Best state university in Nigeria: List of top 10 contenders
State universities in Nigeria are gaining recognition for their academic excellence. They were once seen as less competitive than federal and private institutions. That perception is changing. Lagos State University (LASU) now stands out as the best state university in Nigeria. Below is a list of the top 10 state universities.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Best state university in Nigeria: Top 10 list
- 10. Delta State University (DELSU)
- 9. Plateau State University (PLASU)
- 8. Ekiti State University (EKSU)
- 7. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU)
- 6. Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)
- 5. Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma (AAU Ekpoma)
- 4. Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
- 3. Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH)
- 2. Rivers State University (RSUST)
- 1. Lagos State University (LASU)
- What is the best private university in Nigeria?
- What is the best federal university in Nigeria?
- What are the top 10 best state universities in Nigeria?
- What are the top 20 best universities in Nigeria?
- What is the hardest university to get into in Nigeria?
- What is Kwasu ranked in Nigeria?
Key takeaways
- The best state university in Nigeria offers strong academics and good facilities. Examples include DELSU and LASU.
- Many top state universities provide affordable fees with quality teaching. Schools like KWASU and AAUA are good examples.
- Each university has unique strengths. Some excel in research, while others lead in technology and innovation.
Best state university in Nigeria: Top 10 list
More than before, state universities are now getting more student applications and are almost on the same level as federal universities in Nigeria. If you are interested in furthering your education, consider this list of the best universities in Nigeria.
Rank | University |
1. | Lagos State University (LASU) |
2. | Rivers State University (RSUST) |
3. | Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH) |
4. | Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) |
5. | Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma (AAU Ekpoma) |
6. | Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) |
7. | Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) |
8. | Ekiti State University (EKSU) |
9. | Plateau State University (PLASU) |
10. | Delta State University (DELSU) |
To rank a university, check graduation rates, learning environment, research, teaching, and infrastructure. State universities in Nigeria have shown their value. They provide quality education and training. Below is a list of the top-ranked state universities.
10. Delta State University (DELSU)
Delta State University was established in 1992 by the Delta State Government. The main campus is at Abraka, and another is at Anwai, Asaba. The institution has a student population of over 22,000. DELSU easily ranks among the top 10 universities in Nigeria due to its excellent academic standards.
Below are the accredited faculties at the academic institution.
- Agriculture
- Faculty of Art
- Law
- Management Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Engineering
- Basic Medical Sciences
- Clinical Sciences
- Education
- Social Sciences
9. Plateau State University (PLASU)
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Plateau State University was established on 7 March 2005. The institution has over 18 accredited courses and is equipped to run undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Below are the accredited faculties available at the institution.
- Faculty of Arts
- Natural Science
- Social Science
- Management Science
8. Ekiti State University (EKSU)
The late Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin's administration established Ekiti State University in 1982. The school was initially named Obafemi Awolowo University, Ado Ekiti.
The learning institution has a student population of over 50,000 and has the highest number of professors in Nigerian state universities. EKSU is often considered among the best universities in Nigeria due to its teaching programmes.
The state university has the following faculties.
- Arts
- Clinical Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Science
- Faculty of Agricultural Science
- Law
- Basic Medical Sciences
- Management Science
- Social Sciences
7. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU)
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Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University ranks among the top 30 best state universities in Nigeria. It was established in 2000. The institution was formerly known as Anambra State University. Its main campuses include Igbariam, Awka and Uli.
The institution offers the faculties outlined below.
- Faculty of Arts
- Environmental Sciences
- Engineering
- Natural Science
- Physical Science
- Education
- Basic Medical Sciences
- Social Science
- Management Science
6. Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)
The history of this institution dates back to 1980, when it was known as Anambra State University of Science and Technology (ASUSTECH). ESUT has a student capacity of over 50,000 and often ranks among the top 10 best state universities in Nigeria.
Nine faculties and over 50 programmes are offered at the higher learning institution. Some of them include the following:
- Agricultural & Natural Resources Management
- Applied Natural Sciences
- Environmental Sciences
- Basic Medical Sciences
- Clinical Medicine
- Law
- Management Sciences
- Engineering
- Social Sciences and Humanities
- Education
5. Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma (AAU Ekpoma)
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Located in Edo state, the institution was established in 1981 and was initially recognized as Bendel State University. In 1999, the school was renamed after the founder, Professor Ambrose Alli.
