Nigeria operates one of the largest higher education systems in Africa, with institutions regulated by different bodies depending on their category. Universities are regulated by the National Universities Commission (NUC), polytechnics and technical institutions by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and colleges of education by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).

Due to frequent approvals, upgrades, and name changes, many online lists are outdated, incomplete, or poorly organized. This guide provides a clean, structured, and regularly updated list of Nigerian tertiary institutions, grouped by region and institution type to make verification and research easier for students, parents, and educators.

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Summary of Tertiary Institutions by Region in Nigeria

Note:

Figures represent currently licensed and operating institutions listed in this guide. Totals may change due to new approvals, upgrades, mergers, or regulatory actions.

Tertiary Institutions in South East Nigeria

The South East consists of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States. The region is known for a strong concentration of universities, technical institutions, and health-related colleges.

Federal Universities in South East Nigeria

These institutions are owned and funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria:

• University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
• Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
• Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike
• Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike
• David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu
• Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu

State Universities in South East Nigeria

Owned and managed by state governments:

• Abia State University
• Ebonyi State University
• Enugu State University of Science and Technology
• Imo State University
• Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University
• Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University
• University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo
• State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, Igbo-Eno

Private Universities in South East Nigeria

Licensed private universities operating in the region:

• Caritas University
• Godfrey Okoye University
• Gregory University
• Renaissance University
• Tansian University
• Clifford University
• Coal City University
• Spiritan University
• Shanahan University
• Maduka University
• Nigerian British University
• Lux Mundi University
• Peter University
• Paul University
• Rhema University
• Evangel University
• Hezekiah University
• Maranathan University
• Legacy University
• Hallmark University

Federal Polytechnics in South East Nigeria

These polytechnics are regulated by NBTE:

• Federal Polytechnic, Nekede
• Federal Polytechnic, Oko
• Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana
• Federal Polytechnic, Isuochi
• Federal Polytechnic, Ohodo

State Polytechnics in South East Nigeria

• Abia State Polytechnic
• Anambra State Polytechnic, Mgbakwu
• Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo
• Imo State Polytechnic, Omuma
• Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu

Private Polytechnics in South East Nigeria

• Covenant Polytechnic, Aba
• Grundtvig Polytechnic, Oba
• Marist Polytechnic, Emene
• Mater Dei Polytechnic
• Our Saviour Institute of Science, Agriculture and Technology
• Temple Gate Polytechnic, Aba
• Valley View Polytechnic, Ohafia
• Uma Ukpai Polytechnic, Ohafia

Colleges of Education in South East Nigeria

Federal Colleges of Education

• Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education
• Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu
• Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze
• Federal College of Education (Technical), Isu

State Colleges of Education

• Abia State College of Education (Technical)
• Ebonyi State College of Education
• Enugu State College of Education (Technical)
• Imo State College of Education
• Nwafor Orizu College of Education
• The College of Education, Nsukka
• Uli College of Education

Private Colleges of Education

• St. Paul’s College of Education, Nnewi
• Peaceland College of Education, Enugu
• Havard Wilson College of Education
• Ebenezer College of Education, Amangwu
• Elizabeth Memorial College of Education, Nsukka

Colleges of Health Sciences and Nursing in South East Nigeria

These institutions focus on nursing, health technology, and allied medical programs:

• College of Health Technology, Aba
• College of Health Technology, Oji River
• School of Health Technology, Iyi-Enu
• Federal School of Dental Technology and Therapy, Enugu
• School of Health Information Management, NAUTH, Nnewi
• College of Nursing Sciences, UNTH, Enugu
• Imo State College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Amaigbo
• Peaceland College of Health Sciences and Technology, Enugu

Important Note on Verification

Approval status may change due to upgrades, mergers, or regulatory actions. Students are advised to confirm current accreditation status through NUC, NBTE, or NCCE before applying.

Tertiary Institutions in South South Nigeria

South South Nigeria consists of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers States. The region has a strong concentration of federal universities, petroleum and maritime institutions, polytechnics, colleges of education, and health science schools, largely influenced by oil, gas, marine, and industrial activities.

