The state government traditionally funds state universities. However, they might receive sizeable stipends from tuition fees, donations from indigenous groups, and earnings from royalties.
Over the years, state universities have played a pivotal role in the educational growth of Nigeria. There are up to 60 state universities in Nigeria, and we have compiled a comprehensive list of them.
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State Universities in Nigeria
1. Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU)
Abia State University was established in 1981 in the rural area of Uturu. The university was initially under the jurisdiction of Imo State since Abia state was created in 1991.
The College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine was later merged with the Uturu campus to become Abia State University.
Abia State University offers programs and courses leading to recognized higher education degrees, such as bachelor’s degrees, in different fields of study.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Professor Onyemachi Maxwell Ogbulu.
2. Adamawa State University Mubi
Adamawa State University was founded in 2002. Located in Mubi, in the Northern Senatorial District of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Adamawa State established it.
The university’s motto is”Towards ensuring rapid development and transformation of the State.”
Adamawa State University offers programs and courses leading to officially recognized higher education degrees, such as bachelor’s degrees, in several fields of study.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Kelatapwa Farauta.
3. Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba
Adekunle Ajasin University was established in 1982 in the suburban area of Akungba Akoko in Ondo state Nigeria. This university also has a branch campus in Ikare Akoko.
The 40-50% admission rate range makes this Nigerian University an averagely selective institution. International students are welcome to enroll.
Adekunle Ajasin University offers programs and courses leading to recognized higher education degrees, such as bachelor’s degrees, in different fields of study.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Prof. Olugbenga Ige.
4. Akwa Ibom State University of Technology, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State University of Technology was established in 2009 in the urban area of Ikot Akpad in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The University has a branch campus in Obio Akpa.
The 60-70% admission rate range makes this Nigerian university an averagely selective institution. International students are welcome to enroll.
The Akwa Ibom State University of Technology offers programs and courses leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several fields of study, such as bachelor’s degrees.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Prof. Leo Daniel.
5. Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma
Ambrose Alli University was founded in 1980 in Ekpoma in Edo State, Nigeria. This over 40years old university is recognized officially by the National Universities Commission of Nigeria.
The university has no religious affiliation and admits students from any cultural background in Nigeria and abroad, promoting a diverse student body.
AAU also gives students several academic and non-academic facilities and services, including administrative and library services.
Ambrose Alli University offers programs and courses leading to recognized higher education degrees in different fields of study, such as bachelor’s degrees.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Asomwan Sonnie Adagbonyin.
6. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) was founded in 2002 in the urban area of Uli in Anambra state, Nigeria. This university has branch campuses in the following locations: Awka and Igbariam.
COOU offers courses and programs leading to recognized higher education degrees like pre-bachelor degrees (i.e., diplomas, certificates, foundation or associates), master’s degrees, bachelor’s, and doctorate degrees in different areas of study.
COOU provides facilities for academic and non-academic activities like libraries, financial aids, scholarships, sports facilities, online courses, distance learning opportunities, and administrative services.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Prof. Greg Nwakoby
7. Bauchi State University, Gadau
Bauchi State University (BASUG) was established in 2011 in the small town of Gadau, Bauchi State, Nigeria. The university also has a branch in Misau.
BASUG its doors to all, irrespective of creed, race, gender, and religious belief, Identifying, recruiting, and attracting the finest staff workforce to carry out its vital traditional functions of lecturing, researching, and community service.
Bauchi State University offers courses and programs leading to recognized higher education degrees in different areas of study.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Prof. Auwalu Uba Adamu
8. Benue State University, Makurdi
Benue State University (BSUM) was established in 1992 in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. The University has implemented facilities to improve learning and research, such as ICT/Library Facilities, ICT Directorate, Media Centre, and Internet Library Project.
BSUM opens its doors to all, irrespective of creed, race, gender, and religious belief. It identifies, recruits, and attracts the finest staff to carry out its vital traditional functions of lecturing, researching, and community service.
Benue State University (BSUM) offers courses and programs leading to recognized higher education degrees in different areas of study.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Prof. Joe Tor Iorapuu
9. Yobe State University, Damaturu
Yobe State University (YSU) was founded in 2006 in Damaturu in Yobe State, Nigeria. YSU offers programs and courses leading to recognized higher education degrees, such as bachelor’s degrees, in different fields of study.
YSU opens its doors to all, irrespective of creed, race, gender, and religious belief. It identifies, recruits, and attracts the finest staff to carry out its vital traditional functions of lecturing, researching, and community service.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Prof. Mala M. Daura
10. Cross River State University of Science &Technology, Calabar
Cross River State University of Technology (CRUTECH) was established in 2002 in Calabar, Cross Rivers State, Nigeria. This university has campuses in the following locations: Okuku, Obubra, and Ogoja.
