There are 221 universities in Nigeria that legitimately have the National Universities Commission (NUC) licence to operate.
Here is how the universities spread among the three major stakeholders (federal, state, and private organisation/individuals):
Table of Contents
- There are 50 universities owned and managed by the federal government;
- 60 universities are owned by the states governments,
- while there are 111 private universities in Nigeria at the time of updating this article on Wednesday, April 26, 2023
What does NUC do?
National Universities Commission or NUC is the biggest parastatal or agency under Nigeria’s Ministry of Education.
It is saddled with the responsibility of accessing, inspecting, and giving approval for the establishment of high institutions in Nigeria.
The incumbent NUC Executive Secretary is Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed
Prof. Rasheed was first appointed as NUC boss on August 1, 2016, on a five-year renewable tenure. He was reappointed on August 1, 2021. His term is expected to come to an end by August 1, 2026
The NUC does not only give approval to institutions of learning and walk away, it does time to time assessment of the accredited courses to be sure that it complies with Act guiding the commencement of such course.
So, it is the NUC that is empowered to issue warming to the aspiring student about the authenticity or otherwise of a high institution in Nigeria.
Before a university could commence admission or listed by JAMB/UTME as being fit to accept students for admission, it must have passed the criteria set by the NUC.
You may want to ask…
What is NUC accreditation?
NUC accreditation is a process of evaluating the academic programmes of a high institution to be sure that they meet the global standards as endorsed by the Ministry of Education.
List of Approved Universities in Nigeria
As earlier stated, there are some Illegal universities that are running illegal branches or study centres in Nigeria, most times, they bear “foreign” names just to make you believe that it’s global-recognized institution.
Shine your eye!
Below is a full list of universities that have the approval of the NUC. They do not only have a certificate of registration from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), they also have a certificate of operation from the National University Commission.
50 Federal Universities in Nigeria
| Federal Universities | Year of Establishment |
| Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun, Osun State | 2021 |
| Federal University of Technology, Babura, Jigawa State | 2021 |
| Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State | 2021 |
| Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, Bauchi State | 2021 |
| Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru, Kebbi State | 2020 |
| Federal University of Health Technology, Otukpo Benue State | 2020 |
| Nigerian Army University Biu | 2018 |
| Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna | 2018 |
| Nigerian Maritime University Okerenkoko, Delta State | 2018 |
| Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola | 1981 |
| National Open University of Nigeria, Lagos | 2002 |
| Nigeria Police Academy Wudil | 2013 |
| Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna | 1985 |
| University of Port-Harcourt | 1975 |
| University of Nigeria, Nsukka | 1960 |
| University of Maiduguri | 1975 |
| University of Lagos | 1962 |
| University of Jos | 1975 |
| University of Ilorin | 1975 |
| Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka | 1992 |
| University of Benin | 1970 |
| Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta | 1988 |
| Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa | 2011 |
| University of Calabar | 1975 |
| Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State | 2011 |
| University of Agriculture, Makurdi | 1988 |
| Obafemi Awolowo University,Ile-Ife | 1962 |
| University of Ibadan | 1948 |
| University of Abuja, Gwagwalada | 1988 |
| Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State | 2011 |
| Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State | 2011 |
| Usumanu Danfodiyo University | 1975 |
| Federal University of Technology, Owerri | 1980 |
| University of Uyo | 1991 |
| Alex Ekwueme University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State | 2011 |
| Federal University of Technology, Minna | 1982 |
| Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State | 2011 |
| Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria | 1962 |
| Federal University Gashua, Yobe | 2013 |
| Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina | 2011 |
| Bayero University, Kano | 1975 |
| Federal University of Technology, Akure | 1981 |
| Federal University, Birnin Kebbi | 2013 |
| Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi | 1988 |
| Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State | 2011 |
| Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State | 2011 |
| Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun | 2007 |
| Michael Okpara University of Agricultural Umudike | 1992 |
| Federal University, Gusau Zamfara | 2013 |
| David Nweze Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, Uburu | 2022 |
Note:
The federal universities are most times called public universities because they are managed by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
They receive yearly allocations from Abuja. The government is responsible for the welfare of staff members in the above universities.
As such, the Governing Council of Federal-owned universities are constituted by the Nigeria’s President. And also appoints the Chairman of Governing Council. He could hire and fire if any member is found guilty of an allegation.