Federal Universities in South South Nigeria

These universities are owned and funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria:

• University of Benin (UNIBEN)
• University of Calabar (UNICAL)
• University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
• University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
• Federal University, Otuoke
• Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun
• Federal University of Agriculture, Bassam-Biri
• Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi
• Federal University of Health Sciences, Kwale
• Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko

State Universities in South South Nigeria

Owned and managed by state governments:

• Akwa Ibom State University
• Ambrose Alli University
• Bayelsa Medical University
• Cross River University of Technology
• Delta State University
• Dennis Osadebey University
• Edo State University
• Ignatius Ajuru University of Education
• Niger Delta University
• Rivers State University
• Southern Delta University
• University of Africa, Toru-Orua
• University of Delta

Private Universities in South South Nigeria

Licensed private universities operating in the region:

• Admiralty University of Nigeria
• Arthur Jarvis University
• Benson Idahosa University
• British Canadian University
• Edwin Clark University
• Glorious Vision University
• Havilla University
• Hensard University
• Igbinedion University
• Lighthouse University
• Madonna University
• Margaret Lawrence University
• Michael and Cecilia Ibru University
• Mudiame University
• Novena University
• Obong University
• PAMO University of Medical Sciences
• Ritman University
• Sports University, Idumuje-Ugboko
• The Duke Medical University
• Topfaith University
• Wellspring University
• Western Delta University
• Wigwe University

Federal Polytechnics and Specialized Institutes in South South Nigeria

These institutions are regulated by NBTE and other federal agencies:

• Auchi Polytechnic
• Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny
• Federal Polytechnic, Orogun
• Federal Polytechnic, Ugep
• Federal Polytechnic, Ukana
• Maritime Academy of Nigeria
• National Institute of Construction Technology and Management, Uromi
• Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun

State Polytechnics in South South Nigeria

• Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic
• Bayelsa State Polytechnic
• Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku
• Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara
• Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro
• Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu
• Edo State Polytechnic
• Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic
• Port Harcourt Polytechnic

Private Polytechnics in South South Nigeria

• Bellarks Polytechnic, Kwale
• Brainfill Polytechnic, Ikot Ekpene
• Calvary Polytechnic, Owo-Oyibu
• Eastern Polytechnic, Port Harcourt
• Foundation Polytechnic, Ikot Ekpene
• Global Polytechnic, Benin
• Heritage Polytechnic
• Hope Polytechnic, Ikono
• Ibom Metropolitan Polytechnic, Uyo
• Kings Polytechnic
• Lighthouse Polytechnic
• Loam Polytechnic, Ikono
• NOGAK Polytechnic, Ikom
• Shaka Polytechnic, Benin City
• Southern Atlantic Polytechnic, Uyo
• Sure Foundation Polytechnic
• Trinity Polytechnic, Uyo

Colleges of Education in South South Nigeria

Federal Colleges of Education

• Federal College of Education, Obudu
• Federal College of Education, Edo
• Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba
• Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku

State Colleges of Education

• Akwa Ibom State College of Education
• College of Education, Akamkpa
• College of Education, Ekiadolor
• College of Education, Warri
• Cross River State College of Education
• Delta State College of Physical Education
• Edo State College of Education
• Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education

Private Colleges of Education

• Elder Oyama Memorial College of Education
• Emamor College of Education
• MCF College of Education, Agbarha-Otor
• Nosakhare College of Education
• Steady Flow College of Education
• Bishop Camillus Elokudoh College of Health Science and Technology

Colleges of Health Sciences, Nursing, and Technology in South South Nigeria

These institutions focus on nursing, midwifery, health technology, and allied health programs:

• College of Health Technology, Calabar
• Rivers State College of Health Sciences and Management Technology
• School of Health Technology, Benin City
• School of Health Technology, Etinan
• Bayelsa State College of Health Technology, Otuogidi
• Bayelsa State College of Nursing Sciences, Tombia-Ekpetiama
• Akwa Ibom State College of Nursing Science
• Cross River State College of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences
• Delta State School of Health Technology, Ughelli
• Institute of Health Technology, UBTH, Benin
• School of Health Information Management, UCTH, Calabar
• School of Health Information Management, UPTH, Port Harcourt
• School of Health Information Management, University of Uyo
• School of Nursing, University of Benin Teaching Hospital
• Centenary College of Health Science and Technology, Emohua

Tertiary Institutions in South West Nigeria

South West Nigeria comprises Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti States. The region is widely regarded as Nigeria’s academic and innovation hub, hosting the country’s oldest universities, strongest private institutions, and a high concentration of polytechnics, colleges of education, and professional schools.

