Best State Universities In Nigeria List 2023

The perception that state universities in Nigeria are not as good as federal universities is a common one. However, this perception is not entirely accurate. In recent years, many state universities have made significant improvements in their facilities and educational systems. Some state universities have even surpassed their federal counterparts.

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One of the reasons for this improvement is the increased funding that state governments have provided to their universities. This funding has allowed universities to build new facilities, hire more qualified faculty, and offer more programs. As a result, state universities are now able to provide students with a high-quality education that is comparable to what is offered at federal universities.

Another reason for the improvement of state universities is the increased competition among them. To attract top students, universities are constantly striving to improve their offerings. This has led to a situation where state universities are now offering a wide range of programs, including some that are not offered at federal universities.

The result of these improvements is that state universities are now playing an increasingly important role in the development of Nigeria’s education system. They are producing some of the country’s most talented graduates, and they continue to attract top students from all over the country.

Here is a list of the top best state universities in Nigeria

The following state universities are among the top 20 best in Nigeria. They have offered educational opportunities that some federal universities have not yet been able to provide.

LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY (LASU)

Established in the year 1983, Lagos State University (LASU) has positioned itself as a remarkable institution that not only boasts exceptional facilities but also stands out in terms of its innovative approach to education. In a noteworthy achievement, LASU has even surpassed certain Federal Universities in these aspects, solidifying its reputation as a centre of academic excellence.

One of the standout features of LASU is its impressive student population, which has reached an impressive count of 61,000. This vibrant and diverse community of learners contributes to the dynamic learning environment that LASU fosters across its campuses. Speaking of campuses, LASU operates through a multi-campus system, with its primary campus situated in Ojo. However, the reach of LASU extends beyond Ojo, encompassing campuses in strategic locations such as Ikeja, Surulere, and Epe.

This geographical diversity not only allows LASU to cater to a wider range of students but also adds to the richness of experiences offered by the university.

Divided into 9 distinct faculties, LASU’s academic structure is designed to cover a comprehensive array of disciplines.

These faculties include Social Sciences, Engineering, Basic Medical Science and Education, Business Administration, Law, Clinical Sciences, and Arts, among others.

This wide-ranging scope ensures that LASU not only provides students with various educational pathways but also contributes significantly to research and advancements across multiple fields.

Lagos State University is undoubtedly a source of pride for its students, alumni, faculty, and the larger community. With its impressive facilities, diverse campuses, and commitment to providing quality education, LASU continues to shape the academic landscape and uphold its status as a reputable institution of learning.

RIVER STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (RSUST)

RSUST is a state university located in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. It was founded in 1980 as the Rivers State College of Science and Technology and was granted university status in 1980. RSUST is the first technological university in Nigeria, and offers seven faculties:

Environmental Sciences
Agriculture
Law
Technical and Science Education
Engineering
College of Medicine
Science

RSUST is also one of the only two universities in Nigeria offering degree programs in Marine Engineering. The university has a student population of 17,000 and a staff strength of 3,000.

RSUST is a highly regarded university in Nigeria and has been consistently ranked among the top universities in the country. The university is known for its strong academic programs, its state-of-the-art facilities, and its commitment to research.

RSUST has produced some of the brightest minds in Nigeria, and its graduates are highly sought-after by employers. The university is a valuable asset to the state of Rivers, and it is playing a vital role in the development of the country.

OLABISI ONABANJO UNIVERSITY (OOU)

Is a state university located in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria. It was established in 1982 as Ogun State University and was renamed Olabisi Onabanjo University in 2001 in honour of the late Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, a former governor of Ogun State.

OOU has 9 faculties:

Arts
Engineering
Environmental Science
Basic Medical Sciences
Social and Management Science
Law
College of Medicine
Education
Science

The university has multiple campuses, with the main campus in Ago-Iwoye. The other campuses are located in Ibogun, Ijebu-Ode, and Sagamu.

The university is known for its strong academic programs, its state-of-the-art facilities, and its commitment to research.

OOU has produced some of the brightest minds in Nigeria, and its graduates are highly sought-after by employers. The university is a valuable asset to the state of Ogun, and it is playing an essential role in the development of the country.

ENUGU STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (ESUT)

Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) is a state university in Nigeria that was founded in 1980 as Anambra State University of Science and Technology. The university was renamed in 1991 when Enugu State was created. ESUT has six faculties: Engineering, Law, Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Applied Natural Sciences, Education, Social Sciences, and Pharmacy. The university has a student population of over 50,000.

DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY (DELSU)

Is a state university located in Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria. It was established in 1992 by the Delta State Government and is one of the largest universities in Nigeria. DELSU has three campuses: the main campus in Abraka, the Oleh campus, and the Oghara campus.

DELSU has 11 faculties:

Arts
Agriculture
Basic Medical Sciences
Education
Engineering
Environmental Studies
Law
Management Studies
Pharmacy
Science
Social Sciences

The university has a student capacity of 36,000 and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. DELSU is a highly regarded university in Nigeria. The university is known for its strong academic programs.

AMBROSE ALLI UNIVERSITY (AAU)

Is a state university in Edo State, Nigeria. It was established in 1981 as Bendel State University and was later renamed in honour of Professor Ambrose Folorunsho Alli, a former governor of Bendel State. AAU has 8 colleges: Legal Studies and Medical Sciences, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Engineering and Technology, Arts and Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Education.

