English as well as Literary Studies is one of the most essential courses within Nigeria’s Universities. It helps students be proficient in the English language while also studying global and African literature critically, as well as creative writing. In a nation in which English is the main language and literature is a reflection of the nation’s struggles, triumphs, and defining characteristics, this class will help students master communication skills as well as a deep understanding of the culture. Students can find employment in journalism, teaching creative writing and publishing, broadcasting, and public relations. Choosing the right university shapes not only your academic journey but also your ability to think, write, and lead with impact.
The following are the criteria used in ranking the best university to study English and Literary Studies in Nigeria for the academic year 2025:
- The strength of the literary curriculum (African, English, world literature)
- Academic staff are experts in their field and literary critics
- Writing workshops are available, as well as literary journals and archives
- Writing opportunities in creative writing, as well as academic publishing
- Participation of students in literary festivals and conferences
- Libraries at universities and access to literary library resources
Top 10 Universities to Study English and Literary Studies in Nigeria (2025)
if you has passion to study English and Literary Studies in Nigeria here are the top best universities to study
1. University of Ibadan (UI), Ibadan
The UI’s Department of English stands as an important pillar of literary studies across Africa. It is renowned for influencing the top Nigerian writers, journalists, academics, and writers. The department provides rich classes on English literary studies, African literature, literary criticism, and writing. With its extensive library system, internationally recognized lecturers, and a tradition with a high standard of literature, UI nurtures both creativity and critical thinking among its students.
Why Choose UI?
- The most storied department in Nigeria, English
- The home of many of Africa’s most acclaimed critics and writers
- Journals with a strong academic publishing culture
- Workshops, high-level conferences, and public readings
- Literary archives and libraries with a rich collection for conducting research
Characteristics of Teaching
- The courses cover Shakespeare, African writers, and postcolonial theory
- The sessions are a practical introduction to the critical evaluation and writing of essays
- Workshops for creative writing with authors who are published
- Integration of language, media, and literature
- The emphasis is on the accuracy of language and depth
UI provides an unrivaled literary heritage and rigorous academics with respect to English studies.
2. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
UNN is among the leading voices of Nigerian as well as African literature criticism. Their Department of English and Literary Studies is well-known for its deep understanding of theoretical and literary studies, as well as creative writing, in addition to African storytelling. The curriculum covers poetry, prose, drama, and oral traditions. Nsukka is home to some of the world’s most famous African literary personalities and is at the center of education in literature in Nigeria.
Why Choose UNN?
- Famous writers’ legacy and literary scholars
- A thorough study of African as well as Caribbean literature
- Awarded for its critical theory and research
- Participation in international and local literary debates
- Creative writing skills and dramatic arts elements
Characteristics of Teaching
- Talks on literary movements across the globe and schools
- Literary clubs for students and journals
- The courses in stylistics, studies of gender, as well as literary culture
- Oral research projects and performance evaluation
- Participation in annual literary conferences.
UNN provides literary minds by fostering tradition, imagination, and a sense of critical strength.
3. University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos
The UNILAG’s English as well as Literary Studies program is a reflection of the variety and vitality of its urban surroundings. The department’s focus is on English grammar as well as global literature, African writing, and creative composition. The proximity of publishing companies, media houses, and literary institutions offers students a real-world experience. UNILAG provides a solid platform for budding editors, writers, and professionals in the field of language.
Why Choose UNILAG?
- The city is situated in the heart of Nigeria’s media and literary scene
- Clubs for creative writing and active participation in student journals
- Languages, Journalism, as well as digital writing
- Regular guest lectures from Nigerian writers and critics
- Opportunities for internships with media and publishing companies
Characteristics of Teaching
- Concentrate on the use of language storytelling craft, as well as editing
- The Afro-modernist course, as well as contemporary fiction and poetry
- Digital media integration into English studies
- Access to writing labs, as well as campus publications
- Contests and workshops involving storytelling and spoken word.
UNILAG integrates literature education with urban creativity and professional development.
4. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
The ABU’s English as well as Literary Studies Department is well recognized for its academic excellence in addition to its contributions to literature, primarily in Northern Nigeria. The department focuses on both traditional literature and African writing, English language studies, and critical writing. ABU provides a stimulating environment with a solid research base and access to classic texts as well as ongoing literary projects with a focus on Northern languages.
Why Choose ABU?
- A high-quality literary research output, as well as an academic name
- A balanced study of African as well as Western literature
- Literary festivals, literary events, and publications that are held on the campus
- Access to a massive English library and an African literary archive
- Literature multilingual exploration in Nigeria
Characteristics of Teaching
- Poetry courses, literary criticism, and the study of linguistics
- Reading literary translations and writing in multilingual languages
- Analytical writing and presentation-based assessment
- The emphasis is upon clarity, interpretation, and the analysis of discourse
- Regular meetings in conjunction with Nigerian scholars and African scholars
ABU offers systematic, research-oriented literary studies that have depth of culture.
5. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife
OAU is known for its humanities courses, as well as its Department of English, which offers one of the most stimulating English and Literature Studies experiences in Nigeria. The curriculum consists of African oral writing, postcolonial narratives, drama, and stylistics. OAU places a high value on creativity as well as the analytical depth that makes it a center for those who wish to integrate traditional literary studies with current literary debates.
Why Choose OAU?
- Content-rich in African literature and language
- A strong performance at literary competitions across the nation
- Drama and literary festivals are held on campus
- A well-stocked Humanities and Law library for the study of literature
- Staff with a high percentage of international training
Characteristics of Teaching
- The focus is on the structure of literary works and the expression of language
- Courses in English Discourse, linguistics, and critical thinking
- The training in public speaking, as well as performance literature
- Independent research projects ranging from 300 levels
- Collaborations between departments that cross departmental boundaries with Theatre Arts
OAU is a place where you can find literary complexities, stage culture, and research excellence in English studies.
6. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Ilorin
UNILORIN is among Nigeria’s most reliable and stable educational institutions. The Department of English excels in teaching English language structure, African literature, modern literary theory, and stylistics. The university is well-known for combining literary studies with the real world and developing critical thinking abilities. With a well-planned curriculum and an active writing culture, Students at UNILORIN are given a solid base in both the linguistic and literary elements that comprise English studies.
Why Choose UNILORIN?
- Calendar of academics uninterrupted for on-time graduation
- Curriculum combines literature, writing, and English, the study of linguistics
- Affordable tuition, with top academic assistance
- Student literary associations that are active, as well as press clubs.
- A strong alumni network of alumni in media and education
Characteristics of Teaching
- Postcolonial studies, African feminism, and literary theory
- Poetry and creative writing workshops
- Seminars on language based on research and literature
- Student mentorship in academic as well as creative publishing
- Access to physical and digital literary resources
UNILORIN offers stability, innovation, and academic excellence for English studies.
7. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka
UNIZIK’s Department of English and Literary Studies provides a contemporary curriculum that is centered around African literature, Critical Theory, as well as applied writing. The curriculum lets students explore literary works across different cultures while also bringing them into the traditional traditions in African storytelling. UNIZIK additionally encourages the exploration of interdisciplinary fields and the development of communication skills that are practical, making it ideal for students with literary or journalistic ambitions.
Why Choose UNIZIK?
- The wide coverage in African literature as well as Diaspora literature
- A practical focus on writing, editing, and literary analysis
- Active involvement in campus literary activities
- Support for student writing and contests with creativity
- An academic environment that promotes intellectual debate
Characteristics of Teaching
- Literary stylistics, literary courses, and contemporary prose
- The emphasis is upon editing, communication, and analysis of textual content
- The workshops will focus on the creative aspects of nonfiction as well as digital storytelling
- The integration of literature with performance and mass media
- Support for staff members in academic conferences and publications
UNIZIK provides literary development in an imaginative and innovative learning environment.
8. Delta State University, Abraka
The DELSU’s English as well as Literary Studies Department is quickly getting recognition for its practical, as well as culturally rich and academically based program. The university is focused on literature, language, and creative writing, with an emphasis on the African as well as Western writing traditions. DELSU is renowned for its ability to foster innovative thinking, critical thinking, and literary imagination within its student body, particularly through literary clubs run by students and publishing initiatives.
Why Choose DELSU?
- Quality education at a reasonable price with high-quality courses.
- Concentrate on oral literature and traditional narratives of indigenous peoples
- The ability to access highly-trained lecturers as well as literary mentors
- Regularly scheduled literary seminars and performance events
- The program offers encouragement for students to write poems and prose works
Characteristics of Teaching
- Instruction in critical literary techniques and writing techniques
- Modern drama courses, including satire, modern drama, and African oral poetry
- Literary productions by students and peer reviewers
- Assignments that focus on the use of language in literary works
- The final-year thesis blends theory with creativity
DELSU offers the resources and space for students to develop their writing.
9. University of Calabar (UNICAL), Calabar
UNICAL’s English as well as Literary Studies program provides a unique viewpoint rooted in literary studies, cultural studies, and the development of language. The department offers a broad variety of courses, which include stylistics, drama, gender studies, rhetoric, and literary critique. By having access to Calabar’s rich, diverse cultural and academic community, students are provided with an in-depth and extensive knowledge of English literature and its use in the world.
Why Choose UNICAL?
- Diverse literary material, including eco-critical and feminist theories
- Active participation in literary debates and competitions.
- A strong cross-cultural emphasis in literary exploration
- Literature that can be performed and creative writing
- Writing programs for professionals and editing
Characteristics of Teaching
- Instruction on African American literature and comparative analysis
- Assignments encouraging an independent critical voice
- Literature is studied through performance and creative response
- Professors with international teaching experience and publishing experience
- The regional library archives, as well as the opportunity to attend events
UNICAL blends cultural understanding with critical literacy and performance-based studies.
10. Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi
BSU has earned its reputation as an excellent option for students who are interested in English as well as Literary Studies, particularly in Northern and Middle Belt Nigeria. The curriculum offered by the department is rooted in African writing, English grammar, literary theory, and oral traditions. BSU is committed to promoting critical thinking, literary indigenous research, and linguistic proficiency with its educational structure.
Why Choose BSU?
- Culturally rich and rich environment, with emphasis on the local literary heritage
- A special emphasis will be placed on oral literature as well as African traditional narratives
- An affordable education that is a friendly research environment
- Creative writing workshops and journal entries
- The university supports literary conferences for undergraduates and debates
Characteristics of Teaching
- Study of critical theory, stylistics, and Nigerian literature
- Research in folklore and oral literary projects
- Regularly scheduled training in academic as well as creative writing
- The use of African proverbs and stories in the classroom
- Students are encouraged to write and present literary works
BSU provides deep insight into culture along with literary expertise in a supportive academic environment.
Conclusion
English as well as Literary Studies is a powerful program for students who wish to discover ideas, show their creativity, and impact the world through the use of words. These universities are the best in Nigeria when it comes to providing an intensive education, literary exposure, and practical experience. If you want to be an editor, writer, journalist, lecturer, or critic, these institutions will develop your capacity to think, talk, and write with a sharp and powerful voice. Choose the one that best suits your personality and vision, and start your literary journey.
