Every JAMB season, millions of candidates scroll through countless blogs trying to decide where to spend the next four to seven years of their lives. If you have ever typed into Google, What are the names of all the universities in Nigeria? then this guide is built precisely for you. Nigeria’s tertiary space keeps expanding, and the 2026/2027 admission window brings fresh options across federal, state, and private tiers.
The sections below match verified locations, current tuition ranges, representative cut-off marks, and flagship courses for the country’s leading institutions. You get a clean map of the system, practical numbers, and the exact information needed to pick a school that suits your score, your budget, and your career dream.
How Many Universities Does Nigeria Have in 2026?
The National Universities Commission (NUC) currently recognises 309 accredited universities across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The split stands at 74 federal, 67 state, and 168 private institutions — a tally refreshed in early 2026 after the NUC approved 33 new universities in 2025 alone. Ogun State holds the highest concentration with 24 institutions, while the FCT hosts 19.
Understanding this structure matters before anyone types What are the names of all the universities in Nigeria? into a search bar. Federal schools offer subsidised fees and national prestige, state universities balance cost with regional relevance, and private universities deliver stable academic calendars free of strike interruptions.
Federal Universities — Locations, Cut-Offs, Fees & Flagship Courses
Federal universities lead national rankings year after year and attract the most JAMB applicants. When parents ask What are the names of all the universities in Nigeria?, they usually want to know which federal options suit a child’s score first. The table below highlights top federal picks for 2026/2027.
| University | Location | Cut-Off | Fees/Session (₦) | Flagship Courses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Ibadan (UI) | Ibadan, Oyo | 200 – 290 | 100,000 – 170,000 | Medicine, Law, Pharmacy |
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) | Akoka, Lagos | 200 – 280 | 126,000 – 200,000 | Engineering, Mass Comm, Medicine |
| Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) | Zaria, Kaduna | 180 – 290 | 80,000 – 150,000 | Medicine, Agriculture, Law |
| Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | Ile-Ife, Osun | 200 – 270 | 90,000 – 170,000 | Dentistry, Pharmacy, Engineering |
| University of Nigeria (UNN) | Nsukka, Enugu | 180 – 260 | 70,000 – 150,000 | Law, Medicine, Accounting |
| University of Benin (UNIBEN) | Benin City, Edo | 180 – 260 | 100,000 – 180,000 | Medicine, Law, Engineering |
| University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) | Ilorin, Kwara | 180 – 240 | 80,000 – 160,000 | Medicine, Law, Communication |
| Bayero University Kano (BUK) | Kano | 180 – 240 | 65,000 – 130,000 | Medicine, Engineering, Law |
| University of Port Harcourt | Choba, Rivers | 180 – 250 | 90,000 – 170,000 | Petroleum Engineering, Medicine |
| University of Calabar (UNICAL) | Calabar, Cross River | 170 – 250 | 75,000 – 140,000 | Medicine, Law, Nursing |
| Federal Univ. of Tech., Akure | Akure, Ondo | 170 – 250 | 80,000 – 160,000 | Engineering, Computer Science |
| Federal Univ. of Tech., Minna | Minna, Niger | 170 – 240 | 70,000 – 140,000 | Architecture, Engineering |
| University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) | Abuja, FCT | 170 – 240 | 90,000 – 160,000 | Law, Medicine, Political Science |
| University of Jos (UNIJOS) | Jos, Plateau | 170 – 230 | 80,000 – 150,000 | Medicine, Mass Comm, Pharmacy |
| Federal Univ. Dutse | Dutse, Jigawa | 160 – 220 | 60,000 – 120,000 | Agriculture, Sciences |
Seven brand-new federal universities joined the list in 2025, including the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Tai, Rivers State and the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, Kaduna. These new institutions accept lower cut-offs (usually 150 – 180) and offer specialised programmes.
State Universities — Locations, Cut-Offs, Fees & Courses
State universities serve indigenes and non-indigenes, usually charging reduced fees for state indigenes. Anyone asking What are the names of all the universities in Nigeria? inside their home state almost always finds a state option that matches their budget.
