Choosing a university is easier when you know your options. This guide lists the federal universities in Northern Nigeria, using the National Universities Commission (NUC) register of federal universities. It is grouped by region, with each institution’s location and the year it was established.
Of the 77 federal universities on the NUC list, 39 are in the northern states and the Federal Capital Territory: 19 in the North-West, 8 in the North-East and 12 in the North-Central zone.
Quick Overview
| Region | Number of Federal Universities |
|---|---|
| North-West | 19 |
| North-East | 8 |
| North-Central (including FCT) | 12 |
| Total | 39 |
Federal Universities in North-West Nigeria
The North-West has the most federal universities, including some of the oldest and best-known in the country.
Established before 2000
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State (1962)
- Bayero University, Kano (1975)
- Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (1975)
- Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna (1985)
Established 2011 to 2018
- Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State (2011)
- Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State (2011)
- Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State (2013)
- Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara State (2013)
- Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State (2013)
- Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna (2018)
Established 2020 to 2025
- Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru, Kebbi State (2020)
- Federal University of Technology, Babura, Jigawa State (2021)
- Federal University of Transportation, Daura, Katsina State (2022)
- Federal University of Health Sciences, Katsina (2023)
- Federal University of Education, Zaria, Kaduna State (2023)
- Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano (2023)
- Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State (2025)
- Federal University of Health Science and Technology, Tsafe, Zamfara State (2025)
- Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo, Kano State (2025)
Federal Universities in North-East Nigeria
The North-East has eight federal universities, spread across Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe, Taraba, Adamawa, Borno and neighbouring states.
- Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State (1981)
- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi (1988)
- Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State (2011)
- Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State (2011)
- Federal University, Gashua, Yobe State (2013)
- Nigerian Army University, Biu, Borno State (2018)
- Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, Bauchi State (2021)
- Federal University of Agriculture, Mubi, Adamawa State (2023)
Students interested in the university covered in our earlier guide can read about it in our FUWUKARI courses and faculties guide.
Federal Universities in North-Central Nigeria
The North-Central zone, including the Federal Capital Territory, has 12 federal universities.
Established before 2000
- University of Jos, Plateau State (1975)
- University of Ilorin, Kwara State (1975)
- Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State (1982)
- University of Abuja, Gwagwalada, FCT (1988)
- Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue State (1988)
Established 2000 to 2011
- National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Abuja (2002)
- Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State (2011)
- Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State (2011)
Established 2020 to 2023
- Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State (2020)
- National University of Science and Technology, Abuja (2023)
- Federal University of Education, Pankshin, Plateau State (2023)
- Federal University of Education, Kontagora, Niger State (2023)
Types of Federal Universities in the North
Federal universities in Northern Nigeria are not all general-purpose institutions. They fall into several types:
- Conventional universities offering a wide range of courses, such as ABU Zaria, Bayero University Kano, the University of Jos and the University of Ilorin.
- Universities of technology such as FUT Minna, ATBU Bauchi and Modibbo Adama University, Yola.
- Agriculture-focused universities such as those in Zuru and Mubi.
- Health sciences universities in Otukpo, Azare, Katsina and Tsafe.
- Universities of education in Zaria, Kano, Pankshin and Kontagora.
- Security and military institutions such as the Nigerian Defence Academy, the Nigeria Police Academy, the Air Force Institute of Technology and the Nigerian Army University, Biu.
- Distance learning: NOUN, based in Abuja, serves students through open and distance learning.
Trends Worth Noting
Many of the northern federal universities date from 2011, when several states received their first federal institution. A second wave followed in 2020 and 2021, and the largest expansion came between 2023 and 2025. Most of the newer institutions are specialised: health sciences, education, agriculture and technology rather than general universities.
How to Choose a Federal University in Northern Nigeria
- Start with your course. Check that the university actually offers your preferred programme, since specialised universities have narrower course lists.
- Consider location. Think about travel, security, climate and living costs in the state.
- Check accreditation. Confirm that your programme is accredited by the NUC.
- Compare admission requirements. JAMB cut-off marks and subject combinations vary between institutions.
- Look at newer institutions carefully. Universities established from 2023 onward may still be building their facilities and course offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many federal universities are in Northern Nigeria?
Based on the NUC list, there are 39 across the North-West, North-East and North-Central zones.
Which is the oldest federal university in Northern Nigeria?
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, established in 1962.
Which state has the most federal universities in the North?
Kano and Kaduna each have four: Kano has Bayero University, the Nigeria Police Academy Wudil, Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education and FUST Kabo, while Kaduna has ABU Zaria, the Nigerian Defence Academy, the Air Force Institute of Technology and FUE Zaria. Kachia and FUE Zaria bring Kaduna’s total to six, making it the state with the most.
Is Federal University Wukari in Northern Nigeria?
Yes. It is in Wukari, Taraba State, in the North-East, and was established in 2011.
Is the University of Abuja considered a Northern university?
It is in the Federal Capital Territory, which is part of the North-Central geopolitical zone.
Final Thoughts
The federal universities in Northern Nigeria offer a wide range of options, from long-established institutions like ABU Zaria and Bayero University to newer specialised universities in health, agriculture and education. Review the courses, location and admission requirements of each before applying, and confirm details directly with the university.
Note: This list follows the NUC register of federal universities. The African Aviation and Aerospace University is also on that register but its location is not stated there, so it is not included above. Regional groupings follow Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with Kwara and Kogi counted as North-Central.
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