Choosing The Right University In Nigeria

Table of Contents

Introduction

Nigeria boasts a vast number of universities, providing diverse academic opportunities for students nationwide. These institutions are categorized into federal, state, and private universities, each with distinct funding structures, tuition fees, and learning environments.

Choosing the right university is a crucial step in shaping your career. This guide provides a comprehensive list of all accredited universities in Nigeria (2025), helping you make an informed decision based on accreditation, affordability, location, and academic offerings.

Categories of Universities in Nigeria

Nigeria’s universities are classified into three main types:

Federal Universities in Nigeria

Federal universities are funded and managed by the Nigerian government, making them some of the most affordable options for students. They offer programs in science, technology, arts, and social sciences. Below is the complete list of federal universities in Nigeria:

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

Why Choose a Federal University?

✅ Government-funded (lower tuition fees)
✅ Wide range of accredited programs
✅ Strong academic reputation

State Universities in Nigeria

State universities are owned by state governments and cater primarily to local students while admitting candidates from other regions. They focus on regional educational needs.

Name	State	Abbreviation	Year Founded
Abia State University	Abia	ABSU	1981
Adamawa State University	Adamawa	ADSU	2002
Adekunle Ajasin University	Ondo	AAUA	1999
Akwa Ibom State University	Akwa Ibom	AKSU	2010
Ambrose Alli University	Edo	AAU	1981
Benue State University	Benue	BSU	1992
Delta State University	Delta	DELSU	1992
Ebonyi State University	Ebonyi	EBSU	1996
Ekiti State University	Ekiti	EKSU	1981
Enugu State University of Science & Tech	Enugu	ESUT	1979
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology	Oyo	LAUTECH	1990
Lagos State University	Lagos	LASU	1983
Nasarawa State University	Nasarawa	NSUK	2001
Olabisi Onabanjo University	Ogun	OOU	1982
Osun State University	Osun	UNIOSUN	2006
Rivers State University	Rivers	RIVSU	1980

Why Choose a State University?

✅ Lower fees than private universities
✅ State government scholarships available
✅ Focus on local employment opportunities

Private Universities in Nigeria

Private universities are owned by individuals, religious bodies, or corporations. They offer high-quality education with modern facilities but at higher tuition fees.

Name	State	Abbreviation	Year Founded
Covenant University	Ogun	CU	2002
Babcock University	Ogun	BU	1999
Afe Babalola University	Ekiti	ABUAD	2009
American University of Nigeria	Adamawa	AUN	2005
Bowen University	Osun	BU	2001
Landmark University	Kwara	LU	2011
Bells University of Technology	Ogun	BUT	2004
Nile University of Nigeria	Abuja	NUN	2009
Pan-Atlantic University	Lagos	PAU	2002

Why Choose a Private University?

✅ Smaller class sizes
✅ Advanced learning facilities
✅ Strong industry connections

How to Choose the Right University in Nigeria

Selecting a university involves considering several key factors:

✅ Accreditation – Ensure the school is NUC-approved.
✅ Course Availability – Check if your preferred program is offered.
✅ Tuition Fees – Federal (cheapest), State (moderate), Private (expensive).
✅ Location – Urban (more opportunities) vs. rural (quieter environment).
✅ Facilities – Libraries, labs, hostels, and career support services.
✅ Reputation – Research alumni success and employability rates.
✅ Class Size – Private universities offer smaller, personalized classes.
✅ Extracurricular Activities – Clubs, sports, and networking opportunities.

Use this guide to compare institutions and select the best fit for your academic and career goals.

Need help deciding? Drop a comment below! 🚀