Nigerian Universities

Some Nigerians on X recently observed that graduates from certain Nigerian universities dominate major industries, which has sparked a conversation about what’s happening in other universities nationwide.

To better understand the country’s educational landscape, we broke down the Nigerian universities in all 36 states, including federal, state, and private institutions.

Abia

Abia boasts diverse institutions, including one federal, one state, and four private universities.

Federal: 1

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike

State: 1

Abia State University, Uturu

Private: 4

Gregory University, Uturu

Rhema University, Aba

Spiritan University, Nneochi

Clifford University, Owerrinta

Adamawa

Adamawa, in northeastern Nigeria, is home to two federal universities, one state university, and one private university.

Federal: 2

Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola

Federal University of Agriculture, Mubi

State: 1

Adamawa State University, Mubi

Private: 1

American University of Nigeria, Yola

Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom has two federal universities, two state universities, and three private institutions.

Federal: 2

University of Uyo

Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi.

State: 1

Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden

Private: 3

Obong University, Obong Ntak

Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene

Topfaith University, Mkpatak

Anambra

Anambra has a rich educational offering with two federal universities, one state university, and seven private universities, serving as an academic powerhouse in the Southeast.

Federal: 2

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka

Police Academy, Wudil

State: 1

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli

Private: 7

Tansian University, Umunya

Madonna University, Okija

Paul University, Awka

Legacy University, Okija

Hezekiah University, Umudi

University on The Niger, Umunya

Shanahan University, Onitsha

Bauchi

Bauchi is home to two federal universities, one state university, and one private institution.

Federal: 2

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi

Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare

State: 1

Bauchi State University, Gadau

Private: 0

Nil

Bayelsa

Bayelsa is well-equipped with one federal university, three state universities, and one private university.

Federal: 1

Federal University, Otuoke

State: 3

Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island

Bayelsa Medical University

University of Africa, Toru-Orua

Private: 1

Hensard University, Toru-Orua, Sagbama

Benue

Benue is home to two federal universities, one state university, and one private university.

Federal: 2

Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo

Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi

State: 1

Benue State University, Makurdi

Private: 1

Mkar University, Mkar

Borno

Borno State boasts two federal universities, one state university, and one private institution.

Federal: 2

University of Maiduguri

Nigerian Army University, Biu

State: 1

Borno State University, Maiduguri

Private: 1

Al-Ansar University, Maiduguri

Cross River

Cross River stands out with one federal university, one state university, and three private universities, making it a significant player in the South’s educational sector.

Federal: 1

University of Calabar

State: 1

Cross River State University of Science & Technology, Calabar

Private: 3

Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo

Havilla University, Nde-Ikom

The Duke Medical University, Calabar

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Delta

Delta’s educational landscape is diverse, featuring two federal universities, four state universities, and seven private institutions, providing extensive opportunities for higher learning.

Federal: 2

Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun

Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko

State: 4

Delta State University, Abraka

University of Delta, Agbor

Delta State University of Science & Technology, Ozoro

Dennis Osadebe University, Asaba

Private: 7

Admiralty University, Ibusa Delta State

Edwin Clark University, Kaigbodo

Micheal & Cecilia Ibru University

Novena University, Ogume

Western Delta University, Oghara Delta State

Margaret Lawrence University, Umunede, Delta State

Sports University, Idumuje, Ugboko, Delta State

Ebonyi

Ebonyi State has four Nigerian universities: two federal, one state university, and one private university.

Federal: 2

Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike

David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS) Uburu

State: 1

Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki

Private: 1

Evangel University, Akaeze

Edo

Edo is an academic hub with one federal university, two state universities, and six private institutions.

Federal: 1

University of Benin, Benin City

State: 2

Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma

Edo State University, Uzairue

Private: 6

Benson Idahosa University, Benin City

Igbinedion University Okada

Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa.

Wellspring University, Evbuobanosa – Edo State

Mudiame University, Irrua, Edo State

Lighthouse University, Evbobanosa, Edo State

Ekiti

Ekiti is known for its educational heritage, with one federal university, two state universities, and three private institutions, making it a key player in the academic field.

Federal: 1

Federal University, Oye-Ekiti

State: 2

Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti

Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology

Private: 3

Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti – Ekiti State

Hillside University of Science and Technology, Okemisi, Ekiti State

Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti, Ekiti State

Enugu

Enugu is home to one federal university, two state universities, and four private institutions.

Federal: 1

University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Federal University of Technology, Owerri

State: 2

Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu

Enugu State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, Igbo-Eno

Private: 4

Caritas University, Enugu

Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu-Nike – Enugu State

Renaissance University, Enugu

Coal City University Enugu State

Gombe

Gombe has one federal university, two state universities, and one private institution.

Federal: 1

Federal University, Kashere

State: 2

Gombe State Univeristy, Gombe

Gombe State University of Science and Technology

Private: 1

PEN Resource University, Gombe

Imo

Imo is rich in educational offerings, with two federal universities, three state universities, and three private institutions.

Federal: 2

Federal University of Technology, Owerri

Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Imo State

State: 3

Imo State University, Owerri

Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University Ogboko, Imo State

University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Umuagwo, Imo State

Private: 3

Hezekiah University, Umudi

Maranathan University, Mgbidi, Imo State

Claretian University of Nigeria, Nekede, Imo State

Jigawa

Jigawa features two federal universities, one state university, and one private institution catering to the educational needs of people in the north.

Federal: 2

Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State

Federal University of Technology, Babura, Jigawa State

State: 1

Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, Jigawa

Private: 1

Khadija University, Majia, Jigawa State

Kaduna

Kaduna is a major educational hub with four federal universities, one state university, and four private institutions.

