Nigeria boasts of about 48 state universities that provide quality education to its citizens. These universities are financed and managed by the state government and offer diverse programs for students’ backgrounds and academic interests. One of the primary reasons students consider state universities is the relatively easier admission process compared to federal universities.
However, it is important to note that the cost of attending state universities can vary significantly, with some being very expensive and others being more affordable.
To compile our list of the best state universities in Nigeria, we conducted detailed research, taking into account factors such as accreditation, available facilities for different programs, course offerings, faculty, global rankings, student feedback, and overall resources available to students.
So whether you are a prospective student looking to apply or simply curious about the state universities in Nigeria, this blog will provide valuable insights into the top state universities in the country.
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Ranking and School Fees of State Universities in Nigeria
| S/N | STATE UNIVERSITIES | STATE | SCHOOL FEES | WORLD RANKING |
| 1 | Lagos State University | Lagos | #58,000 | 3382 |
| 2 | Adekunle Ajasin University | Ondo | ₦75,000 to ₦150,000 | 2753 |
| 3 | Olabisi Onabanjo University (Ogun State University) | Ogun | ₦77,872 to ₦176,396 | 2982 |
| 4 | Ladoke Akintola University of Technology | Oyo | ₦140,000 to ₦170,000 | 1840 |
| 5 | Ekiti State University Ado Ekiti (University of Ado Ekiti) | Ekiti | ₦170,000 to ₦171,000 | 3336 |
| 6 | Kwara State University | Kwara | ₦99,500 to ₦200,000 | 3740 |
| 7 | Osun State University | Osun | ₦160,000 to ₦235,000 | 4241 |
| 8 | Delta State University Nigeria | Delta | ₦64,500 to ₦84,500 | 4320 |
| 9 | Rivers State University of Science & Technology | Rivers | ₦65,000 to ₦145,000 | 4670 |
| 10 | Imo State University Owerri | Imo | ₦150,000 to ₦180,000 | 4832 |
| 11 | Ebonyi State University | Ebonyi | ₦100,000 to ₦150,000 | 4086 |
| 12 | Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma | Edo | 165,000 | 4880 |
| 13 | Niger Delta University | ₦100,000 to ₦200,000 | 4686 | |
| 14 | Kogi State University | Kogi | ₦57,500 to ₦100,000 | 5272 |
| 15 | Cross River State University of Science & Technology Calabar | Crossriver | ₦89,500 | 5272 |
| 16 | Abia State University Uturu | Abia | ₦48,000 to ₦56,000 | 5932 |
| 17 | Enugu State University of Science & Technology | Enugu | ₦124,900 | 6326 |
| 18 | Kebbi State University of Science and Technology KSUSTA | Kebbi | ₦33,500 to ₦84,000 | 6693 |
| 19 | Nasarawa State University | Nasarawa | ₦65,100 to ₦103,000 | 6736 |
| 20 | Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University (Katsina State University) | Katsina | ₦60,000 to ₦70,000 | 6807 |
| 21 | Edo University Iyamho | Edo | N228,500 toN328,500 | 7965 |
| 22 | Benue State University | Benue | ₦66,100 to ₦119,100 | 8243 |
| 23 | Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (Anambra State University of Science & Technology Uli) | Anambra | ₦127,465 to ₦401,815 | 8455 |
| 24 | Tai Solarin University of Education | Ogun | ₦76,500 | 8545 |
| 25 | Kano University of Science & Technology Wudil | Kano | #22,000 to#50,800 | 8899 |
| 26 | Kaduna State University | Kaduna | ₦27,000 to ₦46,000 | 8681 |
| 27 | Akwa Ibom State University of Technology, Uyo | Akwa Ibom | ₦53,000 to ₦73,000 | 8764 |
| 28 | Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai | Niger | ₦86,000 to ₦250,000 | 9090 |
| 29 | Lagos State University College of Medicine | Lagos | ₦113,250 to ₦115,750 | 9402 |
| 30 | Taraba State University Jalingo | Taraba | ₦ 25,000 to ₦35,000 | 9817 |
| 31 | Adamawa State University | Adamawa | ₦68,200 to ₦98,000 | 11074 |
| 32 | Bauchi State University Gadau | Bauchi | ₦26,000 to ₦52,000 | 11125 |
| 33 | Sokoto State University | Sokoto | ₦40,000 to ₦60,000 | 11565 |
| 34 | Yobe State University (Bukar Abba Ibrahim University Damaturu) | Yobe | N100,000 | 11583 |
| 35 | Sule Lamido University | jigawa | ₦30,000 to ₦120,000 | 13174 |
| 36 | Ignatius Ajuru University of Education | Rivers | ₦37,500 to ₦47,500 | 16156 |
| 37 | Plateau State University Bokkos | Plateau | ₦36,000 | 17217 |
| 38 | Ondo State University of Science & Technology Okitipupa | Ondo | ₦65,000 to ₦145,000 | 16065 |
| 39 | Bamidele Olumilua University of Education Science & Technology Ikere-Ekiti | Ekiti | #175,550.00 | 16063 |
| 40 | Confluence University of Science and Technology Osara | Kogi | N87,550 | 25252 |
Lagos State University
Lagos state university (LASU) is Nigeria’s best state university, founded in 1983 by the Lagos government. The university has four campuses in Ikeja, Ojo, Surulere, and Epe. The main campus of the university is the Ojo campus.
