More than before, State Universities are now getting popular among Tertiary institutions in the country. For a long time, most of those who applied to Nigerian universities sent their applications to Federal Universities.
The case is different now, as State and Federal Universities are almost on the same level regarding the number of applicants.
One of the reasons students have chosen Federal Universities over State Universities is that the former is cheaper to study than the latter. State Universities’ tuition fees can be extremely high, too high for a government-owned institution.
However, most State Universities have subsidized their tuition fees and are now appealing to many aspirants. If you want to attend any state university in Nigeria, you should go for the best.
The Best State Universities in Nigeria
There are 36 states in Nigeria, so it is expected that we will have at least 36 state-owned universities. However, out of this number, only a few are top-rated and considered the best for students, irrespective of the course they are applying to study.
1. Lagos State University
Established in 1983, Lagos State University is among the country’s oldest state universities and is regarded as one of the best. It was ranked among the top 600 universities in the world in 2020.
Its main campus is in Ojo, a small town in Lagos State. There are two other campuses; the Epe campus (For the Faculty of Engineering and School of Agriculture) and the Ikeja Campus (For the College of Medicine).
LASU currently boasts over 35,000 students in all its faculties and programs. Lagos State University offers graduate, postgraduate, and diploma programs in many courses. The University started with only three faculties but now has seven colleges/faculties.
2. Rivers State University
Rivers State University, popularly known as RVSU or RSU, is located in Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. It was formerly called Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST).
The state university was established in 1972 as the Rivers State College of Science and Technology but later got university status in 1980. It has been referred to as Rivers State University of Science and Technology since 1989.
Among all the universities in Nigeria, Rivers State University of Science and Technology is the only one accredited to offer degree programs in Marine Engineering. The University boasts over 20,000 students in nine colleges.
3. Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma
Ambrose Alli University, popularly known as AAU, is a state-owned university in Ekpoma, Edo State. It was established in 1981 and is rated among the best state-owned universities in Nigeria.
Ambrose Folorunsho Alli established the University as Edo State University but was later renamed its current name to commemorate its founder.
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.
4. Olabisi Onabanjo University
Olabisi Onabanjo University is one of Nigeria’s best state universities. It was established in 1982 as Ogun State University. It was later renamed Olabisi Onabanjo University in 2001 to honor Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, who was among the early pioneers of the University.
Many students, aspirants, and indigenes still refer to the University as Ogun State University (OSU). Like many other Nigerian universities, Olabisi Onabanjo University has multiple campuses. The University has four different campuses in Ogun state, Nigeria.
The main campus, usually PS, is in Ago Iwoye, Ogun 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 Sagamu, Ogun State.
There is also a campus at Ayetoro for the Agricultural students of the school. Engineering students are based on the Ibogun campus.
5. Delta State University
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 counseling center, an e-learning center, student accommodation, sporting facilities, etc. Delta State University happens to be one of the 25 state universities accredited by the National Universities Commission.
6. Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko
Adekunle Ajasin University is a state-owned university located in Ondo State. It was founded in 1982 and is among the oldest state universities in Nigeria.
The University offers undergraduate, postgraduate, pre-degree, and JUPEB programs. Adekunle Ajasin University has seven faculties.
7. Ekiti State University
As it is known today, Ekiti State University was established in 1982 as Obafemi Awolowo University, Ado-Ekiti. Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, the governor of Ondo State, established it. Today, EKSU is an Association of Commonwealth Universities member accredited by the National Universities Commission.
Ekiti State University is the only Nigeria University with a history of changing names up to four times. It was first changed from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ado-Ekiti, to Ondo State University in 1995, then to the University of Ado-Ekiti in 1999. It was changed to its present name in 2011.
8. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
Ladoke Akintola University, known as LAUTECH, was established in 1990 as Oyo State University of Technology. The name was later changed to Ladoke Akintola University after the separation of Osun State from Oyo State. LAUTECH currently boasts over 25,000 students.
The University is made up of 7 faculties and a college.
9. Niger Delta University
Niger Delta University was created to bring education to the people of the Niger Delta. It is located in Bayelsa State, in the Niger Delta region. NDU was established in 2000 with two primary campuses in Yenagoa and Amassoma. It also has a Teaching hospital in Okolobiri.
Niger Delta University offers programs at Bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. levels. It is also an Association of Commonwealth Universities member accredited by the National Universities Commission.
10. Enugu State University of Science and Technology
Ranked as the 10th top state university in Nigeria, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) stands as a testament to the advancement of higher education in the region. Established in 1980, this institution has carved a niche in the realms of science and technology.
ESUT offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, primarily focusing on science, engineering, and technology disciplines. The university is renowned for its strong faculties in areas such as Engineering, Applied Natural Sciences, Environmental Sciences, and Management Sciences.
A cornerstone of ESUT’s mission is its commitment to research and development. The university has numerous research centers that collaborate with industries and other academic institutions, both locally and internationally.
Conclusion
Attending a State University in Nigeria is not the issue; Have you researched the best among them? It wouldn’t make sense if you cannot learn anything tangible after attending a State University in the country.
To avoid this, I have listed the best state universities in Nigeria and other vital information you need to know about them.
Remember, it is crucial to research these universities thoroughly before making a choice. Some may be renowned for specific courses more than others. Therefore, one university may be a better choice depending on your interest.
Sam is a brilliant young Nigerian biochemistry student and an aspiring entrepreneur. Despite facing many challenges, he has never lost his passion for learning and drive to make a difference in the world. Read more about him here.