List of Universities in Nigeria (2026): Federal, State and Private Universities

Are you searching for the list of universities in Nigeria in 2026? Whether you are preparing for JAMB, choosing a university, researching higher education, or comparing federal, state and private institutions, this guide provides useful and updated information.

Nigeria has one of Africa’s largest university systems, with institutions offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in engineering, medicine, law, education, agriculture, business, science, technology, and other fields.

Universities in Nigeria are generally classified into three ownership categories: federal universities, state universities, and private universities.

According to the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Nigerian University System directory lists 328 universities as of November 2026, comprising 77 federal universities, 69 state universities, and 182 private universities.

In this article, you will find lists of Nigerian universities, their locations, differences between university categories, admission requirements, and guidance on checking NUC approval and programme accreditation.

How Many Universities Are in Nigeria in 2026?

According to the National Universities Commission’s online directory, Nigeria has 328 listed universities.

The breakdown is shown below.

University Category	Number Listed
Federal universities	77
State universities	69
Private universities	182
Total	328

These figures are based on the NUC’s university directory accessed on 8 November 2026.

The total can change when new universities receive approval, existing institutions change their ownership status, or the NUC updates its records.

It is also important to understand that being listed as an approved university does not automatically mean every proposed academic programme has received accreditation or that the university is admitting students into every course.

List of Federal Universities in Nigeria

Federal universities are institutions established and owned by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

They offer academic programmes across different disciplines and receive government support, subject to their funding arrangements.

Federal universities include established institutions such as the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Obafemi Awolowo University.

Nigeria also has specialised federal universities focusing on technology, agriculture, health sciences, education, maritime studies, and other disciplines.

Complete List of 77 Federal Universities in Nigeria

The following table reproduces the 77 federal entries in the NUC directory, using their recognisable names and host states.

S/N	Federal University	State / Location
1	Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi	Bauchi
2	Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria	Kaduna
3	Bayero University, Kano	Kano
4	Federal University, Gashua	Yobe
5	Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun	Delta
6	Federal University of Technology, Akure	Ondo
7	Federal University of Technology, Minna	Niger
8	Federal University of Technology, Owerri	Imo
9	Federal University, Dutse	Jigawa
10	Federal University, Dutsin-Ma	Katsina
11	Federal University, Kashere	Gombe
12	Federal University, Lafia	Nasarawa
13	Federal University, Lokoja	Kogi
14	Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike	Ebonyi
15	Federal University, Otuoke	Bayelsa
16	Federal University, Oye-Ekiti	Ekiti
17	Federal University, Wukari	Taraba
18	Federal University, Birnin Kebbi	Kebbi
19	Federal University, Gusau	Zamfara
20	Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike	Abia
21	Modibbo Adama University, Yola	Adamawa
22	National Open University of Nigeria	FCT, Abuja
23	Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil	Kano
24	Nigerian Defence Academy	Kaduna
25	Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka	Anambra
26	Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife	Osun
27	University of Abuja	FCT, Abuja
28	Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta	Ogun
29	Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi	Benue
30	University of Benin	Edo
31	University of Calabar	Cross River
32	University of Ibadan	Oyo
33	University of Ilorin	Kwara
34	University of Jos	Plateau
35	University of Lagos	Lagos
36	University of Maiduguri	Borno
37	University of Nigeria, Nsukka	Enugu
38	University of Port Harcourt	Rivers
39	University of Uyo	Akwa Ibom
40	Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto	Sokoto
41	Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko	Delta
42	Air Force Institute of Technology	Kaduna
43	Nigerian Army University, Biu	Borno
44	Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo	Benue
45	Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru	Kebbi
46	Federal University of Technology, Babura	Jigawa
47	Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi	Akwa Ibom
48	Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare	Bauchi
49	Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun	Osun
50	David Nweze Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, Uburu	Ebonyi
51	Admiralty University, Ibusa	Delta
52	Federal University of Transportation, Daura	Katsina
53	African Aviation and Aerospace University	FCT, Abuja
54	National University of Science and Technology	FCT, Abuja
55	Federal University of Agriculture, Bassam-Biri	Bayelsa
56	Federal University of Health Sciences, Kwale	Delta
57	Federal University of Health Sciences, Katsina	Katsina
58	Federal University of Agriculture, Mubi	Adamawa
59	Federal University of Education, Zaria	Kaduna
60	Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri	Imo
61	Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education	Kano
62	Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo	Ondo
63	Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu	Enugu
64	Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta	Ogun
65	Federal University of Education, Pankshin	Plateau
66	Federal University of Education, Kontagora	Niger
67	University of Maritime Studies, Oron	Akwa Ibom
68	Federal University of Environment and Technology, Tai	Rivers
69	Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia	Kaduna
70	Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Ijagun	Ogun
71	Federal University of Agriculture and Developmental Studies, Iragbuji	Osun
72	Federal University of Technology and Environmental Studies, Iyin-Ekiti	Ekiti
73	Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho	Oyo
74	Federal University of Health Science and Technology, Tsafe	Zamfara
75	Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Obio-Akpa	Akwa Ibom
76	Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe	Lagos
77	Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo	Kano

