Nigeria has 53 Federal Universities, each influencing education, society, and the economy. These universities were granted and funded by the Federal government, and they have maintained high accreditation to ensure quality education and research in science, technology, arts and humanities, innovation, and knowledge for academic excellence.
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Overview Of Federal Universities in Nigeria
In Nigeria, federal universities are set up and paid for by the Federal government.
The federal ministry of education also makes rules that the institutions should follow. The universities are located in different states within the country to aid students from different areas.
The federal universities in Nigeria have been established after the country gained independence, with each pursuing its unique mission and specializations.
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Factors That Differentiate Between Federal and State Universities
**1. Money and Ownership: **Federal universities get money and are owned by the national government, while state universities are given money and are owned with the state.
Federal universities have a larger amount of sources of funding; however , they are also more likely to lose money that’s available to them.
2. Teaching Facilities: Differences between state and federal universities can also be noted in from which the teaching facilities are obtained .
3. Researching facilities: As has been mentioned, federal universities get more money, and thus, can provide research facilities with more money.
4. Number of programs: There are more programs available at the federal university than at the state.
5. Student Population: Federal universities seem to have a higher number of students, the fact that they can pool students from all over the country increases the diversity of students in the university. .
6. Infrastructure and Facilities: Federal universities seem to have better facilities and amenities such as libraries, dormitories, shopping facilities, sports areas, and buildings compared to state universities .
7. Admission Requirements: The entry requirements for federal universities seem to be higher since most only select the top students across the country. This makes the universities more competitive.
8. Tuition Fees : The charges are uniform in federal casein and cheaper compared to private ones. State universities may have varying fees based on the public access policies.
9. National Recognition: Federal universities are more known nationally, and their degrees are believed to have more values both locally and internationally.
How Many Federal Universities Are There in Nigeria?
Currently there are 53 Federal universities in different across states in Nigeria. They offer Programmes such has bachelor, master, and specialized courses.
These universities are crucial for Nigeria students, and the education system helps students gain a good education, research, new ideas, and national-level projects.
The federal universities receive money from the government to achieve their programs and improve their buildings and activities.
The number of federal universities can fluctuate because new ones can be created at any time, some may be evolved or merged, and government politics may also occur.
Therefore, it is recommended to verify recent information not only on such sources as the Federal Ministry of Education but also verify the information via its contacts.
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List Of Federal Universities In Nigeria
| S/N | FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES | WEBSITE ADDRESS | YEAR EST. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi | https://www.atbu.edu.ng | 1988 |
| 2 | Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria | https://www.abu.edu.ng | 1962 |
| 3 | Bayero University, Kano | https://www.buk.edu.ng | 1975 |
| 4 | Federal University Gashua, Yobe | https://www.fugashua.edu.ng | 2013 |
| 5 | Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun | https://www.fupre.edu.ng | 2007 |
| 6 | Federal University of Technology, Akure | https://www.futa.edu.ng | 1981 |
| 7 | Federal University of Technology, Minna | https://www.futminna.edu.ng | 1982 |
| 8 | Federal University of Technology, Owerri | https://www.futo.edu.ng | 1980 |
| 9 | Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State | https://www.fud.edu.ng/ | 2011 |
| 10 | Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina | https://www.fudutsinma.edu.ng | 2011 |
| 11 | Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State | https://www.fukashere.edu.ng | 2011 |
| 12 | Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State | https://www.fulafia.edu.ng | 2011 |
| 13 | Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State | https://www.fulokoja.edu.ng | 2011 |
| 14 | Alex Ekwueme University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State | https://www.funai.edu.ng | 2011 |
| 15 | Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa | https://www.fuotuoke.edu.ng/ | 2011 |
| 16 | Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State | https://www.fuoye.edu.ng/ | 2011 |
| 17 | Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State | https://www.fuwukari.edu.ng/ | 2011 |
| 18 | Federal University, Birnin Kebbi | https://www.fubk.edu.ng | 2013 |
| 19 | Federal University, Gusau Zamfara | https://www.fugusau.edu.ng | 2013 |
