Top 10 Best State Universities in Nigeria & Courses (2024)

Nigeria has a number of excellent state universities, but which ones are the best? In this blog post, we will list the top 10 best state universities in Nigeria, based on factors such as academic reputation, research output, and student satisfaction.

According to the recent Webometrics ranking, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) has been named the best state university in Nigeria. The ranking, which was released in January 2023, also revealed that Adekunle Ajasin University and Olabisi Onabanjo University made it to the top three.

These universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, and they are home to some of the brightest minds in Nigeria. If you are considering attending a state university in Nigeria, be sure to check out our list of the top 10 best universities.

TOP 10 BEST STATE UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA AND COURSES (2024)

The Webometrics Ranking 2023 also listed other state universities in Nigeria that made the top 10 list, including LUATECH and AAUA. The ranking is considered a reliable source of information for those seeking to learn about the top 10 best state of universities in Nigeria.

WHAT ARE THE TOP 10 STATE UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA ACCORDING TO THE 2023 WEBOMETRICS RANKING?

The top 10 state universities in Nigeria according to the 2023 Webometrics ranking are:

Rank	University
1	Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)
2	Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA)
3	Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
4	Ekiti State University (EKSU)
5	Lagos State University (LASU)
6	Kwara State University (KWASU)
7	Ebonyi State University (EBSU)
8	Osun State University (UNIOSUN)
9	Delta State University (DELSU)
10	Rivers State University (RSU)

LADOKE AKINTOLA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (LAUTECH)

Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) is a state-owned university in Nigeria. It was established on April 23, 1990, under the old Oyo State with the name Oyo State University of Technology, Ogbomoso (OSUTECH). After the creation of Osun State from old Oyo State in 1991, the name of the university was changed to Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH). LAUTECH is ranked number one state university and the seventh best university in Nigeria. The university was jointly owned by Oyo and Osun states until November 20, 2020, when it became solely owned by Oyo State following a mutual agreement between the two states.

COURSES OFFERED AT LADOKE AKINTOLA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (LAUTECH)

• Engineering: Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Agricultural Engineering
  Technology: Agricultural Technology, Food Science and Technology, Industrial Chemistry, Industrial and Production Engineering, and Petroleum Engineering
• Science: Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics
• Management Science: Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Hospitality Management, Insurance, and Marketing
• Agricultural Sciences: Agricultural Economics, Animal Science, Crop Science, Fisheries and Aquaculture, and Food Science and Technology
• Environmental Studies: Environmental Management and Toxicology
• Social Sciences: Communication and Language Arts, Economics, English and Literary Studies, Geography, History and International Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology
• Law and Education

ADEKUNLE AJASIN UNIVERSITY

Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), is a state-owned university in Nigeria. It was established in March 1982 as Obafemi Awolowo University by the government of the old Ondo State, headed by the late Chief Adekunle Ajasin. AAUA was relocated to Akungba-Akoko in 1999 following the creation of a new state out of the old Ondo earlier in October 1996. The then Governor of the State, Chief Adebayo Adefarati, signed the bill backing the relocation in November 1999. AAUA is the second-best state university and the 13th best university in Nigeria.

COURSES OFFERED AT ADEKUNLE AJASIN UNIVERSITY (AAUA)

• Arts: English Language, English Literature, French, History, Linguistics, Philosophy, and Religious Studies
• Education: Educational Administration, Educational Management, Educational Planning, Guidance and Counselling, Human Kinetics, and Science Education
• Management Sciences: Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurial Studies, Hospitality Management, Insurance, and Marketing
• Natural Sciences: Animal Science, Biochemistry, Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, and Zoology
• Social Sciences: Criminology and Security Studies, Economics, Geography and Planning, History and International Studies, International Relations, Political Science, and Psychology

OLABISI ONABANJO UNIVERSITY (OOU)

Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) is the 16th best university in Nigeria and the third best state university. It was established on July 7th, 1982, by then Civilian Governor, Chief Olabisi Onabanjo. The university is patterned after the American State University system and opened its doors to its first set of students on Monday, January 31st, 1983, with a little over 500 students.

