Law: University of Lagos (UNILAG), Babcock University.

How can I verify if a university is accredited?

You can check the official National Universities Commission (NUC) website for the latest list of accredited universities in Nigeria.

Sources and References

www.nuc.edu.ng

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About the Author

Rabiu Francis

Educational Researcher

A tutor with a demonstrated history of working in the education industry. Skilled in analytical skills. B.S. in Psychology, focused in research/academia.

B.S.
517 articles publishedExpertise: Educational Psychology