The best state university in Nigeria has contributed to the pioneer development of education in Nigeria, as it helped to fill the gap that is meant to be fulfilled by Federal universities, as some of the federal universities can’t accommodate the number of students who aspire to further their education, and they are fond of accommodating students more easily than most federal universities.
State University has also helped to accelerate student education, as it is closer to the local community than most federal institutions in Nigeria. Scattered across the federation in Nigeria, they have helped to admit a larger number of students, because each state in Nigeria has its own university.
When state universities are accessible and have helped to close the gap left by the federal university, they also have their own limitations, as some state universities are understaffed, lack adequate facilities, and often have few departments due to accreditation issues.
That is why some state universities in Nigeria have excelled more than the others in terms of academic excellence and quality of students produced by such institutions due to facilities, quality lecturers, and accredited departments.
For students struggling to get admission into federal universities, a state university is your best choice. Interested in studying in state universities, below are the 7 best state universities in Nigeria. They are ranked based on the number of facilities, Quality teachers, and accredited departments.
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7 Best State Universities in Nigeria
1. Lagos State University (LASU)
Lagos State University, popularly called LASU, is the first best state university established in 1983 by the Lagos State government to provide advanced education in the state.
With its main campus situated at Ojo, Lagos State, while the other campuses are at Ikeja and Epe. The university has evolved into a 21st-century university due to extensive investment by the Lagos State Government in the University. The university has established itself as one of the best state universities in Nigeria due to its age of establishment.
The university is equipped with experienced lecturers, adequate facilities, and has risen in ranks to fill the shoes left by the federal university. They offer all courses ranging from education to medicine and surgery, for students who are aspiring to study these courses, these serve as a better alternative than waiting for years in federally owned universities.
It is one of the universities in Nigeria that has not lost its ranking every year as they continue to maintain their standard over the years and have not lost their credibility; they are known for producing quality students over the years.
2. River State University (RSU)
Established in October 1980, from the River State College of Science and Technology.Located at Nkpolu-oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Riverser State.
The university pioneers itself as the first technological university in Nigeria and the first state-owned university in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Boosting the population of over 28,000 students, this university pioneers itself as a pinnacle of education among the state universities in Nigeria. Not lacking in infrastructure, the university is well equipped with adequate facilities for a seamless student experience.
Not only is the university well-equipped with adequate facilities, but it also offers some top courses that are admired by most aspirants who are seeking admission. Their accredited departments range from the Department of Education to Medicine and Surgery. It also offers courses like Radiography, Public Health, and a lot more.
3. Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUTECH)
Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUTECH) was established in 2008 under the leadership of Governor Olusegun Agagu. The university was named Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology after the former Ondo State Governor, before it was changed to Ondo State University of Science and Technology
The university, though established in 208, commenced its operation in 2011. It is the youngest state-owned university established in Nigeria. The university has solidified its footing in the area of excellence in the quality of students produced by the institution annually.
Equipped with facilities. The university, being a science school, is not limited to this, as they also offer courses in management and social science, such as Accounting, Economics, and a lot more, but as of current, they don’t offer any Art courses.
The institution offers courses in science, such as nursing, public health, and other science courses, but they are limited to medicine and surgery, as the university does not currently offer this. In the year 2021, the university is ranked in the top 10 state universities in Nigeria despite being established in 2008.
4. Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
Established on 7 July 1982. The university was renamed from Ogun State University to Olabisi Onabanjo University in 2001 in memory of the governor who founded the university during his tenure. The university is situated in Ago-Iwoyeye, Ogun State.
Boosting over 50,000 students, including undergraduate and post-graduate students. The university is one of the state universities that boasts such a number of students; however, it should be noted that this is due to the excellence of the university.
The university is equipped with adequate facilities for a seamless experience, and the university offers courses such as medicine and surgery, public heamuchand a lot more. The university is accredited by the NUC, having fulfilled the requirements that are needed for all departments.
The university is affiliated with its teaching university, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital. The university teaching hospital is also an advantage.
5. Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma (AAU Ekpoma)
Established in 1981 in Bendel state, which is now known as Edo State, by the former governor Ambrose Ali, the institution is named after its founder.
Situated in Edo State, Nigeria.The university well-renowned state university in the Midwest of the country. Known for its academic excellence and quality students produced, the university is also renowned for its strict enforcement of discipline, as these can be seen in the dismal of four lecturers who are found guilty of engaging in scandal.
The university is also known for its adequate facilities and good infrastructure, plus a well-accredited department. The university has about 14 faculties in total, with relevant departments under its umbrella ranging from Social Science to Basic Science and a lot more. The university offers courses in relevant fields like medicine and surgery, medical and laboratory science, law, and many more.
6. Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)
Established in 1980 as the first state university in Nigeria. It is one of the top-ranking technology universities in Nigeria. The university has positioned itself as one of the advancing universities in Nigeria, meeting the top standard of 21st-century universities.
Located in Agbani, Enugu State. The university has 201 departments ranging from the department of education in relevant fields of study to economics, law, and they also offer degrees in public health and medicine, and surgery..
The university also has the College of Medicine. The university campuses stretch across three different locations, including Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Enugu State College of Medicine, and Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu campus, to accommodate its large number of students. Plus, the university being close to the regular transport road that travels across the federation makes it easily accessible.
7. Ekiti State University (EKSU)
Established in 1982. EKSU is a state university founded by the late former governor of Ondo st, Michael Adekunle Ajasin, who also established Adekunle Ajasin Akungba-Akoko. The university is a university with history, being the first university in Nigeria to have its name changed,o ur times not due to but as a result of a change in administration. The university’s efficiency is up to standard due to its adequate facilities and infrastructure.
With over 25,000 students. The university is pioneering as one of the leading state universities in the southwestern part of Nigeria. The university runs 14 faculties with numerous departments under them, including economics, accounting, and education. They also offer admission into relevant science fields like medicine and surgery, nursing, anatomy, and physiology.
The Ekiti State University is also notable for its alumni with the current Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State who is the current Governor of Ogun State. The university is also home to the indigene of the Ekiti people, who are fond of the popular Yoruba delicacy, pounded yams.
FAQs
What Makes a State University “The Best in Nigeria”
The best university in Nigeria is ranked based on infrastructure, facilities, staff, accreditation status, and the number of courses offered by the institution.
How Do State Universities Differ from Federal Universities
State Universities differ from federal universities in terms of admission, as most universities will offer admission to the indigene of that particular state before considering other statuses, and they can be susceptible to low funding and are prone to frequent strikes.
Are State Universities’ degrees recognized nationally and internationally
Yes. Degrees gotten from state universities are the same as those obtained from federal universities, as long as the institution is accredited National Universities Commission(NUC)
Are State Universities more Affordable than federal or private Universities
State universities’ tuition fees are slightly higher than most federal tuition fees, but are lower than private universities.
Conclusion
The best state university in Nigeria has been evolving to meet the standard that is being produced by most federal universities, but there are still gaps in terms of funding and staff shortage. But they are the best to go to when you put various factors like accessibility, easy admission, and lower fees compared to private universities.
Different state universities offer admission to indigents into indigents first before other applicants, so you should choose your state university for easy admission and take different factors like fees and courses offered by the institution.