Best State Universities in Nigeria

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State universities in Nigeria play a pivotal role in the country’s higher education landscape. Established by state governments, these institutions offer accessible, quality education tailored to the specific needs of their regions. As an essential part of Nigeria’s educational framework, state universities combine affordability with academic excellence, attracting students nationwide.

This guide highlights the best state universities in Nigeria, their rankings on a national and global scale, the benefits of attending these institutions, and key insights for prospective students.

Top Best State Universities in Nigeria 2024/2025

University
National Ranking
Africa Ranking
World Ranking
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State
1
74
1001
Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Lagos State
2
74
801
Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Delta State
3
N/A
1201
Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, Abia State
4
N/A
1501+
Edo State University, Uzairue, Edo State
5
N/A
1501+
Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Ikot Akpaden, Akwa Ibom State
6
N/A
1501+
Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), Nasarawa State
7
N/A
1501+
Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano, Kano State
8
N/A
1501+
Plateau State University (PLASU), Bokkos, Plateau State
9
N/A
1501+
Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
10
N/A
1501+
Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State
11
N/A
1501+
Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State
12
N/A
1501+
Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Enugu, Enugu State
13
N/A
1501+
Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, Kwara State
14
N/A
1501+
Niger Delta University (NDU), Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State
15
N/A
1501+
Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State
16
N/A
1501+
Bamidele Olumilua University of Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ikere, Ekiti State
17
N/A
1501+
Kaduna State University (KASU), Kaduna, Kaduna State
18
N/A
1501+
First Technical University (Tech-U), Ibadan, Oyo State
19
N/A
1501+
Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Rivers State
20
N/A
1501+
Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo, Taraba State
21
N/A
1501+
Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), Calabar, Cross River State
22
N/A
1501+
University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State
23
N/A
1501+
Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto, Sokoto State
24
N/A
1501+
Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki, Ebonyi State
25
N/A
1501+
Gombe State University, Gombe, Gombe State
26
N/A
1501+
Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Kogi State
27
N/A
1501+
Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology (MAUSTECH), Abeokuta, Ogun State
28
N/A
1501+
Kano State University of Science and Technology (KUST), Wudil, Kano State
29
N/A
1501+
Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University (KOMU), Ogboko, Imo State
30
N/A
1501+
Dennis Osadebe University, Asaba, Delta State
31
N/A
1501+
Adamawa State University (ADSU), Mubi, Adamawa State
32
N/A
1501+
Sule Lamido University (SLU), Kafin Hausa, Jigawa State
33
N/A
1501+
Umar Musa Yar’ Adua University (UMYU), Katsina, Katsina State
34
N/A
1501+
University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State
35
N/A
1501+
Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, Kogi State
36
N/A
1501+
Ondo State University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, Ondo State
37
N/A
1501+
Zamfara State University (ZAMSUT), Zamfara State
38
N/A
1501+
Bayelsa Medical University, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State
39
N/A
1501+
AbdulKadir Kure University, Minna, Niger State
40
N/A
1501+
Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
41
N/A
1501+
Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu, Lagos State
42
N/A
1501+
Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education, Kano, Kano State
43
N/A
1501+
Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH), Okitipupa, Ondo State
44
N/A
1501+
University of Ilesa, Ilesa, Osun State
45
N/A
1501+
State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, Enugu State
46
N/A
1501+
Bornu State University, Maiduguri, Borno State
47
N/A
1501+
Delta University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, Delta State
48
N/A
1501+
Ebonyi State University of Medical Sciences, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State
49
N/A
1501+
Gombe State University of Science and Technology, Kumo, Gombe State
50
N/A
1501+
Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, Oyo State
51
N/A
1501+
Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State
52
N/A
1501+
Yobe State University, Damaturu, Yobe State
53
N/A
1501+
Kogi State University, Kabba, Kogi State
54
N/A
1501+
Ambrose Alli University of Medical Sciences, Ekpoma, Edo State
55
N/A
1501+
Sokoto State University, Sokoto, Sokoto State
56
N/A
1501+
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Uli, Anambra State
57
N/A
1501+
Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBUL), Lapai, Niger State
58
N/A
1501+
University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (UAES), Umuagwo, Imo State
59
N/A
1501+
University of Africa Medical Sciences, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State
60
N/A
1501+
Bauchi State University, Gadau, Bauchi State
61
N/A
1501+
Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Ijanikin, Lagos State
62
N/A
1501+
Bamidele Olumilua University of Medical Sciences, Ikere, Ekiti State
63
N/A
1501+

