Top 10 best state universities in Nigeria

If you have looked up the top 10 best universities in Nigeria, you will find out that most of the universities on the list are federal universities. This begs the question, "What about the state universities in Nigeria"? Does it mean they are not doing well?

There are several state universities in Nigeria that do well and offer quality education to their students. It is unfair that some of these state universities are underrated, especially when compared to their federal counterparts.

The fact that federal universities have backing from the federal government makes it easier for them to make it to Nigeria's top ten high institutions. However, Nigerian state universities are not left out; they also produce great intellectuals.

In fact, some state universities in Nigeria have proven their worth and are doing better than some federal universities. So let's check the top 10 best state universities in Nigeria in 2021.

 What are the top 10 best state universities in Nigeria?

The top 10 best state universities in Nigeria in 2021 include:

1. Lagos State University (LASU)
2. Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH)
3. Ekiti State University (EKSU)
4. Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST)
5. Delta State University (DELSU)
6. Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)
7. Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma (AAU Ekpoma)
8. Plateau State University (PLASU)
9. Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
10. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU)

This list of the top 10 best state universities in Nigeria is according to the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other high-institution academic bodies in Nigeria. Other criteria that have been used to rate these universities include:

School records in terms of the quality of education offered

Graduates graduate each year.

Status of lecturers in the school, e.g., number of professors and PhD holders

The availability of adequate learning facilities like public address systems, lecture halls, and libraries and a conducive learning environment

Size of school and popularity of school

Let's check out each of these state universities rated among the top 10 best in Nigeria.

 1. Lagos State University (LASU)

Lagos State University (LASU) takes the number 1 spot in our list of the top 10 best state universities in Nigeria. The university was founded in 1983 by the Lagos State Government. It has over 50,000 students, with over 35,000 students applying for admission every year.

The university operates via 4 campuses in Ojo (the main campus), Surulere, Ikeja, and Epe. It also has other affiliated or external campuses.

LASU's alumni list features many notable and prominent Nigerian men and women. The school is well-equipped and offers different undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses, including an MBA program.

Aside from being one of the top 10 best state universities in Nigeria, LASU is mainly regarded as one of Nigeria's best universities to study law.

LASU has nine campuses, which include:

• Faculty of Arts
• Business Administration
• Social Sciences
• Sciences
• Law
• School of Basic Medical Sciences
• School of Clinical Sciences
• Engineering
• Education
• School fees for Lagos State University

The tuition fees for LASU range from N113,250 to N116,000, while its acceptance fee is about N20,000 for both indigenes and non-indigenes. Refer to the LASU website to view all accredited courses offered by the school.

 2. Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH)

Ondo State University of Science and Technology is the second on our list of the top 10 best state universities in Nigeria. The National Universities Commission has long accredited the school.

OSUSTECH was founded in 2010 by Governor Olusegun Mimiko and is in Okitipupa in Ondo State. Faculties present at OSUSTECH include:

• Faculty of Engineering and Engineering Technology
• Earth Sciences
• Information and Communications Technology
• Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
• Faculty of Science

 School fees for Ondo State University of Science and Technology

There seems to be a wide gap between school fees for old and new students in OSUSTECH. While new students are expected to pay fees between N100,000 and N150,000 (indigenous students) and N150,000 to N200,000 (non-indigenous students), returning students are expected to pay an estimated N70,000 for both indigenes and non-indigenes.

 3. Ekiti State University (EKSU)

This list of the top 10 best state universities in Nigeria will hardly be complete without Ekiti State University (EKSU). In Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, EKSU is one of the best state-owned universities in Nigeria.

The school was established in 1982 by late Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin's administration and was initially named Obafemi Awolowo University, Ado Ekiti.

It was changed to Ondo State University in 1985 and later to the University of Ado-Ekiti in 1999. However, its current name was given in September 2011.

The university has well-experienced lecturers with a student population of over 50,000. It also offers a conducive environment for learning.

EKSU has been accredited by NUC and offers various degree and diploma courses. Aside from running on a swift academic calendar, the school has the highest professors in Nigerian state universities.

The school has the following faculties as well:

• Faculty of Agricultural Science
• Basic Medical Sciences
• Arts
• Clinical Sciences
• Law
• Education
• Engineering
• Science
• Management Science
• Social Sciences

 School fees for Ekiti State University

The school fees for EKSU are estimated at N140,600 for full-time undergraduate studies and about N135,000 for postgraduate studies.

 4. Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST)

Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) is undoubtedly one of Nigeria's top 10 best state universities. The school focuses mainly on courses related to science and engineering.

RSUST was founded in 1972 as 'Rivers State College of Science and Technology. ' In 1980, the university's name was changed to Rivers State University of Science and Technology.

RSUST, located in Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, is the first university of technology in Nigeria and the first state university established in the Niger Delta region of the country.

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has accredited the school. The school was rated Nigeria's best e-learning institution in 2014.

RSUST boasts up to 1,870 staff and has 30,000 students enrolled in the institution. It is among the best 20 universities in Nigeria and the top 10 best state universities in Nigeria.

Rivers State University of Science and Technology might also be the best Nigerian state university for engineering and science courses. It is among the two universities in the country offering a bachelor's degree in marine engineering.

Some popular faculties in the school include:

• Faculty of Engineering
• Sciences and Sciences
• Faculty of Environmental Sciences
• Faculty of Agriculture
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Management Sciences
• Technical and Science Education faculty.
• College of Medicine

 School fees for Rivers State University of Science and Technology

RSUST school fees for returning students as of 2021 fall within the range of N50,000-N55,000 for indigenous students (depending on the course of study) and double that amount for students from other states.

School fees for new students are usually higher for all schools. School fees for indigenous new students range from N65,0000 to N85,000 (also depending on the course of study) and go as high as N145,000 for non-indigenous freshers.

 5. Delta State University (DELSU)

Also, on our list of top 10 best state universities in Nigeria is Delta State University (DELSU), in Abraka. DELSU was founded in 1992 by the Delta State Government.

The school has three campuses located about 200 km apart from each other. The school has a student population of about 36,000.

In the quality of education, DELSU can compete with other top universities in the country. The school offers a conducive environment and state-of-the-art facilities suitable for studying.

Faculties you will find at Delta State University include:

• Faculty of Arts
• Education
• Science
• Pharmacy
• Law
• Agriculture
• Engineering
• Management studies
• Environmental Studies
• Basic Medical Science

 School fees for Delta State University

DELSU school fees vary depending on faculty and whether or not you are an indigene of the state. For indigenes, school fees range between N31,000 (faculty of education) and N64,500, while non-indigenes pay N84,500.

However, fresh intakes first have to pay an acceptance fee. The acceptance fee for indigenes is N30,000, while non-indigenes have to pay N40,000.

 6. Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)

Enugu State University (ESUT) is one of the top 10 best state universities in Nigeria and has accreditation from the NUC.

ESUT was established as far back as 1980 and was initially called Anambra State University of Science and Technology (ASUSTECH). It has over 50,000 active students and is on a large hectare of land within the Enugu metropolis.

ESUT runs speedy academic sessions. They also offer both undergraduate and post-graduate programs in a well-equipped school environment.

There are nine faculties with over 50 courses being offered in the school. Although the school fees for ESUT are a bit on the top side, it is no doubt one of the top 10 best state-owned universities in Nigeria.

Faculties in ESUT include:

• Faculty of Agricultural and Natural Resources Management
• Applied Natural Sciences
• Engineering
• Education
• Environmental Sciences
• Management Sciences
• Law
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Social Sciences

 School fees for Enugu State University

School fees for ESUT are about N125,000 for all levels except 100 level students, who are to pay an estimated #130,000 plus an additional N25,000 acceptance fee. Students who pay late are mandated to pay an additional N10,500 for late payment.

 7. Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma (AAU Ekpoma)

Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma (AAU), is in Edo State. It is one of Nigeria's top 10 best state universities in 2021.

It was established by Professor Ambrose Folorunsho Alli, the then governor of the old Bendel State.

Initially, the university was named Bendel State University but then changed to Edo State University when Edo State was created. After a while, it was renamed Ambrose Alli University to honour the governor who established the institution.

Initially, the school was ravaged by the activities of cultists, but thanks to a change of VC, who overhauled the school's system and pulled the school back.

Today, AAU is known and rated as one of the top 10 best state universities to study in Nigeria. It has some of the best academic facilities for research and learning. NUC has also accredited the school.

Currently, AAU is working towards digitalization to bring it to the best state-owned university in Nigeria.

AAU has eight colleges, which include:

• Natural Sciences
• Arts and Social Sciences
• Agriculture and Natural Sciences
• Engineering and technology
• Education
• Legal Studies
• Environmental design
• Medical Science
• School fees for Ambrose Ali University

The school fees for AAU are pretty affordable compared to most other state universities. School fees range between 40,000 and 50,000 for old students and N97,000 to N162,000 for new students, depending on your course of study.

AAU allows you to pay school fees in instalments (twice). However, every new student must first pay an acceptance fee (N75,000 for medical students and N60,000 for other students).

 8. Plateau State University (PLASU)

A school in the middle belt also made it to our list of the top 10 best state universities in Nigeria. Plateau State University (PLASU) was established in 2005 and got NUC accreditation about a decade later.

The school further approved 18 courses immediately after the accreditation. Today, the school is fully equipped to run undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

PLASU is also a good place to study for part-time and diploma programmes. The university has some of the best lecturers in various fields of study, and this has helped the school gain recognition as a reputable state university in the country.

 School fees for Plateau State University

PLASU school fees for indigenous students is about N50,000, while non-indigenous students pay about N100,000 in tuition fees. The acceptance fee for this school is N5,000. It is one of the most affordable state-owned universities in Nigeria.

 9. Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)

Number nine on our list of the top 10 best state universities in Nigeria is Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU). This university was founded in 1982.

OOU was initially called Ogun State University and is undoubtedly ranked one of the best universities in Nigeria. It was renamed OOU in 2001 in honour of Dr Olabisi Onabanjo, the governor who made the effort to establish the university.

OOU offers different undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma courses and has been fully accredited by the National Universities Commission. The school has many students (over 60,000) enrolled in its institutions.

OOU has different campuses, with the main campus situated in Ago Iwoye. There are currently 9 faculty and over 87 courses offered at OOU.

The faculties in the school include:

• Science
• Art
• Law
• Education
• Basic Medical Sciences
• The Obafemi Awolowo College of Medicine
• Social and Management Science
• Engineering and Environmental Science

 School fees for Olabisi Onabanjo University

School fees for OOU returning students are within the range of N80,000 to N104,000. New students are to pay an acceptance fee of N60,000.

 10. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU)

Chukuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University remains one of the best state universities in Nigeria. The school was established in 2000. Even after a name change, some people still refer to the school by its former name- Anambra State University.

COOU can also be one of the most popular universities, especially in Nigeria. The school offers diploma, part-time and full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

COOU has always been the choice of students, especially those in the southeast, because of the quality of education it offers.

COOU has been fully accredited by NUC and has the following faculties:

• Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
• Faculty of Natural Science
• Faculty of management science
• Faculty of Education
• Faculty of Physical Sciences
• Faculty of Environmental Sciences
• Faculty of Engineering
• Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences

 School fees for Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University

Even though ANSU school fees are a bit on the high side, it is still ranked as one of Nigeria's top 10 best state universities. So, at least you are sure of getting something good for your money.

School fees depend on the level. For instance, while 100 level students are expected to pay an estimated N137,000–N252,000, 400-level and 500-level students will be expected to pay about N108,000.