Looking for the full list of schools in Nigeria? This updated 2026 guide contains universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, nursing schools, secondary schools, technical colleges, monotechnics, and vocational institutions in Nigeria.
Whether you want federal, state, or private schools, below you will find the different categories of schools in Nigeria and links to detailed lists for each institution type.
Click on the school category and sub-category links below to get the full detailed list of all schools in Nigeria under that category.
Universities in Nigeria
This is the first category or type of schools in Nigeria. Universities are higher institutions that offer undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in various disciplines such as sciences, arts, engineering, law, medicine, agriculture, education, and social sciences.
Here, you can earn qualifications such as:
- B.Sc
- B.A
- B.Agric
- B.Ed
- LL.B
- MBBS
- M.Sc
- PhD
The Universities in Nigeria are divided into what we called the sub-categories, which are listed below. Click on each sub-category name to get the full list of schools under it.
- Federal universities
- State universities
- Private universities
- Specialized universities
- Open and distance learning universities
Some of the most popular universities in Nigeria include:
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
- University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
- Covenant University
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- …see full list of All Universities in Nigeria, grouped by federal, state and private ownership.
Polytechnics in Nigeria
This is the second category of schools in Nigeria. Polytechnics focus on technical, scientific, and practical education. They are designed to equip students with industry-relevant skills and hands-on experience.
Polytechnics award:
- ND (National Diploma)
- HND (Higher National Diploma)
These include:
- Federal polytechnics
- State polytechnics
- Private polytechnics
Popular polytechnics in Nigeria include:
- Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH)
- Federal Polytechnic Nekede
- Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua
- Kaduna Polytechnic
- Auchi Polytechnic
- Federal Polytechnic Ilaro
- …see full List of All Polytechnics in Nigeria, classified by ownership such as federal, state and private.
Colleges of Education in Nigeria
This is the third category of schools in Nigeria based on our list. Colleges of Education are specialized institutions that train teachers and educators for Nigeria’s education sector.
Graduates are usually awarded:
- NCE (Nigeria Certificate in Education)
Many colleges of education now also offer degree programmes in affiliation with universities.
- Federal colleges of education
- State colleges of education
- Private colleges of education
Some of the most popular Colleges of Education in Nigeria include:
- Federal College of Education, Zaria
- Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education
- Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka
- Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education
- Kwara State College of Education
- Tai Solarin College of Education
- Federal College of Education, Kano
- …see full List of All Colleges of Education in Nigeria
Nursing Schools in Nigeria
Nursing schools and colleges of nursing sciences train students in healthcare and medical professions.
Programmes offered include:
- General Nursing
- Midwifery
- Public Health Nursing
- Post-basic nursing programmes
The different categories are listed below:
- Schools of Nursing
- Colleges of Nursing Sciences
- Schools of Midwifery
- Health technology institutions
Some of the most popular nursing schools in Nigeria include:
- Lagos State College of Nursing
- School of Nursing, University College Hospital Ibadan
- School of Nursing, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital
- School of Nursing, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital
- ECWA School of Nursing
- School of Nursing, Lagos University Teaching Hospital
- School of Nursing, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex
- …see the full List of All Nursing Schools in Nigeria
Monotechnics in Nigeria
Monotechnics are specialized institutions focused on one major discipline or technical area.
Examples include:
- Colleges of Agriculture
- Schools of Health Technology
- Maritime Academies
- Aviation Schools
- Fisheries Institutions
These schools focus heavily on practical training and workforce development.
Some of the most popular monotechnics in Nigeria include:
- Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration
- College of Health Technology, Calabar
- Nigerian Television Authority Television College
- Federal School of Statistics
- School of Health Technology, Minna
- College of Administrative and Business Studies
- Nigerian College of Aviation Technology
- …see full List of All Monotechnics in Nigeria
Secondary Schools in Nigeria
Secondary schools provide post-primary education and prepare students for examinations such as:
This includes:
- Federal Government Colleges (Unity Schools)
- State secondary schools
- Private secondary schools
- International schools
- Missionary schools
- Boarding schools
Some secondary schools in Nigeria are known for strong academic performance, discipline, and excellent WAEC results.
Some of the most popular secondary schools in Nigeria include:
- King’s College Lagos
- Queen’s College Lagos
- Loyola Jesuit College
- Christ the King College
- Corona Secondary School
- Federal Government College Enugu
- Atlantic Hall School
- …see full List of All Secondary Schools in Nigeria
Technical and Vocational Schools in Nigeria
Technical and vocational schools help students acquire practical skills and entrepreneurial training.
Programmes commonly offered include:
- Electrical installation
- Welding and fabrication
- Fashion design
- Computer training
- Automobile technology
- Catering and hospitality
- ICT and digital skills
These institutions are important for skill acquisition and self-employment opportunities.
Some of the most popular technical and vocational schools in Nigeria include:
- Government Technical College
- Yaba College of Technology
- Government Technical College
- Government Technical College
- Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology
- Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board
- Federal Science and Technical College
- see full List of Technical and Vocational Schools in Nigeria
Educational institutions in Nigeria can also be grouped based on ownership. These include federal schools owned by the Federal Government, state-owned institutions managed by state governments, and private schools operated by individuals, organizations, or religious bodies. Below is the list of schools in Nigeria by ownership across different educational categories.
Federal Schools in Nigeria
Federal schools are owned and funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Advantages of federal schools include:
- Lower school fees
- Wider recognition
- Better funding
- National admission opportunities
Examples are listed below. Click on each of the names to get the full list of schools under it.
- Federal universities
- Federal polytechnics
- Federal colleges of education
- Federal Government Colleges
State Schools in Nigeria
State schools are established and managed by state governments.