This 20-year-old Nigerian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations, students’ past academic records, and grades.
CRUTECH offers programs and courses leading to recognized higher education degrees, like bachelor’s degrees, in different fields of study.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Prof. Augustine Oko Angba
11. Delta State University Abraka
Delta State University (DELSU) was established in 1992 in Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria. The institution has two campuses at Oleh and Abraka.
DELSU offers courses and programs guiding to recognized tertiary education degrees like pre-bachelor degrees (i.e., diplomas, certificates, foundation or associates), master’s degrees, bachelor’s, and doctorate degrees in different areas of study.
DELSU provides facilities for academic and non-academic activities like libraries, sports facilities, and administrative services.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Professor Andy Egwunyenga
12. Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State University (EBSU) was established in 2000 in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Many of its facilities were developed in response to a Guinea worm pandemic.
The Abakaliki Specialist Hospital was established for this purpose and was later remodeled to be Ebonyi State University’s primary teaching hospital.
EBSU offers courses and programs leading to official higher education degrees like pre-bachelor degrees (i.e., diplomas, certificates, foundation or associates), master’s degrees, bachelor’s, and doctorate degrees in different areas of study.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Professor Chigozie N Ogbu
13. Ekiti State University
The Ekiti State University was established in 1982 in the urban area of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. It was established as Obafemi Awolowo University by the administration of Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, the first civilian governor of Ondo State.
However, in 1996, when Ekiti State was created out of Ondo State, the university became Ekiti State-owned due to its location. So, the name was changed to the University of Ado-Ekiti, UNAD.
In 2011, Governor Kayode Fayemi named the university Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, EKSU.
The University now has the following faculties: Clinical Sciences, Arts, Agricultural Science, Basic Medical Sciences, Education, Social Science, Management Science, Engineering, and Law.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Prof. Edward O. Olanipekun.
14. Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu
Enugu State University of Science and Technology, founded in 1982, is a non-profit public higher-education school located in the big city of Enugu.
Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) provides courses and programs that lead to recognized tertiary education degrees like bachelor’s degrees in various subjects.
ESUT also provides students with academic and non-academic facilities and services, such as a library and administrative services.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Prof.Aloysius Michael Okolie.
15. Gombe State Univeristy, Gombe
Gombe State University (GSU) was established in 2004 and is located in Tudun Wada, a town in Shamaki ward, Gombe State, Nigeria, and is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
Its 60-70% admission rate range makes this Nigerian university an averagely selective institution. International students are welcome to enroll.
GSU offers courses and programs leading to official higher institution degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e., diplomas, certificates, foundation or associates), master’s degrees, bachelor’s, and doctorate degrees in different areas of study.
The University has a Chancellor and 11 Governing council members, principal officers, and management staff.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Prof. Aliyu Usman El-Nafaty.
16. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai
Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) was founded in 2005 in Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria. It had its first convocation in 2014.
It was named after the former Nigeria Head of State General Ibrahim Babangida. The university started academic activities in the 2005/2006 academic session.
IBBU offers courses and programs leading to recognized higher institution degrees in different areas of study.
The University has a Chancellor and 11 Governing council members, principal officers, and management staff.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Prof. Kasim Adamu.
17. Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni
Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) was known as Rivers State College of Education from June 1971 to October 2009.
Rivers State College of Education was created as an autonomous body, with the College reaching attainment of full maturity, as it became well-placed to play a more dynamic role in society.
IAUE offers courses and programs leading to recognized higher institution degrees in different areas of study.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Prof. Okechukwu Onochukwu.
18. Imo State University, Owerri
The Imo State University (IMSU) in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, was established in 1981. The university admitted the first students of 392 pioneer students on 23 October 1981.
IMSU offers courses and programs leading to official higher institution degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e., diplomas, certificates, foundation or associates), master’s degrees, bachelor’s, and doctorate degrees in different areas of study.
IMSU provides facilities for academic and non-academic activities like libraries, financial aids, scholarships, sports facilities, online courses, distance learning opportunities, and administrative services.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Prof. U Chukwumaeze.
19. Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, Jigawa
Sule Lamido University (SLU) is a state-owned public university located in Kafin Hausa, Jigawa State, Nigeria.
It was established on 13 May 2013 and licensed by National Universities Commission in July 2013 as a Jigawa State University, and full academic activities commenced in September 2014.
SLU offers programs and courses leading to recognized tertiary institution degrees, such as bachelor’s degrees, in different fields of study.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Prof. Lawan Sani Taura
20. Kaduna State University Kaduna
Kaduna State University is in Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria. It was established in 2004. It has seven faculties with over 39 departments and a library that contains over 17,000 volumes of books. It has two campuses: Kafanchan and Kaduna.