Federal: 4

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna

Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna

Federal University of Education, Zaria, Kaduna State

State: 1

Kaduna State University, Kaduna

Private: 4

Greenfield University, Kaduna

NOK University, Kachia, Kaduna State

Franco British International University, Kaduna State

College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna State

Kano

Kano has three federal universities, three state universities, and eight private institutions, making it a leader in higher education in the north.

Federal: 3

Bayero University, Kano

Nigeria Police Academy Wudil

Federal University of Education, Kano

State: 3

Kano University of Science & Technology, Wudil

Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano

Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education, Kano

Private: 8

Skyline University, Kano

Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kano State

Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Kano State

Capital City University, Kano State

Khalifa Isiyaku Rabiu University, Kano

Baba Ahmed University, Kano State

Azman University, Kano

Elrazi Medical University, Kano

Katsina

Katsina is home to two federal universities, one state university, and one private institution.

Federal: 2

Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina

Federal University of Transportation Daura, Katsina

State: 1

Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina

Private: 1

Al-Qalam University, Katsina

Kebbi

Kebbi State boasts four Nigerian universities: two federal government-owned universities, one state university, and one private institution.

Federal: 2

Federal University, Birnin Kebbi

Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru, Kebbi State

State: 1

Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero

Private: 1

Rayhaan University, Kebbi

Kogi

Kogi’s educational landscape includes one federal university, three state universities, and two private institutions.

Federal: 1

Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State

State: 3

Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba

Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara,

Kogi State University, Kabba

Private: 2

Salem University, Lokoja

Al-Bayan University, Ankpa, Kogi State

Kwara

Kwara is an educational powerhouse with one federal university, one state university, and eight private institutions.

Federal: 1

University of Ilorin

State: 1

Kwara State University, Malete

Private: 8

Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin

Landmark University, Omu-Aran.

Summit University

Crown Hill University Eiyenkorin, Kwara State

Thomas Adewumi University, Oko-Irese, Kwara State

Ahman Pategi University, Kwara State

University of Offa, Kwara State

Muhammad Kamalud University Kwara

Lagos

Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, also shines in education with two federal universities, three state universities, and seven private institutions.

Federal: 2

University of Lagos, Akoka

National Open University of Nigeria, Lagos

State: 3

Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo

Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH)

Lagos State University of Education (LASUED)

Private: 7

Augustine University

Caleb University, Lagos

Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos

Anchor University Ayobo Lagos State

Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences Ijanikin, Lagos

James Hope University, Lagos, Lagos State

Nigerian University of Technology and Management, Apapa, Lagos State

Nasarawa

Nasarawa supports its educational ambitions with one federal university, one state university, and three private institutions.

Federal: 1

Federal University, Lafia

State: 1

Nasarawa State University, Keffi

Private: 3

Ave Maria University, Piyanko, Nasarawa State

Mewar University, Masaka, Nasarawa State

Phoenix University, Agwada, Nasarawa State

Niger

Niger is home to six Nigerian universities: one federal institution, two state universities, and three private institutions.

Federal: 1

Federal University of Technology, Minna

State: 2

Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai

AbdulKadir Kure University, Minna Niger State

Private: 3

Edusoko University, Bida, Niger State

Newgate University, Minna, Niger State.

El-Amin University, Minna, Niger State

Ogun

Ogun is a significant educational centre with one federal university, three state universities, and an impressive 16 private institutions, making it a key player in Nigeria’s academic landscape.

Federal: 1

Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

State: 3

Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye

Tai Solarin University of Education Ijebu Ode

Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology Abeokuta

Private: 16

Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo

Bells University of Technology, Otta

Chrisland University

Covenant University Ota

Crawford University Igbesa

Crescent University

Hallmark University, Ijebi Itele, Ogun

Mcpherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ajebo

Christopher University Mowe

Mountain Top University

Southwestern University, Oku Owa

Trinity University Ogun State

Aletheia University, Ago-Iwoye Ogun State

Vision University, Ikogbo, Ogun State

Gerar University of Medical Science Imope ljebu, Ogun State

Mercy Medical University, Iwo, Ogun State

Ondo

Ondo’s educational system boasts nine Nigerian universities.

Federal: 2

Federal University of Technology, Akure

Adeyemi University of Education, Ondo

State: 3

Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba

Ondo State University of Science and Technology Okitipupa

Ondo State University of Medical Sciences

Private

Achievers University, Owo

Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin

Wesley University. of Science & Technology, Ondo

Sam Maris University, Ondo

Osun

Osun is home to two federal universities, two state universities, and eight private institutions.

Federal: 2

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife

Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun, Osun State

State: 2

Osun State University Osogbo

University of Ilesa, Osun State

Private: 8

Adeleke University, Ede

Bowen University, Iwo

Fountain University, Oshogbo

Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji

Kings University, Ode Omu

Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu – Osun State

Redeemer’s University, Ede

Westland University Iwo, Osun State

Oyo

Oyo is a major academic hub with one federal university, three state universities, and eight private institutions.

Federal: 1

University of Ibadan

State: 3

Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso

Oyo State Technical University Ibadan

Emmanuel Alayande University of Education. Oyo, Oyo State

Private: 8

Ajayi Crowther University, Ibadan

Lead City University, Ibadan

Kola Daisi University Ibadan, Oyo State

Dominican University Ibadan Oyo State

Precious Cornerstone University, Oyo

Atiba University Oyo

Dominion University Ibadan, Oyo State

West Midlands Open University, Ibadan, Oyo State

Plateau

Plateau provides educational access with one federal university, one state university, and two private institutions.

