Unlike the polytechnics, Universities are known to be more populated and more competitive. But there are still less competitive universities in Nigeria you can consider. You should know that the Universities listed here are not just selected at random, A vigorous analysis and research were done before finally publishing this post.
I’ll not only list these universities, but I’ll also highlight their approximate population as at the time this article was written.
Most Populated Universities In Nigeria.
Below are my list of the most populated universities in Nigeria and their estimated population :
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)- 64,825
- University Of Abuja (UNIABUJA)- 61,986
- University Of Benin (UNIBEN)- 56,702
- Lagos State University (LASU) – 53,885
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka(UNN)- 50,242
- University Of Lagos (UNILAG) – 49,379
- University Of Ibadan (UI) – 49,223
- Obafemi Awolowo University(OAU) – 36,969
- University Of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) – 36,662
- University Of Calabar (UNICAL) – 35,232
- Amadu Bello University (ABU) – 35,212
There you have my list of the most populated Universities in Nigeria 2024. Nonetheless, if you really want to know why I mentioned each of the universities there, continue reading as I will disclose to you their current population and date of establishment.
Note that this ranking was made in reference to Wikipedia
University Of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
University of Ilorin popularly known as UNILORIN is located in Ilorin, Kwara state Nigeria, and was founded/established in August 1975. Having an approximation of 64,825 Students.
Compared to other universities in the country, the institution has one of the largest landmass of approximately 5000 hectares of land.
University of Abuja (UNIABUJA)
UNIABUJA being the second most populated university in Nigeria on our list is located along Airport Road, Gwagwalada, Abuja.
Uniabuja was founded in 1988. With 61,986 students, this University ranks 2nd on the list of most populated Nigerian Universities. It has an academic staff strength and as well high non-academic staff strength of over 1623.
University of Benin (UNIBEN)
The University of Benin was initially established as an Institute of Technology in 1970. It was then made fully a UNIVERSITY in 1971. The Institution is located at Ugbowo, Benin City, having a campus at Ekehuan, Benin City. Uniben has approximately 56, 702 students.
Lagos State University (LASU)
The Lagos State University (Known as LASU) was established in 1983. Located at Ojo, Lagos State, it takes the 4th on our list of most populated universities in Nigeria with an approximate population of 53,885 students. The Academic staff strength is 795, while the non-academic staff strength is 2190.
University Of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
The University of Nigeria, commonly known as UNN, is a federal university located in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. Founded by Nnamdi Azikiwe in 1955. it also has a population of 50,242 students in approximation.
University Of Lagos(UNILAG)
Apart From being one of the most populated, it’s also one of the most popular in the world, it was established in 1962. Located at Akoka, Yaba, and its Medical Campus at Idi-Araba, Surulere. University of Lagos (UNILAG) has a total of 49,379 students, approximately 1, 052 members of academic staff and 2, 570 non-academic staff.
University Of Ibadan (UI)
The University of Ibadan is the oldest degree-awarding institution in Nigeria and is located five miles from the center of the major city of Ibadan in Western Nigeria. It is popularly known as Unibadan or UI.
It was established in 1948, the University of Ibadan, UI as it is fondly referred to, is the first University in Nigeria. Until 1962. having a population total of 49,223 students without including the teaching and non-teaching staff.
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) is a federal government-owned and operated Nigerian university. The university is in the ancient city of Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. Apart from being one of the most populated universities in Nigeria, OAU is also known as one of the cheapest universities in Nigeria, This Triggers their population having approximately 36,969 Students in Total.
University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT)
University Of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT) was founded in 1975 as a mere University College. It was later awarded university status in 1977.
The University is located at East/West Road, Choba, Port Harcourt, Having a population total of 53, 288 students, an academic staff strength of 1,561, and a non-academic staff strength of 1, 456.
University Of Calabar (UNICAL)
The University of Calabar also falls on our list of the most populated universities in Nigeria as it is known to also have a large population of approximately 35,232 Students excluding the teaching and non-teaching staff.
Although The University/Institution was established in 1975 it initially was a campus before this date. the institution is one of the second-generation federal universities.
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
Ahmadu Bello University Popularly known as ABU Zaria, was established in 1962 with is located at Zaria, Kaduna State. It has a population of approximately 35,212 students, 1815 academic staff and 4,362 non-academic staff.
Wrapping up…
Yeah! Those are the most populated universities in Nigeria. I hope it is now clear to you, why the above-mentioned Universities are the most populated in Nigeria today. Well, the fact is undoubtedly true. They are really the largest in 2024. Don’t forget to tell me what you think about this article in the comment section below.
