Looking to study at a state university in Nigeria? You're in the right place. Nigeria is home to a growing number of state-owned universities that offer a wide range of academic programs at affordable tuition rates.
Established by individual state governments, these institutions play a crucial role in making higher education accessible across all regions of the country. In this post, we provide a complete and up-to-date list of state universities in Nigeria, including their websites and founding years.
Whether you're a prospective student, education researcher, or parent, this guide will help you discover top state universities in Nigeria that match your academic goals.
Based on the data from the National Universities Commission (NUC) webpage, here is a comprehensive list of all state universities in Nigeria:
Abia State University, Uturu (Est. 1981) - https://www.abiastateuniversity.edu.ng
Adamawa State University, Mubi (Est. 2002) - https://www.adsu.edu.ng
Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (Est. 1999) - https://www.aaua.edu.ng
Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden (Est. 2010) - https://www.aksu.edu.ng
Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma (Est. 1980) - https://www.aauekpoma.edu.ng
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli (Est. 2000) - https://coou.edu.ng/
Bauchi State University, Gadau (Est. 2011) - https://www.basug.edu.ng
Benue State University, Makurdi (Est. 1992) - https://www.bsum.edu.ng
Yobe State University, Damaturu (Est. 2006) - https://www.ysu.edu.ng
University of Cross River State, Calabar (Est. 2004) - https://www.crutech.edu.ng
Delta State University Abraka (Est. 1992) - https://www.delsu.edu.ng
Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki (Est. 2000) - https://www.ebsu.edu.ng
Ekiti State University (Est. 1982) - https://www.eksu.edu.ng
Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu (Est. 1982) - https://www.esut.edu.ng
Gombe State University, Gombe (Est. 2004) - https://www.gsu.edu.ng
Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (Est. 2005) - https://www.ibbu.edu.ng
Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni (Est. 2010) - https://www.iaue.edu.ng
Imo State University, Owerri (Est. 1992) - https://www.imsu.edu.ng
Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, Jigawa (Est. 2013) - https://www.slu.edu.ng
Kaduna State University, Kaduna (Est. 2004) - https://www.kasu.edu.ng
Aliko Dangote University of Science & Technology, Wudil (Est. 2000) - https://www.kust.edu.ng
Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero (Est. 2006) - https://www.ksusta.edu.ng
Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba (Est. 1999) - https://www.ksu.edu.ng
Kwara State University, Ilorin (Est. 2009) - https://www.kwasu.edu.ng
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso (Est. 1990) - https://www.lautech.edu.ng
Olusegun Agagu University of Science & Technology, Okitipupa, Ondo (Est. 2008) - https://www.osustech.edu.ng
Rivers State University (Est. 1979) - https://www.rsu.edu.ng
Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye (Est. 1982) - https://www.oouagoiwoye.edu.ng
Lagos State University, Ojo (Est. 1983) - https://www.lasu.edu.ng
Niger Delta University, Yenagoa (Est. 2000) - https://www.ndu.edu.ng
Nasarawa State University, Keffi (Est. 2002) - https://www.nsuk.edu.ng
Plateau State University, Bokkos (Est. 2005) - https://www.plasu.edu.ng
Umar Musa Yar'Adua University, Katsina (Est. 2006) - https://www.umyu.edu.ng
Osun State University, Osogbo (Est. 2006) - https://www.uniosun.edu.ng
Taraba State University, Jalingo (Est. 2008) - https://www.tsuniversity.edu.ng
Sokoto State University (Est. 2009) - https://www.ssu.edu.ng
Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano (Est. 2012) - https://www.nwu.edu.ng
First Technical University Ibadan (Est. 2012) - https://tech-u.edu.ng/
University of Medical Sciences, Ondo City, Ondo State (Est. 2015) - https://www.unimed.edu.ng
Edo State University Uzairue (Est. 2016) - https://www.edouniversity.edu.ng/
Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University Ogboko, Imo State (Est. 2016) - https://www.komu.edu.ng/
University of Africa Toru Orua, Bayelsa State (Est. 2016) - https://www.uat.edu.ng/public/
Bornu State University, Maiduguri (Est. 2016) - https://www.bosu.edu.ng/
Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology Abeokuta (Est. 2017)
Gombe State University of Science and Technology (Est. 2017)
Zamfara State University (Est. 2018) - https://zamsut.edu.ng/
Bayelsa Medical University (Est. 2019) - https://bmu.edu.ng/
University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Umuagwo, Imo State (Est. 2019) - https://www.uaes.edu.ng/
Confluence University of Science and Technology Osara, Kogi (Est. 2020) - https://custech.edu.ng/
University of Delta, Agbor (Est. 2021) - https://unidel.edu.ng/