LASU is known for its exceptional teaching service. It offers postgraduate and undergraduate courses and a master’s program. Apart from being one of the top state universities, it is also one of the first state universities in Nigeria to study law.
It has a well-equipped science laboratory, a well-organized library, and a good school clinic for easy teaching and learning process.
The school has about 10 Faculties, schools, and Colleges, which include:
- Faculty of Art
- Faculty of Social Science
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Basic Medical Science
- School of Agriculture
- Faculty of clinical science
- School of Communication
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of management science
- Faculty of Engineering
- School of Transport
- College of Medicine
- School of Postgraduate studies
Lagos state university ranked 3,070 positions out of 14,131 in the world; in Africa, it ranked 63rd out of 1,104 and 10th of 157 in Nigeria.
The school’s tuition fee is about N2o,000 – N116,000, while the acceptance fee is #20,000 for indigenous and non-indigenous students.
Prominent personalities have graduated from these universities, such as Abimbola Amusu, Wizkid, Gani Adams, Mayowa Adenekan, Eniola Badmus, Femi Jacobs, Sound Sultan, and many others.
LASU is a very competitive school in terms of gaining admission into the university because of its facilities and prestige, however, there is a higher preference given to indigenes of Lagos state
Rivers State University
Rivers state university was established in 1972 in Diobu, Mile III area of Port Harcourt, Rivers state, Nigeria. The school was initially known as Rivers State College of Science and Technology from 1972 – 1980.
It was later changed to Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) from 1980 to 2017 before it was finally given the name Rivers State University. The school has a population of 17,000 students, and teaching and non-teaching staff are about 3000. It is the first technical university in the country, Nigeria
The school was rated best for its seamless e-learning platform, which runs very effectively. The school is one of two universities in Nigeria offering degree programs in Marine Engineering.
The following are the Faculties in the school:
- Basic Clinical Sciences
- Agriculture
- Basic Medical Science Clinical Science
- Education Law
- Humanities
- Communication And Media Studies Science
- Social Sciences
- Management Science
- Engineering
- Environmental Science
The Rivers state university has icons who graduated from this notable school, such as Otelemaba Amachree, Tonto Dikeh, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Nyesom Wike, Usani Uguru Usani, Azibaola Robert, Judith Amaechi, etc.
The current tuition fees of the River State University range from ₦65,000 to ₦145,000 for new intake students and ₦50,000 to ₦105,000 for old students.
Some of the courses offered at Rivers State University are
- Accountancy / Accounting
- Banking and Finance
- Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
- Anatomy
- Architecture
- Biochemistry
- Chemical / Petrochemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Criminology and Penology
- Electrical Engineering
- Forestry And Wildlife
- Fisheries Management
- Petroleum Engineering
- Quantity Surveying and many others.
The rivers state university is ranked 3,747 in the world out of 14,143 universities, then 94th position in Africa out of a total of 1,104 universities and ranked 17th in Nigeria.
The school has fantastic facilities such as a library, study abroad and exchange programs, housing, sports facilities, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as good administrative services.
Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) was established in the year 1982. The University was first known as Ogun State University and later renamed Olabisi Onabanjo University in 2001.
The university has multiple campuses, with the main campus in Ago Iwoye and its environs. The school’s excellent physical infrastructure and academic progress have earned it a reputation as one of the top state universities over the years.
For both new and returning students at Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ago Iwoye, school fees range from ₦77,872 to ₦176,396.
The school is ranked 4,373rd in the world, 125th in Africa, and 26th in Nigeria. OOU has ten faculties which include:
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Environmental Science
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences
- Faculty of Social and Management Science
- Law
- Faculty of Medicine.