Federal Universities in South West Nigeria

These institutions are owned and funded by the Federal Government:

• University of Ibadan (UI)
• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
• Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
• Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)
• Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
• Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun
• Federal University of Health Sciences, Ijero-Ekiti
• Federal University of Education, Abeokuta

State Universities in South West Nigeria

Owned and managed by state governments:

• Lagos State University (LASU)
• Olabisi Onabanjo University
• Tai Solarin University of Education
• Osun State University
• Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
• Ekiti State University
• Adekunle Ajasin University
• Ondo State University of Science and Technology
• Lagos State University of Science and Technology
• Lagos State University of Education
• University of Medical Sciences, Ondo
• Osun State University of Health Sciences
• First Technical University, Ibadan

Private Universities in South West Nigeria

South West Nigeria has the highest number of private universities in the country:

• Covenant University
• Babcock University
• Bowen University
• Redeemer’s University
• Lead City University
• Afe Babalola University
• Ajayi Crowther University
• Crescent University
• Fountain University
• Hallmark University
• Kings University
• McPherson University
• Mountain Top University
• Pan-Atlantic University
• Anchor University
• Augustine University
• Caleb University
• Chrisland University
• Dominican University
• Elizade University
• Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences
• Hezekiah University
• Koladaisi University
• Landmark University
• MIVA Open University
• Mountain Top University
• Obong University
• Oduduwa University
• Precious Cornerstone University
• Redeemer’s University
• Summit University
• Trinity University
• Wellspring University
• Westland University
• Wigwe University

Federal Polytechnics and Specialized Institutes in South West Nigeria

• Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro
• Federal Polytechnic, Ede
• Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti
• Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji
• Yaba College of Technology
• Nigerian Institute of Journalism
• Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology
• National Institute of Construction Technology and Management

State Polytechnics in South West Nigeria

• Lagos State Polytechnic
• The Polytechnic, Ibadan
• Osun State Polytechnic
• Rufus Giwa Polytechnic
• D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic
• Gateway ICT Polytechnic
• Ekiti State Polytechnic
• Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology
• Oke-Ogun Polytechnic
• Osun State College of Technology
• Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate

Private Polytechnics in South West Nigeria

• Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic
• Allover Central Polytechnic
• Best Solution Polytechnic
• Bolmor Polytechnic
• Calvary Polytechnic
• Crown Polytechnic
• Grace Polytechnic
• Interlink Polytechnic
• Kings Polytechnic
• Moshood Abiola Polytechnic
• Ronik Polytechnic
• Tower Polytechnic
• Wolex Polytechnic

Colleges of Education in South West Nigeria

Federal Colleges of Education

• Federal College of Education, Osiele
• Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo
• Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka
• Federal College of Education (Technical), Ondo

State Colleges of Education

• Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education
• Emmanuel Alayande College of Education
• Michael Otedola College of Primary Education
• Osun State College of Education
• Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun
• College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti
• College of Education, Ilesa
• College of Education, Omuo-Ekiti

Private Colleges of Education

• Cornerstone College of Education
• Delar College of Education
• ECWA College of Education
• Ibadan City College of Education
• Muftau Olanrewaju College of Education
• Peaceland College of Education
• St. Augustine College of Education

Colleges of Health Sciences, Nursing, and Technology in South West Nigeria

• Lagos State College of Health Technology
• Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology
• Ogun State College of Health Technology
• Ondo State College of Health Technology
• Ekiti State College of Health Sciences and Technology
• Osun State College of Health Technology
• Lagos State College of Nursing
• Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery
• Ogun State College of Nursing Sciences
• Ondo State College of Nursing Sciences
• Ekiti State College of Nursing Sciences
• School of Nursing, UCH Ibadan
• School of Nursing, LUTH Lagos
• School of Health Information Management, UCH Ibadan
• School of Health Information Management, OAUTHC Ile-Ife
• School of Health Information Management, LASUTH

Tertiary Institutions in North Central Nigeria

North Central Nigeria, often called the Middle Belt, includes Abuja (FCT), Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau States. The region hosts a balanced mix of federal, state, and private institutions, with strong representation in agriculture, science, education, technology, and health-related programs.

