- Recently, President Bola Tinubu assented to the bill establishing two more federal universities in Nigeria
- This brings the total of federal universities established between 2010 and 2025 to 33
- TheRadar has, therefore, compiled the list of federal universities established in Nigeria between 2010-2025
Between 1948, when Nigeria’s premier university was created, and the present time, many federal institutions have sprung up. Most recently, President Bola Tinubu approved the creation of an additional two.
Federal universities are funded by the Federal Government and students in federal universities enjoy some special privileges such as low tuition fees, prestige, quality lecturers and standard facilities, among others.
Despite that public opinion is that federal universities now rely on old glory with private universities now challenging their public counterparts in everything up to ranking, the government has not relented in establishing more institutions.
Just recently, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the establishment of federal universities in Osun and Ekiti States by assenting to the bill on February 3, 2025.
They are the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti, and the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji, Osun state.
The aim of the establishment is for these specialised institutions to address the educational needs of the populace while driving research and innovation and contributing to the country's overall economic growth and development.
Following this development, TheRadar compiles the list of federal universities in Nigeria
List of federal universities in Nigeria between 2010-2024
TheRadar has compiled a comprehensive list of federal universities established in Nigeria between 2010 and 2024.
The approval of these federal universities have been witnessed by three administrations namely President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Erstwhile President Muhammadu Buhari, and Erstwhile President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
1. University of Maritime Studies, Oron (2024)
The transformation into the University of Maritime Studies, Oron (UMSO) was formalised with the enactment of the University of Maritime Studies, Oron Act in 2022. The institution’s primary objective is to provide specialised training for merchant navy officers, maritime engineers, port managers, and professionals within the shipping and maritime industries.
The institution was originally founded as the Nautical College of Nigeria in 1977. The Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom State, was established under Federal Executive Conclusion No. EC(77) 172 with assistance from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
2. Admiralty University of Nigeria, Ibusa, Delta State (2023)
Originally established by the Nigerian Navy in 2017 and operational by 2019, Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN), Ibusa, officially became a federal university in February 2023 following the signing of the ADUN Act by then-President Muhammadu Buhari.
Within a short period, ADUN achieved 100% accreditation for all its programmes under the National Universities Commission (NUC). Its academic offerings have expanded to include Faculties of Engineering & Technology and Maritime Studies after successful resource verification.
3. African Aviation and Aerospace University, Abuja (2023)
The African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU) is the first Pan-African institution dedicated to aviation, aerospace, and environmental sciences. It was established to address research and workforce gaps in Africa’s aviation industry.
The university aims to be a centre of excellence, fostering education and innovation in the fields of aviation, aerospace engineering, and environmental sciences, with a commitment to global best practices. It is a flagship project of the Federal Ministry of Aviation, demonstrating Nigeria’s resolve to strengthen its aviation sector.
4. National University of Science and Technology, Abuja (2023)
Formerly known as the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), this institution was renamed the National University of Science and Technology (NAUST) in 2023 by the Federal Government.
It offers degree programmes in computer science, mechanical engineering, information technology management, petroleum and energy resources engineering, software engineering, and space physics.
5. Federal University of Agriculture, Bassambiri, Bayelsa (2023)
The newly established Federal University of Agriculture, Bassambiri (FUAB) is one of 37 federal universities founded in 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
6. Federal University of Health Sciences, Kwale, Delta State (2023)
After nearly two decades of advocacy, the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Kwale has become operational in Ndokwa Land, Delta State.
The Organised Ndokwa Effort (ONE), a key pressure group, played a significant role in securing the university’s establishment. Leaders such as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege were instrumental in securing government approval for the institution.
7. Federal University of Health Sciences, Katsina (2023)
The Federal University of Health Sciences, Katsina was established in 2023. The swift development of the university was prioritised by Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State. He directed the Ministry of Lands to identify a suitable location for the university and pledged government support for its immediate take-off.
8. Federal University of Agriculture, Mubi, Adamawa State (2023)
Located in Nigeria’s north east geopolitical zone and established in 2023, this university was proposed for relocation in July 2023, but key stakeholders in Mubi successfully opposed the move.
9. Federal University of Education, Zaria, Kaduna State (2023)
Federal College of Education, Zaria now Federal University of Education, Zaria, was a college of science and art in Zaria, Nigeria. The college of science and art was established by the then Northern Region Government of Nigeria in November 1962.