Delta University of Science and Technology, Ozoro (Est. 2021) - https://dsust.edu.ng/
Dennis Osadebe University, Asaba (Est. 2021) - https://www.dou.edu.ng/
Bamidele Olumilua University of Science and Technology Ikere, Ekiti State (Est. 2020) - https://bouesti.edu.ng/
Lagos State University of Education, Ijanikin - https://lasued.edu.ng/
Lagos State University of Science and Technology Ikorodu - https://lasustech.edu.ng/
Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto (Est. 2022) - https://ssues.edu.ng/
State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, Igbo-Eno, Enugu (Est. 2022) - https://sumas.edu.ng/
University of Ilesa, Osun State (Est. 2022) - https://www.unilesa.edu.ng/
Emanuel Alayande University of Education Oyo (Est. 2022) - https://eauedoyo.edu.ng/
Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education (Est. 2023) - https://www.srcoe.edu.ng/
Kogi State University, Kabba (Est. 2023) - https://www.ksukabba.edu.ng/
AbdulKadir Kure University, Minna Niger State (Est. 2023) - https://www.akum.edu.ng/
Kwara State University of Education, Ilorin, Kwara State (Est. 2024) - https://kwasued.edu.ng/
Abdulsalam Abubakar University of Agriculture and Climate Action, Mokwa, Niger State (Est. 2025) - https://aaumokwa.edu.ng/
Ebonyi State University of ICT, Science and Technology, Oferekpe, Ebonyi State (Est. 2025)
Cross River University of Education and Entrepeneurship, Akampa, Cross River State (Est. 2025) - https://uee.edu.ng/
Some state universities stand out due to academic performance, infrastructure, and innovation. Notable ones include:
Choosing the right university depends on your personal and academic priorities.
Consider:
Q1: Are state universities more affordable than federal universities?
A: Yes, especially for indigenes. However, tuition varies widely between states.
Q2: Can non-indigenes apply to state universities?
A: Absolutely. Most state universities admit students from all over Nigeria.
Q3: Do state universities offer scholarships?
A: Some do, especially for high-performing or financially disadvantaged students.
Q4: Are state universities accredited?
A: Yes, most are accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Always check specific programs for current accreditation.
Q5: Do strikes affect state universities?
A: Yes, academic staff unions in state universities may also go on strike, though the frequency can vary.
Q6: What is the difference between federal and state universities in Nigeria?
A: Federal universities are funded and managed by the federal government, while state universities are established and run by individual state governments. This affects tuition, admission policies, and funding levels.
Q7: Do state universities participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)?
A: Yes, graduates of accredited state universities are eligible for NYSC, just like those from federal or private universities.
Q8: How can I verify if a state university is accredited?
A: Visit the NUC website and check their list of accredited universities and programs.
Q9: Are there part-time or distance learning options in state universities?
A: Many state universities offer part-time and sandwich programs, and some are expanding into online and distance learning, though options vary by institution.
Q10: Do state universities offer postgraduate programs?
A: Yes, many state universities have postgraduate schools offering master's and doctoral degrees in various fields.
Q11: What are the school fees like in state universities?
A: Fees vary greatly. Indigenes often pay less, while non-indigenes may pay higher tuition. Generally, state universities are more affordable than private ones but may cost more than federal universities.
Q12: Can I transfer from a federal university to a state university?
A: Yes, many state universities accept transfer students, but you must meet their academic and departmental transfer requirements.
Q13: Which state university is the oldest in Nigeria?
A: Rivers State University (formerly RSUST), established in 1972, is often regarded as one of the earliest state-owned universities in Nigeria.
Q14: Do state universities accept direct entry candidates?
A: Yes, most state universities admit students through Direct Entry (DE) for candidates with OND, HND, NCE, or A-level qualifications.
Q15: Do state universities have international students?
A: Some state universities admit international students, though it’s less common than in federal or private universities. Interested applicants should contact the university directly.
State universities in Nigeria continue to bridge the gap in access to higher education across the nation. Whether you're seeking affordability, convenience, or a specific academic program, there’s likely a state university that fits your goals.
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