Nigeria boasts a vibrant and diverse higher education landscape, consisting of federal, private, and state-owned institutions. While federal universities often receive much of the spotlight, state-owned universities play a vital role in expanding access to tertiary education across the country. In 2025, several state universities have distinguished themselves in terms of academic excellence, research output, digital innovation, infrastructure development, and graduate employability.
This ranking of the best state-owned universities in Nigeria for 2025 takes into account various performance indicators, including accreditation status, academic reputation, student satisfaction, digital transformation, and global partnerships. Here are the top institutions leading the pack:
1. Lagos State University (LASU) – Lagos State
Lagos State University continues to top the list of the best state universities in Nigeria. In 2025, LASU stands out for its robust academic programs, world-class law faculty, and recent advancements in digital learning. The university has expanded its e-learning portal, offering hybrid and online courses across disciplines.
LASU is also known for its research output and collaborations with international universities. Its Centre for Digital Humanities and Innovation (CDHI) has become a hub for tech-driven learning and academic digitization. With a strong record in graduate employability and industry linkages, LASU sets the pace for other state universities.
2. Rivers State University (RSU) – Rivers State
Formerly known as Rivers State University of Science and Technology, RSU has become a major academic force in the Niger Delta region. In 2025, it ranks highly due to its excellent engineering, agriculture, and marine programs. RSU’s commitment to research and development, especially in oil and gas, aligns with the region’s economic focus.
The university has improved its digital infrastructure, introducing smart classrooms, virtual labs, and a student-centric portal that streamlines administration. RSU’s commitment to entrepreneurship education has also earned it recognition for producing job-ready graduates.
3. Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) – Ogun State
OOU has maintained a steady climb in academic rankings due to its focus on quality teaching, student support services, and innovation. In 2025, the university’s reputation for producing high-quality graduates in medicine, law, and mass communication remains strong.
Its adoption of a Learning Management System (LMS) and integration of remote learning options have enhanced accessibility and flexibility. OOU’s research into public health and community development is particularly notable, and its students regularly shine in national academic competitions.
4. Delta State University (DELSU) – Delta State
DELSU continues to be a standout institution in southern Nigeria. With campuses in Abraka, Oleh, and Asaba, the university serves a diverse student population. In 2025, DELSU excels in research, particularly in environmental science, business, and education.
The university’s digital transformation is evident in its automated registration processes, e-library expansion, and adoption of online exam platforms. DELSU’s close engagement with government and community stakeholders has also helped it secure grants and research opportunities for both staff and students.
5. Ekiti State University (EKSU) – Ekiti State
EKSU ranks high in 2025 for its growing academic reputation and focus on technology-driven education. The university has made significant investments in ICT infrastructure, leading to the digitization of records, online admission processing, and remote lecture capabilities.
EKSU’s School of Postgraduate Studies is gaining attention for its quality programs and research output in education and social sciences. The university has also improved its facilities and is steadily climbing national research rankings.
6. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) – Oyo State
After transitioning to the full ownership of Oyo State, LAUTECH has solidified its position as one of the best technology-focused state universities in Nigeria. Its engineering, computer science, and health sciences programs are nationally renowned.
In 2025, LAUTECH’s smart campus initiative features IoT-based labs, smart libraries, and cloud-based academic management systems. The university also runs innovation challenges, startup incubators, and tech hackathons, which have made it a hub for emerging tech talent in West Africa.
7. Benue State University (BSU) – Benue State
BSU remains one of the top institutions in the Middle Belt. Known for its strong faculty in arts, humanities, and law, BSU has made notable progress in infrastructure development and digital adoption in 2025.
The university has expanded its distance learning programs and revamped its online registration and examination platforms. Its Faculty of Law continues to earn accolades, while its medical college attracts students from across the country due to improved clinical facilities and teaching hospitals.
8. Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) – Nasarawa State
NSUK has steadily grown in stature due to its dynamic academic programs, strategic location near the capital, and proactive leadership. In 2025, NSUK is recognized for its interdisciplinary programs in policy studies, business administration, and information technology.
The university’s digital transformation is evident in its fully automated transcript system, student dashboards, and virtual classrooms. NSUK also places emphasis on student entrepreneurship through its Centre for Innovation and Development, offering mentorship and startup funding.
9. Ambrose Alli University (AAU) – Edo State
AAU has rebranded itself as a center of excellence in digital education and student innovation. In 2025, it continues to excel in courses such as political science, computer science, and health-related programs.
With a student-focused e-learning platform and investments in ICT labs, AAU has made learning more engaging and accessible. The university’s staff development programs and research conferences also contribute to its rising national academic profile.
10. Imo State University (IMSU) – Imo State
IMSU remains a popular destination for higher education in the southeast. In 2025, the university ranks highly for its improvements in infrastructure, stable academic calendar, and enhanced digital platforms.
The university’s law, business, and social sciences programs continue to be highly rated. IMSU has also launched several digital initiatives, including an online admissions portal, electronic exam grading systems, and an interactive student mobile app for accessing lectures and course materials.
11. Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) – Ogun State
TASUED is the first university of education in Nigeria, and it continues to lead in pedagogical innovation. In 2025, the university has gained prominence for its creative blend of education and entrepreneurship.
TASUED’s digital learning infrastructure supports teacher training through virtual reality simulations, digital classrooms, and AI-assisted assessment tools. The university has also become a hub for education research, influencing curriculum reform in teacher training nationwide.
12. Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA) – Ondo State
AAUA maintains a strong reputation for academic excellence, peaceful campus life, and student support services. In 2025, the university’s investment in solar-powered classrooms and digital education tools has improved access and sustainability.
Its faculties of arts, science, and management are especially strong, and AAUA students consistently perform well in national competitions and entrepreneurial challenges. The university’s integration of online learning with community-based projects has helped bridge academic learning with real-world application.
13. Kaduna State University (KASU) – *Kaduna State
KASU is one of northern Nigeria’s rising stars in higher education. With its main campus in Kaduna and another in Kafanchan, the university serves a wide demographic. In 2025, KASU is celebrated for its expansion in the health sciences, environmental studies, and data analytics.
KASU’s partnerships with tech companies have enabled students to earn certifications in cloud computing, programming, and digital marketing alongside their degrees. Its digital library and cloud-based research tools support a more modern approach to academic inquiry.
14. Ebonyi State University (EBSU) – Ebonyi State
EBSU has steadily improved its facilities, staffing, and student services. In 2025, the university’s teaching hospital and faculty of medicine have seen major upgrades, making it one of the top medical destinations among state universities.
The university has also digitized many of its core processes, including exams, admissions, and results. EBSU’s focus on public health, nursing, and clinical research has drawn partnerships with international NGOs and medical research organizations.
15. Gombe State University (GSU) – Gombe State
GSU continues to make significant progress in the northeast. In 2025, it has become known for its innovation in agricultural technology and climate change studies. Its partnership with research institutes across West Africa has brought in funding and global attention.
The university has also built smart farming labs and expanded its ICT center to support e-learning. GSU’s commitment to rural development and sustainable research has made it a valuable educational and social engine in the region.
Final Thoughts
The best state-owned universities in Nigeria in 2025 have proven that quality education is not limited to federal or private institutions. Through innovation, strategic leadership, and community-driven development, these universities are raising the standard of education, research, and digital transformation across the country.
While challenges still exist—such as funding gaps, infrastructural deficits, and brain drain—these institutions show that with the right focus and support, state universities can produce globally competitive graduates and foster sustainable development in Nigeria.
