List of Top State Universities in Nigeria 2022
– State Universities in Nigeria –
Do you want to know about the top state Universities in Nigeria? Are you aspiring to enrol in any state university in Nigeria? This article will give you information on all you need to know.
State universities are educational institutions that are primarily administered and owned by the state government. Interestingly, there are several state universities across the 36 states.
However, the goal of these State universities is to increase student admissions by delivering professional skills and experience to rural dwellers through advanced research facilities, allowing them to pursue higher education.
Also, the National Universities Commission has fully accredited these state-owned academic institutions and the courses they offer (NUC). In addition, for you to enter any of the state Universities in Nigeria you must pass their Post UTME screening or exams.
List of Top State Universities in Nigeria
Here are the top State Universities in the country:
1. Lagos State University
The Lagos State University (LASU) has outperformed some Federal Universities in terms of facilities and educational system. Founded in 1983.
LASU is a school to be proud of, with a student population of 61,000 and a multi-campus system that includes four campuses in Ojo (main campus), Ikeja, Surulere, and Epe.
Also, it has various faculties which are: the Faculty of Social Sciences, Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science and Education, Business Administration, Law, School of Clinical Sciences, and Arts among LASU’s nine faculties.
2. Rivers State University of Science and Technology
The Rivers State University of Science and Technology laid its foundation in 1972 as the College of Science and Technology.
However, in 1980, it was granted independent university status and renamed Rivers State University of Science and Technology from the College of Science and Technology.
Also, it is Nigeria’s only approved university that offers degree programs in marine engineering.
3. Olabisi Onabanjo University
Olabisi Onabanjo Univeristy is a state-owned and administered university in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria.
The university laid its foundation as Ogun State University (OSU) on July 7, 1982. And on May 29, 2001, it changed to Olabisi Onabanjo University.
This was in honour of Chief (Dr.) Olabisi Onabanjo, the then civilian governor of Ogun State. Interestingly, he was instrumental in the university’s establishment.
Meanwhile, many students still refer to the university as Ogun State University, which is an abbreviation of OSU.
4. Delta State University
The Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU) is a state-owned university in Nigeria. It has its main campus in Abraka, Delta State, and two satellite campuses in Asaba and Oleh.
However, the Amended Edict of 1995 established the Oleh campus. Interestingly, the university is a multi-campus institution with three campuses separated by around 200 kilometres.
The university now provides a variety of programs ranging from full-time certificate, diploma, and degree programs to part-time evening and weekend degree programs. Meanwhile, the university offers doctoral-level postgraduate programs.
5. Ambrose Ali University
Ambrose Alli University (AAU) is a government-owned university in Nigeria’s Edo State. It laid its foundation in 1981 through Ambrose Folorunsho Alli, the governor of Bendel State.
Also, AAU is approved and recognized by the National Universities Commission. Meanwhile, It was originally known as Bendel State University, then Edo State University, and finally renamed to its current name in honour of professor Ambrose Folorunsho Alli (NUC).
6. Adekunle Ajasin University
Adekunle Ajasin Institution (AAUA) is a Nigerian university that is owned and run by the state government. Also, the university is located in Ondo State, Nigeria, at Akungba Akoko.
The government of the old Ondo State, led by the late Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, created Adekunle Ajasin University as Obafemi Awolowo University in March 1982.
However, in 1985, the military government of Navy Commodore Michael Bamidele Otiko changed its name to Ondo State University.
Following the establishment of a new state out of the old Ondo three years earlier in October 1996, it moved to Akungba Akoko in 1999.
7. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
LAUTECH (Ladoke Akintola University of Technology) is a Nigerian tertiary institution in Ogbomoso, Oyo State. Also, the institution has around 30,000 students enrolled and employs over 3,000 people, including contract workers.
Governor Adetunji Olurin, then-military governor of Oyo State received a request from the Governing Council of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, in 1987 to establish a State University.
However, in 1988, he convened a seven-member inter-ministerial committee, chaired by Mrs Oyinkan Ayoola, to advocate for the university’s establishment. Interestingly, Nigeria’s federal military administration granted the State’s request on March 13, 1990.
This was when Colonel Sasaenia Oresanya signed the order establishing the Oyo State University of Technology on April 23, 1990.
8. Ekiti State Univeristy
Ekiti State University laid its foundation in 1982. Also, it offers programs in agriculture, science, and social science, as well as arts, management sciences, clinical sciences, and basic medical science. The University is located in Ekiti, Nigeria.
