This is the most comprehensive list of the best public and private universities In Eastern Nigeria in 2024. And, It is based on academic reputation, program offerings, and quality, research output, and student life.
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Top 10 Public And Private Universities In Eastern Nigeria
University | Type | Location | Year Of Establishment |
|---|---|---|---|
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) | Public | Nsukka, Enugu State | 1960 |
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK) | Public | Awka, Anambra State | 1981 |
Anambra State University (ANSU) | Public | Awka, Anambra State | 2006 |
Ebonyi State University (EBSU) | Public | Abakaliki, Ebonyi State | 1991 |
Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) | Public | Enugu, Enugu State | 1980 |
Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) | Federal (Public) | Owerri, Imo State | 1980 |
Madonna University, Okija | Private | Okija, Anambra State | 1990 |
Gregory University, Uturu | Private | Uturu, Abia State | 2007 |
Coal City University, Enugu | Private | Enugu, Enugu State | 2005 |
Clifford University, Owerri | Private | Owerri, Imo State | 2008 |
1. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) was founded in 1955 by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and officially opened on October 7, 1960.
It was the first fully indigenous and autonomous university in Nigeria, based on the American education system. UNN has three campuses in Enugu State, Nsukka, Enugu, and Ituku-Ozalla, and one in Abia State (Aba).
However, the main campus is in Nsukka. The university is made up of 15 faculties and 102 academic departments, offering 108 undergraduate and 211 postgraduate programs in areas like arts, sciences, engineering, medicine, and law.
The university is well-known for its programs in agriculture, engineering, and sciences. It has research centers such as the Institute of African Studies, the Institute of Education, and the Institute of Developmental Studies.
Student life at UNN is lively, with many student organizations, cultural festivals, and sports activities. The campus includes modern facilities like the Kenneth Dike Library, one of Nigeria’s largest academic libraries.
UNN has notable alumni, including former President Nnamdi Azikiwe, and was the first university in sub-Saharan Africa to perform open-heart surgery in 1974.
2. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK)
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK) is a top university in Anambra State, Nigeria. Established in 1991, it is named after Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first President.
The university has its main campus in Awka and another campus in Nnewi. UNIZIK offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across different fields.
These include Agriculture, Arts, Basic Medical Sciences, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences, and Social Sciences.
Students can study subjects like Accountancy, Business Administration, Medicine, Nursing Science, Civil Engineering, Mass Communication, and more.
The university is accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC), which ensures that its programs meet national standards.
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3. Anambra State University (ANSU)
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), formerly Anambra State University (ANSU), is a state-owned university in Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria.
It was established in 2000 and renamed in 2014 to honor the Biafran leader Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. The university has multiple campuses, with the main one in Uli and additional campuses in Igbariam and Alor.
COOU has undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Undergraduate courses include Agriculture, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Social Sciences, Arts, and Education.
Some notable programs are Medicine and Surgery, Pharmacy, Law, Civil Engineering, Business Administration, and Mass Communication.
The university focuses on practical and entrepreneurial skills as part of its curriculum. The university is committed to academic excellence and research, with accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC).
COOU promotes a learning environment that supports personal and academic growth. It also engages with the community through different outreach programs to help students apply their knowledge in real-world situations.
4. Ebonyi State University (EBSU)
Ebonyi State University (EBSU) is located in Abakaliki, Nigeria. Established in 1999, it has become a key educational institution in the region.
Originally part of Enugu State University of Technology, EBSU gained independence to focus on its own academic goals. The university is well-regarded for its work in health sciences, agriculture, and social sciences.
However, EBSU has four main campuses: the Permanent Site Campus, which houses administration and faculties like Management Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, and Natural Sciences; the Presco Campus, focused on Health Sciences; the Ishieke Campus, dedicated to Education; and the Cas Campus, which includes the Faculty of Law and Agricultural Sciences.
The university offers different undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Its Faculty of Health Sciences includes Medicine and Surgery, Nursing Science, and Medical Laboratory Science.
The Faculty of Agriculture covers Agricultural Economics, Animal Science, and Food Science, while the Faculty of Social Sciences offers courses in Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, and Mass Communication.
EBSU has a competitive admission process, with a JAMB cut-off mark typically set at 180, and tuition fees ranging from N100,000 to N200,000 per session.