Federal: 1

University of Jos

State: 1

Plateau State University Bokkos

Private: 2

Karl-Kumm University, Vom, Plateau State

Anan University, Kwall, Plateau State

Rivers

Rivers, a key oil-producing state, also invests in education with one federal university, two state universities, and four private institutions.

Federal: 1

University of Port-Harcourt

State: 2

Ignatius Ajuru University of Education,Rumuolumeni

River State University

Private: 4

Rhema University, Obeama-Asa – Rivers State

PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Portharcourt

British Canadian University, Obufu Cross River State

Wigwe University, Isiokpo Rivers State

Sokoto

Sokoto offers one federal university, two state universities, and three private institutions.

Federal: 1

Usumanu Danfodiyo University

State: 2

Sokoto State University

Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto

Private: 3

Saisa University of Medical Sciences and Technology, Sokoto State

NorthWest University Sokoto State

Iconic Open University, Sokoto State.

Taraba

Taraba supports its educational ambitions with one federal university, one state university, and one private institution.

Federal: 1

Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State

State: 1

Taraba State University, Jalingo

Private: 1

Kwararafa University, Wukari

Yobe

Yobe is home to two Nigerian universities.

Federal: 1

Federal University Gashua, Yobe

State: 1

Yobe State University, Damaturu

Private:

Nil

Zamfara

Zamfara provides educational access with one federal university, one state university, and one private institution.

Federal: 1

Federal University, Gusau Zamfara

State: 1

Zamfara State University

Private: 1

Huda University, Gusau, Zamafara State

Enjoyed this piece about the Nigerian universities in each state? Read this next: We Ranked The 25 Most Educated States in Nigeria in 2024
We’ve established that Nigerian public universities need to hire new wordsmiths to revamp their mottos.

It’s time to find out what’s happening with their private counterparts.

Babcock University: Knowledge, truth, service

Replace “Truth” with “Character”, and you’ll have the motto of Ekiti State University.

Adeleke University: Education, excellence and character

This reads like a string of words thrown together just for the sake of having a motto.

Fountain University: Knowledge, faith and leadership

This one would slap harder as a Sunday school motto.

Achievers University: Knowledge, integrity and leadership

Fountain and Achievers University can replace the middle word with anything they like, but we’ll still notice one copying the other.

Bowen University: Excellence and Godliness

Reads like something pulled out of an aspire-to-perspire book.

American University of Nigeria: Quality, integrity, style

This motto reads like the tagline for a footwear company. God, abeg.

Crescent University: Citadel of academic excellence

They better be minting first-class graduates and nothing less.

Afe Babalola University: Labor servitum et integritas

We have another Harry Potter-esque motto all the way from Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. This one means “Labour for Service and Integrity”.

Baze University: Learn to live

It’s giving “Na who dey alive fit bag degree”.

Lead City University: Knowledge for self-reliance

They have a mandate to mint self-made individuals and I’m here for it.

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Mountain Top University: Empowered to excel

Another motto heavy on the self-made vibe. I’ll take a private university’s gospel of empowerment over public universities’ servitude agenda.

Caleb University: For God and humanity

Sounds like something a warrior would say before causing havoc in a Game of Thrones war scene.

Covenant University: Raising a new generation of leaders

Sounds like what a Nigerian politician would include in their manifesto.

Redeemer’s University: Running with a vision

Reading this, the only thing that comes to mind is, “Why are you running?”

Bells University of Technology: Only the best is good for bells

I high-key love this motto because something about it sounds original.

Also read: 7 Nigerians On The Worst Things About Private Universities
I’m not sure where the university motto stands in the grand scheme of academia, but as a student, I know I’ll want it to inspire the shit out of me to chase that first class bag.

We took a look at what the wordsmiths in Nigerian public universities got up to, and let’s just say, it’s time for a revamp.

UNIBEN: Knowledge for service

Something about this motto sounds transactional. It’s giving “Come and learn to be a servant of capitalism”.

UNICAL: Knowledge for service

Serious question. Who is copying who between UNICAL and UNIBEN?

LASU: For truth and service

Service won injure Nigerian students. God, abeg.

EKSU: Knowledge, honour, service

Could it be that the heavy servitude gospel is why Nigerian lecturers move like small gods?

DELSU: Knowledge, character and service

Might break down if I see another motto that speaks to servitude.

LAUTECH: Excellence, integrity and service

Okay, can we ignore the call to servitude and appreciate their excellence and integrity agenda?

UNILORIN: Learning and character

I feel very uninspired reading this. Doesn’t spark joy at all.

University of Nigeria: To restore the dignity of man

LMAO. Why does this straight up look like it belongs in our national anthem?

UNIABUJA: For unity and scholarship

Something about the scholarship in this motto makes me think the students are in academic opportunity heaven.

UNIOSUN: Living spring of knowledge and culture

Oduduwa will be pleased, I guess.

UNILAG: In deed and in truth

This one low-key gives blood covenant vibes. But I like it.

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Kwara State University: …the Green University for community development and entrepreneurship

The green university? What does that even mean? Anyway, yes to minting entrepreneurs.

FUTA: Technology for self-reliance

This actually bangs considering the school has a mandate to mint tech bros and sis.

OAU: For learning and culture

A part of my brain is screaming “Do it for the culture”. Is this how OAU students feel too?

UI: Recte sapere fons

Why does this sound like something from Harry Potter? Anyway, it means, “To think straight is the fount of knowledge”.