Federal Universities in North Central Nigeria

These universities are owned and funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria:

• University of Abuja
• University of Ilorin
• Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi
• Federal University of Technology, Minna
• Federal University, Lokoja
• Federal University, Lafia
• Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo
• Nigerian Defence Academy (Degree-awarding)
• National Open University of Nigeria (Headquarters, Abuja)

State Universities in North Central Nigeria

Owned and managed by state governments:

• Benue State University
• Kogi State University
• Kogi State University of Science and Technology
• Kwara State University
• Nasarawa State University
• Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University
• Plateau State University
• Prince Abubakar Audu University
• Confluence University of Science and Technology
• University of Jos (state-supported origin, now federal but regionally significant)

Private Universities in North Central Nigeria

Private universities in the region are growing rapidly:

• Baze University
• Nile University of Nigeria
• Veritas University
• Al-Hikmah University
• Landmark University
• Summit University
• Salem University
• Philomath University
• Thomas Adewumi University
• Ahman Pategi University
• Crown Hill University
• University of Offa
• Coal City University (regional proximity)
• Margaret Lawrence University
• Kwararafa University
• Maduka University

Federal Polytechnics in North Central Nigeria

• Federal Polytechnic, Bida
• Federal Polytechnic, Offa
• Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa
• Federal Polytechnic, Idah
• Federal Polytechnic, Mubi (regional relevance)
• National Institute of Construction Technology and Management, Uromi (regional access)

State Polytechnics in North Central Nigeria

• Kwara State Polytechnic
• Nasarawa State Polytechnic
• Benue State Polytechnic
• Niger State Polytechnic
• Plateau State Polytechnic
• Kogi State Polytechnic
• Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic (regional access)
• College of Agriculture, Lafia
• College of Agriculture, Kabba

Private Polytechnics in North Central Nigeria

• Grace Polytechnic
• The Polytechnic, Otada-Adoka
• Tower Polytechnic
• Interlink Polytechnic
• Allover Central Polytechnic
• Best Solution Polytechnic

Colleges of Education in North Central Nigeria

Federal Colleges of Education

• Federal College of Education, Okene
• Federal College of Education, Pankshin
• Federal College of Education, Zuba
• Federal College of Education (Technical), Potiskum (regional access)

State Colleges of Education

• College of Education, Ankpa
• College of Education, Akwanga
• College of Education, Gindiri
• College of Education, Minna
• College of Education, Oro
• College of Education, Katsina-Ala

Private Colleges of Education

• African Thinkers Community of Inquiry College of Education
• City College of Education
• Cornerstone College of Education
• ECWA College of Education, Jos

Colleges of Health Sciences and Nursing in North Central Nigeria

• Plateau State College of Health Technology
• Niger State College of Health Technology
• Benue State College of Health Technology
• Nasarawa State College of Health Technology
• Kwara State College of Health Technology
• School of Nursing, National Hospital Abuja
• School of Nursing, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital
• School of Nursing, Jos University Teaching Hospital
• School of Health Information Management, UITH Ilorin
• School of Health Information Management, JUTH Jos

Tertiary Institutions in North West Nigeria

North West Nigeria consists of Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States. The region is one of the most academically dense in Nigeria, hosting some of the oldest universities, large student populations, and highly competitive federal institutions.

The North West is especially known for engineering, medicine, agriculture, Islamic studies, education, and science based programs, with a strong presence of federal and state owned institutions.

