Are you looking for the best state universities in Nigeria in 2025? Whether you’re a prospective student or a parent researching the top-ranking state universities, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
State universities in Nigeria have gradually gained recognition for academic excellence, infrastructure, and research opportunities, reports New Telegraph. While federal and private universities were once seen as superior, state universities are now competing at the same level, offering world-class education at affordable rates.
In this article is a compilation of the top 10 best state universities in Nigeria, their rankings, admission criteria, and why they stand out.
Ranking Criteria for the Best State Universities in Nigeria
The rankings are based on multiple factors, including:
•Academic Excellence (Quality of education, faculty, and research output)
•Infrastructure (Classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and hostels)
•Student Life & Facilities (Sports, extracurriculars, and student services)
•Accreditation & Reputation (Recognition by the National Universities Commission (NUC))
•Webometrics & Bibliometric Ranking
1. Lagos State University (LASU)
Lagos State University (LASU) is one of the top-ranking state universities in Nigeria. Aside from being the oldest state university in Nigeria, LASU which was established in 1983 is regarded as one of the best as it ranked among the top 600 universities in the world in 2020.
Located in the heart of Ojo, Lagos State Nigeria, Lagos State University has two other satellite campuses in Epe for the Faculty of Engineering and School of Agriculture, as well as the Ikeja campus for the College of Medicine.
LASU currently boasts over 35,000 students and offers graduate, postgraduate, and diploma programs in many courses.
After its establishment, the University started with only three faculties but now has seven colleges/faculties.
The University is known for its reputation and accreditation (strong academic programs and numerous accreditations) and Research Output (High research output and numerous publications).
2. Rivers State University (RSU)
Rivers State University (RSU) is another renowned state university in Nigeria that is cutting-edge in academics. Rivers State University which was founded in 1980 is located in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria with other campuses in Emouha, Ahoada, Etche and Sakpenwa.
Licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC), Rivers State University has a very large number of students spanning 40,000 to 44,999 as a coeducational Nigerian higher education institution.
RSU offers courses and programs leading to officially recognised higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 44-year-old Nigerian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations.
The acceptance rate range is 10-19% making this Nigerian higher education organization an extremely selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
RSU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, as well as administrative services.
3. Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) is one of the best state universities in Nigeria. It was established in 1982 as Ogun State University (OSU) and later renamed Olabisi Onabanjo University in 2001 to honour Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, who was among the early pioneers of the University.
Despite the rename, many students and indigenes still refer to the University as Ogun State University (OSU) located at Ago Iwoye, Ogun State Nigeria, OOU like many other Nigerian universities has multiple campuses across the state.
The College of Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, together known as the College of Health Sciences, are located in one of its campuses situated at Sagamu, Ogun State.
There is also a campus at Ayetoro for the Agricultural students. Meanwhile, the Engineering students are based on the Ibogun campus amongst others.
4. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)
Founded in 1990, the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the rural setting of the large city of Ogbomoso with a population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants in Oyo State, Nigeria.
Officially recognised by the National Universities Commission of Nigeria (NUC), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) boasts 25,000-29,999 students in coeducational Nigerian higher education institutions.
The institution offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor’s degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 33-year-old Nigerian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students’ past academic records and grades. This institution also has a branch campus in Osogbo.
The acceptance rate range is 10-19% making this Nigerian higher education organization an extremely selective institution. LAUTECH also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
5. Ambrose Alli University (AAU)
Ambrose Alli University (AAU) is a state-owned university situated at Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria and established in 1981 by the governor of Bendel State (now Edo and Delta States).
Initially known as Bendel State University, subsequently known as Edo State University, and finally changed to its present name in commemoration of Professor Ambrose Folorunsho Alli, AAU is rated among the best state-owned universities in Nigeria.
Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, is accredited and recognized by the National Universities Commission (NUC) as a degree-awarding institution. AAU is among the Nigerian universities with the most faculties having 15 faculties.
6. Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA)
Another notable top-ranking State university in Nigeria is Adekunke Ajasin University Akungba (AAUA). Founded and established in 1982, AAUA which is located at Akungba Akoko in Ondo State, Nigeria is accredited and recognised by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Adekunle Ajasin University also has a satellite campus in Ikare Akoko, Ondo State with a large-sized ( 15,000-19,999 students) coeducational Nigerian higher education institution.
AAUA offers courses and programs leading to officially recognised higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees in several areas of study.
AAUA also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
7. Ekiti State University (EKSU)
Ekiti State University (EKSU) was initially named Ondo State University in 1985 and renamed in November 1999 as the University of Ado-Ekiti before it was renamed Ekiti State University of Ado-Ekiti in September 2011.
EKSU located in the city of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria is accredited and recognized by the National Universities Commission (NUC) with a large (35,000-39,999 students) coeducational Nigerian higher education institution.
Ekiti State University (EKSU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor’s degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 42-year-old Nigerian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students’ past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 10-19% making this Nigerian higher education organisation an extremely selective institution.
EKSU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
8. Nasarawa State University (NSU)
Founded in 2002, the Nasarawa State University which is located in the city of Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees in several areas of study.
Officially recognised by the National Universities Commission of Nigeria (NUC), Nasarawa State University (NSU) is a coeducational Nigerian higher education institution.
This 22-year-old Nigerian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. NSU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, as well as administrative services.
9. Delta State University (DELSU)
Delta State University, popularly called DELSU, is a state-owned university in Abraka, Delta State. DELSU was established in 1995 and had multiple campuses around the state. It has two campuses within a 200 km distance from one another.
Delta State University boasts over 22,000 students in all its programs, including certificate, diploma, graduate, and postgraduate. These programs can be registered for either full-time or part-time.
You can get Postgraduate education at Delta State University up to a doctoral level. Facilities include a student counselling centre, an e-learning centre, student accommodation, sporting facilities, etc. Delta State University happens to be one of the 25 state universities accredited by the National Universities Commission.
10. Benue State University (BSU)
The last on our list of the top 10 best-ranking State Universities in Nigeria is Benue State University (BSU). Founded in 1992, the Benue State University is situated in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.
Officially recognised by the National Universities Commission of Nigeria (NUC), Benue State University (BSU) is a very large ( 30,000-34,999 students) coeducational Nigerian higher education institution.
Benue State University (BSU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognised higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees in several areas of study.
This 32-year-old Nigerian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. BSU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, as well as administrative services.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best State University in Nigeria
These universities are recognised for academic excellence, infrastructure, research, and faculty quality.
Which university is the best for you? It depends on your preferred course, location, and budget.