OOU: Excellentia humana et patriae opus

We have another Harry Potter-esque entry all the way from Ogun state, Nigeria. It means, “Flowering of human abilities and service to the fatherland”.

UNIJOS: Discipline and dedication

I’m reading this and can’t stop thinking about D-Square. As in, P-Square. It slaps, right?

Read this next: We Ranked The Convocation Gowns of 15 Nigerian Public Universities
It wasn’t up to a year ago when Cyril Osim Ndifon, a professor of law at UNICAL was called out for sexually assaulting and being a general terror to his female students for years.

This revelation and a 2023 of back-to-back sexual harassment exposures led us to put together a timeline that went back to the early 2000s with more than 20 high-profile cases, mostly students as victims of their lecturers’ inappropriate advances and often ending in silence.

Another sex-for-grades situation

On May 26, 2024, X user CHIKAMMA (@AlexVivyNnabue) called out her former UNIBEN philosophy lecturer, Dr Tony Asekhuno, accusing him of rape. Her tweet opened the floodgates of accusations from the lecturer’s other alleged victims.

According to their tweets, he’d fail his victims if they refused to date, get intimate with him or follow him to the “staff club”. And sometimes, he’d rape them.

He was called out five years ago

But CHIKAMMA’s call-out started years ago when she posted a thread of screenshots in 2019. The screenshots appear to be WhatsApp messages sent from a male friend who was forced to drop out. The same lecturer insisted on sex for grades, hinting that his harassment wasn’t limited to his female students.

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The long thread also details his inclination to spike students’ drinks. And apparently, the UNIBEN management was aware of his bad behaviour but did nothing.

Many more accusations

In the last three days, multiple X users have shared their experiences of varying levels of abuse from the lecturer. The public has called for further investigation by the relevant law enforcement and justice for the victims.

We have contacted the original accuser, CHIKAMMA, for more details to increase the chances of legal action. This is a developing story.

YOU SHOULD READ THIS: A Timeline of Silence: Why Does Sexual Violence Have Little Consequence?
Looking to pursue a degree in medicine at a government-owned institution? This article has a list of federal universities in Nigeria and their cut-off marks for medicine. For some universities, the cut-off mark is the derived figure after the addition and division of the UTME, post-UTME, and O’level scores.

Now, let’s get it.

University of Lagos (UNILAG)

Established in 1962 and situated in Akoka, Lagos, UNILAG is one of the highly sought-after federal universities in Nigeria. Medical students undergo their studies at the College of Medicine, Idi-Araba, Lagos, which also houses the university’s teaching hospital. UNILAG offers a program in medicine and surgery.

Cut-off

UNILAG has not announced the cut-off mark for the 2024/2025 period. The cut-off mark for the 2023/2024 session was 84.675

University of Ibadan

Popularly known as Nigeria’s premier university, UI was established in 1948. The main campus is located in Agbowo, Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state. Medical students undergo their program at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Agodi. UI offers an undergraduate program in medicine and surgery.

Cut-off

The university hasn’t released the official cut-off mark for the 2024/2025 academic session. The cut-off for the 2023/2024 intake was 79.

Federal University, Lokoja

Established in 2011 and commonly known as FUL, this university is situated in the city of Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State. In 2023, the university made the Times Higher Education 2023 Sub-Saharan African Ranking. FUL offers an undergraduate program in medicine and surgery.

Cut-off

The cut-off mark for medicine and surgery in the 2023/2024 admission exercise was 70% of UTME. The university is yet to announce the new-cut mark for the 2024/2025 admission session.

University of Benin (UNIBEN)

UNIBEN is a government-owned university established in 1970. It was formerly known as the Midwest Institute of Technology before a name change in 1971. UNIBEN is among the public universities that offer a degree in medicine and surgery.

Cut-off

Regardless of the course of study, prospective students are expected to have a UTME score of 200 for eligibility to write the school’s post-UTME. Each department then sets its individual score, but the cut-off isn’t publicly available.

University of Ilorin

UNILORIN ranks among one of the best government-owned institutions in Nigeria. It was established in 1975 and located in Ilorin, Kwara’s capital. The institution offers a program in medicine and surgery and has a university teaching hospital where medical students undergo training.

Cut-off

The institution hasn’t announced the official cut-off mark for the 2024/2025 academic admission exercise. However, for the 2023/2024, prospective students required an average score of 180 and above to be eligible to write the post-UTME exercise for their course of study.

University of Jos (UNIJOS)

Commonly known as UNIJOS, this is a government-owned university established in 1971. The main campus is situated in Jos, Plateau state. The university offers an undergraduate program in medicine and surgery. Medical students undergo training at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).

Cut-off

UNIJOS hasn’t made an official announcement of its cut-off mark for the 2024/2025 intake. However, the general UTME cut-off for the last admission exercise was pegged at 180. Note that prospective students seeking admission into medicine and surgery also need to meet some other requirements as determined by the university.

Get a free ticket to Strings Attached and enjoy a feel-good evening of music, dancing and games at Muri Okunola Park, Lagos on May 11, 2024.

Nnamdi Azikiwe University

Also known as UNIZIK or NAU, this public university was established in 1991. The main campus is situated in Awka, the capital of Anambra state, while it has another campus in Nnewi. UNIZIK offers a program in medicine and surgery. Medical students undergo their training at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital.

Cut-off

The university hasn’t announced the cut-off mark for the 2024/2025 admission round. The last cut-off the university made publicly available for medicine and surgery was at an aggregated (UTME, post-UTME, and O’levels) 310.5

Usman Dan Fodio University

Known as UDUSOK, the university, named after Usman dan Fodio, the founder of the Sokoto Caliphate, is one of four universities established by the Nigerian government in 1975. It’s a public research institution located in Sokoto state. It offers an undergraduate degree in medicine and surgery. Medical students undergo training at the Usman Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital.