Kaduna State University was established under Kaduna State law enacted in May 2004. The implementation followed the need to boost higher education in the northern and southern parts of the state.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Prof. Abdullahi Ibrahim Musa.
21. Kano University of Science & Technology, Wudil
Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil (KUST) was created as “Kano University of Technology” (KUT) in 2001.
The University is Ranked 123rd in the list of Best Universities in Nigeria. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso proposed establishing the first state university during his first tenure as governor of Kano State, from 1999 to 2003.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Prof Musa Tukur Yakasai.
22. Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero
The Kebbi State University of Science and Technology is a university in Aliero owned by Kebbi State, Nigeria. KSUSTA offers programmes in sciences and agriculture, among others. It was the 79th university established in Nigeria.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Prof. Bashar Ladan Aliero.
23. Kwara State University, Ilorin
Kwara State University, popularly known as KWASU, was founded in 2009 by Dr. Bukola Saraki’s government with the goal of being more than just another university in Nigeria. The university recognizes itself as a part of a community.
KWASU is the 77th university the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) registered. It is also the 95th university to be recognized in Nigeria. It was designed to be a center for community service and entrepreneurship.
It has the position of a Director for Community Development to mobilize the community, set assessment strategies, and identify the needs within the community so that lecturers can use their expertise to impact the communities directly.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Johnson Adewumi.
24. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) is in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. The institution has about 30,000 students and employs over 3,000, including contract workers.
LAUTECH offers academic opportunities in technological-oriented fields.
The academic programmes offered at the university span different fields of specialization, which include management, pure and applied sciences, health sciences, engineering, and environmental sciences.
LAUTECH has a modern library that is fully computerized. With these facilities, LAUTECH is the best choice for research and industry-focused individuals.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Professor Mojeed Olaide Liasu.
25. Rivers State University
Rivers State University (RSU), originally Rivers State University of Science and Technology (UST or RSUST), is a public university in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Rivers State University of Science and Technology began as the College of Science and Technology in 1972.
In 1980, it was awarded independent university status and renamed Rivers State University of Science and Technology from the College of Science and Technology.
It is Nigeria’s only university that offers degree programs in Marine Engineering.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Professor Ayodeji Johnson Olayinka Agboola.
26. Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye
Olabisi Onabanjo Institution, Ago-Iwoye is a public university in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria.
The university was founded as Ogun State University (OSU) on July 7, 1982, and was renamed Olabisi Onabanjo University on May 29, 2001, in honor of Chief (Dr.) Olabisi Onabanjo, the then civilian governor of Ogun State, whose efforts gave birth to the university.
Meanwhile, many students still refer to the university as OSU, an abbreviation for the previous name.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Professor Ayodeji Johnson Olayinka Agboola.
27. Lagos State University, Ojo
Lagos State University, or LASU, is situated in the town of Ojo in the Nigerian state of Lagos.
To advance learning and establish academic excellence, the university was founded in 1983 by the enabling law of Lagos State.
Its slogan is For Truth and Service.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello.
28. Niger Delta University Yenagoa
Niger Delta University is in Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, in the southern part of Nigeria. It was established in 2000. It is a Bayelsa state government-funded university. In 2002, Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha established it, then governor of Bayelsa state.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Prof. Samuel Gowon Edoumiekumo.
29. Nasarawa State University Keffi
Nasarawa State University is located in the Nigerian town of Keffi, Nassarawa State.
NSUK is a tertiary institution established to promote the progress of learning in the state and its surrounding communities.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Professor Suleiman Bala Mohammed.
30. Plateau State University Bokkos
Plateau State University, Bokkos, was established On the 7th day of March 2005.
The University symbolizes the aspirations of the State’s people to build an institution of higher learning where citizens have access to tertiary education for enlightenment, skills training, and professional expertise for the development of the State.
Plateau State University’s name depicts its possession and management by the people it serves.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Professor Yohana D. Izam.
31. Tai Solarin University of Education Ijebu Ode
Tai Solarin University of Education, established in 2005, is in the tiny city of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun. Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) is officially accredited by the National Universities Commission of Nigeria.
TASUED provides courses and programs that lead to recognized tertiary education degrees, like bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees in a variety of fields of study.
TASUED also provides students with academic and non-academic facilities and services such as a library, sports facilities, financial aid and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, and administrative services.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Oluwole Sikiru Banjo.
32. Umar Musa Yar’ Adua University Katsina
The Katsina State Government established Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University (UMYU), formerly known as Katsina State University, in 2006 to ” serve as a nucleus for the socio-economic, technological, and political development of the State.
This was possible by producing highly skilled human resources through traditional face-to-face and distance learning modes.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Professor Sanusi Mamman.
