List Of Universities in Federal Capital Territory in 2026
- FCT has 19 universities as of February 2026, featuring a mix of federal and private institutions
- The University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) was renamed as Yakubu Gowon University, honouring Nigeria's former head of state
- Abuja is one of 36 states contributing to Nigeria's total of 309 universities
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Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering basic and tertiary education in Nigeria and worldwide
FCT, Abuja - The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has 19 universities across the nation’s capital as of February 2026.
The 19 universities are made up of 4 federal and 15 private universities.
These universities in the FCT are part of the 309 universities across the 36 states and the nation’s capital.
Legit.ng reports that the FCT is made up of six area councils. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Nigeria consists of six administrative Area Councils: Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Kuje, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kwali, and Abaji.
The six councils serve as the local government structure for the nation's capital.
As reportedby Thecable, the following are the 19 universities in Abuja as of February 2026.
List of 19 universities in FCT
1. National Open University of Nigeria
2. University of Abuja, Gwagwalada. UNIABUJA is now known as Yakubu Gowon University after it was renamed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to honour the former head of state.
3. African Aviation and Aerospace University
4. National University of Science and Technology
5. African University of Science and Technology
6. Veritas University
7. Nile University of Nigeria
8. Baze University
9. Philomath University, Kuje
10. Canadian University of Nigeria
11. Amaj University, Kwali
12. Cosmopolitan University
13. Miva Open University
14. Al-Muhibbah Open University
15. Prime University, Kuje
16. European University of Nigeria, Duboyi
17. African University of Economics
18. Eranova University
19. Leadership University
Top 10 states with highest Number of Universities
Recall that Ogun State leads Nigeria with 24 universities, highlighting its educational prominence.
Nigeria has a total of 309 universities spread across 36 states and the FCT.
Public reactions reveal concerns about university admissions and job prospects for graduates.
NUC approves 33 new universities in 2025
Legit.ng also reported that the National Universities Commission (NUC) approved 33 new universities to enhance education for Nigerian youths in 2025.
Nigeria's university count stood at 309, with private institutions leading the way at 168.
New federal, state, and private universities spanned multiple states, expanding access to higher education across the country.
Source: Legit.ng