9. Kogi State University
Prince Abubakar Audu Institution (Formerly Kogi State University) is a state-owned university in Nigeria. The University laid its foundation in 1999 through Prince Abubakar Audu, the state’s previous governor.
However, it was originally known as Kogi State University but was renamed Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU) in 2002.
Although, after the then-sitting governor of Kogi State, who heralded its establishment, renamed it back to Kogi State University (KSU) in 2003.
10. Niger Delta University
Bayelsa State is home to the Niger Delta University. In the year 2000, the University laid its foundation. However, there are two campuses, one in Yenagoa and the other in Amassoma.
The Faculty of Agriculture, Medical Sciences, Law, Pharmacy, Science, Social Sciences, Engineering, Management Sciences, Arts, and Education are among the university’s nine faculties.
11. Osun State University
Osun State University is a multi-campus university created by the Osun State Government under Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola’s administration.
The university currently has six campuses spread out over the state’s six administrative/geopolitical zones.
Also, on December 21, 2006, Nigeria’s National Universities Commission approved Osun State University as the country’s 30th state university and 80th overall.
Meanwhile, it has campuses at Osogbo, Ikire, Okuku, Ifetedo, and Ipetu Ijesha.
12. Kwara State University
Kwara State University laid its foundation in 2009 under Dr Bukola Saraki’s administration. The Nigerian Universities Commission registered Kwara State University as an approved Institution.
However, it is Nigeria’s 95th university to be recognized. Interestingly, the school aims to be more than a standard Nigerian institution.
13. Enugu State University of Science and Technology
The Enugu State University of Science and Technology laid its foundation in the year 1980. This was When the state of Enugu got created.
Also, the university has various faculties which are: Engineering, Law, Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Applied Natural Sciences, Education, Social Sciences, and Pharmacy are among the faculties of the university.
However, it has 50,000 students attending the university.
14. Benue State University
Benue State University is located in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Also, it is a state-owned institution. In 2006, there were about 19,000 students serviced by seven faculties and 23 departments.
Meanwhile, it has approximately 58 graduate programs spread throughout 9 colleges/faculties. Interestingly, the university offers undergraduate and postgraduate studies and the National Universities Commission accredits it.
15. Kaduna State University
Kaduna State University (KASU) is located in Kaduna State. The University laid its foundation in 2004.
It features seven faculties and over 39 departments, as well as a library with over 17,000 volumes. It has two campuses which are Kafanchan and Kaduna.
However, the Kaduna State University was established in May 2004 by a law passed by the state of Kaduna. Also, the bill was passed in response to the need to expand higher education in the state’s northern and southern regions.
16. Imo State University
The Imo State University (IMSU) laid its foundation by statute No. 4 approved by the IMO State House of Assembly in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Also, on October 23, 1981, 392 pioneer students were accepted to the institution for the first time. Interestingly, the National Universities Commission (NUC) of Nigeria has granted full accreditation to most of the university’s programs.
Additionally, the university was ranked first among all Nigerian state universities and tenth overall among state and federal universities.
17. Abia State University
The Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) is one of Nigeria’s state-owned universities.
However, state academic institutions were established to increase admissions and to deliver professional skills, competence, and advanced research facilities.
18. Ebonyi State University
Ebonyi State University is in Abakaliki, Nigeria. The University laid its foundation in 1999. Also, the ESUT Faculty of Health Sciences got created in 1991 as the university’s medical faculty.
Meanwhile, many of the university’s buildings were built in reaction to a Guinea worm outbreak; the Abakaliki Specialist Hospital, which was built for that purpose, was remodeled to become Ebonyi State University’s principal teaching hospital.
Interestingly, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) later gave it accreditation for the teaching of medical students and resident doctors.
19. Nasarawa State University
Nigeria is home to Nasarawa State University. Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) is a tertiary university that promotes educational growth in the state and its environment.
Also, Nasarawa State Law No. 2 of 2001, enabled the state to create a state university.
20. Ondo State University of Science and Technology
OSUTECH is a state-owned university in Okitipupa, Ondo State, Nigeria. Also, it is located in the Southern Senatorial District.
However, in 2021, the university was ranked 9th among Nigeria’s top ten state-owned universities by the National University Commission (NUC).
Interestingly, the Ondo State Government founded OSUSTECH in 2008. This was under the leadership of Dr Olusegun Agagu. However, the university began academic activity in January 2011 and now offers a variety of degree programs under the Faculty of Science.
In addition, it has the Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology and the Faculty of Engineering and Engineering Technology were both established in 2017.