Cut-off

As of the 2022/2023 admission exercise, the cut-off mark for medicine and surgery was set at 290. The university hasn’t announced the cut-off mark for the 2024/2025 session.

University of Uyo

The federal government established this university in 1991. It was merged with the former University of Cross River State, earlier established in 1983. The university, which is located in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom, offers a program in medicine and surgery. Medical students receive training at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.

Cut-off

The university isn’t known to set cut-off marks. Admission is based on the candidate’s performance and NUC quota. UNIUYO has an NUC admission quota of 120 students, as such candidates with the highest UTME scores are considered for merit admission.

University of Calabar

UNICAL was formerly a campus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, before it was established as a standalone university under the National Higher Education Expansion Programme of 1975. It’s one of the highly-ranked government-owned institutions in eastern Nigeria. The university offers a program in medicine and surgery and trains its medical students at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital Anambra.

Cut-off

The university hasn’t announced the cut-off mark for the 2023/2024 admission session. 260 was set as UTME score cut-off for medicine and surgery during the 2021/2022 admission round.

Bayero University

This university is an offshoot of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. It formerly operated as the Abdullahi Bayero College before it was upgraded to the status of a full-fledged university by the federal government in 1977. Bayero University offers a degree in medicine and surgery. Medical students undergo training at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.

Cut-off

The university hasn’t announced the official cut-off mark for the 2024/2025 admission exercise. However, as of 2021/2022, the UTME cut-off mark for the faculties of clinical sciences and pharmaceutical sciences was 220 and above.

If you found this piece about federal universities in Nigeria and their cut-off marks for medicine useful, you should read this next: The Hilarious Life of A Nigerian Medical Student
Fashion was clearly not in the room when Nigerian public universities sat down to discuss their options for convocation gowns.

I had time on my hands today and decided to rank 15 of the best ones I could find.

Let’s get into it.

15. Osun State University

Photo source: X

The only thing I can say here is that there are like 20 private and secondary schools with this exact convocation gown.

14. Olabisi Onabanjo University

Photo source: Photochronicles Studios

Replace the blue lining with yellow and you might have the graduands disguised as UNIOSUN students. Is there any effort going into these gown designs?

13. University of Ilorin

Photo: Tribune Online

If you go outside your house right now and scream “low-effort” three times, this gown will appear in your kitchen. Do with this info what you must.

12. Obafemi Awolowo University

Photo source: Geophotography.com

Another navy blue? At this point I honestly need to ask. What the heck is going on?

11. Federal University of Technology, Akure

Photo source: FUTA

I guess another shade of blue is a pleasant sight for sore eyes.

10. Ahmadu Bello University

Photo: Facebook

Not gonna lie, this one is here because I’ve never been so happy to see green in my life. I also rate their decision to go with a single dominant colour.

9. Imo State University

Photo source: Nairaland

The red custom hood is giving something about Christmas church decor that I can’t shake. But yes, they also make it to this spot in the list just because they’re not affiliated with any shade of blue.

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8. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho

Photo source: EmmanuelPixels

If you can ignore the chaotic lemon and purple thing going on, they get a B- for daring to be different.

7. Ekiti State University

Photo source: X/@imotivateafrica

In case you haven’t already noticed, the choice of colour is an important, albeit by accident, criterion for this list since most schools move like blue fabric is the only one in the market. EKSU gets a B+ for this combo.

6. University of Ibadan

Photo source: UNIBADAN

More navy blue for my already tired eyes.

5. University of Benin

Photo source: UNIBEN

They kinda ate with this. Or are my eyes deceiving me? Because lilac and purple is an elite combo.

4. Bayero University

Photo source: Bayero University

When I want to look at it, my head will be headaching me. Let’s just agree they made it this far up the list because my eyes were slightly closed. Also, we already agreed to rate people with uncommon colours, right?

3. Federal University of Agriculture, Funaab

Photo source: Philadlhaevents

It’s heavy on primary colours but I think this gown gives a chance for stylish students to shine.

2. University of Lagos

Photo source: UNILAG

UNILAG can disguise all they want. We can agree the only reason their convocation gown looks like IT is because their students are stylish AF. But we’re still judging the yellow and wine combo sha.

1. University of Port Harcourt

Photo source: KayeVisuals

A Nigerian university with a black graduation gown? You’ll have to unalive my enemies to make me remove UNIPORT from this spot. They ate, swallowed and shat convocation high fashion. I have no choice but to stan!

If you enjoyed this about Nigerian public universities, you should read: We Ranked the School Uniforms of 15 Nigerian Private Schools
Have you had enough of ASUU’s strike? Are you fed up with lecturers who double as mini-gods? What about hostels that are like prison yards and non-academic staff who stress your life? If you check any of the boxes above, it’s time to find a list of the private universities in Nigeria and choose where to port to.

We’ll get you started with some of the most popular ones.

Covenant University

This Christian university often gets dragged as an advanced secondary school because of its stringent rules. However, graduates from the school are usually in high demand from employers.

Student population

The university has a population of about 6000-8500 students.

Owner

Covenant University was founded by Bishop David Oyedepo, under the ownership of the Living Faith Church.

Location

The university has its only campus in Ota, Ogun State.

Founding date

The institution was founded in October 2002.

Does it offer medicine & surgery?

