The most educated states in Nigeria: the top result shocks most Nigerians
Education is a priority for any country! It provides the key to the development of its economy. The literacy rates for Nigeria's most educated states range from 66% to 96%. So, which state in Nigeria is the most educated? Take a look at the top 10 most educated states in the country.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- The top 10 most educated states in Nigeria in 2026
- Is Ekiti the most educated state in Nigeria
- Which state in Nigeria is the most educated?
- What are the top 5 poorest states in Nigeria?
- What are the top 10 most educated states in northern Nigeria?
- What are the top 10 richest states in Nigeria?
Key takeaways
- According to this list, Imo State is the most educated state in Nigeria, with a literacy rate of 96.43%.
- Other states on this list that are among the most educated in Nigeria include Lagos, Ekiti, and Edo.
- According to updates from educational and research institutions, Northern Nigeria is lagging behind in terms of education.
- This is exacerbated by factors such as extremist violence and insurgency in the Northern region.
The top 10 most educated states in Nigeria in 2026
There are a lot of standards that have been considered while compiling the list of the most educated states, such as:
- Literacy rate
- The number of educational institutions
- The number of scholars and professors
- The number of educated women
According to the above-mentioned criteria and a previous data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the National University Commission Statistics, Legit.ng provides its top 10 most educated states in Nigeria. Remember these stats are subjective and does not represent accurate figures as at 2026.
Rank | State | Literacy rate |
1. | Imo | 96.43 |
2. | Lagos | 96.30 |
3. | Ekiti | 95.79 |
4. | River | 95.76 |
5. | Abia | 94.24% |
6. | Anambra | 92.11% |
7. | Edo | 90.53% |
8. | Delta | 87.43% |
9. | Osun | 74.7% |
10. | Akwa Ibom | 66.3% |
10. Akwa Ibom state
Source: UGC
- Literacy rate: 66.3%
Akwa Ibom state is often considered among the top 30 most educated states in Nigeria. It has a literacy rate of 66.3%. Pivotal policies such as free and compulsory education for primary and secondary schools have driven up enrolment levels.
9. Osun state
- Literacy rate: 74.7%
The transformative vision of education from the former administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola seems to have improved the level of education in the state, with a literacy rate of 74.7%. The introduction of the Opon Imo (Tablet of Knowledge) by the Ogbeni initiative provides students with digital learning tools, enhancing their educational experience.
8. Delta state
- Literacy rate: 87.43%
- Tertiary institutions: 33
With a literacy level of 87.43%, Delta State is home to 33 tertiary institutions. It`s one of the most prominent states in Nigeria in terms of education. The most prestigious institutions in the state are focused on petroleum exploration.
7. Edo State
- Literacy rate: 90.53
- Tertiary institutions: 21
Edo state is one of the top 20 most educated states in Nigeria, with a literacy level of 90.53%. The state has 21 tertiary institutions, including several prestigious universities.
6. Anambra state
- Literacy rate: 92.11
- Tertiary institutions: 29
Anambra state has a literacy rate of 92.11% and is home to 29 tertiary institutions. The state is famous for its metalworking and carving industry. The most prominent university that presents specialists of metalworking in the state is the Nnamdi Azikiwe University. The education sector of the state is concentrated in the technical areas.
5. Abia state
- Literacy rate: 94.24
- Tertiary institutions: 9
This state in the South-East of Nigeria has four highly qualified universities as its representatives of the level of education:
- Rhema University;
- Gregory University Uturu;
- Abia State University;
- Michael Okpara University of Agriculture.
The state boasts of a literacy rate of 94.24% and is one of the most peaceful in the region. Therefore, Abia state provides great opportunities for investors of the educational sector in the state!
4. River state
Source: UGC
- Literacy rate: 95.76%
- Tertiary institutions: 6
With a literacy rate of 95.76%, River State is often ranked among the top 20 most educated states in Nigeria based on various metrics. The state has six tertiary institutions.
3. Ekiti State
- Literacy rate: 95.79
- Tertiary institutions: 5
Sometimes referred to as the "Fountain of Knowledge", Ekiti state has a literacy rate of 95.79%. It is also home to some five tertiary institutions.
2. Lagos state
- Literacy rate: 96.30%
- Tertiary institutions: 69
Lagos is known to be one of the richest states in Nigeria. It is also one of the most educated, with a literacy rate of 96.30%. The state also boasts of at least 69 tertiary institutions. Therefore, it is not surprising to discover that Lagos is one of the vanguards of economic development in Nigeria!
1. Imo state
- Literacy rate: 96.43%
The center of Imo state educational programme is concentrated in the capital of the state, Owerri. It holds the title of the most educated state in Nigeria with a literacy rate of 96.43%. This city is a place for the most notable educational institutions in the whole of Nigeria!
Is Ekiti the most educated state in Nigeria
No, Ekiti is not the most educated state in Nigeria, according to this list. But it comes close, at number 3. With a literacy rate of 95.79%, Ekiti is among the most educated states in Nigeria.
Which state in Nigeria is the most educated?
According to this list, Imo State is the most educated state in Nigeria, with a literacy rate of 96.43%.
What are the top 5 poorest states in Nigeria?
Based on multidimensional poverty data, the top five poorest states in Nigeria are consistently ranked as:
- Sokoto
- Yobe
- Katsina
- Jigawa
- Kebbi.
What are the top 10 most educated states in northern Nigeria?
According to several online sources, the top 10 most educated states in Northern Nigeria are:
- Taraba State
- Plateau State
- Kwara State
- Kaduna State
- Kogi State
- Adamawa State
- Benue State
- Nasarawa State
- Kano State
- Bauchi State
According to updates from educational and research institutions, Northern Nigeria is lagging behind in terms of education. This is exacerbated by factors such as extremist violence and insurgency.
What are the top 10 richest states in Nigeria?
Based on their respective Gross Domestic Products (GDP), the top 10 richest states in Nigeria are:
- Lagos
- Rivers
- Akwa Ibom
- Imo
- Delta
- Anambra
- Ondo
- Ogun
- Bayelsa
- Niger
Education is one of the three pillars of a country’s development. So it`s very important to provide the highest level of education to the citizens of the country. The most educated states in Nigeria play an important role in advancing the country's development.
DISCLAIMER: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
Legit.ng published an article about the literacy rate in Nigeria by state. Literacy rate in Nigeria is still far from being perfect. A lot of things must happen when Nigeria gets to the top countries with the highest scores in terms of education.
Nevertheless, which state can be named the most educated in our country? Read on to find out.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
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
Glenn Omondi (Lifestyle writer) Glenn Omondi is a writer with more than 5 years of experience. He has a Bachelor's degree in Actuarial Science from Kenyatta University, having graduated in 2025. He specialises in celebrity biographies, educational content, guides and listicles. Glenn finished the Google Digital Skills for Africa certification in 2020. You can reach him via glennomondi@gmail.com.
