This is the most comprehensive list of the best public and private universities In Northern 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 Private Universities In Northern Nigeria
University Name | Type | Location | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|---|---|
Federal University of Technology Minna | Public | Minna, Niger State | 1975 |
Bayero University Kano | Public | Kano, Kano State | 1975 |
University of Maiduguri | Public | Maiduguri, Borno State | 1975 |
American University of Nigeria | Private | Yola, Adamawa State | 2004 |
Kogi State University | Public | Anyigba, Kogi State | 1999 |
Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi | Public | Makurdi, Benue State | 1992 |
Nasarawa State University | Public | Keffi, Nasarawa State | 1996 |
Federal University Lafia | Public | Lafia, Nasarawa State | 2000 |
Benue State University | Public | Makurdi, Benue State | 1991 |
Umaru Musa Yar'adua University | Public | Katsina, Katsina State | 2006 |
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1. Federal University Of Technology Minna
The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMinna) is a public university in Nigeria, established on February 1, 1983, by the Federal Government.
It is one of the top universities in Northern Nigeria, known for focusing on technological education and research. The university promotes self-reliance in science and engineering, addressing the country’s technological needs.
FUTMinna has several schools, such as Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Electrical Engineering, and Environmental Technology. These schools offer many undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
The university is well-known for its research in biotechnology and vaccine production. It has been recognized as a Centre of Excellence, contributing to advancements in health and technology in Nigeria.
With more than 20,000 students, FUTMinna provides modern facilities, including the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Library and recreational amenities. The university’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation makes it one of the leading institutions in the region.
VISIT: FUTMinna
2. Bayero University Kano
Bayero University Kano (BUK) is a public university in Kano, Nigeria. It was founded in 1975, but its roots go back to 1960 when it started as Ahmadu Bello College.
Today, BUK is one of the best universities in Northern Nigeria, offering quality education in many fields. The university has many faculties, including Arts, Science, Social Sciences, and Law.
It provides both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with over 45,000 students enrolled. BUK focuses on research and teaching, aiming to produce graduates who can help solve societal problems.
BUK is known for its research centers, like the Africa Centre of Excellence in Dryland Agriculture and the Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Research and Training.
These centers work on important regional issues. The university also has modern facilities, including a large library and student support services, to create a good learning environment.
VISIT: Bayero University Kano
3. University Of Maiduguri
The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) is a public university in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. It was established in 1975 and is one of the best universities in Northern Nigeria.
UNIMAID offers different programs in fields such as arts, sciences, engineering, and medicine. It is a federal institution that operates with both public and private support, which helps it get more funding and resources.
Since it started, the university has grown to host over 27,500 students.It offers many undergraduate and postgraduate programs through its different faculties, including Agriculture, Engineering, Law, and Veterinary Medicine. UNIMAID focuses on providing education and research that meet the specific needs of the northeastern region of Nigeria.
The university’s location at the crossroads of African and Middle-Eastern cultures offers a unique experience for both local and international students. UNIMAID also emphasizes moral and civic education to produce graduates who will contribute positively to society.
VISIT: University of Maiduguri
4. American University Of Nigeria
The American University of Nigeria (AUN) is a private, non-profit university in Yola, Adamawa State. It was founded in 2004 by Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President of Nigeria.
AUN offers an American-style liberal arts education and focuses on solving development issues through education based on U.S. models. It is regarded as one of the best universities in Northern Nigeria in 2024.
AUN offers different programs in fields like Business Administration, Computer Science, and Environmental Studies. It accepts both local and international students, with around 1,500 students enrolled.
The university has a small student-to-faculty ratio, which helps students get personalized attention from their teachers. The campus is modern, with advanced classrooms, laboratories, and a well-equipped library.
AUN encourages research and community service, so students work on projects that benefit their local and national communities. With its focus on high-quality education and innovation, AUN is committed to making a difference in society.
VISIT: American University of Nigeria
5. Kogi State University
Kogi State University (KSU) is a public university located in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria. It was established in 1999 by former Governor Prince Abubakar Audu.
Originally called Kogi State University, the name was later changed to Prince Abubakar Audu University before returning to its original name in 2003. KSU is one of the leading universities in Northern Nigeria.
It offers a ton of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Agriculture, Arts, Law, Management Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. The university began academic activities in April 2000 with six faculties and has since added a Faculty of Medicine. Known for its affordable education, KSU’s school fees are usually below 100,000 Naira.
The university admits students from different backgrounds and also runs a Centre for Pre-Degree and Diploma Studies to help more students enter higher education. The campus is equipped with modern facilities to support students and academics.
VISIT: Kogi State University
6. Federal University Of Agriculture, Makurdi
The Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, now officially called Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (UAM), is a public university located in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Established in 1988, UAM is one of the best universities in Northern Nigeria, specializing in agricultural sciences.
The university offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs through its ten colleges, including the College of Agronomy, College of Engineering, and College of Veterinary Medicine.
UAM focuses on practical agricultural education and research to improve food security and productivity in Nigeria. It works with local farmers, using its research to benefit the community.
UAM also has centers like the Cooperative Extension Centre and the Centre for Food and Agricultural Strategy, which provide training and support to enhance farming practices.
These centers help small-scale farmers by offering valuable resources and knowledge. With a strong dedication to education and research, UAM is a key player in advancing agriculture in Nigeria and attracts students from all over the country.
VISIT: Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi
7. Nasarawa State University
Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) is a public university established in 2001 under Nasarawa State Law No. 2. It was created to offer educational opportunities to the people of Nasarawa State and help develop the region.
The university’s motto, “Knowledge for development,” shows its focus on using knowledge to drive progress. Located in Northern Nigeria, NSUK offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Administration, Arts, Social Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences, Education, Law, and Environmental Sciences.
Campus life at NSUK is active, with many student services to support academic and personal growth. Students benefit from modern lecture halls, libraries, and recreational areas.
Recently, NSUK has been recognized for its research and community work, making it a notable center for higher education in the region.
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8. Federal University Lafia
The Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) is a public university located in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Founded in 2011, FULafia is considered one of the leading universities in Northern Nigeria.
FULafia offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs through its faculties, which include Agriculture, Arts, Computing, Science, Social Sciences, and Medicine.
The campus features modern facilities like a well-equipped library and administrative services to support students’ learning and research.
Apart from academics, FULafia offers cultural and sporting activities to enhance the student experience. This comprehensive approach makes Federal University of Lafia a prominent institution in the region.
VISIT: Federal University of Lafia
9. Benue State University
Benue State University (BSU), founded in 1992, is a public university located in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. It is one of the best universities in Northern Nigeria, known for its quality education and research.
BSU offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across eight faculties, including Arts, Education, Law, Science, and Management Science. The university has a large student body, with around 30,000 to 35,000 students.
It is accredited by the National Universities Commission of Nigeria and aims to address educational gaps while promoting excellence.
The university’s motto, “Scientia Liberatio Populorum,” means “Science makes People free,” highlighting its focus on empowering students through education. BSU provides important facilities such as libraries and administrative support to improve student life.
VISIT: Benue State University
10. Umaru Musa Yar’adua University
Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU) is a public university in Katsina, Nigeria. It was established in 2006 and was originally called Katsina State University.
However, It was renamed in honor of Umaru Musa Yar’adua, a former governor of Katsina State and president of Nigeria. As of 2024, UMYU is one of the top universities in Northern Nigeria.
However, the university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Natural and Applied Sciences, Humanities, Education, Social Sciences, Management Sciences, Law, Agriculture, and Earth & Environmental Science. The university supports both conventional and distance learning, serving a diverse group of students.
VISIT: UMYU