During the institution’s 17^th convocation ceremony in January 2023, Oyedepo announced plans to commence medicine and law programmes. It might still take some years before the programmes commence in full swing.

Other courses

Find other available programmes here.

Average tuition fee

Fees range from ₦975,000 to ₦1.1m depending on level and course of study.

Popular Alumni

Gloria Oloruntobi AKA Maraji, Mimi Onalaja, Simi and Ric Hassani

Babcock University

This is another popular Christian university with a lot of rules in place to check students.

Student population

The university has a population of about 10,000-14000 students. It matriculated a total of 3267 in the 2022/2023 session.

Owner

Babcock is owned by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Nigeria.

Location

The university has its only campus in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.

Founding date

The institution was established in September 1999.

Does it offer medicine & surgery?

Babcock University offers a programme in medicine and surgery

Other Courses

Other courses available at the university can be found here

Average tuition fee

Fees range from ₦775k to ₦989k depending on level and course of study.

Popular Alumni

Davido, Beverly Osu, Olumide Oworu, Buju and Priscilla Ojo

Pan Atlantic University

It’s one of the best private universities in Nigeria for people looking for a solid master’s degree without going through the struggle of japa. PAU is also known for its graduate school, Lagos Business School, offering management courses to business enthusiasts and executives.

Student population

The university has a population of about 1000-2000 students. It matriculated 524 students in January 2023, the highest number of intakes since it was established.

Owner

The university is owned by the Pan-Atlantic University Foundation (PAUF), a non-profit foundation registered in Nigeria.

Location

Pan Atlantic University’s main campus is located at Km 52, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos state. The university has a second campus in Lekki.

Founding date

The institution was established in 2002.

Does it offer medicine & surgery?

PAU doesn’t offer medicine and surgery at the moment.

Other courses

Other undergraduate and postgraduate programs can be found here.

Average tuition fee

Fees range from ₦2.8m to ₦3.8m depending on level and course of study.

Popular Alumni

Nollywood actress Kemi Lala Akindoju, and media executive, Gbemi Olateru Olagbegi

Redeemers University

Redeemer’s University Nigeria is an offshoot of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). In 2013, the institution emerged as the best-rated university among 15 prestigious universities selected from West and Central Africa in the bid for the establishment of African Centres of Excellence.

Student population

The private institution has a population of about 3000-4000 students. A total of 2293 students matriculated in the 2022/2023 session.

Owner

Redeemers University was founded by the management of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) under the leadership of its general overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye.

Location

Redeemers is located in Akoda, Ede, Osun State.

Founding date

The institution was founded in 2005.

Does it offer medicine & surgery?

This school doesn’t offer medicine and surgery but has other basic science courses like physiotherapy, human anatomy and nursing science.

Other courses

Find other available programmers at Redeemers University here.

Average tuition fee

Fees range from ₦582k to ₦1.4m depending on level and course of study.

Popular Alumni

Debo Adedayo AKA Mr Macaroni, Ayoola Oladapo Agboola AKA Kiddominant.

Bowen University

This is one of the earliest private universities established in Nigeria. Bowen prides itself as the largest Baptist university on the African continent.

Student population

The university has a population of about 4000-5000 students.

Owner

Bowen University was founded by members of the Nigerian Baptist Convention.

Location

The university is located in Iwo, Osun State.

Founding date

The institution was founded in 2001.

Does it offer medicine & surgery?

The institution offers a degree programme in medicine and surgery.

Other courses

Check out other courses of study here

Average tuition fee

Fees range from ₦485k to ₦2.2m depending on the level and course of study.

Popular Alumni

Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori AKA Kiekie, Nollywood actress Damilola Adegbite

Al-Hikmah University

It’s among the first set of Islamic private universities in Nigeria. It’s also a great choice for students majoring in Islamic studies. It has degree and PhD programmes in Arabic and Islamic Studies.

Student population

The university has a population of over 7000 students

Owner

The university was founded by Abdur-Raheem Oladimeji Islamic Foundation

Location

The university’s main campus is located at Adewole Housing Estate along Adeta Road, Ilorin, Kwara state. It also has campuses in Igbaja and Atere.

Founding date

Al Hiqmah was established in 2005.

Does it offer medicine & surgery?

The school doesn’t offer this course but has other health science courses like medical laboratory science, nursing and physiology.

Other courses

Check out other available programmes here

Average tuition fee

Fees range from ₦300k to ₦1.3m depending on the level and course of study.

Joseph Ayo Babalola University

Also known as JABU, this is a privately owned Christian university in Osun state. It is named after the first spiritual father of the Christ Apostolic Church, Joseph Ayo Babalola, who died in 1959. It is the first entrepreneurial university in Nigeria.

Student population

The university has over 4000 students.

Owner

Joseph Ayo Babalola University is owned by the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC).

Location

The school campuses are situated in Ipo Arakeji and Ikeji Arakeji communities, Osun state.

Founding date

The institution was established in 2004.

Does it offer medicine & surgery?

This course is currently unavailable in JABU.

Other courses

Check out other programmes here

Average tuition fee

Fees range from ₦670,000 to ₦1.5m depending on the level and course of study.

American University of Nigeria

Except if you live under the rocks, you must have heard of the American university in Nigeria owned by a former vice president and presidential candidate. The institution prides itself as Africa’s first development university.

Student population

The university has a population of about 1000-2000 students.

Owner

Former vice-president, Atiku Abubakar, established the American University of Nigeria.

Location

The university is located at 98 Lamido Zubairu Way Yola Township bypass, Yola, Adamawa State.

Founding date

The private institution was established in 2003.

