This guide provides a comprehensive list of the top 10 best universities In the Southern part of Nigeria, which include the location, and notable programs they offer:
University | State | Type | Notable Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) | Rivers | Public | Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Law, Medicine, Arts |
Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) | Imo | Public | Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Agricultural Science |
University of Benin (UNIBEN) | Edo | Public | Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, Engineering (various fields), Arts |
Rivers State University (RSUST) | Rivers | Public | Petroleum Engineering, Environmental Science, Management Sciences, Education, Arts |
Delta State University (DELSU) | Delta | Public | Law, Medicine, Engineering (various fields), Agriculture, Education |
University of Uyo (UNIUYO) | Akwa Ibom | Public | Medicine, Law, Engineering (various fields), Agriculture, Education |
Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) | Akwa Ibom | Public | Medicine, Law, Engineering (various fields), Agriculture, Education |
Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) | Cross River | Public | Engineering (various fields), Environmental Science, Agriculture, Management Sciences, Education |
Bayelsa Medical University (BMU) | Bayelsa | Public | Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, Allied Health Sciences |
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1. University Of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) is one of the top public universities in southern Nigeria. Located in the city of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, it was established in 1975 as a university college but became a full university in 1977.
Known for its strong academic reputation, UNIPORT is home to a large student population, with enrollment ranging from 35,000 to 39,999 students. The university is divided into 14 faculties, including Humanities, Social Sciences, Engineering, Management Sciences, and Health Sciences.
It operates on a faculty-based system, which was adopted in 1982, shifting from its original school-based structure. The campus is urban, located in the Aluu and Choba areas of Port Harcourt, and is well-known for its blue and white colors.
UNIPORT has made significant contributions to research and education in Nigeria. It gained international recognition when it was ranked the best university in Nigeria and sixth in Africa by Times Higher Education in 2015. Over the years, UNIPORT has produced many notable alumni and continues to offer a wide range of academic programs.
Its faculties provide specialized education in areas such as Clinical Sciences, Dentistry, Computing, and Engineering. The university also has affiliations with several other institutions across the country.
2. Federal University Of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
The Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) is a top choice for studying technology in Southern Nigeria. Founded in 1980, it’s one of Nigeria’s first universities focused on technology.
FUTO stands out for its emphasis on practical skills in fields like engineering, agriculture, health, and information technology, offering various courses under schools like the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, the School of Information and Communication Technology, and the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology.
The university has grown significantly since it started with just 225 students and 60 staff members. Today, FUTO has over 25,000 students and more than 50 professors, making it one of the largest technological institutions in the region.
3. University Of Benin (UNIBEN)
The University of Benin, known as UNIBEN, is one of the best public universities in southern Nigeria. It is located in Benin City, Edo State, UNIBEN was established in 1970 and became a federal university in 1975.
The school has courses through its 15 faculties, including Medicine, Engineering, and Law. UNIBEN also has a teaching hospital called the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), where medical students receive hands-on training.
The university operates on two main campuses, Ugbowo and Ekehuan. Its central library, the John Harris Library, is an important resource for students, with a large collection of books, journals, and digital materials.
UNIBEN is well-regarded for its commitment to providing quality education, and its motto, with a student population of over 77,000, UNIBEN continues to grow and make an impact in various fields, both within Nigeria and internationally.
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4. Rivers State University (RSUST)
Rivers State University (RSU), located in Port Harcourt, is one of the top public universities in Southern Nigeria. Established in 1972 as a College of Science and Technology, it gained university status in 1980.
Originally known as Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), the school was renamed Rivers State University in 2017. RSU offers a variety of academic programs, including being the only Nigerian university accredited with a degree in Marine Engineering.
With a focus on both science and technology, RSU has expanded over the years, adding more faculties and courses. Some of its key faculties include Engineering, Sciences, Law, Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, and Management Sciences.