33. Osun State University Osogbo
The Osun State Government founded Osun State University (UNIOSUN) is a multi-campus created by then Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.
Currently, the university runs six campuses that are dispersed around the state’s six administrative and geographical zones.
On December 21, 2006, the National Universities Commission of Nigeria designated Osun State University as the 30th State University and the 80th institution of higher learning in Nigeria.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye.
34. Taraba State University, Jalingo
Taraba State University is located in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria.
The Taraba State Government established the university at Jalingo in 2008 to widen access to university education for Taraba State indigenes and promote economic development in the country.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Prof. Sunday Paul Bako.
35. Sokoto State University
Sokoto State University is located in Sokoto, Sokoto State in, Nigeria. It was established in 2009. The university since then has produced highly competent graduates in different fields.
The university offers cheap and affordable tuition to its student, and the population of its students is relatively high, considering its location.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Prof. Bashir Garba.
36. Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano
Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano (YUMSUK) is an institution that has a zero-tolerance policy for students’ poor results and stunted academic performances. As such, YUMSUK takes its screening test and admission processes seriously.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Prof. Mukhtar Atiku Kurawa.
37. Edo State University Uzairue
The Edo state university is a state-owned university of Edo state South-South Nigeria. The university was founded in early 2016.
The Edo state university has no religious affiliation, so it will be culturally diverse.
The university has bachelor’s degrees in Engineering, Science and Technology, arts, management, and social sciences.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Prof. Emmanuel O. Aluyor.
38. Borno State University, Maiduguri
Borno State University is situated in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. It was established in 2016. It has five faculties with over 20 departments.
The university’s pioneer and current vice chancellor is Prof. Umar Kyari Sandabe. In June 2021, the university’s senate building was inaugurated by Muhammadu Buhari, the current president of Nigeria.
39. Gombe State University of Science and Technology
Gombe State University of Science and Technology, Kumo, is a public university established in 2017. It is located in Kumo, Gombe State, Nigeria.
The University is made up of various Faculties. The University currently runs about 40 Programmes under numerous Departments.
It boasts many state-of-the-art infrastructures suitable for modern teaching and learning environments comparable to most of the world’s IVY league Universities of the world.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Aliyu Usman El-Nafaty.
40. Zamfara State University
Zamfara State University was established in 2018 during the administration of Abdul-Aziz Yari as governor. It has only four permanent staff members despite having over 1,200 students and currently offering at least 18 courses.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Prof. Yahya Zakari.
41. Confluence University of Science and Technology Osara, Kogi
CUSTECH, Osara, is a university owned by the State Government in Nigeria. It is situated at Osara in the Adavi Local government area of the state.
It was established on 10th November 2020 to give effect to the Nation’s drive for high self-reliance in Science, Engineering, and especially Technology. The university specializes in Technology.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Prof. Salawu Sadiku Vice-Chancellor.
42. University of Delta, Agbor
UNIDEL, located in Agbor, is a Nigerian university run by the state government. The university laid its foundation in 1995. The school has its main campus at Abraka, Delta State, and its sub-campus at Oleh.
UNIDEL was established to train students to be good teachers who will positively impact the Nigerian Education sector.
The institution offers programmes across disciplines and provides its students with facilities for a comfortable learning environment.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Prof Stella C Chiemeke
43. Delta University of Science and Technology, Ozoro
DSUST, Ozoro, is one of the higher education institutions established by the Delta State Government in 2021.
The school started with forty-five programmes and departments duly licensed by the National Universities Commission of Nigeria (NUC).
The current vice chancellor of the university is Oboreh, Jacob Snapps, Ph. D.
44. Bamidele Olumilua University of Science and Technology Ikere, Ekiti State
Bamidele Olumilua University is situated in Apata Hill, in the Ekiti state of Nigeria. The university, formerly known as the College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti.
The school offers degree programs ranging from Education, Science, and Technology.
The university has three colleges: education, science, and technology.
The current vice chancellor of the university is DR. Veronica Ibitola Makinde.
45. Lagos State University of Education, Ijanikin
LASUED is a new university in Lagos state, Nigeria, owned and managed by the Lagos state government. The University was established in February 2022.
This was achieved by converting the then Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Oto-ljanikin (AOCOED) and the Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED) by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Prof. Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye.
46. Enugu State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, Igbo-Eno
SUMAS is situated at Igbo-Eno, Enugu State. It became the 59th state university in Nigeria after it was licensed to operate as a university by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in June 2022.
The NUC also approved the university.
The current vice chancellor of the university is Prof. James Chukwuma Ogbonna.
Conclusion
We have listed the top state universities in Nigeria. We have also taken the liberty of adding valuable information to help you make a good decision on which university to attend.
Please share if this article has been helpful.