The Federal University of Education in Zaria has witnessed many transformations, from being named Northern Secondary Teachers College to Advanced Teachers' College Zaria, under the administrative and policy control of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, until 1991, to Federal College of Education. It finally assumed Federal University status in 2023.
The institution was initially located at the present site of Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic (Annex) before it was moved to Gyallesu, opposite Ahmadu Bello University, Kongo Campus - Zaria in 1973. It was later disarticulated from ABU, Zaria and renamed Federal College of Education, Zaria. It became a federal university under President Tinubu’s administration.
10. Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Imo State (2023)
The institution was previously known as Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, before it became a federal university in 2023. The college of education was originally founded in 1963 in Owerri, Imo State. It has a long history of producing qualified educators and has been affiliated with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka since 1984.
11. Federal University of Education, Kano (2023)
The former Federal College of Education, Kano was upgraded to university status, with the approval formally conveyed via an official letter dated August 14, 2024.
12. Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo (2023)
Previously known as Adeyemi College of Education, Adeyemi Federal University of Education was established by the President Tinubu administration in 2023. From its inception as a college of education, it had offered degree programmes since 1982 in affiliation with Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
13. David Nweze Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State (2022)
Originally known as King David Nweze Umahi University of Medical Sciences, this state-of-the-art institution was taken over by the Federal Government in September 2022 and designated as Nigeria’s 50th federal university.
14. Federal University of Technology, Babura, Jigawa State (2021)
The Federal University of Technology, Babura (FUTB) is a government-owned institution situated in Babura, the administrative headquarters of Babura Local Government Area in Jigawa State, northwestern Nigeria. The university's location offers a serene, small-town atmosphere with proximity to key metropolitan areas such as Dutse, Kano, Bauchi, Maiduguri, and Kaduna, while also sharing a border with the Republic of Niger.
FUTB was among four universities established in 2021 as part of the federal government’s efforts to expand access to quality university education, promote technological advancement, and enhance medical service delivery across the country.
15. Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State (2021)
The Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi (FUTIA) was established in 2021 by the Nigerian government as one of the country’s specialised technological institutions. The university aims to drive innovation and research in science and technology, equipping students with the expertise to contribute to national development.
16. Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, Bauchi State (2021)
The Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA) is a public institution located in the northeastern region of Nigeria. Established in 2021, FUHSA commenced operations with an initial intake of 760 students for the merged 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 academic sessions. Situated in Azare, the administrative hub of Katagum Local Government Area in Bauchi State, the university was one of eleven new federal institutions created under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to bolster healthcare education in Nigeria.
17. Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun, Osun State (2021)
The Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun, Osun State, was founded in 2021 as a specialised institution focused on health, nutrition, and medical sciences. The university is designed to play a pivotal role in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system, improving medical research, and reducing the need for medical tourism abroad.
18. Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State (2020)
The Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO) is a world-class institution dedicated to producing highly skilled healthcare professionals. With state-of-the-art research and teaching facilities, the university aims to contribute significantly to the development of Nigeria’s health sector.
19. Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru, Kebbi State (2020)
The Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru (FUAZ) is a government-run institution located in Kebbi State. Initially established as the College of Agriculture, Zuru, the institution was affiliated with Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, before transitioning into a full-fledged university. In 2019, a bill was passed to upgrade the college to a university, and it officially commenced operations in September 2020. President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Musa Isiyaku Ahmed as the university’s pioneer Vice-Chancellor, while Eze Eberechi N. Dick later became its first Chancellor.
20. Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State (2018)
The Nigerian Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, was established in 2018 as a non-profit public institution dedicated to maritime education. Located in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State, the university is officially recognised by the National Universities Commission (NUC). NMU offers accredited degree programmes in various maritime-related disciplines. The university also has a regimented training unit, with Cadet Uwaoma Lloyd serving as its first Chief Cadet Captain.
21. Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna (2018)
The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in Kaduna is a tertiary institution that integrates both military and civilian educational training. It is accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Council for the Regulation of Engineers in Nigeria (COREN), and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE). AFIT offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in aerospace engineering and related fields.
22. Nigerian Army University, Biu (2018)
The Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB), was established in 2018 by the federal government to focus on defence-related research and innovation. Located in Borno State, NAUB aims to contribute to national security through cutting-edge research and development in military technology and other strategic fields.