COURSES OFFERED AT OLABISI ONABANJO UNIVERSITY (OOU)

• Arts: Creative Arts, English Language, English Literature, French, History and Strategic Studies, Linguistics, Music, Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Theatre Arts
• Education: Educational Administration, Educational Management, Educational Measurement and Evaluation, Educational Planning, Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counselling, and Science Education
• Management Sciences: Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurial Studies, Hospitality Management, Insurance, and Marketing
• Natural Sciences: Animal Science, Biochemistry, Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics, and Zoology
• Social Sciences: Criminology and Security Studies, Economics, Geography and Planning, History and International Studies, Mass Communication, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology
• Law and Engineering

EKITI STATE UNIVERSITY (EKSU)

Ekiti State University (EKSU) was established by law on 29th March 1982 as Obafemi Awolowo University Law No. 3 of 1982 by the then Ondo state Governor, Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin. The University changed its name twice before its current name after Ondo State Government established its own University at Akungba-Akoko. EKSU emerged as the top 4 best state university and 20th in Nigeria.

COURSES OFFERED AT EKITI STATE UNIVERSITY (EKSU)

• Arts: Creative Arts, English, French, History and International Studies, Linguistics, Music, Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Theatre Arts
• Education: Educational Administration, Educational Management, Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counselling, Human Kinetics, and Science Education
• Management Sciences: Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurial Studies, Hospitality Management, Insurance, and Marketing
• Natural Sciences: Animal Science, Biochemistry, Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics, and Zoology
• Social Sciences: Criminology and Security Studies, Economics, Geography and Planning, International Relations, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology
• Law and Engineering

LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY (LASU)

Established in 1983 by the law of Lagos State, LASU is a public university with a vision of pursuing academic excellence. It is ranked as the fifth best state university and 21st in Nigeria. The late Lateef Jakande led the establishment of the university with the aim of advancing learning.

COURSES OFFERED AT LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY (LASU)

• Arts: Arabic, Christian Religious Studies, English, French, History and Strategic Studies, Islamic Studies, Linguistics, Music, Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Theatre Arts
• Education: Educational Administration, Educational Management, Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counselling, Human Kinetics, and Science Education
• Management Sciences: Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurial Studies, Hospitality Management, Insurance, and Marketing
• Natural Sciences: Animal Science, Biochemistry, Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Sciences, Geology, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics, and Zoology
• Social Sciences: Criminology and Security Studies, Economics, Geography and Planning, History and International Studies, Mass Communication, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology
• Law and Engineering

KWARA STATE UNIVERSITY (KWASU)

KWASU was founded in 2009 by the Bukola Saraki administration in Kwara State. It is currently ranked as the 6th best state university and 25th in Nigeria. The university is the 77th to be registered by the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) and the 95th to be recognized in Nigeria. KWASU was established with the aim of being a centre for community service and entrepreneurship.

COURSES OFFERED AT KWARA STATE UNIVERSITY (KWASU)

• Arts: English Language, English Literature, French, History and International Studies, Linguistics, Philosophy, and Religious Studies
• Education: Educational Administration, Educational Management, Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counselling, Human Kinetics, and Science Education
• Management Sciences: Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurial Studies, Hospitality Management, Insurance, and Marketing
• Natural Sciences: Animal Science, Biochemistry, Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Sciences, Geology, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics, and Zoology
• Social Sciences: Criminology and Security Studies, Economics, Geography and Planning, International Relations, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology
• Law and Engineering

EBONYI STATE UNIVERSITY (EBSU)

Established in 1999 by the then state governor, Dr. Sam Ominyi Egwu, Ebonyi State University (EBSU) is the ranked state university in the southeast. EBSU is the 7th best state university and 29th in Nigeria. The law establishing EBSU (Ebonyi State University Law No 7,1999) received the executive assent of Egwu on January 14, 2000, with Prof. Fidelis Ogah as the first Vice-Chancellor.

COURSES OFFERED AT EBONYI STATE UNIVERSITY (EBSU)

• Arts: English Language, English Literature, Fine Arts, French, History and International Relations, Linguistics, Music, Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Theatre Arts
• Education: Educational Administration, Educational Management, Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counselling, Human Kinetics, and Science Education
• Management Sciences: Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurial Studies, Hospitality Management, Insurance, and Marketing
• Natural Sciences: Animal Science, Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Sciences, Geology, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics, and Zoology
• Social Sciences: Criminology and Security Studies, Economics, Geography and Planning, International Relations, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology
• Law and Engineering

OSUN STATE UNIVERSITY (UNIOSUN)

Established in 2006, Osun State University (UNIOSUN) is a multi-campus university located in Osun State, Nigeria. The university was approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) as the 80th university in Nigeria and the 30th state university. UNIOSUN is ranked as the 8th best state university and 31st in Nigeria. The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across various faculties and departments. UNIOSUN is committed to providing quality education and research opportunities to its students and contributing to the development of Nigeria.