Federal Universities in North West Nigeria

These universities are funded and managed by the Federal Government:

• Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
• Bayero University, Kano
• Federal University, Birnin Kebbi
• Federal University, Dutse
• Federal University, Gusau
• Federal University, Dutsin-Ma
• Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru
• Federal University of Education, Zaria
• Federal University of Technology, Minna regional access

Ahmadu Bello University remains one of the largest and most influential universities in Nigeria, particularly in medicine, engineering, law, and education.

State Universities in North West Nigeria

Established and owned by state governments:

• Kaduna State University
• Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil
• Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina
• Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero
• Sokoto State University
• Zamfara State University
• Jigawa State University
• Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto
• Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano

Private Universities in North West Nigeria

Private universities in the region are fewer but expanding steadily:

• Al-Qalam University, Katsina
• Skyline University, Kano
• Maryam Abacha American University, Kano
• Azman University, Kano
• Ahmadu Bello University affiliate private initiatives
• Miva Open University study centers
• National Open University of Nigeria regional centers

Federal Polytechnics in North West Nigeria

• Federal Polytechnic, Kaduna
• Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi
• Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda
• Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic, Kazaure
• Federal Polytechnic, Ede regional intake
• Federal Polytechnic, Zaria technical access

State Polytechnics in North West Nigeria

• Kaduna Polytechnic
• Kano State Polytechnic
• Jigawa State Polytechnic
• Kebbi State Polytechnic
• Zamfara State Polytechnic
• Sokoto State Polytechnic
• College of Agriculture, Zuru
• College of Agriculture, Bakura

Kaduna Polytechnic is one of the largest polytechnics in West Africa, offering extensive technical and professional programs.

Private Polytechnics in North West Nigeria

• Crown Polytechnic
• Interlink Polytechnic
• Mudiame Polytechnic regional enrollment
• Al-Muhibbah Polytechnic
• Lens Polytechnic initiatives

Most private polytechnics in the region focus on business, ICT, engineering technology, and entrepreneurship.

Colleges of Education in North West Nigeria

Federal Colleges of Education

• Federal College of Education, Zaria
• Federal College of Education, Kano
• Federal College of Education (Technical), Gusau
• Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi
• Federal College of Education (Special), Kafanchan regional access

State Colleges of Education

• College of Education, Gidan Waya
• College of Education, Maru
• College of Education, Argungu
• Shehu Shagari College of Education
• Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kumbotso
• Zamfara State College of Education

Private Colleges of Education

• Al-Qalam College of Education
• Skyline College of Education
• ECWA College of Education initiatives

Colleges of Health Sciences and Nursing in North West Nigeria

• College of Health Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University
• College of Health Sciences, Bayero University Kano
• Kaduna State College of Nursing and Midwifery
• School of Nursing, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital
• School of Nursing, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital
• School of Nursing, Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi
• College of Health Technology, Zuru
• College of Health Technology, Tsafe
• College of Health Technology, Kazaure

Conclusion

Nigeria has one of the most diverse and complex higher education systems in Africa, with hundreds of universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and health institutions spread across all six geopolitical zones.

This guide provides a structured, region by region breakdown of Nigerian tertiary institutions to help students, parents, educators, and researchers easily verify schools, compare options, and make informed academic decisions.

Because institutional approvals, upgrades, and name changes occur regularly, readers are strongly advised to always confirm the current accreditation status of any institution through the National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), or National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) before applying.

This article will continue to be updated as new institutions are approved and existing ones are upgraded.

FAQs

How many tertiary institutions are in Nigeria?

Nigeria has several hundred tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and specialized health and technical schools. The exact number changes frequently due to new approvals and upgrades.

Which body regulates universities in Nigeria?

Universities in Nigeria are regulated by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Who regulates polytechnics and colleges of education?

Polytechnics and technical institutions are regulated by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), while colleges of education are regulated by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).

Are private universities accredited in Nigeria?

Yes. Private universities must receive approval and accreditation from the NUC before admitting students and awarding degrees.

How can I verify if a school is accredited?

You should verify accreditation directly from the official websites or published lists of NUC, NBTE, or NCCE depending on the institution type.

Is this list updated regularly?

Yes. This guide is designed to be updated as new institutions are approved or existing ones change status.