The top universities in Nigeria that are categorized best and highest in Africa are either privately-owned or federal tertiary institutions. It was not surprising as the current ranking of Nigerian universities 2020 by Webometrics backed up this argument. However, our target in this write-up is to examine the top 10 state-owned universities in Nigeria that are perfectly equipped with a high standard of learning and are also accredited by the National University Commission (NUC).
1. Lagos State University (LASU)
Lagos State University tops our list amongst the best state universities in Nigeria. They offer Diploma, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and MBA programmes and the institution is well equipped. LASU is located in Ojo, a town in Lagos State and the University has 2 other satellite campuses in Epe and Ikeja, both in Lagos State. LASU has a lot of prominent Nigerians on its alumni list. The school was founded in 1983 and has a student population of about 60,000. Presently, LASU school fee is about N25, 000 while the acceptance fee for both indigenes and non-indigenes is N20, 000.
Notable Alumni – Osita Iheme, Wizkid, D’Banj, Annie Macaulay-Idibia, Chioma Chukwuka, Oluranti Adebule, Desmond Elliot, Asa, Eniola Badmus.
2. Ambrose Ali University (AAU)
Ambrose Ali University is also on the list of best state university in Nigeria. Founded in 1981, the institution has released thousands of competent graduates into society. It also has the best facilities and equipment for learning and research. When you want a school with experience, AAU is the right option. They are reputed to be one of the best universities to study Law as a degree in Nigeria. Their school fee ranges from N40, 000 to N60, 000 which depends largely on the course of study.
Notable Alumni – Tony Elumelu, Chris Oyakhilome, Don Jazzy, Alibaba Akpobome, Omawunmi, Benedict Ayade, Aisha Buhari, Festus Keyamo
3. Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
This school also make the list of best state universities in Nigeria. Established in 1982 as Ogun State University, the school offers undergraduate, postgraduate and accredited diploma courses. OOU is located in Ago Iwoye, a town in Ogun State and the University has other satellite campuses in Ayetoro(Faculty of Agriculture), Ibogun(Faculty of Engineering), Shagamu(College of Health Sciences) all in Ogun State. OOU has a lot of prominent Nigerians on its alumni list and they are addressed as ‘Great OOUITES‘. Presently, OOU school fee ranges between N200, 000 to N300,000 annually. It has a population of about 70,000 students.
Notable Alumni – Weird MC, Empress Njamah, Kaffy, Zainab Ahmed, Toyin Abraham, DJ Spinall, Frank Doja, Lateef Adedimeji, Yetunde Onanuga
4. Delta State University (DELSU)
The fourth on the list is DELSU. This institution has always competed with other top-ranked universities in the country offering quality education with its well conducive environment for learning and state of art facilities.
Founded in the south-south area of the country, it was one time the first on the list of best state institutions in Nigeria but because of mismanagement of finances and resources, it has fallen down the pecking order in terms of its educational standards.
DELSU school fee for its indigenes ranges from N63, 600 per student, while non-indigenes are expected to pay between N83, 000 to N85, 000 per session. Also, the acceptance fee is around N30, 000 for indigenes while non-indigenes pay about N40, 000.
Notable Alumni – Ayo Makun, Oritse Femi, Bovi, Ayiri Emami, Emmanuel Iwueke, Ushbebe, Victor Ochei, Kendra Oluchi, Uche Mac-Auley
5. Rivers State University of Sci. & Tech. (RSUST)
With a well-equipped library, this university is accredited by the NUC and ranked fifth amongst the best state universities in Nigeria. This is the first state university in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. Established in 1982 as Ogun State University, the school offers undergraduate, postgraduate and accredited diploma courses. The institution is situated in the Diobu area of Port Harcourt, Rivers state. The school fee ranges from N25, 000 to N27, 000 for indigenes and twice the amount for non-indigenous students. It has a population of about 30,000 students.
Notable Alumni – Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, Judith Amaechi, Tonto Dikeh, Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, Henry Seriake Dickson, David Ibiyeomi, Okey Bakassi
6. Ebonyi State University (EBSU)
This is the sixth on the list of the best state universities in Nigeria. Established in 1999 in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. The school offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and accredited pre-degree courses. The University has other satellite campuses in Isieke, Presco, Uburu all in Ebonyi State. EBSU has a lot of prominent Nigerians on its alumni list and they are addressed as ‘Great EBSUITES‘. It has a population of about 20,000 students. This school is relatively new compared to other schools on this list, but it is already making strong statement as an institution to reckon with in Nigeria. The school fee ranges from N100, 000 to N200, 000.
7. Enugu State University of Sci. & Tech.(ESUT)
This is also one of the top best state universities in Nigeria accredited by the Nigeria University Commission(NUC), although the school fee is quite high. The school fee is approximated to be about N124, 900 for various levels with an extra N10,500 for late payment. Established in 1980 with the purpose of enhancing technology enhancement in the State, the school offers undergraduate, postgraduate and accredited diploma courses. ESUT is located in Agbani, a town in Enugu State. The population of the school is estimated to be 50,000.
Notable Alumni – Nnamdi Okonkwo, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Chigozie Atuanya, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Chika Okpala, Nkiru Sylvanus, Nkechi Ikpeazu
8. Ekiti State University (EKSU)
Popularly known as EKSU, this top state university provides several degree courses that are accredited by the Nigeria University Commission (NUC). They also have a fast academic calendar and are ranked with the state university with the highest number of professors in Nigeria. EKSU school fees for full-time undergraduate is about N77, 500, while part-time students pay N78, 000. EKSU was Established in 1982 It has a population of about 25,000 students.
Notable Alumni – Dapo Abiodun, DJ Abass, Praise Fowowe, Sarah Sosan, Chukwuemeka Agbata, Kunle Ajayi
9. Chuwkuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University
This is another top state university to attend in the country. The school was formerly known as Anambra State University until 2014 when the Anambra State of Assembly passed a bill to change its name to immortalize the late politician Chukwuemeka Ojukwu. With a cut-off mark pegged at 180 and above, it has always been the choice of most students in the south-eastern part of Nigeria. It has a population of about 28,000 students. The school fee ranges from N125, 000 to N300, 000.
Notable Alumni – Alex Okonkwo, Nenny B, Dave Umahi, Bisi Ezerioha
10. Imo State University(IMSU)
Imo State University is another Nigeria University Commission accredited state university with their current school fee pegged between N100, 000 and N200, 000. This institution of learning was established in 1981. They offer Diploma, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and MBA programs and the institution is well equipped.
Notable Alumni – Chris Ubani, Nnamdi Anyaehie, Uche Nwosu, Foster Ogola, Chuka Odom, Ruth Obih
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