| 20 | Michael Okpara University of Agricultural Umudike | https://www.mouau.edu.ng | – |
| 21 | Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola | https://www.mautech.edu.ng | 1981 |
| 22 | National Open University of Nigeria, Lagos | https://www.nou.edu.ng | 2002 |
| 23 | Nigeria Police Academy Wudil | https://polac.edu.ng/ | 2013 |
| 24 | Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna | https://www.nda.edu.ng | 1985 |
| 25 | Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka | https://www.unizik.edu.ng | 1992 |
| 26 | Obafemi Awolowo University,Ile-Ife | https://www.oauife.edu.ng | 1962 |
| S/N | FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES | WEBSITE ADDRESS | YEAR EST. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | University of Abuja, Gwagwalada | https://www.uniabuja.edu.ng | 1988 |
| 28 | Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta | https://www.unaab.edu.ng | 1988 |
| 29 | Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi | https://www.uam.edu.ng | 1988 |
| 30 | University of Benin | https://www.uniben.edu.ng | 1970 |
| 31 | University of Calabar | https://www.unical.edu.ng | 1975 |
| 32 | University of Ibadan | https://www.ui.edu.ng | 1948 |
| 33 | University of Ilorin | https://www.unilorin.edu.ng | 1975 |
| 34 | University of Jos | https://www.unijos.edu.ng | 1975 |
| 35 | University of Lagos | https://www.unilag.edu.ng | 1962 |
| 36 | University of Maiduguri | https://www.unimaid.edu.ng | 1975 |
| 37 | University of Nigeria, Nsukka | https://www.unn.edu.ng | 1960 |
| 38 | University of Port-Harcourt | https://www.uniport.edu.ng | 1975 |
| 39 | University of Uyo | https://www.uniuyo.edu.ng | 1991 |
| 40 | Usmanu Danfodiyo University | https://www.udusok.edu.ng | 1975 |
| 41 | Nigerian Maritime University Okerenkoko, Delta State | https://www.nmu.edu.ng | 2018 |
| 42 | Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna | https://afit.edu.ng | 2018 |
| 43 | Nigerian Army University Biu | https://naub.edu.ng/ | 2018 |
| 44 | Federal University of Health Technology, Otukpo Benue State | https://www.fuhso.edu.ng/ | 2020 |
| 45 | Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru, Kebbi State | https://fuaz.edu.ng/ | 2020 |
| 46 | Federal University of Technology, Babura, Jigawa State | https://futb.edu.ng/ | 2021 |
| 47 | Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State | https://futia.edu.ng/ | 2021 |
| 48 | Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, Bauchi State | https://fuhsa.edu.ng/ | 2021 |
| 49 | Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun, Osun State | https://fuhsi.edu.ng/ | 2021 |
| 50 | David Nweze Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, Uburu | https://kdums.edu.ng/ | 2022 |
| 51 | Admiralty University Ibusa, Delta State | https://adun.edu.ng | 2023 |
| 52 | Federal University of Transportation Daura, Katsina | https://www.futd.edu.ng/ | 2022 |
| 53 | African Aviation and Aerospace University | https://aaau.edu.ng/ | 2023 |
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Are Federal Universities Cheaper Than State Universities?
It is worth considering the following points when making the cost of federal and state universities in Nigeria:
1. Tuition fees: Typically, federal universities have a uniform tuition fee established by the government and, sometimes, lower than that of private institution. At the same time, however, fees may vary depending on the course students take.
Similarly to federal universities, state institutions also have fees, the price of which can be different. It means that in certain states, fees are lower than at federal universities, whereas others have the same or even higher fees.
2. Scholarship opportunities: federal and state universities may provide scholarships for students based on grades, financial state, or any other criteria. It may help to reduce the general cost for students through any type of university.
3. Financial aid opportunities: federal universities may have access to government aid programs like loans, grants, and work-study, which support students in covering costs. State universities may have access to state aid as well, yet this type is dependent on the particular state budget.
4. Cost of living: Expense of living might also differ based on university location. For example, state universities in high-cost areas might charge students more for living than federal universities located in cheaper areas.
It is also possible that federal universities in big cities be highly priced in terms of living but offer cheaper means of living.
5. Infrastructure and amenities: Federal universities may have better library, laboratory, sports areas, and other student services due to funding they receive.
6. Additional fees: Besides tuition, students may have other fees attached to them, such as registration, housing, and books, which also vary between federal and state universities.
A federal university may have a predetermined tuition fee and some distinctive financial aid alternatives. However, the overall cost to go to either a federal or state university in Nigeria may range from campuses to campuses.
The considerations might include the university’s location, if the student can get grants, how much the student would spend to reside near the university, and any added costs .
One may consider all of these factors and others regarding one’s financial situation when selecting the university one wants to attend.
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