Source: National Universities Commission, Federal Universities Directory.

Some institutions listed above are recently established or have undergone upgrades or ownership changes. Prospective students should confirm their current admissions status directly through the institutions and JAMB.

Popular Federal Universities in Nigeria

Several federal universities are especially well known because of their history, academic programmes, research activities, and graduates.

1. University of Ibadan (UI)

The University of Ibadan, established in 1948 as University College Ibadan, is Nigeria’s oldest university institution.

Located in Ibadan, Oyo State, the university offers programmes across medicine, agriculture, education, humanities, sciences, law, and other disciplines.

Website: https://www.ui.edu.ng

2. University of Lagos (UNILAG)

The University of Lagos was established in 1962 and is located in Lagos State.

It offers academic programmes across engineering, science, social sciences, management, law, education, and health-related fields.

Website: https://www.unilag.edu.ng

3. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)

Ahmadu Bello University is located in Zaria, Kaduna State.

Founded in 1962, it is one of Nigeria’s major federal universities, offering programmes across numerous academic disciplines.

Website: https://www.abu.edu.ng

4. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, was formally opened in 1960.

It is located primarily in Enugu State and is historically significant as an early indigenous university in Nigeria.

Website: https://www.unn.edu.ng

5. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

Obafemi Awolowo University is located in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The university is recognised for its broad academic offerings and established research and teaching activities.

Website: https://www.oauife.edu.ng

6. University of Benin (UNIBEN)

The University of Benin is located in Benin City, Edo State.

It offers programmes in sciences, engineering, education, medicine, social sciences, and other disciplines.

Website: https://www.uniben.edu.ng

7. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)

The University of Ilorin is located in Kwara State.

It provides undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across different faculties and academic disciplines.

Website: https://www.unilorin.edu.ng

8. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)

FUTA is a specialised federal university located in Akure, Ondo State.

It focuses substantially on science, engineering, technology, computing, and related disciplines.

Website: https://www.futa.edu.ng

List of State Universities in Nigeria

State universities are higher education institutions established and owned by state governments.

They provide opportunities for university education within different states and may receive funding from state governments, tuition revenue, and other sources.

Examples include Lagos State University, Delta State University, Abia State University, and Kaduna State University.

Complete List of 69 State Universities in Nigeria

The following institutions appear in the NUC state university directory.

