Top 10 Most Populated Universities In Nigeria (2023)

Public University education in Nigeria is what should be described as a publicly organized crime syndicate, Aside from their bi-annual incessant strike, which will all know about, many of these institutions have decaying infrastructures, and to crown it all are overpopulated beyond their intended capacity. It is imperative to note that this is the fault of the Nigerian government, as their lack of vision and purpose toward the educational sector has led many of these institutions to function beyond their capacity, with many admitting as many as possible to ensure that every Nigerian Youth as a right to education.

But as you probably know an overpopulated classroom hurts the education of an individual, several studies have shown that classroom size correlates to learning outcomes. From less individualized instruction to greater distractions and disciplinary issues, filling our universities with more students than intended can affect the teachers’ ability to teach effectively and students’ ability to learn. With that being said we compiled a list of the top 10 most populated Universities in Nigeria in 2023, to help those who are yet to gain admission make better choices.

10. Ambrose Ali University – 37,584 Students

With a total population of 37,584 students Ambrose Ali University takes tenth place among the most populated universities in Nigeria. The state-funded University in Edo State was founded by Ambrose Folorunsho Alli, a former governor of the previously existing Bendel State.

The Institution was formally known as Bendel State University, it was then changed to Edo State University and finally changed to Ambrose Ali University in commemoration of professor Ambrose Folorunsho Alli. AAU is accredited and recognized by the National Universities Commission (NUC). The Institution with  15 Faculties and colleges offers over 70 courses, hence the reason for the over-population

9. University of Calabar – 40,645 students

With a total population of 40,645 students, the Federal University of Calabar clinches eighth place among the 10 most populated Universities in Nigeria. The institution is one of Nigeria’s second-generation federal universities founded in 1975, under the National Higher Education Expansion Programme of the Federal Military Government.

The institution grew out of the Calabar campus of the University of Nigeria (UNN), Nigeria which began functioning during the 1973 academic session. It is presently divided into 15 faculties and numerous institute offering over 85 Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses. UNICAL was one of the foremost Nigerian Universities to automate students’ registration processes through the College Portal.

Population Source: https://www.unical.edu.ng/about

8. University of Jos – 41,000 students

The Univerisity of Jos is one of the foremost Federal Universities in Nigeria, It is also one of the most populated institutions in the country, with a total population of 41,000. The Institution was established in November 1971 as a  satellite campus of the University of Ibadan.  It however became a separate institution of its own in October 1975, under the National Higher Education Expansion Programme of the Federal Military Government.

The school divided into 15 faculties, offers more than 90  fields (65 majors) of undergraduate and postgraduate study. UNIJOS also houses numerous institutes and centers for the sake of research and development, some of which include, the Center for Conflict Management & Peace Studies, Institute of Education, and Centre for Biotech and Genetic Engineering among others. According to the report, there are 2123 non-academic employees and over 1000 academic employees.

Population Source: https://www.unijos.edu.ng/unijos-at-a–glance

7. Bayero University – 46,492 students

Kano-based Bayero University takes seventh place among the most populated universities in Nigeria, with a total population of 46,492 students in the Institution. The Institution was founded in 1975 as Ahmadu Bello College. It was renamed Bayero University and upgraded from University College to University. It is the first university in Kano State and North-western Nigeria.

The institution consists of two colleges and 11 faculties, offering under and post-graduate studies. It also houses numerous research centers including the Centre for Advanced Medical Research, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Inter-faith Dialogue, Centre for Dryland Agriculture, Centre for Biotechnology Research,  and Centre for Renewable Energy,  among others.

Population Source: https://www.buk.edu.ng/History_Facts_Figures

6. University of Lagos – 50,000 students

Taking sixth place among the populated Universities in Nigeria is the reputable University of Lagos, with a total population of over 50,000 students. The public research university was founded in 1962. It is one of the first-generation universities in Nigeria and is ranked among the top universities in the world in major education publications. Its research activity was one of the major criteria that led to emergent as the best university in Nigeria

The University of Lagos currently has twelve Faculties: Arts, Basic Medical Sciences, Business Administration, Clinical Sciences, Dental Sciences, Education, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Law, Pharmacy, Science, and Social Sciences. The institution also offers Master and Doctorate degrees in most of the aforementioned programs. Like many Universities on this list, UNILAG is equipped with many institutes and centers such as its Centre for Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Management, established in April 2018.

