Kaduna Hosts Highest Number of Federal Universities in Nigerian
Kaduna State has emerged as the leading host of federal universities in Nigeria, with a total of five institutions, the highest number in any state.
This positions the North-Western state as a significant hub for higher education in the country.
Delta State comes next with four federal universities, while Katsina, Akwa Ibom, Ogun, Osun, Kano, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) each have three institutions. Ebonyi, Borno, Lagos, and Ekiti States follow with two federal universities apiece.
The latest breakdown offers insight into the geographical spread of tertiary education across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The North-West boasts a strong presence, led by Kaduna and closely followed by Katsina and Kano.
The South-South zone has Delta and Akwa Ibom making notable appearances, while the South-West features prominently with Ogun, Osun, Lagos, and Ekiti. In the North-East, Borno State makes the list with two federal universities, and in the South-East, Ebonyi stands out with two institutions as well.
Education analysts note that this spread reflects successive governments’ efforts to ensure every region benefits from federal tertiary education projects.
However, they also point out that factors such as population size, land mass, and political considerations have influenced the uneven distribution.
While states like Kaduna and Delta appear to enjoy greater access to federal universities, others still have only one, raising calls for a more equitable spread. Stakeholders argue that beyond physical presence, attention must also be paid to funding, infrastructure, staffing, and research capacity to ensure these universities can compete globally.
With increasing demand for higher education in Nigeria, experts say the challenge lies in not just establishing more universities but ensuring that existing ones meet international standards in quality and innovation.
For now, Kaduna remains the undisputed leader in federal university numbers a position that cements its place as one of Nigeria’s most prominent academic centres.