23. Federal University, Birnin Kebbi (2013)
Federal University, Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) was established on February 18, 2013, alongside Federal Universities in Gusau and Gashua, under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan. The establishment of these universities was part of the government’s initiative to ensure every state in Nigeria had a federal university, thereby increasing access to higher education.
24. Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara State (2013)
Federal University, Gusau (FUGUS) is a public institution in Zamfara State, established in 2013 as part of the second phase of a nationwide university expansion plan. Initially proposed in 2010, the university was officially inaugurated during the presidency of Goodluck Jonathan. FUGUS began with three faculties: Humanities and Education, Management and Social Sciences, and Science.
25. Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State (2011)
Federal University, Dutse (FUD), located in Jigawa State, was one of the first nine federal universities established in 2011 to improve access to higher education in Nigeria. The university was set up as part of the government’s strategy to create a knowledge-driven economy and expand tertiary education opportunities.
26. Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina (2011)
The Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) is situated in Katsina State, in Nigeria’s North-West geopolitical zone. The institution was one of nine federal universities founded in 2011 as part of a broader initiative to advance science and technology education in Nigeria. The university’s establishment aligns with the government’s long-term goal of fostering technological growth and increasing access to higher education.
27. Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State (2011)
The Federal University of Kashere, also known as FUKashere, is a public conventional university located in the North-Eastern region of Nigeria. This university is situated in the small town of Kashere, an administrative area within Pindiga, Akko Local Government, Gombe State. It was founded in 2010 by the Goodluck Jonathan administration as one of nine federal universities created across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The university was established to increase access to education and promote equity across all states in Nigeria.
28. Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State (2011)
The Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) was established in February 2011 by the Federal Government of Nigeria for public benefit and is recognised internationally. Throughout its history, FULafia has provided access to a broad range of academic opportunities.
The university was founded in response to the need for rapid socio-economic transformation and to address issues of accessibility and equity in higher education. It aspires to be a world-class institution that attracts and prepares intelligent, dedicated, and talented young men and women from diverse backgrounds within Nasarawa State, Nigeria, and beyond. It aims to develop critical thinkers who are well-rounded in their fields of study, equipping them with the knowledge to compete effectively with their peers both locally and globally while contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.
29. Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State (2011)
The Federal University, Lokoja, was established alongside eight other federal universities on February 16, 2011 following an announcement by former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. The objective was not only to promote equitable access to higher education in Nigeria but also to develop institutions that would support the country’s rapid development by providing high-quality human resources and a knowledge base to enhance competitiveness.
30. Alex Ekwueme University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State (2011)
Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, formerly known as Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (FUNAI) was established by the Federal Government on February 26, 2011 to expand and improve access to quality tertiary education across Nigeria. The university commenced academic activities on November 5, 2012 and was officially renamed on February 2, 2018 in honour of the late civilian Vice President of Nigeria, Dr Alex Ekwueme.
31. Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State (2011)
The Federal University, Otuoke (FUO), is one of the federal universities established by the Nigerian government in February 2011 in recognition of the need to bridge the educational gap between advantaged and disadvantaged regions, particularly in areas where universities were previously lacking.
Located in the peaceful and secure Otuoke community, at the heart of the oil-rich Niger Delta region in Bayelsa State, the university lies 21 kilometres south of the state capital, Yenagoa, and spans an area of 200 hectares (494 acres).
32. Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State (2011)
The Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, was established in 2011. Since its inception, the university has maintained a reputation as a prestigious higher education institution, committed to delivering quality education and fostering an environment conducive to teaching, learning, research, and community service.
33. Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State (2011)
The Federal University, Wukari, was established in 2011 by the Nigerian government and is located in Wukari, Taraba State. The university was one of 12 institutions established by the federal government between 2011 and 2012. Its foundation aimed to improve access to higher education, promote research, and enhance community service.
FG plans conversion of colleges of education to universities, says minister
Meanwhile, TheRadar previously reported the plan of the federal government to convert colleges of education to universities of education.
This was disclosed by Dr Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, who explained the urgent need for the conversion because of students' declining interest in colleges of education, which has left to decline in enrollment number.
This conversion aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s eight priority areas and the ministry of education’s roadmap for 2024–2027.
