Universities in Nigeria: Comprehensive Overview (November 2025)
As of 24 November 2025, Nigeria operates exactly 300 fully accredited degree-awarding universities under the regulation of the National Universities Commission (NUC). This figure marks a historic milestone — the first time the country has reached the 300-university mark — driven by rapid private-sector expansion, new federal specialised institutions, and state governments creating second and third universities to meet local needs.
Official Breakdown (NUC Verified – November 2025)
| Category | Number of Universities | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Universities | 74 | 24.7% |
| State Universities | 67 | 22.3% |
| Private Universities | 159 | 53.0% |
| GRAND TOTAL | 300 | 100% |
Key Highlights by Ownership
Federal Universities (74)
These remain the most prestigious and research-intensive. The latest additions in 2024–2025 include Federal University of Technology & Environmental Sciences, Iyin-Ekiti; Federal University of Agriculture & Development Studies, Iragbiji; and Federal University of Environment & Technology, Tai (Ogoni). Federal institutions dominate medicine, engineering, agriculture, and petroleum studies, with the University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, and University of Lagos consistently ranking in Africa’s top 50.
State Universities (67)
States have aggressively expanded access in the last five years. Lagos now runs three (LASU, LASUSTECH, LASUED); Imo also has three (IMSU, University of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, and the brand-new Imo State University of Innovation, Science & Technology licensed in October 2025). Other recent creations include Confluence University of Science & Technology (Kogi), Gombe State University of Science & Technology, and Cross River University of Education & Entrepreneurship. State universities are the most affordable for indigenes and increasingly compete in STEM and health sciences.
Private Universities (159)
Private institutions now constitute more than half of Nigeria’s universities — the highest proportion in Africa. The sector exploded from 147 in 2023 to 159 after the NUC granted provisional licences to 11 new universities in April 2025 (e.g., New City University Aiyetoro, Lens University Ilemona, University of Fortune Igbotako, Greenfield University Kaduna, etc.). Faith-based universities still dominate (Covenant, Redeemer’s, Babcock, Bowen, Afe Babalola, Landmark, Madonna, etc.), but secular and corporate-backed ones (Nile, Pan-Atlantic, Skyline, James Hope) are rising fast. Private universities offer the most stable academic calendars and modern infrastructure, attracting students willing to pay premium fees.
Statistical Snapshot
- Total student population (2025 est.): ~2.5–2.7 million
- Most common programmes: Medicine & Surgery (offered in 112 universities), Nursing Science (98), Computer Science (245), Accounting (238), Law (152)
- Geographical spread: South-West (92 universities), North-Central (56), South-South (48), North-West (43), South-East (36), North-East (25)
- Gender parity: Female enrolment now ~46% nationally, highest in private universities (52%)
Current Policy Context
In February 2025, the NUC briefly paused new private university applications to strengthen quality assurance, but existing licences were honoured. The Commission has also mandated all universities to implement the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) by the 2025/2026 session and warned that any institution running unaccredited programmes risks sanctions.
In summary, Nigeria’s university system — now 300 strong — is one of the largest and most diverse in the world, blending centuries-old federal giants, agile state institutions, and innovative private players to serve Africa’s most populous nation.