Why Consider a State University in Nigeria?

State universities provide a unique blend of academic opportunities and regional focus. Here are five reasons to consider a state university:

Affordable Tuition Fees: State governments subsidize state universities, making them more affordable than private institutions.

Regional Relevance: These institutions often design programs to address their host states’ socio-economic and developmental needs.

Diverse Academic Offerings: State universities offer various courses catering to various academic interests and career goals.

Cultural Diversity: They attract students from different states, fostering an environment of cultural exchange and collaboration.

Community Impact: State universities play a crucial role in community development through research, outreach programs, and workforce training.

Best State Universities in Nigeria FAQ

Which is the best state university in Nigeria?

Lagos State University (LASU) is widely regarded as the best state university in Nigeria.

Are state universities in Nigeria affordable?

Yes, state universities are subsidized by state governments, making them more affordable than private institutions.

Do state universities offer scholarships?

Many state universities provide scholarships and financial aid for residents of their respective states.

What are the admission requirements for state universities?

Admission typically requires five credits in O-Level examinations, a good UTME score, and post-UTME assessments.

Which state university is best for engineering?

Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) is renowned for its engineering programs.

Do state universities offer postgraduate programs?

Yes, many state universities offer postgraduate degrees, including master’s and doctoral programs.

Are state universities in Nigeria accredited?

Yes, all state universities are accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Do state universities in Nigeria rank globally?

Some state universities, like LASU and LAUTECH, have achieved global rankings within the 1501+ category.

Can international students apply to state universities?

Yes, many state universities welcome international students and provide affordable tuition rates.

What are the facilities like at state universities?

Facilities vary but often include libraries, laboratories, and sports complexes.

Which state university is best for law?

Delta State University (DELSU) is highly regarded for its law programs.

Are state universities safe?

Most state universities have measures in place to ensure the safety of students and staff.

What extracurricular activities are available?

Students can engage in sports, cultural events, entrepreneurship programs, and more.

Is accommodation available for students?

Yes, many state universities provide on-campus housing at affordable rates.

Can students transfer between state universities?

Transfers are possible, subject to the policies of the respective universities.

Note: The ranking above is based on the performance and accreditation status of Nigeria’s state universities, based on available data from credible sources, including the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and accreditation reports from the National Universities Commission (NUC). Note that ranking is an inherently dynamic thing that depends on several factors, including research output, teaching quality, graduate employability, infrastructure, and community engagement.

They provide merely a guiding tool, not an absolute verdict on the quality of institutions, to prospective students, researchers, and stakeholders. Other universities, not at the very top in the ranking list, might excel in special fields or programs and hence be very good options for specialized studies. Finally, new universities or universities still in the stage of development might not yet be at the leading edge but surely have the potential to develop into one of the most prestigious in time.

At Universities.ng, we advise students and parents to consider their set of priorities—be it location, program specialty, budget, or reputation—when making decisions. The ranking given is just a snapshot that may not reflect the current status of things, since it does not regard special attributes or hidden strengths for each institution. We would therefore encourage checking with universities’ official websites or even with the NUC for real-time updates on accreditation and program offerings.

Universities.ng remains committed to providing accurate, unbiased, and up-to-date information that will empower education choices in Nigeria.

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