21. Plateau State University
Plateau State University is a Nigerian university located in Plateau State. The University laid its foundation in 2005.
Also, on April 29th of the same year, 2005, the National Universities Commission (NUC) recognized it as Nigeria’s 66th university and the country’s 24th state-owned university.
Interestingly, it is located in Diram Village in the Bokkos Local Government Area, some 70 kilometres from Jos, the Plateau State capital, along the Butura-Tarangol axis.
22. Gombe State University
Gombe State University (GSU) is located in Gombe State, Nigeria. The University is a member of the Commonwealth Universities Association. The Governor Muhammed Danjuma Goje established Gombe State University in 2003.
Also, to construct a state-owned university, the ministry of education formed a 35-member stakeholder committee that reports to the state executive council.
Meanwhile, the state executive council allowed the formation of a 24-member technical planning committee to oversee the University’s operations.
23. Zamfara State University
Zamfara State University is a Nigerian state university located in Talata Mafara, Zamfara State. It laid its foundation in 2018. In addition, Abdulaziz Yari, the then-governor of Zamfara State, founded and formed the university in 2018 to expand higher learning education in the state.
24. Taraba State University
Taraba State University is in Jalingo, Nigeria. Also, The Taraba State Government created the university in Jalingo in 2008. This is to increase access to higher education for Taraba State residents and boost economic development in the country.
However, from the beginning, the institution set a mission for itself, which is summed up in its motto: Harnessing Nature’s Gift.
Interestingly, the university is directed by the National Universities Commission in Abuja’s accreditation of national and international workforce demands.
25. Adamawa State University Mubi
Adamawa State University is located in Mubi, Adamawa State. Also, Adamawa State University laid its foundation in 2001.
The University is aimed towards ensuring rapid development and transformation of the State, the university’s title caption reads.
26. Bauchi State University, Gadau
Bauchi State Institution Gadau (BASUG) is a Nigerian state-owned university in Bauchi State. Also, it has campuses in Gadau, Misau, Bauchi, and Jama’are, as well as others in Misau, Bauchi, and Jama’are.
27. Yobe State University, Damaturu
Yobe State University is in Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria. Also, the University laid its foundation in 2006 by Alh. Bukar Abba Ibrahim; the then-Executive Governor of Yobe State, was under the Yobe state law (1999-2007).
28. Akwa Ibom State University
The Akwa Ibom State Government conceived and supported Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU). However, in the academic year 2010/2011, the university welcomed its first students.
Also, the institution location was to be in the University Town area of Akwa Ibom State’s Technology Triangle.
Interestingly, the Akwa Ibom State Government’s administration has changed the university’s enabling law to make it a multi-campus institution, with the main campus in Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin L.G.A. and a second campus in Obio Akpa, Oruk Anam L.G.A.
29. Anambra State University of Science & Technology
Anambra State University, originally Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, is a Nigerian postsecondary institution located in Uli, Anambra State.
The institution has two campuses, established by Anambra State Government Law No. 13 of 2000.
The university’s main campus is in Uli, on the former location of the Ekwenugo Okeke Polytechnic, formerly known as Anambra State Polytechnic. While the second campus is in Igbariam, where the College of Agriculture used to be.
30. Sokoto State University
Sokoto State University (SSU) is a Nigerian university located in Sokoto. Also, the University laid its Foundation in 2009.
However, the establishment of the Sokoto State University was by Aliyu Wamakko who was then the Sokoto State Governor.
31. Umar Musa Yar’ Adua University
The Katsina State Government established Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University (UMYU), formerly Katsina State University, in 2006.
The university aims to serve as a nucleus for the State’s socio-economic, technological, and political development by producing highly skilled human resources.
32. University of Cross River State
UNICROSS (University of Cross River State) is a also one of the state universities in Nigeria. It has four campuses scattered across the state’s four Local Government Areas.
However, the Vice-Office, Chancellor’s Deputy Vice-Office, Chancellor’s and the Bursar’s Offices are all located on the Calabar Campus.
Also, the Institution’s main campus is located in the Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State in Southern Nigeria.
In addition, the University laid its foundation in 2002 by the then-Governor, Mr Donald Duke.
33. Tai Solarin University of Education Ijebu Ode
The Tai Solarin University of Education is a Nigerian university in Ogun State. It is a public university that focuses on education. Also, the University laid its foundation in 2005.
The University honoured Tai Solarin with his name (1922–1994); he is an outstanding Nigerian educational administrator and human rights, activist.
