List Of Federal Universities In Nigeria

Nigeria is home to a diverse and expansive tertiary education system, and among the key components of this system are federal universities. These institutions are funded and regulated by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the National Universities Commission (NUC). They are strategically established to promote equal access to higher education, encourage research and innovation, and drive national development.

As of 2025, Nigeria boasts more than 40 federal universities spread across its six geopolitical zones. These institutions offer a broad spectrum of academic programs, from humanities to sciences, engineering, and health sciences.

Overview of Federal Universities in Nigeria

Federal universities are public institutions established and maintained by the Nigerian government. Their mission includes delivering affordable, quality education to Nigerians and contributing to the intellectual and economic development of the country. They are generally more affordable than private universities and are known for their extensive range of academic programs and larger student populations.

Comprehensive List of Federal Universities in Nigeria (By Geopolitical Zones)

North Central Zone

  1. University of Abuja, Abuja

  2. Federal University of Technology, Minna

  3. Federal University, Lafia (Nasarawa State)

  4. Federal University, Lokoja (Kogi State)

  5. Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (Katsina State)

  6. Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (Benue State)

North East Zone

  1. University of Maiduguri, Borno State

  2. Federal University, Wukari (Taraba State)

  3. Federal University, Gashua (Yobe State)

  4. Modibbo Adama University, Yola (Adamawa State)

  5. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi

North West Zone

  1. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (Kaduna State)

  2. Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

  3. Bayero University, Kano

  4. Federal University, Gusau (Zamfara State)

  5. Federal University, Birnin Kebbi (Kebbi State)

  6. Federal University, Dutse (Jigawa State)

South East Zone

  1. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (Enugu State)

  2. Federal University of Technology, Owerri (Imo State)

  3. Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (Abia State)

  4. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (Anambra State)

  5. Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (Ebonyi State)

South South Zone

  1. University of Calabar, Cross River State

  2. University of Benin, Edo State

  3. University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State

  4. Federal University, Otuoke (Bayelsa State)

  5. Niger Delta University (Although state-owned, often confused with federal)

  6. Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (Delta State)

South West Zone

  1. University of Ibadan, Oyo State

  2. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (Osun State)

  3. Federal University of Technology, Akure (Ondo State)

  4. University of Lagos, Lagos State

  5. Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (Ekiti State)

  6. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (Ogun State)

Specialised Federal Universities

These institutions focus on specific disciplines:

  • National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN): Focuses on open and distance learning.

  • Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA): Trains officers for the Nigerian Armed Forces.

  • Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (Benue State): Specializes in medical sciences.

  • Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (Osun State)

Importance of Federal Universities

Federal universities play a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s educational and economic landscape. Their contributions include:

  • Producing skilled graduates across all disciplines

  • Driving research and innovation

  • Promoting national unity through multicultural student populations

  • Offering subsidized tuition compared to private universities

FAQs

How many federal universities are in Nigeria as of 2025?

As of 2025, there are over 45 federal universities in Nigeria recognized by the National Universities Commission (NUC), spread across the six geopolitical zones.

Are federal universities in Nigeria more affordable than private universities?

Yes, federal universities are generally more affordable because they are funded by the Federal Government. Their tuition and other fees are significantly lower compared to those in private institutions.

What is the difference between federal, state, and private universities in Nigeria?

Federal universities are owned and managed by the Federal Government, state universities by individual state governments, and private universities by individuals or organizations. Federal universities usually have broader funding and wider national reach.

Do federal universities in Nigeria offer scholarships?

Yes, many federal universities offer scholarships through internal funding or external bodies such as the TETFund, PTDF, and other national and international scholarship schemes.

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