List of 60 State Universities in Nigeria Accredited By NUC
Similar to the federal is the state universities are created by the state government. Below is a list of state-owned universities in Nigeria.
| University | Year of Establishment |
| Kano University of Science & Technology, Wudil | 2000 |
| Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu | 1982 |
| Kwara State University, Ilorin | 2009 |
| Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero | 2006 |
| Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso | 1990 |
| Ekiti State University | 1982 |
| Kogi State University Anyigba | 1999 |
| Ondo State University of Science and Technology Okitipupa | 2008 |
| Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki | 2000 |
| Rivers State University | 1979 |
| Delta State University Abraka | 1992 |
| Benue State University, Makurdi | 1992 |
| Cross River State University of Technology, Calabar | 2004 |
| Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye | 1982 |
| Dennis Osadebe University, Asaba | 2021 |
| Yobe State University, Damaturu | 2006 |
| Gombe State University of Science and Technology | 2017 |
| Bauchi State University, Gadau | 2011 |
| Bamidele Olumilua University of Science and Technology Ikere, Ekiti State | 2020 |
| Ignatius Ajuru University of Education,Rumuolumeni | 2010 |
| Zamfara State University | 2018 |
| Bayelsa Medical University | 2019 |
| Lagos State University, Ojo | 1983 |
| Niger Delta University Yenagoa | 2000 |
| Delta University of Science and Technology, Ozoro | 2021 |
| Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai | 2005 |
| Imo State University, Owerri | 1992 |
| Gombe State Univeristy, Gombe | 2004 |
| Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden | 2010 |
| Confluence University of Science and Technology Osara, Kogi | 2020 |
| Nasarawa State University Keffi | 2002 |
| Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma | 1980 |
| Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, Jigawa | 2013 |
| Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli | 2000 |
| Kaduna State University, Kaduna | 2004 |
| Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba | 1999 |
| University of Delta, Agbor | 2021 |
| Adamawa State University Mubi | 2002 |
| Ondo State University of Medical Sciences | 2015 |
| Osun State University Osogbo | 2006 |
| Oyo State Technical University Ibadan | 2012 |
| Sokoto State University | 2009 |
| Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology Abeokuta | 2017 |
| Taraba State University, Jalingo | 2008 |
| Edo State University Uzairue | 2016 |
| Abia State University, Uturu | 1981 |
| Bornu State University, Maiduguri | 2016 |
| Plateau State University Bokkos | 2005 |
| Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University Ogboko, Imo State | 2016 |
| Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano | 2012 |
| Tai Solarin University of Education Ijebu Ode | 2005 |
| University of Africa Toru Orua, Bayelsa State | 2016 |
| Umar Musa Yar’ Adua University Katsina | 2006 |
| Lagos State University of Education, Ijanikin, Lagos State | |
| Lagos State University of Science and Technology Ikorodu | |
| Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto | 2022 |
| Enugu State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, Igbo-Eno | 2022 |
| University of Ilesa, Osun State | 2022 |
| Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education | 2023 |
Note:
You may be asking: Why does Nigeria have 60 state universities when there are 36 states?
There are some states that have two universities either to score a political point or just to have a university in their hometown.
Although most of them are unable to adequately fund or manage one university, they still went ahead to establish the second one.
111 Approved Private Universities in Nigeria
Since the establishment of Igbinedion University which is the first private in Nigeria, followed by Madonna University, in the same year, the country has witnessed the commercialisation of the university system.
The school fees of a private university is more than the federal and state combined, however, they have a smooth academic programme. Unlike the federal and state universities where unpaid salaries and workers’ welfare is an issue, owners of private universities are rigid about unionism.
| Private University | Year of Establishment |
| Igbinedion University Okada | 1999 |
| Madonna University, Okija | 1999 |
| Covenant University Ota | 2002 |
| Al-Qalam University, Katsina | 2005 |
| Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo | 2005 |
| Hallmark University, Ijebi Itele, Ogun | 2015 |
| Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin | 2005 |
| Crawford University Igbesa | 2005 |
| American University of Nigeria, Yola | 2003 |
| Benson Idahosa University, Benin City | 2002 |
| African University of Science & Technology, Abuja | 2007 |
| Bingham University, New Karu | 2005 |
| Augustine University | 2015 |
| Kings University, Ode Omu | 2015 |
| Bowen University, Iwo | 2001 |
| Babcock University,Ilishan-Remo | 1999 |
| Baze University | 2011 |
| Lead City University, Ibadan | 2005 |
| Caritas University, Enugu | 2005 |
| Landmark University, Omu-Aran. | 2011 |
| Caleb University, Lagos | 2007 |
| Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti – Ekiti State | 2009 |
| Kwararafa University, Wukari | 2005 |
| Chrisland University | 2015 |
| Achievers University, Owo | 2007 |
| Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji | 2006 |
| Hezekiah University, Umudi | 2015 |
| Bells University of Technology, Otta | 2005 |
| Micheal & Cecilia Ibru University | 2015 |
| Mcpherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ajebo | 2012 |
| Adeleke University, Ede | 2011 |
| Gregory University, Uturu | 2012 |
| Mountain Top University | 2015 |
| Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu-Nike – Enugu State | 2009 |
| Fountain Unveristy, Oshogbo | 2007 |
| Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja | 2009 |
| Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin | 2012 |
| Edwin Clark University, Kaigbodo | 2015 |
| Renaissance University, Enugu | 2005 |
| Evangel University, Akaeze | 2012 |
| Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom | 2015 |
| Salem University, Lokoja | 2007 |
| Coal City University Enugu State | 2016 |
| Rhema University, Obeama-Asa – Rivers State | 2009 |
| Crown Hill University Eiyenkorin, Kwara State | 2016 |
| Western Delta University, Oghara Delta State | 2007 |
| Crescent University | 2005 |
| Paul University, Awka – Anambra State | 2009 |
| Christopher University Mowe | 2015 |
| Obong University, Obong Ntak | 2007 |
| Arthur Javis University Akpoyubo Cross river State | 2016 |
| Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu – Osun State | 2009 |
| Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos | 2002 |
| Redeemer’s University, Ede | 2005 |
| Novena University, Ogume | 2005 |
| Wesley University. of Science & Technology, Ondo | 2007 |
| Southwestern University, Oku Owa | 2012 |
| Veritas University, Abuja | 2007 |
| Clifford University Owerrinta Abia State | 2016 |
| University of Mkar, Mkar | 2005 |
| Wellspring University, Evbuobanosa – Edo State | 2009 |
| Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa | 2011 |
| Legacy University, Okija Anambra State | 2016 |
| Tansian University, Umunya | 2007 |
| Dominican University Ibadan Oyo State | 2016 |
| Anchor University Ayobo Lagos State | 2016 |
| Summit University | 2015 |
| Claretian University of Nigeria, Nekede, Imo State | 2021 |
| NOK University, Kachia, Kaduna State | 2021 |
| Karl-Kumm University, Vom, Plateau State | 2021 |
| Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Kano State | 2021 |
| Philomath University, Kuje, Abuja | 2021 |
| Anan University, Kwall, Plateau State | 2021 |
| Khadija University, Majia, Jigawa State | 2021 |
| Edusoko University, Bida, Niger State | 2021 |
| Mewar University, Masaka, Nasarawa State | 2021 |
| Mudiame University, Irrua, Edo State | 2021 |
| University of Offa, Kwara State | 2021 |
| Havilla University, Nde-Ikom, Cross River State | 2021 |
| James Hope University, Lagos, Lagos State | 2021 |
| Ahman Pategi University, Kwara State | 2021 |
| Capital City University, Kano State | 2021 |
| Atiba University Oyo | 2017 |
| Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kano State | 2021 |
| Admiralty University, Ibusa Delta State | 2017 |
| Ave Maria University, Piyanko, Nasarawa State | 2021 |
| Maranatha University, Mgbidi, Imo State | 2021 |
| Thomas Adewumi University, Oko-Irese, Kwara State | 2021 |
| Skyline University, Kano | 2018 |
| Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences Ijanikin, Lagos | 2017 |
| Precious Cornerstone University, Oyo | 2017 |
| Spiritan University, Nneochi Abia State | 2017 |
| Kola Daisi University Ibadan, Oyo State | 2016 |
| PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Portharcourt | 2017 |
| Greenfield University, Kaduna | 2019 |
| Dominion University Ibadan, Oyo State | 2019 |
| Trinity University Ogun State | 2019 |
| Westland University Iwo, Osun State | 2019 |
| Topfaith University, Mkpatak, Akwa Ibom State | 2021 |
List of New Universities Approved By FG
On Wednesday, April 6, 2022, the Federal Government announced granting of licences for the establishment of 12 new private universities.
The government stated that the new universities would be mentored by federal universities close to their locations to provide support including recruitment of principal officers, academic, and administrative staff among others.
The new private universities now bring the total number of private universities in Nigeria to 111
The new private universities are:
- PEN Resource University, Gombe, Gombe State
- Al-Ansar University, Maiduguri, Borno State
- Margaret Lawrence University, Calilee, Delta State
- Khalifa Isiyaku Rabiu University, Kano, Kano State
- Sports University, Idumuje, Ugboko, Delta State
- Baba Ahmed University, Kano, Kano State
- SAISA University of Medical Sciences and Technology, Sokoto
- Nigerian British University, Asa, Abia State
- Peter University, Achina-Onneh, Anambra State
- Newgate University, Minna, Niger State
- European University of Nigerian, Duboyi, Abuja
- Northwest University, Sokoto, Sokoto State
How many universities does Nigeria have?
There are 222 universities in Nigeria as of Wednesday, April 26, 2023, following the approval by the National University Commission (NUC) of 12 additional private universities in the country.
Recap:
| Universities | Number |
| Federal Universities | 50 |
| State Universities | 60 |
| Private Universities | 111 |
| TOTAL | 214 |
There are 214 approved universities in Nigeria: federal 49; state: 54, while 111 universities belong to private individuals or organisations or religious centres.
Please Is Harvarde college of science and business accredited in Nigeria by NUC?