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.
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It is important for everyone aspiring to join a university to go through the list of federal universities in Nigeria. These institutions offer quality education and produce skilled and knowledgeable graduates who meet industry standards.
List of federal universities in Nigeria
Federal universities in Nigeria are government-owned institutions that offer diverse academic programs across undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels.
Federal universities are critical to Nigeria’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 2024/2025 academic session, JAMB's recommended cut-off mark for federal universities is 140, 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 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) | 170 |
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) | 150 |
9 | Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina (FUDutsinma) | 140 |
10 | Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State(FUKashere) | 150 |
11 | Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State (FULafia) | 170 |
12 | Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State (FULokoja) | 140 |
13 | Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State (FUNAI) | 150 |
14 | Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa (FUOtuoke) | 140 |
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) | 140 |
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, 180 and 200, depending on the faculty |
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) | 150 to 210, depending on the course |
26 | University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), Gwagwalada | 180 |
27 | University of Benin (UNIBEN) | 200 |
28 | University of Calabar (UNICAL) | 140 |
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) | 140 |
37 | Usumanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUSOK) | 160 |
List of federal universities in Nigeria and their school fees
Many federal universities in Nigeria are spread across the country in different federal states. The federal governments fund these institutions of higher learning. These institutions offer certificate, diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses.
The federal university fees vary by program, 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. Check out the list of some of the top federal universities in Nigeria and their school fees below.
No | University Name | Estimated fee for new students |
1 | Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) | ₦32,000 - ₦42,000 |
2 | University of Lagos (UNILAG) | ₦53,000 - ₦55,000 |
3 | Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) | ₦33,000 - ₦45,000 |
4 | University of Nigeria (UNN) | ₦40,000 - ₦45,000 |
5 | University of Ibadan (UI) | ₦30,000 - ₦35,000 |
6 | Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | ₦43,000 - ₦55,000 |
7 | University of Benin (UNIBEN) | ₦45,000 - ₦69,000 |
8 | Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) | ₦52,000 |
9 | University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) | ₦22,000 - ₦25,000 |
10 | Bayero University | ₦33,000 - ₦38,000 |
11 | Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State (FULafia) | ₦45,000 - ₦50,000 |
12 | Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) | ₦34,000 - ₦37,000 |
13 | University of Calabar (UNICAL) | ₦31,000 - ₦35,000 |
14 | Usumanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUSOK) | ₦33,000 - ₦43,000 |
15 | University of Jos (UNIJOS) | ₦45,000 - ₦50,000 |
How many federal universities are there in Nigeria?
According to Statista data, there are 63 federal universities in the country. Some were founded years ago, while others were recently approved.
How much is federal school fees 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.
Which are the new federal universities in Nigeria?
The only new federal university approved in Nigeria in 2022 is King David Umahi University of Medical Sciences, located in Uburu, Ebonyi State. Additionally, the National Universities Commission (NUC) approved six new state universities and twelve private universities during the same year.
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