S/N	State University	State
1	Rivers State University	Rivers
2	Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma	Edo
3	Abia State University, Uturu	Abia
4	Ekiti State University	Ekiti
5	Enugu State University of Science and Technology	Enugu
6	Olabisi Onabanjo University	Ogun
7	Lagos State University	Lagos
8	Ladoke Akintola University of Technology	Oyo
9	Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi	Benue
10	Delta State University, Abraka	Delta
11	Imo State University	Imo
12	Adekunle Ajasin University	Ondo
13	Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba	Kogi
14	Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University	Anambra
15	Ebonyi State University	Ebonyi
16	Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology	Kano
17	Niger Delta University	Bayelsa
18	Adamawa State University	Adamawa
19	Nasarawa State University	Nasarawa
20	University of Cross River State	Cross River
21	Gombe State University	Gombe
22	Kaduna State University	Kaduna
23	Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University	Niger
24	Plateau State University	Plateau
25	Yobe State University	Yobe
26	Kebbi State University of Science and Technology	Kebbi
27	Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University	Katsina
28	Osun State University	Osun
29	Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology	Ondo
30	Taraba State University	Taraba
31	Kwara State University	Kwara
32	Sokoto State University	Sokoto
33	Akwa Ibom State University	Akwa Ibom
34	Ignatius Ajuru University of Education	Rivers
35	Sa’adu Zungur University, Gadau	Bauchi
36	Northwest University, Kano	Kano
37	First Technical University, Ibadan	Oyo
38	Sule Lamido University	Jigawa
39	University of Medical Sciences, Ondo	Ondo
40	Edo State University, Iyamho	Edo
41	Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University	Imo
42	University of Africa, Toru-Orua	Bayelsa
43	Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri	Borno
44	Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology	Ogun
45	Zamfara State University	Zamfara
46	Bayelsa Medical University	Bayelsa
47	University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo	Imo
48	Confluence University of Science and Technology	Kogi
49	Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology	Ekiti
50	University of Delta, Agbor	Delta
51	Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro	Delta
52	Dennis Osadebe University, Asaba	Delta
53	Lagos State University of Education	Lagos
54	Lagos State University of Science and Technology	Lagos
55	Shehu Shagari University of Education	Sokoto
56	Enugu State University of Medical and Applied Sciences	Enugu
57	University of Ilesa	Osun
58	Emmanuel Alayande University of Education	Oyo
59	Kogi State University, Kabba	Kogi
60	Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna	Niger
61	Kwara State University of Education	Kwara
62	Abdulsalam Abubakar University of Agriculture and Climate Action	Niger
63	Ebonyi State University of ICT, Science and Technology	Ebonyi
64	Cross River University of Education and Entrepreneurship	Cross River
65	Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology	Benue
66	University of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering, Ezza	Ebonyi
67	University of Innovation, Science and Technology, Omuma	Imo
68	Taraba State University of Tropical Agriculture, Science, Technology and Climate Action	Taraba
69	Jigawa State University of Medical and Allied Health Sciences	Jigawa

Source: National Universities Commission, State Universities Directory.

The table uses current or recently updated names where identifiable. Some older sources may use previous university names.

Popular State Universities in Nigeria

Lagos State University (LASU)

Lagos State University is located in Ojo, Lagos State.

It was established in 1983 and offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across multiple disciplines.

Delta State University (DELSU)

Delta State University is based in Abraka, Delta State.

It provides programmes in education, sciences, social sciences, humanities, medicine, and other fields.

Abia State University (ABSU)

Abia State University is located in Uturu, Abia State.

The institution offers a variety of academic programmes for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Kaduna State University (KASU)

Kaduna State University is a state-owned institution serving students across different academic disciplines.

It provides programmes in sciences, arts, social sciences, management, medicine, and other fields.

Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)

LAUTECH is located in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

It is widely associated with science, engineering, technology, health sciences, and related disciplines.

List of Private Universities in Nigeria

Private universities are higher education institutions established and managed by private proprietors, organisations, foundations, or religious bodies under the applicable Nigerian regulatory framework.

Private universities have expanded significantly in Nigeria over the past two decades.

Some offer a broad range of disciplines, while others specialise in medicine, technology, management, business, or other academic fields.

According to the NUC, Nigeria has 182 listed private universities as of November 2026.

Established Private Universities in Nigeria

The following table presents selected established private universities and their locations.

S/N	Private University	State / Location
1	Babcock University	Ogun
2	Igbinedion University	Edo
3	Madonna University	Anambra
4	Bowen University	Osun
5	Benson Idahosa University	Edo
6	Covenant University	Ogun
7	Pan-Atlantic University	Lagos
8	American University of Nigeria	Adamawa
9	Ajayi Crowther University	Oyo
10	Al-Hikmah University	Kwara
11	Al-Qalam University	Katsina
12	Bells University of Technology	Ogun
13	Bingham University	Nasarawa
14	Caritas University	Enugu
15	Crawford University	Ogun
16	Crescent University	Ogun
17	Kwararafa University	Taraba
18	Lead City University	Oyo
19	Novena University	Delta
20	Redeemer’s University	Osun
21	Renaissance University	Enugu
22	University of Mkar	Benue
23	Joseph Ayo Babalola University	Osun
24	Achievers University	Ondo
25	Caleb University	Lagos
26	Fountain University	Osun
27	African University of Science and Technology	FCT, Abuja
28	Obong University	Akwa Ibom
29	Salem University	Kogi
30	Tansian University	Anambra
31	Veritas University	FCT, Abuja
32	Wesley University	Ondo
33	Western Delta University	Delta
34	Afe Babalola University	Ekiti
35	Godfrey Okoye University	Enugu
36	Nile University of Nigeria	FCT, Abuja
37	Oduduwa University	Osun
38	Paul University	Anambra
39	Rhema University	Rivers
40	Wellspring University	Edo
41	Adeleke University	Osun
42	Baze University	FCT, Abuja
43	Landmark University	Kwara
44	Glorious Vision University	Edo
45	Elizade University	Ondo
46	Evangel University	Ebonyi
47	Gregory University	Abia
48	McPherson University	Ogun
49	Southwestern University	Ogun
50	Augustine University	Lagos

