In Nigeria, education is very important, and the government has built many universities across the country. These universities are owned and run by the federal government, which means they are funded by the government. They are spread across different states so that people in all parts of the country can have access to quality education.
As of 2023, there are 57 federal universities in Nigeria. Each of these universities was set up at different times and for different reasons, but their main aim is to provide education to Nigerian students.
List of Federal Universities in Nigeria
Below is a list of federal universities in Nigeria along with the year they were established:
| S/N | University Name | Year Established |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi | 1988 |
| 2 | Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria | 1962 |
| 3 | Bayero University, Kano | 1975 |
| 4 | Federal University Gashua, Yobe | 2013 |
| 5 | Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun | 2007 |
| 6 | Federal University of Technology, Akure | 1981 |
| 7 | Federal University of Technology, Minna | 1982 |
| 8 | Federal University of Technology, Owerri | 1980 |
| 9 | Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State | 2011 |
| 10 | Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina | 2011 |
| 11 | Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State | 2011 |
| 12 | Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State | 2011 |
| 13 | Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State | 2011 |
| 14 | Alex Ekwueme University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State | 2011 |
| 15 | Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa | 2011 |
| 16 | Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State | 2011 |
| 17 | Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State | 2011 |
| 18 | Federal University, Birnin Kebbi | 2013 |
| 19 | Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara | 2013 |
| 20 | Michael Okpara University of Agricultural Umudike | 1992 |
| 21 | Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola | 1981 |
| 22 | National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja | 2002 |
| 23 | Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil | 2013 |
| 24 | Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna | 1985 |
| 25 | Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka | 1992 |
| 26 | Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife | 1962 |
| 27 | University of Abuja, Gwagwalada | 1988 |
| 28 | Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta | 1988 |
| 29 | Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi | 1988 |
| 30 | University of Benin | 1970 |
| 31 | University of Calabar | 1975 |
| 32 | University of Ibadan | 1948 |
| 33 | University of Ilorin | 1975 |
| 34 | University of Jos | 1975 |
| 35 | University of Lagos | 1962 |
| 36 | University of Maiduguri | 1975 |
| 37 | University of Nigeria, Nsukka | 1960 |
| 38 | University of Port-Harcourt | 1975 |
| 39 | University of Uyo | 1991 |
| 40 | Usumanu Danfodiyo University | 1975 |
| 41 | Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State | 2018 |
| 42 | Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna | 2018 |
| 43 | Nigerian Army University, Biu | 2018 |
| 44 | Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State | 2020 |
| 45 | Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru, Kebbi State | 2020 |
| 46 | Federal University of Technology, Babura, Jigawa State | 2021 |
| 47 | Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom | 2021 |
| 48 | Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, Bauchi State | 2021 |
| 49 | Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun, Osun | 2021 |
| 50 | David Nweze Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, Uburu | 2022 |
| 51 | Admiralty University Ibusa, Delta State | 2023 |
| 52 | Federal University of Transportation, Daura, Katsina | 2022 |
| 53 | African Aviation and Aerospace University | 2023 |
| 54 | National University of Science and Technology, Abuja | 2023 |
| 55 | Federal University of Agriculture, Bassam-Biri, Bayelsa | 2023 |
| 56 | Federal University of Health Sciences, Kwale, Delta State | 2023 |
| 57 | Federal University of Health Sciences, Katsina | 2023 |
| 58 | Federal University of Agriculture, Mubi | 2023 |
| 59 | Federal University of Education, Zaria, Kaduna State | 2023 |
| 60 | Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Imo | 2023 |
| 61 | Federal University of Education, Kano | 2023 |
| 62 | Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo | 2023 |
READ ALSO: Top 10 Best Federal Universities in Nigeria
Types of Federal Universities in Nigeria
There are different kinds of federal universities in Nigeria. They include:
- General Universities :– These universities offer many courses in different fields, including science, arts, and social sciences. Some examples are:
- University of Ibadan
- University of Lagos
- Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
- Universities of Technology :– These focus more on science and technology courses, preparing students for technical and engineering jobs. Examples include:
- Federal University of Technology, Akure
- Federal University of Technology, Minna
- Federal University of Technology, Owerri
- Universities of Agriculture :– These universities teach courses related to farming and agricultural science. Some examples are:
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
- Michael Okpara University of Agricultural Umudike
- Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru
- Specialized Universities :– These are universities set up for special purposes. For example, the Nigerian Defense Academy in Kaduna trains military officers, while the Nigerian Maritime University focuses on courses related to the sea and shipping.
Importance of Federal Universities
Federal universities are important because they provide affordable education to many Nigerians. Unlike private universities, federal universities have lower school fees, making it easier for students from poor backgrounds to attend. These universities also provide opportunities for students to learn from experienced teachers and take part in different kinds of research.
Another key point about federal universities is that they are spread across the country. No matter where a person lives in Nigeria, there is likely a federal university nearby. This makes it possible for students who cannot travel far from home to still get a good education.
Challenges Faced by Federal Universities
Even though federal universities play a big role in educating Nigerians, they face some challenges. Some of these challenges include:
- Overcrowding: Many of these universities have more students than they can handle. This is because the number of people who want to go to university is higher than the available spaces.
- Insufficient Funding: Sometimes, the money provided by the government is not enough to take care of all the needs of the universities, such as building classrooms, buying equipment, and paying staff.
- Strikes: From time to time, federal universities go on strike. This happens when the workers in the university, like the lecturers and non-academic staff, are not happy with their pay or working conditions.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s federal universities are an important part of the country’s education system. They provide affordable education to millions of students across the country. While there are challenges, including overcrowding and insufficient funding, the role these universities play in shaping the future of Nigeria cannot be overlooked. With proper care and funding, they can continue to grow and improve, helping to develop the talents of young Nigerians.