NUC reported 309 universities in February 2026 after approving 33 more. The NUC register for the latest number of universities was cross check before publishing. Always know that NUC keep approving new universities.
How many federal, state and private universities are there?
These figures come from a listing of NUC’s directory dated 13 October 2026. Confirm them on nuc.edu.ng.
| Type | Number (check NUC for latest) |
|---|---|
| Federal | 77 |
| State | 69 |
| Private | 182 |
Which is the oldest university in Nigeria?
The University of Ibadan, established in 1948 as University College Ibadan. It was the first degree-awarding institution in Nigeria.
What are the best universities in Nigeria in 2026?
Covenant University, the University of Ibadan and the University of Lagos share first place nationally in the Times Higher Education 2027 rankings.
| Nigeria rank | University | World rank band |
|---|---|---|
| =1 | Covenant University | 801–1000 |
| =1 | University of Ibadan | 801–1000 |
| =1 | University of Lagos | 801–1000 |
Bayero University and Landmark University follow in the 1001–1200 band, and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka is in 1201–1400. Rankings measure research-focused factors, so choose a university by your course and accreditation, not only by rank.
How do I check that a university is approved?
Use NUC’s official list at nuc.edu.ng. Check that the university appears under federal, state or private, and that your programme is accredited. Avoid anyone selling admission on unlisted “universities.
Lists of universities in Nigeria
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What Are the Names of Universities In Nigeria?
- Abia State University, Uturu
- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University
- Bauchi Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
- Bayero University, Kano
- Federal University Gashua
- Yobe Federal University of Petroleum Resources
- Effurun Federal University of Technology
- Akure Federal University of Technology
- Minna Federal University of Technology
- Owerri Federal University
- Dutse, Jigawa State Federal University
- Dustin-Ma, Katsina Federal University
- Kashere, Gombe State Federal University
- Lafia, Nasarawa State Federal University
- Lokoja, Kogi State
- Adamawa State University Mubi
- Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba
- Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden
- Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma
- Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli
- Bauchi State University, Gadau
- Benue State University, Makurdi
- Yobe State University, Damaturu
- Alex Ekwueme University, Ndufu-Alike
- Ebonyi State Federal University
- Otuoke, Bayelsa Federal University
- Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State Federal University
- Wukari, Taraba State Federal University
- Birnin Kebbi Federal University Gusau Zamfara
- Michael Okpara University of Agricultural Umudike
- Modibbo Adama University of Technology
- Yola National Open University of Nigeria
- Lagos Nigeria Police Academy
- Wudil Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
- Obafemi Awolowo University,Ile-Ife
- University of Abuja, Gwagwalada
- Federal University of Agriculture
- Abeokuta University of Agriculture
- University of Benin
- University of Makurdi
- University of Calabar
- University of Ibadan
- University of Ilorin
- University of Jos
- University of Lagos
- University of Maiduguri
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka
- University of Port-Harcourt
- University of Uyo Usmanu Danfodiyo
- University Nigerian Maritime
- University Okerenkoko
- Delta State Air Force Institute of Technology
- Kaduna Nigerian Army University
- Nigeria Army University Biu
- Federal University of Health Technology, Otukpo Benue State
- Cross River State University of Technology, Calabar
- Delta State University Abraka
- Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
- Ekiti State University
- Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu
- Gombe State University, Gombe
- Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai
- Ignatius Ajuru University of Education,Rumuolumeni
- Imo State University, Owerri
- Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, Jigawa
- Kaduna State University, Kaduna
- Kano University of Science & Technology, Wudil
- Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero
- Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba
- Kwara State University, Ilorin
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso
- Ondo State University of Science and Technology Okitipupa
- Rivers State University
- Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye
- Lagos State University, Ojo
- Niger Delta University Yenagoa
- Nasarawa State University Keffi
- Plateau State University Bokkos
- Tai Solarin University of Education Ijebu Ode
- Umar Musa Yar’ Adua University Katsina
- Osun State University Osogbo
- Taraba State University, JalingoSokoto State University
- Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano
- Oyo State Technical University Ibadan
- Ondo State University of Medical Sciences
- Edo State University Uzairue
- Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University Ogboko, Imo State
- University of Africa Toru Orua, Bayelsa State
- Bornu State University, Maiduguri
- Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology Abeokuta
- Gombe State University of Science and Technology
- Zamfara State University
- Bayelsa Medical University
- University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Umuagwo, Imo State
- Confluence University of Science and Technology Osara, Kogi
- University of Delta, Agbor
- Delta University of Science and Technology, Ozoro
- Dennis Osadebe University, Asaba
- Bamidele Olumilua University of Science and Technology Ikere, Ekiti State
- Lagos State University of Education, Ijanikin
- Lagos State University of Science and Technology Ikorodu
- Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto
- Enugu State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, Igbo-Eno
- University of Ilesa, Osun State
- Emmanuel Alayande University of Education. Oyo, Oyo State
- Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education
- Kogi State University, Kabba
- Niger State University of Education, Minna
- Achievers University, OwoAdeleke University, Ede
- Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti – Ekiti State
- African University of Science & Technology, Abuja
- Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru
- Kebbi State Federal University of Technology, Babura
- Jigawa State Federal University of Technology
- Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State
- Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare
- Bauchi State Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun
- Osun State David Nweze Umahi
- Federal University of Medical Sciences, Uburu
- Admiralty University Ibusa, Delta State
- Federal University of Transportation Daura, Katsina
- Ajayi Crowther University, Ibadan
- Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin
- Al-Qalam University, Katsina
- American University of Nigeria, Yola
- Augustine University
- Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo
- Baze University
- Bells University of Technology, Otta
- Benson Idahosa University, Benin City
- Bingham University, New Karu
- Bowen University, Iwo
- Caleb University, Lagos
- Caritas University, Enugu
- Chrisland University
- Covenant University Ota
- Crawford University Igbesa
Crescent University - Edwin Clark University, Kaigbodo
- Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin
- Evangel University, Akaeze
- Fountain Unveristy, Oshogbo
- Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu-Nike – Enugu State
- Gregory University, Uturu
- Hallmark University, Ijebi Itele, Ogun
- Hezekiah University, Umudi
- Igbinedion University Okada
- Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji
- Kings University, Ode Omu
- Kwararafa University, Wukari
- Landmark University, Omu-Aran.
- Lead City University, Ibadan
- Madonna University, Okija
- Mcpherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ajebo
- Micheal & Cecilia Ibru University
- Mountain Top University
- Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja
- Novena University, Ogume
- Obong University, Obong Ntak
- Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu – Osun State
- Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos
- Paul University, Awka – Anambra State
- Redeemer’s University, Ede
- Renaissance University, Enugu
- Rhema University, Obeama-Asa – Rivers State
- Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom
- Salem University, Lokoja
- Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa.
- Southwestern University, Oku Owa
- Summit University, Offa
- Tansian University, Umunya
- University of Mkar, Mkar
- Veritas University, Abuja
- Wellspring University, Evbuobanosa – Edo State
- Wesley University Ondo
- Western Delta University, Oghara Delta State
- Christopher University Mowe
- Kola Daisi University Ibadan, Oyo State
- Anchor University Ayobo Lagos State
- Dominican University Ibadan Oyo State
- Legacy University, Okija Anambra State
- Arthur Javis University Akpoyubo Cross River State
- Crown Hill University Eiyenkorin, Kwara State
- Coal City University Enugu
List 6 Best Universities In Nigeria
For a ranking based on an external assessment, the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) rankings provide a useful reference: 24 Nigerian universities were reported as having places in the 2026 rankings.
The following universities featured in the reported 2026 THE rankings. This is a list of participating ranked institutions, not a claim that they occupy positions 1 to 24 in this order.
University of Ibadan
University of Lagos
Bayero University Kano
Covenant University
Landmark University
Ahmadu Bello University
Federal University of Technology, Minna
University of Ilorin
University of Jos
University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Babcock University
Delta State University, Abraka
Ekiti State University
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
Federal University of Technology, Akure
Federal University of Technology, Owerri
Federal University Oye-Ekiti
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
Lagos State University
Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Obafemi Awolowo University
University of Benin
University of Calabar
University of Port Harcourt
The Federal Ministry of Education identifies the University of Ibadan and University of Lagos among Nigeria’s highest-ranked institutions in the 2026 THE rankings and highlights Bayero University Kano’s performance.