| University | Location | Cut-Off | Fees/Session (₦) | Flagship Courses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lagos State University (LASU) | Ojo, Lagos | 190 – 260 | 130,000 – 250,000 | Law, Medicine, Accounting |
| Ekiti State University (EKSU) | Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti | 170 – 230 | 150,000 – 220,000 | Nursing, Law, Medicine |
| Rivers State University | Port Harcourt, Rivers | 180 – 240 | 120,000 – 200,000 | Engineering, Law |
| Delta State University (DELSU) | Abraka, Delta | 170 – 230 | 95,000 – 180,000 | Medicine, Education, Law |
| Olabisi Onabanjo Univ. (OOU) | Ago-Iwoye, Ogun | 180 – 230 | 120,000 – 200,000 | Medicine, Law, Engineering |
| Ebonyi State University (EBSU) | Abakaliki, Ebonyi | 170 – 230 | 90,000 – 160,000 | Medicine, Law, Sciences |
| Imo State University (IMSU) | Owerri, Imo | 170 – 220 | 100,000 – 180,000 | Law, Medicine, Mass Comm |
| Kwara State University | Malete, Kwara | 170 – 220 | 110,000 – 180,000 | Engineering, Computer Sc. |
| Abia State University (ABSU) | Uturu, Abia | 170 – 220 | 100,000 – 170,000 | Medicine, Law, Nursing |
| Enugu State Univ. of Sc. & Tech. | Enugu | 170 – 220 | 110,000 – 190,000 | Medicine, Engineering |
Private Universities — Locations, Cut-Offs, Fees & Courses
Private universities run strict admission policies but reward students with uninterrupted academic calendars, modern hostels, and smaller class sizes. The What are the names of all the universities in Nigeria? list becomes essential when a candidate wants ASUU-strike-free learning or plans to finish a degree inside four years.
| University | Location | Cut-Off | Fees/Session (₦) | Flagship Courses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Covenant University | Ota, Ogun | 180 – 230 | 1,100,000 – 1,500,000 | Engineering, Accounting, Law |
| Babcock University | Ilishan, Ogun | 160 – 200 | 1,500,000 – 2,200,000 | Medicine, Law, Nursing |
| Afe Babalola Univ. (ABUAD) | Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti | 180 – 220 | 1,800,000 – 3,000,000 | Medicine, Law, Engineering |
| Bowen University | Iwo, Osun | 160 – 200 | 1,200,000 – 1,800,000 | Medicine, Nursing, Law |
| Lead City University | Ibadan, Oyo | 160 – 180 | 800,000 – 1,200,000 | Law, Mass Comm, Accounting |
| Redeemer’s University | Ede, Osun | 170 – 200 | 900,000 – 1,400,000 | Biochemistry, Law, Computer Sc. |
| Madonna University | Okija, Anambra | 140 – 180 | 900,000 – 1,400,000 | Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing |
| Igbinedion University | Okada, Edo | 150 – 180 | 1,400,000 – 2,000,000 | Law, Medicine, Nursing |
| Pan-Atlantic University | Lekki, Lagos | 180 – 220 | 2,500,000 – 3,500,000 | Mass Comm, Business, IT |
| American Univ. of Nigeria (AUN) | Yola, Adamawa | 170 – 210 | 3,000,000 – 5,000,000 | Computer Science, Economics |
Twenty new private universities received NUC licences in 2025 across Lagos, Ogun, Kwara, Imo, and other states, bringing the private total to 168. Anyone updating their personal answer to What are the names of all the universities in Nigeria? should monitor the NUC website quarterly, since the list keeps growing.
Specialised & Open Universities You Should Know
Beyond the conventional three tiers, Nigeria also operates specialised universities that meet unique career needs. The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), headquartered in Abuja, remains the largest open and distance-learning institution on the continent with over 500,000 students. The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna trains future military officers, while the Nigerian Police Academy (POLAC) in Kano grooms officers for the force.
Universities of medical sciences (like PAMO in Port Harcourt and Eko University of Medical Sciences in Lagos), universities of agriculture (Abeokuta, Makurdi, Umudike), and universities of technology (FUTA, FUTMINNA, FUTO) round out the family. When you compile your own shortlist of Nigerian universities, always include these specialised institutions — they often offer career-focused degrees with smaller applicant pools and stronger graduate placement rates.
How to Use This List During JAMB & Post-UTME
Start with your JAMB score, then shortlist institutions whose cut-offs sit at least 20 points below that number. Factor in location — studying 800 km from home means higher transport costs and longer holiday trips. Compare fees against realistic family cash flow; a ₦1.5 million private-school bill per session may sound exciting until year two arrives without a sponsor.
Next, confirm that your chosen course actually runs at each shortlisted school. Not every federal university offers Architecture, and not every private university offers Medicine. A quick visit to the NUC programme finder at nuc.edu.ng closes the gap. Anyone still asking What are the names of all the universities in Nigeria? after this step usually wants a state-by-state breakdown, which the NUC publishes free of charge.
General Admission Requirements for 2026/2027
Almost every Nigerian university demands the same core paperwork before admission. Prepare early:
- Five O’level credits from WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB (maximum two sittings) including English Language and Mathematics.
