List of federal universities in Nigeria, cut-off marks and school fees 2026/2027
There are numerous universities in present-day Nigeria. Some are private, while others are state or federal. If you are a student who desires to acquire higher education, you need to look at the list of federal universities in Nigeria. These institutions offer multiple programmes at different levels of academic learning.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- List of federal universities in Nigeria
- Which is the cheapest federal university in Nigeria?
- Which are the top 10 best federal universities in Nigeria?
- How many universities are in Nigeria in 2026?
- How many private universities are in Nigeria?
- How many federal universities are there in Nigeria?
- How much is the federal school fee in Nigeria?
- Which federal university is the largest in Nigeria by land mass?
- Which university is the most advanced in Nigeria?
Key takeaways
- Federal universities in Nigeria are government-owned institutions that offer diverse academic programmes across undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels.
- Nigeria has 74 federal universities as of 2026. This number could grow in the future.
- To confirm if a federal university is accredited, visit the National Universities Commission (NUC) website.
List of federal universities in Nigeria
Federal universities in Nigeria are critical to the country’s educational landscape. They aim to provide accessible, quality education to students nationwide. Over 40 federal universities are spread across various states.
List of federal universities in Nigeria and their cut-off mark
Federal universities in Nigeria have varying cut-off marks for admissions, which are set by each institution but are guided by a general baseline established by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
For the 2026/2027 academic session, JAMB's recommended cut-off mark for federal universities is 150, but many universities set their marks higher depending on competition and course demand. Here is a list of some of the federal universities and their cut-off marks:
No | University Name | JAMB minimum cut-off mark |
1 | Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi (ATBU) | 170 |
2 | Ahmadu Bello University, (ABU) Zaria | 180 |
3 | Bayero University, Kano (BUK) | 180 |
4 | Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) | 180 |
5 | Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) | 180 |
6 | Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMinna) | 150 |
7 | Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) | 160 |
8 | Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State (FUD) | 160 |
9 | Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina (FUDutsinma) | 150 |
10 | Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State (FUKashere) | 150 |
11 | Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State (FULafia) | 170 |
12 | Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State (FULokoja) | 160 |
13 | Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State (FUNAI) | 150 |
14 | Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa (FUOtuoke) | 150 |
15 | Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State (FUOYE) | 150 |
16 | Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State (FUWukari) | 150 |
17 | Michael Okpara Uni. of Agric., Umudike (MOUAU) | 150 |
18 | Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola (MAUTECH, formerly FUTYOLA) | 160 |
19 | National Open University of Nigeria, Lagos (NOUN) | 180 |
JAMB oversees the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), a gateway to Nigeria's higher education institutions.
Each year, millions of students take the UTME, competing for limited spots across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide. JAMB cut-off marks may change yearly depending on admission policies and demand. Here are more institutions and their cut-off marks.
No | University Name | JAMB cut-off mark |
20 | Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna | 180 |
21 | Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK) | 160 |
22 | Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife | 200 |
23 | Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) | 160 |
24 | Police Academy Wudil | 180 |
25 | Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM) | 180 |
26 | University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), Gwagwalada | 180 |
27 | University of Benin (UNIBEN) | 200 |
28 | University of Calabar (UNICAL) | 150 |
29 | University of Ibadan (UI) | 200 |
30 | University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) | 180 |
31 | University of Jos (UNIJOS) | 180 |
32 | University of Lagos (UNILAG) | 200 |
33 | University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) | 180 |
34 | University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) | 160 |
35 | University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT) | 150 |
36 | University of Uyo (UNIUYO) | 150 |
37 | Usumanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUSOK) | 160 |
Federal universities in Nigeria and their school fees
As seen above, the list of federal universities in Nigeria in 2026 is quite long. Many federal universities in Nigeria are spread across the country in different states. The federal governments fund these institutions of higher learning. These institutions offer certificates, diplomas, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses.
The federal university fees vary by programme, year of study, and whether the student is a Nigerian resident. Federal universities have significantly lower fees than most state and private institutions, making them an economical option for many students.
How to check if a university is accredited in Nigeria
To check university accreditation in Nigeria, visit the National Universities Commission (NUC). You can do so in person or via the NUC website.
Which is the cheapest federal university in Nigeria?
The cheapest federal universities in Nigeria include the Federal University of Kashere (FUKASHERE), the Federal University of Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU). Note that you are encouraged to go through the list of federal universities in Nigeria and their courses before applying.
Which are the top 10 best federal universities in Nigeria?
UNILAG, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ahmadu Bello University, and the University of Calabar rank high on the list of federal universities in Nigeria in 2026 in terms of performance and quality of education.
How many universities are in Nigeria in 2026?
The number of universities in Nigeria is around 300. These are recognised by the National Universities Commission (NUC). You can find the full list of universities in Nigeria on the NUC website.
How many private universities are in Nigeria?
Nigeria has a growing number of private universities, which are about 159 in total.
How many federal universities are there in Nigeria?
There are 74 federal universities in the country. Some were founded years ago, while others were recently approved.
How much is the federal school fee in Nigeria?
There is no fixed charge for all students in federal learning centres. Instead, the price varies depending on the course you wish to pursue and the level.
Which federal university is the largest in Nigeria by land mass?
The University of Ilorin is the largest federal university in Nigeria by land mass, covering approximately 15,000 hectares.
Which university is the most advanced in Nigeria?
Nigeria’s most advanced university is often considered the University of Lagos (UNILAG) due to its cutting-edge facilities, research output, and technological initiatives. UNILAG has invested in digital infrastructure, e-learning platforms, and high-quality research laboratories, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and medical fields.
Understanding the list of federal universities in Nigeria, alongside their cut-off marks and school fees, is essential for prospective students to make informed decisions. With various universities offering various programs, knowing each institution's specific requirements and financial commitments helps applicants plan effectively.
Legit.ng recently published a list of the cheapest universities in Nigeria. Choosing an affordable university is essential for many students in Nigeria seeking quality education without a high financial burden.
With rising tuition fees, finding a reputable institution with a good balance of low costs and solid academic programs can be challenging. Find out about some of the most affordable universities in Nigeria, which provide prospective students with valuable options for achieving their educational goals.
Source: Legit.ng
Cyprine Apindi (Lifestyle writer) Cyprine Apindi is a content creator and educator with over six years of experience. She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University. Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She received the 2023 Writer of the Year Award. In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course. Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com
Adrianna Simwa (Lifestyle writer) Adrianna Simwa is a content writer at Legit.ng where she has worked since mid-2022. She has written for many periodicals on a variety of subjects, including news, celebrities, and lifestyle, for more than three years. She has worked for The Hoth, The Standard Group and Triple P Media. Adrianna graduated from Nairobi University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 2020. In 2023, Simwa finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach her through her email: adriannasimwa@gmail.com