How Many Federal Universities Are In Nigeria and Their Names
There are 43 federal Universities in Nigeria and their names are mentioned below
- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi (ATBU)
- Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU)
- Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna (AFIT)
- Bayero University, Kano (BUK)
- The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE)
- The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
- The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)
- Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
- Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State (FUD)
- Federal University, Dustin-Ma, Katsina (FUDMA)
- Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State (FUKASHERE)
- Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State (FULAFIA)
- Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State (FULOKOJA)
- Federal University, Ndifu-Alike, Ebonyi State (FUNAI)
- Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State (FUOYE)
- Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa (FUOTUOKE)
- Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State (FUWUKARI)
- Federal University, Gusau Zamfara (FUGUS)
- Federal University, Birnin Kebbi (FUBK)
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
- Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM)
- Federal University Gashua, Yobe (FUGASHUA)
- Michael Okpara University of Agricultural Umudike (MOUAU)
- The Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola (MAUTECH)
- Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB)
- Nigerian Maritime University Okerenkoko, Delta State (NMU)
- Nigeria Police Academy Wudil (NPA)
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK)
- Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna (NDA)
- National Open University of Nigeria, Lagos (NOUN)
- Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (OAU)
- The University of Abuja, Gwagwalada (UNIABUJA)
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- University of Calabar (UNICAL)
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- University of Jos (UNIJOS)
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
- University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT)
- Usman Danfodiyo University (UDUSOK)
- University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
Total Number of Students in Nigerian Universities
Nigerian universities have a total student population of 1.8 million, and there is an average of 1.6 million students seeking admission each year.
How Many State Universities Are In Nigeria?
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has officially listed 69 state universities in Nigeria on its website. Here is the full list of the 69 state universities in Nigeria for 2026/2027
List of 57 State University in Nigeria
Here is a list of state universities in Nigeria:
- Abia State University, Uturu
- Adamawa State University Mubi
- Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba
- Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden
- Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma
- Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli
- Bauchi State University, Gadau
- Benue State University, Makurdi
- Yobe State University, Damaturu
- Cross River State University of Technology, Calabar
- Delta State University Abraka
- Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
- Ekiti State University
- Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu
- Gombe State University, Gombe
- Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai
- Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni
- Imo State University, Owerri
- Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, Jigawa
- Kaduna State University, Kaduna
- Kano University of Science & Technology, Wudil
- Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero
- Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba
- Kwara State University, Ilorin
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso
- Ondo State University of Science and Technology Okitipupa
- Rivers State University (RSU)
- Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye
- Lagos State University, Ojo
- Niger Delta University Yenagoa
- Nasarawa State University Keffi
- Plateau State University Bokkos
- Tai Solarin University of Education Ijebu Ode
- Umar Musa Yar’ Adua University Katsina
- Osun State University Osogbo
- Taraba State University, Jalingo
- Sokoto State University
- Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano
- First Technical University Ibadan
- Ondo State University of Medical Sciences
- Edo State University Uzairue
- Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University Ogboko, Imo State
- University of Africa Toru Orua, Bayelsa State
- Bornu State University, Maiduguri
- Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology Abeokuta
- Gombe State University of Science and Technology
- Zamfara State University
- Bayelsa Medical University
- University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Umuagwo, Imo State
- Confluence University of Science and Technology Osara, Kogi
- University of Delta, Agbor
- Delta University of Science and Technology, Ozoro
- Dennis Osadebe University, Asaba
- Bamidele Olumilua University of Science and Technology Ikere, Ekiti State
- King David Umahi University of Medical Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State
- Lagos State University of Education, Ijanikin
- Lagos State University of Science and Technology Ikorodu
What are the 37 Newly Approved Universities in Nigeria?
The recently approved universities in Nigeria by the NUC are as follows:
- Rayhaan University, Kebbi state
- Muhammad Kamalu-Deen University, Kwara state
- Sam Maris University, Ondo state
- Aletheia University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun state
- Lux Mundi University, Abia state
- Maduka University, Enugu state
- Peaceland University, Enugu state
- Amadeus University, Abia state
- Vision University, Ogun state
- Azman University, Kano state
- Huda University, Zamfara state
- Franco British International University, Kaduna
- Canadian University of Nigeria, FCT
- Miva Open University, FCT
- Gerar University of Medical Sciences, Ogun state
- British Canadian University, Cross River state
- Hansard University, Bayelsa State
- Phoenix University, Nasarawa State
- Wigwe University, Rivers State
- Hillside University of Science and Technology, Ekiti state
- University of the Niger, Anambra state
- Elrazi University of Medical Sciences, Kano state
- Venite University, Ekiti state
- Shanahan University, Anambra State
- The Duke Medical University, Cross River state
- Mercy Medical University, Osun State
- Cosmopolitan University, FCT
- Iconic Open University, Sokoto State
- West Midland Open University, Oyo State
- Amaj University, FCT
- Prime University, FCT
- El-Amin University, Niger state
- College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna state
- Jewel University, Gombe
- Nigerian University of Technology and Management, Lagos State
- Al-Muhibbah Open University, FCT
- Al-Bayan University, Kogi state
