Top 10 Nigerian states with the highest number of universities in 2023

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, is known for its diverse culture, rich history, and growing economy. One aspect of Nigeria that is particularly notable is its higher education system. The country has a large number of universities, both public and private, that offer a wide range of programs to students.

Earlier in a report by Edugist, Nigeria was confirmed to be the African country with the highest number of universities in 2023.

A preliminary analysis of data from the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) website reveals that Ogun state is the Nigerian state with the highest number of accredited universities, with Delta and Osun states following in line.

In this article, Edugist takes a look at the top ten Nigerian states with the highest number of universities.

Ogun (16)

With 16 universities, Ogun state is sitting comfortably at the top of the list of states with the highest number of universities in Nigeria. 

Located in the southwestern region of Nigeria, Ogun boasts a federal university, two state-owned universities, and 13 private universities. The state is known for its industrial base and is home to notable universities such as Olabisi Onabanjo University, Covenant University, and the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

Delta (13)

Delta state, located in the southern region of Nigeria, is home to 13 accredited universities, including two federal universities, four state-owned universities and seven private universities, making it the state with the second-highest number of universities in Nigeria. 

The state is known for its oil industry and is home to notable universities such as Delta State University, Western Delta University and Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun.

Osun (11)

Located in the southwestern region of Nigeria, Osun state is home to 11 accredited universities, including two federal universities, one state-owned university and eight private universities, making it the state with the third-highest number of universities in Nigeria. 

The state is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to notable universities such as Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State University and Bowen University.

Lagos (11)

Lagos state, located in the southwestern region of Nigeria, is the largest city in the whole of sub-Saharan Africa. It also doubles as the country’s most populated state, accounting for more than 15 million inhabitants. Lagos is Nigeria’s major financial, cultural, and educational center, a feature that makes it an attractive destination for students.

Like Osun, Lagos also accommodates 11 accredited universities, including two federal universities, three state-owned universities, and six private universities. Notable universities in the state include the University of Lagos, Lagos State University, and Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos.

Kano (10)

Kano, also known as the Centre of Commerce, is a state in the Northern part of Nigeria. Kano follows Lagos as the state with the fifth-highest number of universities. 

Kano state boasts a total number of 10 universities, including two federal universities, two state-owned universities and six private universities. Notable universities include Bayero University, Kano University of Science & Technology and Skyline University.

Oyo (10)

Oyo state, also situated in the southwestern region of Nigeria, is noted for being home to the first and oldest university in Nigeria. Like Kano, Oyo state also boasts of 10 accredited universities, one of which, belongs to the federal government. Two of the universities belong to the state government while seven are privately owned.

Notable universities in the state include the University of Ibadan, the first and oldest university in Nigeria, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology and Ajayi Crowther University.

Kwara (9)

Kwara is a state in North Central Nigeria with nine accredited universities approved by the NUC.

The state has a federal university, and a state government-owned university, while seven others are privately owned. Notable universities in Kwara include the University of Ilorin, Kwara State University and Al-Hikmah University.

Edo (8)

Located in the southern region of Nigeria, Edo state is home to eight universities, one of which belongs to the federal government, two belong to the state government and five are privately-owned. Edo state is the site of Nigeria’s first licensed private university.

Notable universities in the state are the University of Benin, Edo State University and Igbinedion University.

Imo (7)

Imo state, located in the southeastern region of Nigeria, is home to seven universities, of which, one belongs to the federal government, three belong to the state government and three are privately-owned universities.

Notable universities include Imo State University, Maranatha University and Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

Anambra (7)

Located in the southeastern region of Nigeria, Anambra state is home to seven universities, one of which belongs to the federal government, another to the state government and the remaining five are privately owned.

The state is known for its commercial activities and is home to notable universities such as Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University and Madonna University.

Bonus!

Federal Capital Territory (8)

Although not considered a state according to the Nigerian constitution, the Federal Capital Territory is home to quite several universities. Currently, there are eight accredited universities in the FCT. One university belongs to the federal government while seven are privately owned.

Notable universities in the FCT include the University of Abuja, Baze University and Nile University of Nigeria.