Are you searching for state universities in Nigeria that offer Pharmacy in 2026? This guide provides a verified list of all accredited state universities offering Pharmacy, including cut-off marks, tuition fees, admission requirements, and unique features of each institution.
Becoming a pharmacist is a highly sought-after career, and while federal universities are often the first choice, state universities provide quality education, modern facilities, and sometimes more accessible admission pathways. Not every state university runs a Pharmacy program, which makes this guide essential for aspiring pharmacists.
What Is a State University?
A state university in Nigeria is owned and funded by a state government rather than the federal government. Each of Nigeria’s 36 states can establish and operate universities to provide affordable and accessible higher education to residents.
Understanding Pharmacy as a Course
Pharmacy is a professional program focused on drugs, their composition, effects, interactions with the human body, and safe administration. Pharmacists ensure patients receive the correct medications in appropriate doses.
In Nigeria, a Pharmacy degree typically takes five years, followed by a one-year internship and one-year NYSC service. The curriculum covers pharmacology, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutics, clinical pharmacy, and drug dispensing. After completing the degree, graduates must pass the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) licensing exam to practice professionally.
Pharmacists have diverse career opportunities in hospitals, community pharmacies, pharmaceutical industries, research labs, and regulatory agencies.
Why Choose a State University for Pharmacy?
State universities are increasingly popular among prospective pharmacists due to:
Lower admission pressure: Slightly lower cut-off marks compared to federal universities.
Quality education: Modern labs, clinical training, and experienced lecturers.
Accessible programs: Some universities prioritize admission for indigenes.
Faster academic calendars: Less disruption from strikes.
This makes state universities an attractive alternative for students who may not secure admission into federal institutions.
Verified List of State Universities Offering Pharmacy in Nigeria (2026)
The following is the most up-to-date list of state universities offering accredited Pharmacy programs, based on the latest PCN and NUC records:
1. Gombe State University (GSU) – Gombe State
Location: Gombe
Accreditation: Fully accredited by PCN
UTME Cut-off Mark: 200+
Tuition Fee: ~₦120,000 per session (indigenes)
Highlights: Modern laboratories, strong clinical training with teaching hospitals, reliable northern institution.
2. Kaduna State University (KASU) – Kaduna State
Location: Kaduna
Accreditation: Fully accredited
UTME Cut-off Mark: 200+
Tuition Fee: ₦130,000 – ₦150,000
Highlights: Well-equipped labs, fast academic calendar, focus on drug manufacturing, research, and community pharmacy.
3. Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) – Ogun State
Location: Ago-Iwoye
Accreditation: Fully accredited
UTME Cut-off Mark: 200+
Tuition Fee: ₦150,000 – ₦180,000
Highlights: Research-driven faculty, strong clinical training, accessible for students from Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states.
4. Delta State University (DELSU) – Delta State
Location: Abraka
Accreditation: Fully accredited
UTME Cut-off Mark: 200–210
Tuition Fee: ~₦140,000
Highlights: Active student body under PANS, high-quality academic standards, modern teaching facilities.
5. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) – Anambra State
Location: Igbariam
Accreditation: Fully accredited
UTME Cut-off Mark: 200
Tuition Fee: ₦120,000 – ₦160,000
Highlights: Dynamic curriculum blending classroom and hospital experience, popular in the southeast.
6. Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) – Enugu State
Location: Agbani
Accreditation: Fully accredited
UTME Cut-off Mark: 200+
Tuition Fee: ~₦150,000
Highlights: Excellent practical training, focus on pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacognosy, and clinical pharmacy.
7. Lagos State University (LASU) – Lagos State
Location: Ojo
Accreditation: PCN approved (since 2022)
UTME Cut-off Mark: 200+
Tuition Fee: ₦150,000 – ₦180,000
Highlights: Emphasis on pharmaceutical innovation, public health, and entrepreneurship, strategically located in Nigeria’s commercial hub.
State Universities Not Offering Pharmacy
Some state universities offer related courses like Pharmacology or Biochemistry but do not confer a B.Pharm degree. For example:
Osun State University (UNIOSUN): Pharmacology
Ekiti State University (EKSU): Biochemistry
Only choose schools on the verified Pharmacy list if your goal is to become a licensed pharmacist.
Admission Requirements for Pharmacy in State Universities
UTME Subjects: English, Chemistry, Biology, Physics
Minimum UTME Score: 200+
O’Level Requirements: Five credits including English, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology (max two sittings)
Direct Entry: ND, A-level, or B.Sc holders can apply into 200 level
Career Opportunities After Pharmacy
Graduates from state universities have diverse career paths:
Hospital Pharmacist: ₦180,000 – ₦400,000 monthly
Community Pharmacist: ₦150,000 – ₦300,000 monthly
Industrial/Manufacturing Pharmacist: ₦250,000 – ₦600,000 monthly
Academic/Research Pharmacist: ₦200,000 – ₦500,000 monthly
Regulatory Agencies: NAFDAC, PCN, NDLEA; ₦250,000 – ₦450,000 monthly
Entrepreneur/Consultant Pharmacist: Earnings vary based on business success
If you dream of becoming a pharmacist, the following state universities offer accredited programs in 2026:
Gombe State University
Kaduna State University
Olabisi Onabanjo University
Delta State University
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University
Enugu State University of Science and Technology
Lagos State University
These institutions provide quality education, modern facilities, and a clear pathway to licensure. Always verify admission requirements and PCN accreditation before applying. A Pharmacy career is both respected and rewarding, offering stability, diverse opportunities, and professional growth across Nigeria and beyond.