Interestingly, it is Nigeria’s 76th university. On January 29, 2005, the administration of Otunba Gbenga Daniel declared the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED, pronounced TARSUD) as a full-fledged university.
Also, the National Universities Commission (NUC) approved TASUED as a university.
34. Northwest University Kano
The Kano State Government owns Northwest University. However, it is a Nigerian public university. Also, it has two campuses, first a city campus in Kano and a large campus in Kofar Ruwa, Kano, on General Buhari Way.
Interestingly, the National Universities Commission has accredited the university.
35. Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology Abeokuta
Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology is in Abeokuta. It laid its foundation in 2017. Also, the university is a non-profit public higher education institution in Abeokuta, Ogun state.
In addition, Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology,(MAUSTECH) is a coeducational Nigerian higher education institution. The National Universities Commission of Nigeria officially accredited the University.
Meanwhile, MAUSTEC offers courses and programs that has to lead to officially recognized higher education degrees, like bachelor’s degrees, in a variety of fields.
36. Bornu State University
Borno State University is located in Maiduguri, Borno State. It was Founded in 2016. However, it comprises five faculties, each with over 20 departments.
Also, Prof. Umar Kyari Sandabe is the university’s founder and current vice-chancellor. Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s current president, inaugurated the university’s senate building in June 2021.
37. Edo State University
Edo State University, Uzairue (EDSU) is a state-owned postsecondary institution. Founded in 2016.
Also, it is in Iyamho, a town in Edo State’s Etsako West local government area. Interestingly, the National Universities Commission approved the university as Nigeria’s 41st state university on March 23, 2016.
In addition, the Edo State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees, as well as research opportunities.
38. Ondo State University of Medical Sciences
The University of Medical Sciences, Ondo (UNIMED) is a medical school in Ondo state. Also, the university laid its foundation in 2015.
The National Universities Commission has approved it as Africa’s third specialized medical university and Nigeria’s first specialized medical university.
39. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University
Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBUL) is a university in central Nigeria’s Niger State. However, In 2014, it held its first convocation.
Also, the school named the university after General Ibrahim Babangida, the former Nigerian Head of State. Interestingly, the university began academic activity in the academic year 2005/2006.
40. Delta University of Science and Technology
The Delta State University of Science and Technology is in Ozoro, Delta State. It is a public university.
Also, it has seven faculties which are: Agriculture, Science, Earth Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, Information Technology, and Management Technology.
The institution also offers undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
41. The Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology
The Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology is in Ikere, Ekiti state. It is a government-owned institution.
The institution’s aim is to provide a broad range of opportunities for the total man’s education and imbue graduates with experiential vocational and entrepreneurial skills needed for self-reliance.
42. Dennis Osadebe University
Dennis Osadebe University is a state-owned university in Asaba delta state, located near Anwai Road. The university laid its foundation in the year 2021.
Also, the institution accepts students from all walks of life, regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.
43. Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University
The Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University (KOMU) is at Ogbok, Nigeria. The state government runs the University.
Interestingly, The National Universities Commission (NUC) of Nigeria has formally authorized and recognized Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University (KOMU) in Ogboko.
44. Ignatius Ajuru University of Education
The Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, (IAUE) was Rivers State College of Education from June 1971- to October 2009.
However, Rivers State College of Education as an autonomous body with the college reached an accomplishment of complete maturity, as it became well placed to play a more dynamic role in society.
Also, the main goal of establishing the college is to recruit employees and for the general and overall administrative and financial oversight of the institution.
FAQs about State Universities in Nigeria
1. How many state universities are in Nigeria?
Currently, there are about 44 State Universities In Nigeria
2. How many state university teaching hospitals are in Nigeria?
Are 25 state university teaching hospitals in Nigeria
3. How many states does a national open university exist in Nigeria?
However, Out of the 43 federal universities, nine were given licences to run both conventional and ODL centres in Nigeria.
4. What is Lagos state university ranked in Nigeria?
Lagos state university is 29 in Nigeria’s rank.
5. What state in Nigeria has the highest number of universities?
Delta state has the highest number of public universities in the country. The state has three approved universities besides the one already in existence, which now has four universities.
6. When was lautech the best state university in Nigeria?
LAUTECH is currently among the best state Universities in Nigeria.
7. Which is the first state university in Nigeria?
Rivers State University, formerly Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) is the first state university in Nigeria.
8. Which state university in southwestern Nigeria offers medicine?
Abia State University
9. Which state university is best for human anatomy in Nigeria?
Delta State University and Ebonyi State University.
10. Which state university is the most expensive in Nigeria?
Edo University.
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