Are you a Nigerian student looking to go further but dont know the list of federal universities in Nigeria and dont know their admission requirements and key features?
Nigeria has so many of federal universities and they offer courses from undergraduate to postgraduate level. Whether you’re interested in science, technology, health, arts or social sciences, there’s a federal university for you. The good news is that federal universities are cheaper than private ones and they offer accredited and recognized courses in many fields of study.
Federal universities in Nigeria are known for their research, teaching and student diversity. From the older ones like University of Nigeria, Nsukka to the newer ones like Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, each has its own uniqueness.
Most of these universities have modern facilities which include libraries, laboratories and hostels. As a student you can also benefit from scholarships, exchange programs and internship placements.
Choosing a university can be tasking especially if you’re not familiar with the various institutions and the courses they offer. This article will give you a comprehensive list of federal universities in Nigeria and some useful information to guide you in making the best choice for your higher education.
Read on to find out more about the list of federal universities in Nigeria and, their admission requirements and how they can help you achieve your academic goals.
List of Federal Universities in Nigeria
Here’s a structured table with the list of federal universities in Nigeria, arranged by their year of establishment:
| S/N | University Name | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) | 1948 |
| 2 | Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | 1961 |
| 3 | University of Ibadan (UI) | 1948 |
| 4 | Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) | 1962 |
| 5 | University of Lagos (UNILAG) | 1962 |
| 6 | University of Benin (UNIBEN) | 1970 |
| 7 | University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) | 1975 |
| 8 | University of Calabar (UNICAL) | 1975 |
| 9 | Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) | 1981 |
| 10 | Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) | 1988 |
| 11 | University of Jos (UNIJOS) | 1975 |
| 12 | Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) | 2011 |
| 13 | Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) | 2007 |
| 14 | Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) | 2011 |
| 15 | Federal University, Wukari (FUW) | 2011 |
| 16 | Federal University, Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) | 2013 |
| 17 | Federal University, Gusau (FUGUS) | 2013 |
| 18 | Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA) | 2011 |
| 19 | Federal University, Lokoja (FULOKOJA) | 2011 |
| 20 | Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) | 1983 |
| 21 | Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (FUNAI) | 2011 |
| 22 | Federal University, Otuoke (FUO) | 2011 |
| 23 | Federal University, Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) | 2013 |
| 24 | National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) | 2002 |
| 25 | Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) | 1964 |
| 26 | University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) | 1975 |
| 27 | University of Sokoto (Usmanu Danfodiyo University) | 1975 |
| 28 | University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) | 1988 |
| 29 | University of Uyo (UNIUYO) | 1991 |
| 30 | Federal University, Kashere (FUKashere) | 2011 |
Federal Universities in Nigeria Admission Requirements
When you apply to a federal university in Nigeria, there are certain requirements all applicants must meet, whether undergraduate, direct entry or post-graduate. Below are the requirements you should know before applying.
Academic Qualifications
To be admitted into a federal university in Nigeria, you must have passed your SSCE. The accepted SSCE exams are:
- West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) which is commonly known as WAEC.
- NECO results.
- NABTEB results can also be accepted.
To meet the requirements, you need at least five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects. These must include:
- English Language (this is required by all universities)
- Mathematics (especially for science and engineering courses)
- Other subjects relevant to your course of study, such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, Geography, etc.
Number of Sitting for Results
Please note that most universities in Nigeria require your results to be from one sitting. This means you must have passed all your required subjects in one exam session. However, some universities allow you to combine results from two different exam sessions.
For example, if you passed English and Mathematics in one sitting but didn’t pass other required subjects, you can use your second sitting to combine the remaining subjects as long as you meet the university’s minimum requirements.
Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME)
One of the major requirements for admission into a federal university is to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) which is conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
- UTME Examination: Every student who wants to attend a federal university must write the UTME exam. This is a national exam that tests your knowledge in four subjects: English Language (compulsory) and three other subjects related to your course of study.
- Cut-off Marks: After the UTME results are out, each university will set its cut-off mark which is the minimum score you need to be considered for admission. For example, a university may require a minimum UTME score of 180 or 200 for some courses but more competitive courses like Medicine or Law may require higher scores.