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Clinical Science
- Faculty of Pharmacy
Courses and programs offered by this reputable university include:
- Christian Religious Knowledge / Studies
- Crop production
- Accounting
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Economics
- French
- Health Education
- Geology
- Home And Hotel Management
- Industrial And Labour Relations
- Islamic Studies
- Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Mass communication
- Philosophy
- Performing art
- Mechanical Engineering etc
Ambrose Alli University (AAU)
Ambrose Ali University is situated in Edo state, established in 1981. The University was first known as Bendel State University before being renamed Ambrose Alli University to honour professor Ambrose.
The University comprises eight colleges, including Legal Studies and Medical Science, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Engineering and Technology, Arts and Social Science, Natural Science, and Education.
The current school fees of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, range from ₦49,625 to ₦80,000 for old students and ₦69,900 – ₦111,500 for the new intake.
The University has the following Faculties:
- Faculty of Engineering & Technology
- Faculty of Environmental Studies
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Life Sciences
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Engineering & Technology
- Faculty of Communication Sciences
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Life Sciences
- Faculty of Environmental Studies
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science
- Faculty of Physical Science
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences
- Faculty of Clinical Sciences
- Faculty of Management Sciences
- College of Medicine
- Faculty of Management Sciences
The school has produced numerous successful graduates, including prominent figures like Aisha Buhari, the current First Lady of Nigeria, Tony Elumelu, Alibaba Akpobome, a well-known comedian, Don Jazzy, Augustine Ohilebo, Philipa Idogho, Felix Olorunfemi, Omawunmi, and Peggy Ovire.
The University is recognized for its exceptional teaching process and well-equipped facilities, including a spacious library, modern classrooms and offices, a science laboratory, a large sports ground, and more. AAU ranks 4478 out of 14,131 universities globally, 136th in Africa, and 29th in Nigeria.
Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology/Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH)
The Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, formerly known as Ondo State University, which is popularly known as OAUSTECH, was founded in 2008 in Okitipupa, Ondo State, Nigeria.
The university has several facilities, including an ICT training centre, an entrepreneurship centre for students, a well-equipped laboratory, and a spacious library.
OAUSTECH is recognized for its partnerships with leading foreign universities in the United States of America and the Caribbean. Additionally, all academic programs and courses are fully accredited by relevant national and professional bodies.
For every new university intake, they pay an acceptance fee of #40,000 compulsorily to the school account, while hostel/accommodation per year is fifty thousand nairas (50,000). Olusegun Agagu University considers indigene in terms of school fees; indigenous students pay #30,000 in school fees while non-indigenous students pay #60,000.
The university came out 9th in the NUC (National University Commission) ranking as one of the best ten universities owned by the state in Nigeria in the 2021 ranking.
Faculties and schools in the university are as follows:
- School of Engineering and Technology
- School of Agriculture, Food and Natural resources.
- School of science
- Postgraduate
The university’s academic calendar is stable, thanks to the dedication of its staff. OAUSTECH prioritizes academic excellence, and this is evident in its fully accredited academic programs and courses. The university is, however, limited to science and technology-related courses.
Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA)
Adekunle Ajasin University, also known as AAUA, is a renowned higher institution located in Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria. The university was established in 1982 and currently has over 20,000 students.
Adekunle Ajasin University offers postgraduate and undergraduate programs and JUPEB and Pre-degree programs in about eight faculties, including:
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Social Science
- Faculty of administration and Management Science
- Faculty of Environmental Design and Management
Adekunle Ajasin University offers the following courses
- Accounting
- Animal and Environmental Biology
- Agricultural Economics and Extension
- Animal Science
- Banking and Finance
- Business Administration
- Chemical Sciences
- Computer Science
- Commercial and Industrial Law
- Criminology and Security Studies
- Science Education
- Economics
- Educational Management
- English Studies
- Earth Sciences
- Estate Management
- Forestry and Wildlife Management
- Fisheries and Aquaculture
- Geography and Planning Science
- History and International Studies
- Human Kinetics and Health Education
- Industrial Chemistry
- International Law
- Jurisprudence and International Law
- Linguistics and Languages
- Guidance and Counseling
- Mass Communication
- Microbiology
- Performing Arts
- Philosophy
- Physical and Health Education
- Plant Science and Biotechnology
- Political Science and Public Administration
- Private and Property Law
- Public Law
- Pure and Applied Psychology
- Quantity Surveying
- Science Education
- Social Science Education
- Sociology
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Vocational and Technical Education
- Agronomy
- Mathematical Sciences
- Biochemistry
- Physics and Electronics
- Religion and African Culture
AAUA provides a Sports Complex for indoor and outdoor sporting activities such as cricket, football, table tennis, taekwondo, badminton, basketball, judo, etc. The school provides a well-equipped centre with ultra-modern facilities, including a big gymnasium, Tennis court, Standard football pitch, etc.