These 50 institutions are a selected portion of Nigeria’s 182 listed private universities. For the entire register, including the additional institutions established between 2015 and 2026, consult the NUC’s official private university directory.

Examples of Recently Established Private Universities

Several additional private universities were included in the NUC records during 2023–2026.

Examples include:

University	Location	Year Listed
Wigwe University	Rivers	2023
Miva Open University	FCT, Abuja	2023
Hensard University	Bayelsa	2023
Maduka University	Enugu	2023
Amadeus University	Abia	2023
Azman University	Kano	2023
Hillside University of Science and Technology	Ekiti	2023
Lighthouse University	Edo	2024
Eranova University	FCT, Abuja	2025
Southern Atlantic University	Akwa Ibom	2025
Kevin Eze University	Enugu	2025
City University	FCT, Abuja	2026
Maria Assumpta University	Imo	2026
Regnum Medical University	Lagos	2026
Pearl University	Cross River	2026

The year listed refers to the establishment year recorded in the NUC directory, not necessarily the year the university began admitting students into every programme.

What Is the Difference Between Federal, State and Private Universities in Nigeria?

The major difference is ownership and funding.

Feature	Federal Universities	State Universities	Private Universities
Ownership	Federal Government	State Government	Private proprietors or organisations
Funding	Government support and other sources	State support and other sources	Primarily private sources and tuition
Tuition and charges	Vary by institution and programme	Vary by institution and programme	Often higher, but not universally
Admission	Usually through JAMB and institutional procedures	Usually through JAMB and institutional procedures	JAMB requirements and institution-specific procedures
Programmes	General and specialised	General and specialised	General and specialised
Regulation	NUC	NUC	NUC

No university category is automatically superior in teaching, research quality, facilities, or graduate employment.

Students should evaluate specific institutions and programmes rather than relying only on ownership.

Which Is the Oldest University in Nigeria?

The University of Ibadan is generally regarded as Nigeria’s oldest university institution.

It began in 1948 as University College Ibadan, affiliated with the University of London.

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, was formally opened in 1960 and is historically significant as Nigeria’s first indigenous university.

Other long-established universities include Ahmadu Bello University, Obafemi Awolowo University, and the University of Lagos.

How to Choose a University in Nigeria

Choosing a university is an important decision that can affect your academic development and professional opportunities.

1. Check NUC Recognition

Confirm that the university appears in the National Universities Commission’s official directory.

Avoid institutions offering degrees without the necessary regulatory approval.

2. Verify Programme Accreditation

University approval and programme accreditation are not the same.

A university may be recognised while a particular course has not yet received the accreditation status required for its operation.

Check the current programme-specific information before applying.

3. Consider the Course You Want to Study

Different universities offer different programmes and specialisations.

For example, a prospective engineering student should compare accredited engineering programmes, laboratory facilities, and relevant practical training opportunities.

4. Compare School Fees

Tuition, acceptance fees, accommodation charges, laboratory fees, and other costs vary between universities.

Compare the total cost of attendance rather than tuition alone.

5. Consider Location and Living Expenses

The university’s location can influence accommodation expenses, transportation, personal safety, and access to services.

6. Assess Facilities and Academic Support

Consider teaching facilities, laboratories, libraries, internet access, academic staff, and student support services.

7. Examine Admission Requirements

Confirm the required UTME subjects, O’level qualifications, institution-specific screening requirements, and other conditions.

How to Gain Admission into a Nigerian University

University admission requirements depend on the institution, programme, and admission route.