They often provide:
- Lower fees for indigenes
- State admission quotas
- Regional educational access
Examples include:
- LASU
- EKSU
- DELSU
- State polytechnics
- State colleges of education
Private Schools in Nigeria
Private institutions are owned by individuals, religious organizations, or private bodies.
They are known for:
- Modern facilities
- Smaller class sizes
- Stable academic calendars
- Competitive learning environments
However, they usually have higher tuition fees compared to public schools.
List of Educational Institutions in Nigeria
Nigeria’s educational system includes:
- Universities
- Polytechnics
- Colleges of Education
- Nursing Schools
- Secondary Schools
- Technical Colleges
- Monotechnics
- Vocational Centres
- Primary Schools
- Faith-based institutions
- Military and paramilitary schools
These schools exist in virtually every state in Nigeria.
Schools in Nigeria by State
Many students and parents prefer searching for schools by state to find institutions closer to their location. Below are some of the most searched state-based school directories in Nigeria, covering federal, state, and private institutions across the country.
- Schools in Abia State
- Schools in Adamawa State
- Schools in Akwa Ibom State
- Schools in Anambra State
- Schools in Bauchi State
- Schools in Bayelsa State
- Schools in Benue State
- Schools in Borno State
- Schools in Cross River State
- Schools in Delta State
- Schools in Ebonyi State
- Schools in Edo State
- Schools in Ekiti State
- Schools in Enugu State
- Schools in Gombe State
- Schools in Imo State
- Schools in Jigawa State
- Schools in Kaduna State
- Schools in Kano State
- Schools in Katsina State
- Schools in Kebbi State
- Schools in Kogi State
- Schools in Kwara State
- Schools in Lagos State
- Schools in Nasarawa State
- Schools in Niger State
- Schools in Ogun State
- Schools in Ondo State
- Schools in Osun State
- Schools in Oyo State
- Schools in Plateau State
- Schools in Rivers State
- Schools in Sokoto State
- Schools in Taraba State
- Schools in Yobe State
- Schools in Zamfara State
- Schools in Abuja (FCT)
You can also explore:
- universities by state,
- polytechnics by state,
- and secondary schools by state.
Nigeria has thousands of approved schools spread across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). These include federal schools, state-owned institutions, and private educational institutions accredited by regulatory bodies such as the National Universities Commission (NUC), NBTE, NCCE, and other educational authorities.
Whether you are searching for:
- all universities in Nigeria,
- all polytechnics in Nigeria,
- all colleges of education in Nigeria,
- all secondary schools in Nigeria,
- nursing schools in Nigeria,
- or the best tertiary institutions in Nigeria,
this page serves as a complete directory and navigation hub for students, parents, guardians, and admission seekers.
How Many Schools Are in Nigeria?
Nigeria has:
- Hundreds of universities
- Hundreds of polytechnics and colleges
- Thousands of secondary schools
- Thousands of private educational institutions
The total number continues to increase as:
- new schools receive approval,
- institutions are upgraded,
- new private institutions are established,
- and additional campuses are created.
How to Know if a School in Nigeria Is Approved
Before applying to any institution, students should confirm that the school is officially approved and accredited.
Important regulatory bodies include:
- NUC (National Universities Commission)
- NBTE (National Board for Technical Education)
- NCCE (National Commission for Colleges of Education)
- Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria
- Federal Ministry of Education
Checking accreditation helps students avoid fake or unapproved institutions.
Things to Consider Before Choosing a School in Nigeria
Before applying for admission, students should consider:
- Accreditation status
- School fees
- JAMB requirements
- Admission competitiveness
- Course availability
- Hostel accommodation
- Security
- Location
- Academic reputation
- Graduate employability
Students should also compare:
- federal vs private schools,
- university vs polytechnic,
- and full-time vs distance learning programmes.
Which School Category Is Best in Nigeria?
The best institution depends on the student’s goals and career path.
Universities
Best for:
- Academic degrees
- Professional careers
- Postgraduate education
Polytechnics
Best for:
- Technical skills
- Practical training
- Entrepreneurship
Colleges of Education
Best for:
- Teaching careers
- Educational studies
Vocational Institutions
Best for:
- Skill acquisition
- Self-employment
- Trade specialization
Frequently Asked Questions About Schools in Nigeria
What are the different types of schools in Nigeria?
The major categories include universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, nursing schools, secondary schools, monotechnics, and technical institutions.
How many universities are in Nigeria?
Nigeria has federal, state, and private universities approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Which are the best universities in Nigeria?
Some of the top universities in Nigeria include:
- University of Ibadan
- University of Lagos
- Ahmadu Bello University
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- Covenant University
Are private universities in Nigeria accredited?
Yes, approved private universities in Nigeria are accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Which schools in Nigeria accept low JAMB scores?
Some polytechnics, colleges of education, private universities, IJMB programmes, and JUPEB institutions may accept lower JAMB scores depending on their admission policies.
Which school is cheaper in Nigeria?
Federal institutions are generally more affordable than private schools and universities.
What are federal government colleges in Nigeria?
Federal Government Colleges, also known as Unity Schools, are secondary schools owned by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Final Thoughts
Nigeria has one of the largest education systems in Africa, with thousands of schools spread across different states and educational levels. From universities and polytechnics to nursing schools and vocational institutions, students have many options depending on their career goals and academic interests.
This page serves as a complete guide to all schools in Nigeria and helps students easily navigate the country’s educational system.
Use the category links above to explore detailed lists of:
- universities in Nigeria,
- polytechnics in Nigeria,
- colleges of education,
- secondary schools,
- nursing schools,
- and other approved educational institutions in Nigeria.