- A valid JAMB UTME score of at least 140, rising sharply for competitive courses like Medicine, Pharmacy, and Law.
- Success in the institution’s post-UTME screening — either a CBT exam, an aptitude test, or an aggregate score formula.
- Correct subject combinations for your course (Sciences, Arts, or Social Sciences) — check the JAMB brochure before registration.
- Valid birth certificate, NIN, and — for state universities — an indigene certificate where fee discounts apply.
Never rely on rumour or random blog posts; the JAMB brochure and each school’s admission portal remain the two sources of truth. A reliable answer to What are the names of all the universities in Nigeria? always ends with a link back to official NUC or institutional pages.
Smart Tips to Secure Admission in 2026/2027
Register for JAMB early and use past questions from 2015 onwards. Aim 40 – 60 points above your target course’s cut-off to cushion post-UTME surprises. Rewrite WAEC immediately if any core subject returns below C6 — weak O’level grades eliminate strong JAMB scores at the aggregate stage. Attend post-UTME mock classes hosted by credible tutors, not ad-heavy Facebook groups. Apply first-day on the portal so server delays later in the window do not knock you out.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many universities exist in Nigeria right now?
As of early 2026 the NUC recognises 309 accredited universities: 74 federal, 67 state, and 168 private. Anyone searching What are the names of all the universities in Nigeria? should always verify the current figure directly on the NUC website since new licences are approved yearly.
2. Which is the oldest university in Nigeria?
The University of Ibadan, founded in 1948 as a college of the University of London, holds that title. It became fully autonomous in 1962 and still ranks among the top universities in West Africa.
3. What is the cheapest federal university in Nigeria?
Federal University Dutse, Federal University Gashua, and Bayero University Kano typically charge below ₦80,000 per session for most courses — solid picks for budget-conscious families.
4. Which university has the highest JAMB cut-off?
The University of Ibadan and University of Lagos regularly post the highest institutional aggregate cut-offs (270 – 290 for Medicine, Law, and Engineering), followed closely by Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and Obafemi Awolowo University.
5. Can I study Medicine in a private university?
Yes. Babcock, ABUAD, Bowen, Igbinedion, PAMO, and Madonna all run fully accredited MBBS programmes. Fees range between ₦2 million and ₦5 million per session. If you are asking What are the names of all the universities in Nigeria? specifically for Medicine, these private options cut waiting time for admission.
6. Which state has the highest number of universities?
Ogun State currently leads with 24 institutions (federal, state, and private combined), followed by Lagos, Oyo, and the FCT. This makes Ogun a strong hub for candidates who prefer campus options within one region.
7. Are private universities better than federal universities?
Neither tier is universally better — each carries trade-offs. Federal universities offer lower fees, stronger research funding, and a respected brand. Private universities offer shorter completion time, stable calendars, and smaller classes. Your budget, course, and learning style should guide the pick.
8. Does JAMB apply to every Nigerian university?
Yes. Every NUC-accredited university uses JAMB UTME as the primary admission filter. Direct Entry candidates with IJMB, JUPEB, NCE, OND, or A-Level results can bypass UTME but still register through JAMB. Anyone asking What are the names of all the universities in Nigeria? outside the JAMB window usually needs guidance on Direct Entry options.
9. How often does the NUC approve new universities?
The NUC reviews private and public university applications every year. In 2025 alone, 33 new universities (7 federal, 6 state, 20 private) joined the list. Expect more approvals across 2026/2027 as demand for tertiary slots keeps rising.
10. Where can I see the official full list from NUC?
Visit nuc.edu.ng and click the “Approved Universities” tab. The page lists every accredited federal, state, and private institution along with year of establishment and current status. Bookmark the page and check back quarterly.
Final Thoughts
The next time a classmate, parent, or cousin walks up with the question What are the names of all the universities in Nigeria?, you now have a complete answer: 309 accredited universities, split 74 federal, 67 state, and 168 private, plus a growing family of specialised institutions. Use the tables as a shortcut, match your JAMB score to a tier, compare fees against your budget, and confirm courses before filing for JAMB.
Nigeria’s tertiary space keeps expanding, which means more choice — and more noise. A verified answer to What are the names of all the universities in Nigeria? must always trace back to the NUC. Cross-check any blog post or WhatsApp forward against nuc.edu.ng before committing to a school, paying a form fee, or making a hostel deposit.
Admission season rewards the prepared candidate. Treat every answer to What are the names of all the universities in Nigeria? as a living document, not a one-time checklist, and the system becomes far easier to navigate.