For most undergraduate applicants using the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the process generally involves the following steps:

1. Register for the UTME through JAMB.
2. Choose an eligible university and proposed course of study.
3. Meet the required O’level subject and grade conditions.
4. Take the UTME and meet the applicable institutional and programme requirements.
5. Participate in the university’s screening or Post-UTME exercise where required.
6. Monitor admission processing through JAMB CAPS.
7. Accept an admission offer through the appropriate official channel.
8. Complete the university’s registration and verification procedures.

Direct Entry candidates follow a separate route based on eligible qualifications and the applicable JAMB and institutional requirements.

Admission is competitive, and meeting a minimum requirement does not guarantee an offer.

How to Check if a University Is Approved by NUC

The National Universities Commission is responsible for regulating university education in Nigeria.

To check whether a university is recognised:

1. Visit the NUC’s official website at https://www.nuc.edu.ng.
2. Open the Nigerian Universities section.
3. Select Federal, State, or Private Universities.
4. Search for the institution using its registered name.
5. Check the university’s official website and current contact details.
6. Verify the accreditation status of your intended programme.

You can also use the NUC Nigerian University System directory at https://enuc.nuc.edu.ng/nus.

Be cautious when an institution advertises degree programmes but cannot be found in the official university records.

Frequently Asked Questions About Universities in Nigeria

How Many Universities Are in Nigeria in 2026?

The NUC’s Nigerian University System directory lists 328 universities as of 8 November 2026: 77 federal, 69 state, and 182 private universities.

How Many Federal Universities Are in Nigeria?

The NUC directory lists 77 federal universities.

How Many State Universities Are in Nigeria?

The NUC directory lists 69 state universities.

How Many Private Universities Are in Nigeria?

The NUC directory lists 182 private universities.

Which Is the Oldest University in Nigeria?

The University of Ibadan is Nigeria’s oldest university institution, established in 1948 as University College Ibadan.

Which Was the First Private University in Nigeria?

Babcock University, Igbinedion University, and Madonna University were among the first group of private universities licensed in 1999.

Which Universities Are Located in Lagos State?

Examples include the University of Lagos, Lagos State University, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Lagos State University of Education, Pan-Atlantic University, Caleb University, Augustine University, and Anchor University.

Which Federal Universities Are in Abuja?

Examples include the University of Abuja and the National Open University of Nigeria. The NUC also lists newer specialised federal institutions in the FCT.

Are All Universities in Nigeria Accredited?

Not automatically. Institutional recognition and the accreditation of individual academic programmes must be checked separately.

Do Private Universities Require JAMB?

Private universities generally participate in Nigeria’s regulated admission system, although the applicable admission routes and institutional requirements may differ. Applicants should verify their programme’s current JAMB and institutional admission conditions.

Which University Is the Best in Nigeria?

There is no single universally accepted best university.

Rankings vary according to research output, teaching, citations, international outlook, graduate outcomes, and other methodologies.

Prospective students should compare universities using credible rankings alongside programme accreditation, affordability, facilities, and academic suitability.

Are Newly Approved Universities Already Admitting Students?

Not necessarily. A university’s approval or listing does not automatically establish that all its programmes are open for admission.

Students should confirm current admissions announcements and approved programmes.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s higher education system includes federal, state, and private universities, offering students a wide variety of academic and professional opportunities.

According to the National Universities Commission, the Nigerian University System directory lists 328 universities as of November 2026, comprising 77 federal universities, 69 state universities, and 182 private universities.

Established institutions such as the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Covenant University, Babcock University, and Lagos State University remain important parts of the country’s university education landscape.

Meanwhile, the establishment of additional universities continues to expand the number of institutions available to prospective students.

When choosing from the list of universities in Nigeria, it is essential to verify NUC recognition, programme accreditation, admission requirements, educational costs, and institutional facilities.

The best university for you is one that offers a properly recognised programme that matches your academic interests, career goals, and financial circumstances.

References and Official Sources

• National Universities Commission — https://www.nuc.edu.ng
• NUC Nigerian University System Directory — https://enuc.nuc.edu.ng/nus
• NUC Federal Universities — https://www.nuc.edu.ng/nigerian-univerisities/federal-univeristies/
• NUC State Universities — https://www.nuc.edu.ng/nigerian-univerisities/state-univerisity/
• NUC Private Universities — https://www.nuc.edu.ng/nigerian-univerisities/private-univeristies/
• Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board — https://www.jamb.gov.ng
• JAMB Central Admissions Processing System — https://jamb.gov.ng/caps

List of Universities in Nigeria