Looking for the complete list of all federal universities in Nigeria? Federal universities are one of the major university categories covered in our list of all schools in Nigeria. This page contains the updated list of federally owned universities officially recognized in Nigeria as of 2026.
Federal universities are owned and funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria and regulated by the National Universities Commission (NUC). These institutions are among the most affordable and respected universities in the country.
Many students prefer federal universities because of:
- lower tuition fees,
- nationwide recognition,
- wider course offerings,
- strong academic reputation,
- and better access to federal funding.
Below is the updated list of federal universities in Nigeria. Click on each university name to get the full details about it.
Table of Contents
Full List of All Federal Universities in Nigeria
- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi
- Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
- Bayero University, Kano
- Federal University Gashua, Yobe – FUGASHUA
- Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun – FUPRE
- Federal University of Technology, Akure – FUTA
- Federal University of Technology, Minna
- Federal University of Technology, Owerri – FUTO
- Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State
- Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina
- Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State
- Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State
- Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State
- Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa
- Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State
- Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State
- Federal University, Birnin Kebbi
- Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara State
- Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike
- Modibbo Adama University, Yola
- National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja
- Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil
- Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
- Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
- University of Abuja, Gwagwalada
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
- Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi – JOSTUM
- University of Benin
- University of Calabar
- University of Ibadan
- University of Ilorin
- University of Jos
- University of Lagos
- University of Maiduguri
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka
- University of Port Harcourt
- University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom
- Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
- Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko
- Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna
- Nigerian Army University, Biu
- Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo
- Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru
- Federal University of Technology, Babura
- Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom
- Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare
- Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun
- David Nweze Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, Uburu
- Admiralty University, Ibusa
- Federal University of Transportation, Daura
- African Aviation and Aerospace University
- National University of Science and Technology, Abuja
- Federal University of Agriculture, Bassam-Biri
- Federal University of Health Sciences, Kwale
- Federal University of Health Sciences, Katsina
- Federal University of Agriculture, Mubi
- Federal University of Education, Zaria
- Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri
- Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano
- Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo
- Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu
- Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta
- Federal University of Education, Pankshin
- Federal University of Education, Kontagora
- University of Maritime Studies, Oron
- Federal University of Environment and Technology, Tai
- Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia
- Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Ijagun
- Federal University of Agriculture and Developmental Studies, Iragbiji
- Federal University of Technology and Environmental Studies, Iyin-Ekiti
- Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho
- Federal University of Health Science and Technology, Tsafe
What Are Federal Universities in Nigeria?
Federal universities are higher institutions established and funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria. They are supervised by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and are located across different states in the country.
These universities offer programmes in:
- Medicine
- Engineering
- Law
- Agriculture
- Education
- Social Sciences
- Arts and Humanities
- Technology
- Environmental Sciences
- Health related courses
Most federal universities accept admission through:
Advantages of Federal Universities in Nigeria
Federal universities remain the first choice for many Nigerian students because of several benefits.
Affordable School Fees
Federal universities are generally cheaper than private universities because they receive government funding.
Wide Course Availability
Most federal universities offer a large number of accredited courses and faculties.
National Recognition
Degrees from federal universities are widely recognized within and outside Nigeria.
Better Research Opportunities
Many federal universities receive research grants and government support for academic development.
Affordable Federal Universities in Nigeria
Some of the most affordable federal universities in Nigeria include:
- University of Abuja
- Ahmadu Bello University
- University of Calabar
- University of Ilorin
- Federal University Dutse
- National Open University of Nigeria
School fees vary depending on:
- course,
- level,
- accommodation,
- and student category.
Popular Federal Universities in Nigeria
Some of the top-ranked federal universities in Nigeria include:
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
These universities are known for:
- strong academic performance,
- competitive admission,
- quality lecturers,
- and research excellence.
Admission Requirements for Federal Universities in Nigeria
To gain admission into most federal universities in Nigeria, candidates usually need:
- JAMB UTME result
- WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB result
- Minimum cut-off mark
- Post-UTME screening
- Correct subject combination
Some institutions also accept:
- Direct Entry,
- IJMB,
- JUPEB,
- and transfer admissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many federal universities are in Nigeria?
Nigeria currently has dozens of federal universities spread across different states and geopolitical zones.
Which is the best federal university in Nigeria?
Universities such as UI, UNILAG, OAU, ABU, and UNN are widely regarded as some of the best federal universities in Nigeria.
Which federal university is the cheapest?
Affordable federal universities include the University of Abuja, University of Calabar, and Ahmadu Bello University.
Are all federal universities accredited?
Federal universities are regulated by the National Universities Commission (NUC), but students should still verify programme accreditation before applying
Which federal university has the lowest cut-off mark?
Cut-off marks vary yearly depending on the university and course. Some newer federal universities may accept lower JAMB scores compared to highly competitive institutions.
Final Thoughts
Federal universities in Nigeria remain among the most sought-after higher institutions because of their affordability, academic reputation, and nationwide recognition.
Whether you are searching for the best federal university, the low-fee federal university, or a complete list of federal universities in Nigeria, this guide provides an updated overview of all federally owned universities approved in the country.