Choosing the right university is a major decision for Nigerian students. Fortunately, several state-owned universities offer quality education at affordable fees. As a result, many candidates now consider the best state universities in Nigeria as strong alternatives to federal institutions.
In this guide, you will find the top-ranked state universities, why they stand out, and what to expect during admission for 2025/2026.
Before applying, it is important to understand how state universities admit students: 👉 /state-universities-admission-requirements/
Why Choose a State University in Nigeria?
State universities are owned and funded by state governments. Generally, they offer lower school fees than private universities. In addition, their admission competition is often less intense than federal universities.
Some key advantages include:
Affordable tuition fees
Flexible cut-off marks
Wide range of courses
Growing academic facilities
To compare costs, see: 👉 /federal-vs-state-university-school-fees/
🏆 Best State Universities in Nigeria (2025/2026)
Below are some of the best-performing and most popular state universities in Nigeria, based on reputation, facilities, course variety, and graduate outcomes.
✅ Lagos State University (LASU) – Lagos State
LASU is widely regarded as the best state university in Nigeria. Notably, it has strong academic standards and a wide range of accredited courses.
Strong in Law, Medicine, and Arts
Competitive admission
Accepts JAMB candidates
👉 Admission guide: /lasu-admission-requirements/
✅ Rivers State University (RSU) – Rivers State
RSU is known for its excellence in engineering and environmental sciences. Moreover, it attracts students from different parts of Nigeria.
Good research facilities
Moderate school fees
Stable academic calendar
✅ Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) – Ogun State
OOU is one of the oldest state universities in Nigeria. As a result, it has produced many notable graduates.
Offers Medicine, Law, and Engineering
Accepts UTME and Direct Entry
Moderate cut-off marks
✅ Delta State University (DELSU) – Delta State
DELSU stands out for its balanced academic structure. Furthermore, it offers many professional courses.
Wide course availability
Relatively affordable fees
Good learning environment
✅ Ekiti State University (EKSU) – Ekiti State
EKSU is respected for its academic discipline and research focus. Consequently, it is a popular choice among education and science students.
Stable academic system
Accepts low-to-average JAMB scores
Strong education programs
✅ Osun State University (UNIOSUN) – Osun State
UNIOSUN operates a multi-campus system. Interestingly, it emphasizes both academics and community development.
Strong health and science courses
Reasonable cut-off marks
Good student support services
✅ Benue State University (BSU) – Benue State
BSU is known for courses in social sciences, arts, and education. Therefore, it attracts many students from the Middle Belt.
✅ Kaduna State University (KASU) – Kaduna State
KASU has gained recognition for science, computing, and social sciences. Additionally, it accepts Direct Entry students.
👉 Full list here: /list-of-state-universities-in-nigeria/
📊 Cut-Off Marks for State Universities
Most state universities accept JAMB scores between:
140 – 160 for less competitive courses
160 – 200 for popular courses
Because of this flexibility, state universities are ideal for candidates with average JAMB scores.
👉 Related guide: /universities-that-accept-160-jamb-score/
📚 Courses Offered in State Universities
State universities commonly offer:
Medicine and Health Sciences
Law
Engineering
Education
Social Sciences
Arts and Humanities
👉 See full course list: /courses-offered-in-nigerian-universities/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are state universities accredited?
Yes. All approved state universities are accredited by the NUC.
Do state universities accept JAMB?
Yes. Admission is done through JAMB UTME and Direct Entry.
Are state universities cheaper than federal universities?
In most cases, state universities are slightly more expensive than federal universities but far cheaper than private universities.
Yes. Graduates from accredited state universities are eligible for NYSC.
👉 Learn more: /nysc-requirements-for-graduates/
🔗 Recommended Internal Reads
👉 /cheapest-state-universities-in-nigeria/
👉 /best-federal-universities-in-nigeria/
👉 /private-vs-state-university/
👉 /state-universities-cut-off-mark-2025-2026/
✅ Final Verdict
In conclusion, the best state universities in Nigeria offer a solid balance between quality education and affordability. Therefore, if federal admission is too competitive, state universities remain an excellent option for 2025/2026 candidates.