COURSES OFFERED AT OSUN STATE UNIVERSITY (UNIOSUN)

• Arts: English, French, History and International Studies, Linguistics, Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Theatre Arts
• Education: Educational Administration, Educational Management, Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counselling, Human Kinetics, and Science Education
• Management Sciences: Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurial Studies, Hospitality Management, Insurance, and Marketing
• Natural Sciences: Animal Science, Biochemistry, Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Sciences, Geology, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics, and Zoology
• Social Sciences: Criminology and Security Studies, Economics, Geography and Planning, History and International Studies, Mass Communication, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology
• Law and Engineering

DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY (DELSU)

Delta State University (DELSU) was established in 1992 by the former Executive Governor of Delta State, Olorogun Felix Ibru. The university operates a multi-campus system with three campuses located in Abraka, Anwai in Asaba, and Oleh. DELSU is ranked as the 9th best state university and 32nd in Nigeria.

COURSES OFFERED AT DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY (DELSU)

• Arts: English, Fine Arts, French, History and International Studies, Linguistics, Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Theatre Arts
• Education: Educational Administration, Educational Management, Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counselling, Human Kinetics, and Science Education
• Management Sciences: Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurial Studies, Hospitality Management, Insurance, and Marketing
• Natural Sciences: Animal Science, Biochemistry, Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Sciences, Geology, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics, and Zoology
• Social Sciences: Criminology and Security Studies, Economics, Geography and Planning, History and International Studies, Mass Communication, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology
• Law and Engineering

RIVERS STATE UNIVERSITY (RSU)

RSU was established in 1980 from the Rivers State College of Science and Technology. It is the first technological university in Nigeria and the first state-owned state university in the Niger Delta region. The university’s motto is “Excellence and Creativity.” RSU is ranked as the tenth best state university and 47th in Nigeria.

COURSES OFFERED AT RIVERS STATE UNIVERSITY (RSU)

• Arts: Creative Arts, English, French, History and International Studies, Linguistics, Music, Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Theatre Arts
• Education: Educational Administration, Educational Management, Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counselling, Human Kinetics, and Science Education
• Management Sciences: Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurial Studies, Hospitality Management, Insurance, and Marketing
• Natural Sciences: Animal Science, Biochemistry, Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Sciences, Geology, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics, and Zoology
• Social Sciences: Criminology and Security Studies, Economics, Geography and Planning, History and International Studies, Mass Communication, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology
• Law and Engineering

HOW TO APPLY TO A STATE UNIVERSITY IN NIGERIA AS A NEW STUDENT

To apply to a state university in Nigeria as a new student, you must meet the following general requirements:

• You must have at least five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects at the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE), National Examination Council (NECO), or their equivalents, at not more than two sittings.
• You must have a Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) score above the minimum cutoff mark for the university and program you are applying to.
• You must be a Nigerian citizen or permanent resident.

In addition to these general requirements, some universities may have specific requirements for admission to certain programs. For example, some programs may require you to have a certain UTME score in a particular subject, or to pass a pre-admission test.

To apply to a state university in Nigeria, you will need to:

• Visit the university’s website and download the application form.
• Complete the application form and attach all required documents, such as your SSCE or NECO results, UTME score slip, and birth certificate.
• Pay the application fee and submit your application to the university’s admissions office.

Once you have submitted your application, you will be invited for a screening exercise if you meet the minimum requirements. The screening exercise may involve a written test and/or an oral interview.

If you are successful in the screening exercise, you will be offered provisional admission to the university. To accept your admission, you will need to pay the acceptance fee and register for your classes in your chosen department.

CONCLUSION

Just like the top 10 best federal universities in Nigeria offer students a world-class education at an affordable price, these top state universities are home to some of the brightest minds in the country, and they are committed to providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the global economy.

But what makes these universities truly unique is their commitment to social justice and development. These universities are not just ivory towers; they are actively engaged in addressing the challenges facing Nigeria and the world.

These state universities in Nigeria are more than just educational institutions; they are also agents of change. They are committed to creating a better future for Nigeria and the world.