Does it offer medicine & surgery?

The university doesn’t offer this course.

Other courses

Check out other courses of study here

Average tuition fee

Fees range from ₦2.4 to ₦3.5m depending on level and course of study.

Popular Alumni

Photographer Emily Nkanga, BBNaija star DJ Bally

Bells University of Technology

This institution holds the record of being the first private university of technology in Nigeria, and it’s also owned by a former Nigerian president.

Student population

The university has a population of about 1000-3000 students.

Owner

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo owns the private institution.

Location

The university is located at Benga Villa, Ota, Ogun state.

Founding date

The private university commenced its operation in July 2005.

Does it offer medicine & surgery?

This university doesn’t offer health science-related courses.

Other courses

Check out other courses of study here

Average tuition fee

Fees range from ₦790,000 to ₦1.5m depending on level and course of study.

Popular Alumni

Singer Bad Boy Timz

Igbinedion University

This is one of the oldest private universities in Nigeria. It’s also the first licensed private university established in Nigeria.

Student population

The university has a population of over 5000 students.

Owner

Igbinedion University is owned by famous industrialist, Sir Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion.

Location

The university is located in Okada, Edo state.

Founding date

The university was established in 1999.

Does it offer medicine & surgery?

It’s one of the few private universities in Nigeria that offers a degree programme in medicine and surgery

Other courses

Check out other available programmes here.

Average tuition fee

Fees range from ₦700k to ₦4m depending on the level and course of study.

Popular Alumni

Youtuber Sisi Yemmie, Nollywood actress Regina Daniels and ex-Gombe governor, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwabo

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Adeleke University

The university gained popularity due to its connection to the Adeleke family in Osun state, and singer, Davido.

Student population

The university has a population of about 6000-10,000 students.

Owner

The University was founded by Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, through the Springtime Development Foundation (SDF).

Location

Adeleke University is located in Ede, Osun state.

Founding date

The private institution was established in 2011.

Does it offer medicine & surgery?

Medicine and surgery is not available, but they have other basic health science courses like nursing, anatomy and medical laboratory science

Other courses

Check out other courses of study here.

Average tuition fee

Fees range from ₦1.1m to ₦1.9m depending on level and course of study.

Popular Alumni

30BG’s Tunji Adeleke

Lead City University

This is one of the most popular private universities in Ibadan, Oyo state. The same city also houses the first university in Nigeria, University of Ibadan.

Student population

The university has a population of about 4000 students.

Owner

Lead City University is owned by Prof. Jide Owoeye.

Location

The school is located at Oba Otudeko Avenue, Toll-Gate Area, Ibadan, Oyo state.

Founding date

Lead City was established in 2005.

Does it offer medicine & surgery?

The university offers a degree in medicine.

Other courses

Check out other courses of study here

Average tuition fee

Fees range from ₦150,000 to ₦3.5m depending on level and course of study.

Popular Alumni

Singer Skales

Fountain University

It’s another Islamic private tertiary institution with connections to the Muslim society group, NASFAT.

Student population

The university has a population of about 6000-10,000 students.

Owner

Fountain University is owned by the Nasrul-Lahi-Il-Fatih Society (NASFAT) in Nigeria.

Location

Fountain University is located in Oke-Osun, Osogbo, Osun state.

Founding date

The private institution was established in 2007.

Does it offer medicine & surgery?

This course is unavailable at Fountain University.

Other courses

Check out other available programmes here

Average Tuition Fee

Fees range from ₦440k to ₦850k depending on level and course of study.

Veritas University

It’s one of the private tertiary institutions in the federal capital territory with a connection to the catholic church.

Owner

Veritas University was founded by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria.

Location

The school is located in Bwari, FCT, Abuja.

Founding date

Veritas University was established in 2002.

Does it offer medicine & surgery?

This course is not available in the school. However, they offer degree programmes in nursing and medical laboratory science

Other courses

Check out other courses of study here

Average tuition fee

Fees range from ₦833k to ₦963k depending on the level and course of study.

Nile University of Nigeria

Nile University ranks as one of the most popular private universities in Nigeria. It’s sometimes mistaken for a university of the same name in Egypt.

Student population

The university has over 9000 undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Owner

Nile University is now owned by the National Honoris United Universities Network after it was acquired in 2020.

Location

The school is located in Jabi, Abuja.

Founding date

The institution was established in 2009.

Does it offer medicine & surgery?

Nile University runs a six-year programme in medicine and surgery.

Other courses

Check out other courses of study here

Average tuition fee

Fees range from ₦1.2m to ₦5.9m depending on level and course of study.

Novena University

It’s one of the top private universities in Nigeria’s southsouth. It also holds the record of being the first private university established in Delta state.

Student population

The university has a population of about 1000-2000 students.

Owner

Novena University is owned by Chuks Ochonogor through his company, Prowess Management & Technical Services Limited.

Location

Novena University is located in Ogume, Kwame, Delta state.

Founding date

The institution was established in 2005.

Does it offer medicine & surgery?

Novena University offers a degree programme in medicine and surgery.

Other courses

Check out other courses of study here

Average tuition fee

Fees range from ₦500,000 to ₦1m depending on level and course of study.
By Aisha Bello, Omoniyi Grace, Jalaalah Oluwatunmike Shittu, Bawa Daniel, & Olatunji Olaigbe

In August 2023, the University of Ilorin management cut down at least a dozen trees, presumably to make the university safer. A few weeks earlier, a heavy storm had uprooted trees on campus, which in turn fell on and destroyed buildings.

Subsequently, the university took down trees located near any structure. These trees had existed for decades before the structures.