The university also has several centres, including the AAUA Centre for Research & Development (CRD). The CRD was established to facilitate needs-driven research that aims to achieve sustainable development and serve as a repository for research ideas and inventions. It also functions as an incubator for both public and private sector initiatives.
The University is ranked 30th in the list of best Nigeria Universities, 141 in Africa, 845 of 1000 in human rights law, 851 in Marine Engineering, and 4564th in the global 2023 university ranking.
The tuition fee for the school ranges from ₦80,000 to ₦100,000 for old students and 75,000 to ₦150,000 for new students.
AAUA is a well-respected university with a focus on academic excellence, research, and community development.
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) is a well-known state university located in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria, that was established in 1990. It was formerly known as Oyo State University until Osun State was separated from Oyo State, and the name was changed to Ladoke Akintola University of Technology.
The university has a student population of about 25,000 and a staff strength of 3,000 comprising both teaching and non-teaching staff. The main campus of the university is located in Oyo state. LAUTECH offers undergraduate studies, postgraduate studies, part-time programs, JUPEB, Open distance learning, and a Pre-degree program.
The university has a modern computerized library, conducive learning classrooms, good sporting equipment, and other facilities.
Faculties in LAUTECH
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences
- Faculty of Management Sciences
- Faculty of Food and Consumer Sciences
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences
- Faculty of Engineering and Technology
- Faculty of Computing and Informatics
- Faculty of Nursing Sciences
- Faculty of Clinical Sciences
- Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences
The current school fees for LAUTECH range from ₦140,000 to ₦170,000 for new intake students and ₦40,250 for old students depending on the faculty.
LAUTECH was previously known for numerous strikes, but the university is now well-structured with a stable calendar. As a unique institution of higher learning, LAUTECH is known for providing liberal higher research and education in Nigeria.
Kwara State University (KWASU)
Kwara State University (KWASU) was established in 2009 by Dr Bukola Saraki, the then-governor of the state. KWASU is a government-owned and operated university accredited and recognized by Nigeria’s National Universities Commission (NUC).
It has various academic centres, such as the Centre for Ecology and Environmental Management and Studies (CEERMS), the Centre for Human Rights and the Law, and the Centre for Entrepreneurship.
Faculties in KWASU
The following are faculties in KWASU:
- Faculty of Agriculture & Veterinary Science
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Social Science
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Administration
The university is the first in Nigeria to offer a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, as approved by the NUC.
KWASU’s current school fees range from ₦99,500 to ₦200,000 for new students and ₦109,500 to ₦210,000 for returning students, depending on their courses.
Kwara state university is ranked 26th in Nigeria and 7,963rd in the world.
Ekiti State University (EKSU)
Ekiti State University (EKSU) is located in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. It was founded on March 30, 1982, under the administration of Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, the first civilian Governor of Ondo State, Nigeria.
The university has a population of approximately 25,000 students, with 23,000 undergraduates and 2,000 postgraduates. EKSU is ranked as the third-best state university in Nigeria and has produced notable alumni such as the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, Adetola Juyitan, Kunle Ajayi, Praise Fowowe, among others.
Faculty and colleges
The faculties and colleges in the university are:
- Agricultural Science
- Arts
- Basic Medical Science
- Education
- Petroleum
- Law
- Management Science
- Agricultural Science
- Engineering
- Clinical Sciences
- Social science
- Science
For new students, the tuition fee for Ekiti State University ranges between ₦170,000 to ₦171,000, while old students pay between ₦56,000 to ₦61,500.
In the 2023 global ranking, Ekiti State University is ranked 3,930th in the world, 19th in Nigeria, and attained the 36th position in research topics.
Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)
The Enugu State University of Science and Technology, popularly known as (ESUT) is a university in Nigeria that is owned, managed, and operated by the state government.
It was founded and initially named as Anambra State University of Technology (ASUTECH) on the 30th of July 1980 by the Executive Governor of Anambra State at that time, Chief Dr Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo.
Faculties and colleges in the university
- Faculty of Agricultural & Natural Resources Management
- Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Management Sciences
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Faculty of Social Sciences.
- College of Medicine
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences
ESUT’s school fees vary from ₦45,340 to ₦124,900 for returning students and ₦124,900 for new students. The university is ranked 34th in Nigeria and 5134th globally.
Conclusion
State universities have been performing remarkably well recently, particularly in teaching and learning activities, infrastructure and equipment, experienced teaching staff, and more, all of which can enhance students’ academic performance. The universities mentioned above are the best state universities in the country.
If you are seeking admission to a university, it is advisable first to consider a state university in your state of origin to make the admission process less stressful. However, be sure to confirm if the university offers your preferred course of study.