The university’s location in an urban area makes it accessible to students from across the country. RSU also boasts notable alumni, including prominent figures in politics, law, and entertainment, like Nyesom Wike, Tonto Dikeh, and Magnus Abe.
5. Delta State University (DELSU)
Delta State University (DELSU), located in Abraka, Delta State, is one of the top public universities in southern Nigeria, founded in 1992. The university has grown into a multi-campus institution with the main campus in Abraka and another in Oleh.
These campuses are about 52 km apart. DELSU has academic programs, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and part-time studies. It provides degrees in fields like Agriculture, Education, Arts, Sciences, Law, and Engineering.
The university is accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC), ensuring it meets the required academic standards. Also, the university’s facilities include well-equipped libraries, student hostels, and modern learning centers.
With over 22,000 students, DELSU is a vibrant academic community. It is also known for its online student union elections, which became Nigeria’s first online voting system in a university election.
6. University Of Uyo (UNIUYO)
The University of Uyo, often called UNIUYO, is a prominent public university located in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It was formerly known as the University of Cross River State, however, the university has grown from its roots as a Teacher’s College to its current status as a full-fledged university with different academic offerings.
With a student population of over 158,000, UNIUYO provides a lively learning environment. It has 13 faculties, including Agriculture, Arts, Law, Pharmacy, and Engineering, along with a School of Continuing Education and a Postgraduate School.
The university operates across four campuses to provide that various disciplines have dedicated spaces for learning and research. UNIUYO also boasts modern facilities to support your studies.
The university library, which houses a large collection of books and journals, is equipped with computers and provides great reading space. Additionally, the campus features UNIUYO FM, a radio station that engages students and the local community.
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7. Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU)
Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) is a public university located in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria. Founded by the Akwa Ibom State Government, it opened its doors to students in the 2010/2011 academic year. The university aims to create a space where people can seek knowledge to tackle real development issues in Nigeria.
Originally set up as a technology-focused institution, AKSU has transformed into a multi-campus university. The main campus is at Ikot Akpaden in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, while the Abak Campus is located in Obio Akpa, Oruk Anam Local Government Area.
This change allows the university to offer programs beyond just technology and applied sciences, including arts and humanities. AKSU has several faculties, including Engineering, Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Education, Agriculture, Social Sciences, Arts, and Management Sciences.
Each faculty offers various departments, allowing students to choose from a broad selection of courses that fit their interests and career goals. The university also supports staff development, with many faculty members receiving training at universities in Europe, North America, and Singapore.
8. Cross River University Of Technology (CRUTECH)
Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), now known as the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), is a prominent public university located in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
The university serves four campuses across different local government areas: Calabar, Obubra, Ogoja, and Okuku. At the Calabar campus, which is the main campus, you will find the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and essential administrative offices.
UNICROSS offers many undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs. The university’s faculties include Biological Sciences, Education, Engineering, Communication Technology, Environmental Science, Architecture, Physical Sciences, Management Sciences, and Basic Medical Sciences.
This broad range allows you to pursue studies in areas like microbiology, civil engineering, mass communication, and agriculture. With approximately 18,915 students, UNICROSS creates a lively academic environment.
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9. Bayelsa Medical University (BMU)
Bayelsa Medical University (BMU), established In 2018, has grown to become one of the best public universities In southern Nigeria. It is located in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. With a focus on training healthcare professionals, BMU offers a variety of programs across multiple faculties.
At BMU, you can find the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, which provides degrees in Medicine and Surgery, as well as Dentistry. The university has received official approval for its MBBS program, which allows students to take part in essential examinations for medical qualifications.
In addition to Clinical Sciences, BMU has a Faculty of Health Sciences that covers different fields, including Nursing, Optometry, and Physiotherapy. You can also explore programs in Medical Laboratory Science, Public Health, and Health Care Administration.
The Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences focuses on essential subjects like Human Anatomy and Biochemistry, while the Faculty of Sciences offers courses in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.