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5. Enugu State University Of Science And Technology (ESUT)
Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) is a top institution located in Agbani, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Founded in 1980, it was the first state university in Nigeria and has become a major center for higher education, especially in science and technology.
The university is known by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
ESUT includes several faculties, such as Agricultural & Natural Resources Management, Applied Natural Sciences, Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Medicine, Education, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Law, Management Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Social Sciences and Humanities.
It offers over 50 undergraduate programs in Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering, and Law. The university collaborates with organizations, including a notable partnership with Eastwing Aviation Institute to advance aircraft engineering in Nigeria.
ESUT also provides modern facilities such as libraries, labs, and ICT centers, and has a Career Services Directorate to help students with job placement.
The university’s vision is to be a leading African institution known for quality education, research, and community service.
6. Federal University Of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
The Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) is a top university in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Established in 1980, FUTO offers many undergraduate and postgraduate programs through ten schools.
These include the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, and the School of Health Technology.
Popular courses at FUTO are Agricultural Economics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Architecture. FUTO has a lively student life with different sports facilities, clubs, and societies.
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7. Madonna University, Okija
Madonna University, Okija, is a private Catholic university located in Okija, Anambra State, Nigeria. Established in 1999 by Father Edeh, it is the first private university in Nigeria.
The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across several fields, including Management and Social Sciences, Arts and Education, Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Engineering.
However, the university has three campuses: Okija, Elele, and Akpugo. The Okija campus hosts the Faculties of Management and Social Sciences, Arts and Education, and Law.
The Elele campus focuses on Medicine, Pharmacy, and other health sciences, while the Akpugo campus is dedicated to engineering programs.
Madonna University features a well-equipped library with print and electronic resources, such as e-journals and e-books.
It also provides various facilities including ICT labs, housing, sports facilities, and administrative services. The university offers pre-bachelor, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. Admission is selective, based on entrance exams and academic records, with an acceptance rate of 50-59%.
Recognized by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and affiliated with the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU), Madonna University is known for its commitment to quality education and Catholic values.
Visit Madonna University, Okija
8. Gregory University, Uturu
Gregory University, Uturu (GUU) is a private university in Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria. It was established in 2012 and is regarded by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The university is affiliated with the Christian-Catholic faith. GUU aims to be a top global institution known for its excellent academic and research programs.
Its mission is to develop ethical, skilled global leaders who can drive technological and socio-economic progress. The university offers a variety of programs leading to bachelor’s degrees in different fields.
It has about eight colleges, including the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, College of Law, College of Engineering, and College of Humanities.
Gregory University has modern classrooms, well-equipped labs, a resourceful library, and advanced research centers.
Visit Gregory University, Uturu (GUU)
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9. Coal City University, Enugu
Coal City University, located in Enugu, Nigeria, is a private, non-profit institution established in 2016. The university offers high-quality education and produces graduates who are well-rounded, entrepreneurial, and ready for global employment.
Recognized by Nigeria’s National Universities Commission, CCU has become known for its excellence in teaching and research.
CCU provides undergraduate programs in three main faculties: Natural and Applied Sciences, Arts, Social and Management Sciences, and Education.
Students can study fields such as Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Science, Criminology, Economics, Mass Communication, and Psychology.
The university confirms that its programs meet international standards through quality checks by local and international examiners.
The campus, covering over 432 acres, is equipped with modern facilities like multimedia classrooms, advanced laboratories, and a well-stocked library. It has small class sizes for better student-faculty interaction and hands-on learning.
CCU’s mission is to create knowledge that benefits its community and beyond, offering quality education at lower costs compared to studying abroad. With around 800 students, CCU supports a vibrant campus life and offers free accommodation.
10. Clifford University, Owerri
Clifford University is a private university in Owerri, Abia State, Nigeria. Founded in 2016, it is connected with the Seventh-day Adventist Church and operates with the motto “Excellence, Faith, and Service.” Clifford University has different undergraduate programs.
Recently, the National Universities Commission (NUC) fully accredited eight new degree programs, including Environmental Health Science, Public Health, Medical Laboratory Science, Industrial Relations, Computer Science Education, Guidance and Counselling, Social Justice, and Library and Information Science. However, the admission process is selective and includes entrance exams. The acceptance rate is about 74%.
Prospective students can apply through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), Direct Entry, or Pre-Degree programs that prepare them for university life.