- Post-UTME Screening: After you pass the UTME, most federal universities conduct a post-UTME screening. This could be another exam or an interview where the university will assess you for the course you’ve chosen.
Federal Universities in Nigeria Admission Requirements
When you apply to a federal university in Nigeria, there are certain requirements all applicants must meet, whether undergraduate, direct entry or post-graduate. Below are the requirements you should know before applying.
Academic Qualifications
To be admitted into a federal university in Nigeria, you must have passed your SSCE. The accepted SSCE exams are:
- West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) which is commonly known as WAEC.
- NECO results.
- NABTEB results can also be accepted.
To meet the requirements, you need at least five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects. These must include:
- English Language (this is required by all universities)
- Mathematics (especially for science and engineering courses)
- Other subjects relevant to your course of study, such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, Geography, etc.
Number of Sitting for Results
Please note that most universities in Nigeria require your results to be from one sitting. This means you must have passed all your required subjects in one exam session. However, some universities allow you to combine results from two different exam sessions.
For example, if you passed English and Mathematics in one sitting but didn’t pass other required subjects, you can use your second sitting to combine the remaining subjects as long as you meet the university’s minimum requirements.
Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME)
One of the major requirements for admission into a federal university is to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) which is conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
- UTME Examination: Every student who wants to attend a federal university must write the UTME exam. This is a national exam that tests your knowledge in four subjects: English Language (compulsory) and three other subjects related to your course of study.
- Cut-off Marks: After the UTME results are out, each university will set its cut-off mark which is the minimum score you need to be considered for admission. For example, a university may require a minimum UTME score of 180 or 200 for some courses but more competitive courses like Medicine or Law may require higher scores.
- Post-UTME Screening: After you pass the UTME, most federal universities conduct a post-UTME screening. This could be another exam or an interview where the university will assess you for the course you’ve chosen.
Special Qualifications
Some federal universities require special qualifications. These are courses that require both academic qualifications and practical skills. Examples are:
- Fine Arts or Music: You may need to show practical skills, attend an audition or provide a portfolio.
- Engineering and Sciences: You may need higher grades in Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics.
- Law: Some universities may require higher grade in English or Literature.
Some Federal Universities Requirements
While most federal universities in Nigeria have similar requirements, some have special requirements. Here are a few:
National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
NOUN is different from other federal universities because it’s an open university. This means:
- The university is very flexible with its entry requirements.
- You can apply with WASSCE/NECO results even if you don’t meet the strict requirements of other universities.
- Some courses may not require JAMB result. This is good if you want to study part-time or missed UTME.
Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)
NDA has special requirements:
- NDA accepts JAMB results but you must also take a physical fitness test and medical examination.
- NDA has age limit and applicants must be between 18 and 22 years old.
- Applicants must also sit for an entrance exam that tests knowledge and physical fitness.
- NDA trains students for military careers so this is a specialized institution with its own admission process.
Others
- Cut-off Marks: Each university sets its own cut-off mark after UTME results are released. Check the university’s website for the cut-off mark for your course.
- Screening: Most universities have post-UTME screening where they will verify your documents and may conduct oral interview or exam.
- Wait: After applying and meeting the requirements, you will wait for your name to be on the list. If your name is on the list, you will be invited for further processing.
Conclusion
Federal universities in Nigeria offer a wide range of courses to students in different fields of their choice. They are part of the educational system in the country and currently, they provide quality programs in various fields including technological, science, humanities and social science. Of the 62 federal universities in the county, each university has responsibilities of churning out the next generation of leaders, researchers, and professionals thereby influencing Nigeria’s future.
When studying, the choice is more diverse and students can select universities with strengths in some areas, or the universities which offer certain programs and provide specific opportunities. We need to compare the possibilities in order to define the option which is more suitable for the given academic focus and desired career field. For a university of technology, education, health sciences or art, Nigeria’s federal universities affords the best platform.
Spend a considerable amount of time to find the various university, the course offered and even the university that offer the specific course.