The school is rated as one of the top 20 best state universities in Nigeria and has one of the best academic facilities for research and learning. AAU Ekpoma offers the programs highlighted below.
- Engineering & Technology
- Environment Studies
- Law
- Management Sciences
- Agriculture
- Art
- Basic Sciences
- Clinical Sciences
- Education
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Medical Laboratory Sciences
4. Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
Established in 1982, Olabisi Onabanjo University is among the top 5 best state universities in Nigeria. The school was ranked the 'Best State University' out of 57 in Nigeria in 2016.
The school was initially called Ogun State University and later changed its name to OOU in 2001 in honour of Dr. Olabisi Onabanjo. The university has four campuses: OOU main campus in Ago-Iwoye, Egba Campus in Ibogun, the Remo campus in Sagamu/ Ikenne and Yewa campus in Ayetoro.
The school offers over 87 courses. Below are the main faculties at OOU.
- The Obafemi Awolowo College of Medicine
- Social and Management Science
- Science
- Art
- Engineering and Environmental Science
- Education
- Law
- Basic Medical Sciences
3. Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH)
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Ondo State University, commonly known as OSUSTECH, was established in 2008 and is located in Okitipupa, Ondo. It ranks among the best state universities in Nigeria in 2026. The school provides students with several academic and non-academic facilities and services, including a library and administrative services.
Some of the programs offered at the school include:
- Bachelor of Technology
- Natural Sciences
- Engineering
- Agriculture
2. Rivers State University (RSUST)
The Rivers State University (RSUST) is one of the top universities in Nigeria and was established in 1972. In 1980, the school changed its name to Rivers State University of Science and Technology. It has a student population of 17,000.
It is accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC). In 2014, RSUST was rated Nigeria’s best e-learning institution. The school is among the two universities in Nigeria offering a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering. Its other faculties include:
- Basic Clinical Sciences
- Agriculture
- Basic Medical Science
- Clinical Science
- Education
- Law
- Humanities
- Communication And Media Studies
- Science
- Social Sciences
- Management Science
- Engineering
- Environmental Science
1. Lagos State University (LASU)
Lagos State University (LASU) is among the top state universities in Nigeria. The main campus is located at Ojo and was founded in 1983 by the Lagos State Government. It has a student population of over 50,000 and four campuses at Ojo, Ikeja, Surulere, and Epe.
The school is well-equipped in terms of facilities and the educational system and offers several undergraduate, master's and postgraduate degree courses. Besides being recognized as one of Nigeria's top 10 state universities, LASU is considered the best state university to study law.
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It has the following faculties:
- Faculties of Arts
- School of Basic Medical Sciences
- Law
- School of Clinical Sciences
- School of Communication
- Social Sciences
- Sciences
- Information and Communication Technology Centre (ICTC)
- Engineering
- Business Administration
What is the best private university in Nigeria?
Covenant University is commonly regarded as the top private university, thanks to its strong academic standards, good infrastructure, and high graduate employability.
What is the best federal university in Nigeria?
University of Ibadan (UI) often ranks among the best federal universities nationally.
What are the top 10 best state universities in Nigeria?
That depends on the ranking system. For example, Kwara State University (KWASU) is often listed among the top state universities in recent state-university rankings.
What are the top 20 best universities in Nigeria?
According to one 2025 national ranking, top universities overall (federal, private and state) include Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), among others.
What is the hardest university to get into in Nigeria?
Institutions with very competitive admission criteria include UI, Obafemi Awolowo University, UNILAG, and Covenant University. They have low acceptance rates for popular courses. This makes them some of the hardest universities to enter in Nigeria.
What is Kwasu ranked in Nigeria?
Kwara State University is ranked among the top state-owned universities in Nigeria. A recent ranking places it 14th nationally among all university types. It has consistently remained one of the leading state universities in the country.
The contenders for the best state university in Nigeria offer strong academic standards and steady growth. Each university on this list has unique strengths that support quality learning. Students can use these top 10 contenders as a guide when choosing a school.
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