Population Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Lagos

5. University of Benin – 51,282 Students

The University of Benin is a public research university located in Edo State and one of the most populated Universities in Nigeria, with a total population of 51,282 Students. The institution funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria was founded in 1970. It is one of the first generation Universities in Nigeria.

The School currently has two campuses with fifteen faculties including a central library called the John Harris Library. Uniben offers over 70 undergraduate departmental courses and Master and Doctorate degrees in most of the aforementioned programs. The institution also has a teaching hospital called the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH)

Population Source: https://uniben.edu.ng/about-uniben/

4. Ahmadu Bello University – 52,705 students

The prestigious Ahmadu Bello University takes fourth place among the 10 most populated Universities in Nigeria, with a total population of 52,705 students. The federal government research university was established in 1962 as the University of Northern Nigeria. It was founded by and is now named Ahmadu Bello, the first premier of Northern Nigeria. The university operates a main campus at Samaru and a satellite from nearby Kongo.

The University with 12 Academic Faculties and one postgraduate school offers  82 Undergraduate and graduate programs including affiliate degrees, vocational programs, and remedial courses. It also has one of the largest teaching hospitals in the country to support medical teaching and research. Based on numerous reports, ABU is one of the largest and most extensive universities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Population Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmadu_Bello_University

3. University of Ilorin – 53,782 students

With a total population of over 53,782 students, the reputable, University of Ilorin takes third place amongst the 10 most populated universities in Nigeria. The federal government-funded University was founded in August 1975, in Ilorin, Kwara State. It was established by a decree of the federal military government under the National Higher Education Expansion Programme of the same year.

The University of Ilorin is the largest in the country covering approximately 15,000 hectares of land. It is reported by JAMB to be the most sought-after Nigerian university in 2021. The institution has fifteen Faculties and over 60 Academic Departments. In addition to these are the Institute of Education, Unilorin Sugar Research Institute, and a full-fledged Postgraduate School.

Population Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Ilorin

2. University of Maiduguri – 75,000 students

The University of Maiduguri is also one of the most populated Universities in Nigeria. The federal government research university has a total population of over 75,000. Like many Institutions on this list, the University of Maiduguri was created by the federal government of Nigeria in 1975, with the intention of its becoming one of the country’s principal higher-education institutions.

The institution has grown to be one of the higher institutions of learning in the north-eastern part of the country has 77 academic Departments spread across  12 faculties, which include Agriculture, Arts, Dentistry, Education, Engineering, Law, Management Sciences, Pharmacy, Science, Social Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine. In addition to these is a college of Medical Sciences and a School of Postgraduate Studies.

Population Source: https://theeagleonline.com.ng/unimaid-student-population-hits-75000-vc/

1. The National Open University of Nigeria – 600,000 students

The National Open University of Nigeria popularly known as NOUN is the most populated in Nigeria with a total population of 600,000 students. The institution was established in 1983 but was closed down by the government in 1984. It was reopened in 2001 by former president Olusegun Obasanjo.

The federal open and distance learning (ODL) institution, is the first of its kind in the West African sub-region. It had its permanent headquarters in Victoria Island in Lagos before Vice-Chancellor Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu moved it to Jabi, Abuja, in 2016. The institution with more than 75 study centers across the country, offers over 50 undergraduate programs.

Population Source: https://www.sunnewsonline.com/open-university-targets-1m-students-enrollment/

Conclusion

Aside from the National Open University of Nigeria, which is an open learning distance institution, every other institution on this list is overpopulated, this, however, has not deterred the quality of education offered by these Universities as many of them as emerged on numerous publications as one of best universities on the continent. Here is a recap of the top 10 most populated Universities in Nigeria, for the sake of simplification.

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