ADEKUNLE AJASIN UNIVERSITY (AAUA)

Adekunle Ajasin University Is a state university in Nigeria that was established in 1982 by the Old Ondo State. The university has six faculties: Arts, Science, Education, Law, Agriculture, and Social and Management Sciences.

Ladoke AKINTOLA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (LAUTECH)

Is a state university located in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. It was established in 1990 as the Oyo State University of Technology and was renamed in 1991 in honour of Ladoke Akintola, a former premier of the Western Region of Nigeria.

LAUTECH has six faculties:

Engineering
Science
Technology
Agriculture
Environmental Sciences
Management and Social Sciences

The university also has many specialized centres and institutes, including the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Center for Distance Learning, and the Institute of Technology Management.

LAUTECH has a student population of over 25,000 and a staff strength of over 3,000.

EKITI STATE UNIVERSITY (EKSU)

EKSU Is a state university located in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. It was established in 1982 as the University of Ado-Ekiti and was renamed in 1996 following the name of the state. EKSU has six faculties:

Agriculture
Science
Social Sciences
Arts
Management Sciences
Clinical Sciences
Basic Medical Sciences

EKSU has a student population of over 30,000 and a staff strength of over 2,000. The university also has many specialized centres and institutes, including the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Center for Distance Learning, and the Institute of Public Health.

BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY (BSU)

Benue State University (BSU) is a state university in Nigeria that was established in 1992. As of 2015, the university had a student population of 32,000. BSU has six colleges: Science, Law, Education, Art, Health Science, Environmental Science, and Management Science.

KOGI STATE UNIVERSITY (KSU)

Is a state university located in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria. It was founded in 1999 and is one of the newer universities in the country. However, KSU has quickly gained a reputation for academic excellence and is now ranked among the best universities in Africa.

KSU has a student population of over 50,000, making it one of the largest universities in Nigeria. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is home to many specialized centres and institutes, including the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Center for Distance Learning, and the Institute of Public Health.

KSU is a valuable asset to the state of Kogi and is playing a vital role in the development of the country. The university has produced some of the brightest minds in Nigeria, and its graduates are highly sought-after by employers.

NIGER DELTA UNIVERSITY (NDU)

Is a state university located in Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. It was established in 2000 as a result of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Act, which was passed in 1999. NDU has two campuses: the main campus in Yenagoa and the Amassoma campus.

NDU has nine faculties:

Agriculture
Medical Sciences
Law
Pharmacy
Science
Social Sciences
Engineering
Management Sciences
Arts
Education

The university has a student population of over 25,000 and a staff strength of over 1,500.

IMO STATE UNIVERSITY (IMSU)

Imo State University (IMSU) is a state university in Nigeria that was established in 1981. It is one of the best state universities in the country and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including agriculture, law, engineering, social sciences, and education.

OSUN STATE UNIVERSITY (UNIOSUN)

Osun State University (UNIOSUN) is a state university in Nigeria that was established in 2006. The university operates a multi-campus system, with five faculties: Social Sciences, Law, Humanities, Agriculture and Education, and Health Sciences.

KWARA STATE UNIVERSITY (KWASU)

Kwara State University (KWASU) is a state university in Nigeria that was established in 2009 by Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki. The university has three campuses: the Malete campus, the Osi campus, and the Ilesha campus. KWASU offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including agriculture and veterinary sciences, management and social sciences, education, humanities, and pure and applied sciences.

KADUNA STATE UNIVERSITY (KASU)

Kaduna State University (KASU) is a state university located in Kaduna State, Nigeria. It was established in 2004 and has two campuses: the main campus in Kaduna and the satellite campus in Kafanchan. KASU offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including arts, science, medicine, pharmacy, management, and social sciences.

ABIA STATE UNIVERSITY (ABSU)

Abia State University is a state university in Nigeria that is considered to be one of the best in the Eastern region. The university was originally founded as Imo State University but was renamed after the creation of Abia State in 1991. Abia State University has many colleges, including the Colleges of Medicine, Law, Optometry and Postgraduate Studies, Biological and Physical Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, Agriculture, and Veterinary Medicine.

The university has a student population of over 30,000 and a staff strength of over 2,000.

EBONYI STATE UNIVERSITY (EBSU)

Ebonyi State University (EBSU) is a state university located in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. It was established in 1999 and is one of the newer universities in the country. However, EBSU has quickly gained a reputation for academic excellence and is now considered to be one of the best state universities in Nigeria.

EBSU has many faculties, including:

Agriculture
Arts
Education
Law
Management Sciences
Medical Sciences
Natural and Applied Sciences
Social Sciences

NASSARAWA STATE UNIVERSITY (NSUK)

Nassarawa State University (NSUK) is a state university in Nigeria that is considered to be the best in the Northern region. The university has many faculties and a good number of student populations. It is located in Keffi, which is close to Abuja.

Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUTECH) is a state university located in Okitipupa, Ondo State, Nigeria. It was founded in 2010 as the Ondo State University of Technology but was renamed in 2019. OSUTECH has a single faculty, the Faculty of Science, which is divided into four departments: