Nigeria’s university landscape has expanded significantly in 2025, with the National Universities Commission (NUC) granting approval for 33 new institutions, bringing the total number of universities in the country to 309.
Details published on the commission’s official website show that private investors accounted for the majority of the new approvals.
Of the 33 newly licensed universities, 20 are privately owned, while the federal government established seven and state governments created six.
Federal Universities Spread Across Seven States
The newly created federal universities are located in Rivers, Kaduna, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Oyo, and Zamfara states, further extending the federal presence in tertiary education.
Among them are the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Tai, Rivers State; the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, Kaduna State; the Federal University of Agriculture and Developmental Studies in Iragbiji, Osun State; the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Studies in Iyin-Ekiti, Ekiti State; and the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology in Okeho, Oyo State.
State Governments Deepen Investment
State governments also strengthened their higher education systems.
Niger, Benue, Cross River, and Imo states each established one new university, while Ebonyi State added two institutions.
Notable additions include Abdulsalam Abubakar University of Agriculture and Climate Action in Mokwa, Niger State; Ebonyi State University of ICT, Science and Technology in Oferekpe; Cross River University of Education and Entrepreneurship in Akamkpa; and Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology in Ihugh.
Private Universities Lead the Growth
Private universities dominate the latest expansion, accounting for 20 of the 33 newly approved institutions.
Six of these are located across Lagos State, the Federal Capital Territory, and Imo State, with each hosting two new universities.
Another six private institutions are split evenly between Ogun and Kwara states, which have three apiece. The remaining approvals are spread across Ondo, Osun, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Enugu, Kaduna, and Taraba states.
Some of the newly licensed private universities include Leadership University in Abuja; Jimoh Babalola University in Ilorin, Kwara State; Bridget University in Mbaise, Okirika-Nweke, Imo State; Greenland University in Jalingo, Taraba State; JEFAP University in Suleja, Niger State; Azione Verde University in Amaigbo, Imo State; and Unique Open University in Ojo, Lagos State.
Updated National Tally
Following the latest approvals, private universities now make up 168 institutions nationwide. Federal universities total 74, while state-owned universities stand at 67.
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The fresh wave of approvals signals continued growth in Nigeria’s higher education sector, with increased participation from both government and private stakeholders aimed at expanding access to university education across the country.