Across Universities in Nigeria, UCJ Unilorin discovered a pattern of development that doesn’t adequately consider the environmental impact of new buildings and structures. To set up university buildings that span hundreds of acres of land, government and education authorities have to drop trees and sometimes relocate the previous settlers.

Students of these federal universities reported that tree-falling has only increased.

The environmental price of education

Established in 1948, the University of Ibadan is the first university in Nigeria. The university is home to numerous infrastructure, including halls of residence.

Seventy-five years into its existence, the University of Ibadan no longer has any sizable forest cover — they’ve been either cleared or fragmented to make way for the construction of lecture theatres, banking halls, and other structures.

Satellite imagery showing University of Ibadan in 2008

Current satellite imagery of the University of Ibadan shows that buildings have increased and forest cover has decreased.

Per the students, the university’s objective is to build and improve its infrastructure, so they must clear the land to install buildings.

“Although there are afforestation projects, the percentage of reforestation can never compare to the rate of deforestation,” Fabiyi said. “It takes years to grow a tree, but you can cut a hundred trees in one day.”

Another student of the University of Ibadan, Baliqeez Adebisi, a student of Forest resource management, told UCJ Unilorin that she thinks the university management could be more proactive.

“Once, a big tree in front of the university bookshop, which is as old as the university, was cut down. Shortly after, a heavy storm blew off the roof of the University Bookshop. Half of the bookshop became dilapidated.”

More recently, there was an entire caterpillar infestation at Heritage Park, University of Ibadan. Almost all the trees there became defoliated for weeks, but nobody paid attention until students noticed.

“When these trees dry up, they’ll eventually fall,” Adebisi said, “It is a caterpillar that develops into a moth species, and it’s a pest that’s endemic to West Africa.”

About 177 kilometres from Ibadan is University of Ilorin in Kwara state. The University sits on approximately 15,000 hectares of land with a population of over 50,000 people.

In its 10th consecutive year as the most sought-after higher institution, the university continues to invade land cover to allow human habitation due to its ever-increasing population.

University of Ilorin in 2008

University of Ilorin in 2023

In various interviews with students on the campus, they affirmed the rash effects of deforestation occurring intermittently in the community.

According to the president of the Students Association of the Department of Forestry, Muktar Abdulquadir, wildlife has had to scamper around as their original habitat has been destabilised. This poses the danger of extinction to these animals and the risk of animal attacks on the campus inhabitants.

“I vividly recall seeing squirrels on my way around school During my 100 level days. But now I rarely see them. I have also noticed a general decrease of diversity of tree species generally on campus in the course of my project.”

For his final year project, Muktar is documenting the characteristics of different tree species on campus to help identify these species. During his work, he discovered some species he should have worked on because they were available on campus have now been cut down. As a result, he has had to venture deep into the forest in search of them.

Like other universities, the University of Lagos also has a long history of deforestation and perhaps employs the most rash approach. Although there is no adequate information on the number of trees lost to deforestation in the university, the effects are telling on the entire campus community, particularly on students working on their final year project and having to identify various species in their work.

For instance, a student of Unilag who did not want to be identified told UCJ UNILORIN that she encountered issues while searching for Mona Monkeys in the forest area of the school — hostels have now replaced the mangrove forest — the monkeys’ habitat.

“They are in sparse now, unlike before when they could be easily found in large numbers,” she said

University of Lagos in 2008

The University of Lagos now.

Opeoluwa Ayomide, an alumnus of the university told UCJ Unilorin that during her stay at the university, “the air felt different.” She mentioned that the temperature had increased, and the air had unnatural smells.

“UNILAG students know that the air we breathe on campus is different; it doesn’t have the freshness it used to have. The campus has become so hot, like we are close to the sun, the trees that served as shade are no longer as much as they used to be,” Ayomide said.

Nigeria loses 350,000 to 400,000 hectares of forest every year. A report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO (2010) on deforestation trend in Africa revealed that Nigeria has lost more of its forestland within the last fifty years, making it one of the countries with the highest rate of deforestation in the world.

Deforestation has far-reaching consequences

According to the United Nations, Nigeria has one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world. Globally, tropical deforestation contributes to 20% of annual greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the CO2meter, a typical tree can absorb 48 pounds of carbon dioxide annually. This means it will eliminate approximately 1 ton of carbon dioxide emissions by the time it reaches 40 years old. However, “on average, human activity puts about 40 billion tons of CO2 into the air each year. This means we would theoretically have to plant 40 billion trees every year.”

According to Tijesunimi Agbaje, an environmental specialist at Global Landscapes Forum, a knowledge-led platform for sustainable land use, human activities such as transportation, plastic pollution, and industrial processes leave carbon footprints in the atmosphere, but deforestation is one of the major sources of carbon emissions in the environment.

In addition to this, The average tree absorbs 10-15 gallons of water every day; their extensive roots soak in the excess water in the environment. When deforestation happens, the root system is destroyed, and the soil loses the capacity to absorb rainfall. As a result, more rainwater runs off the surface, leading to flooding during heavy rainfall events.

In 2022, Nigeria experienced one of the worst flooding she has ever experienced. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said 662 persons lost their lives, 3,174 suffered injuries and 2,430,445 individuals were displaced by the disaster.

“Carbon emissions are majorly absorbed by tropical trees. Temperate trees can also absorb emissions, but not as much as tropical trees. The remaining carbon goes into the ocean,” Agbaje explained. “But humans are constantly damaging both oceans and forests, and those are the two things that keep us alive and preserve the ecosystem.”

Image Source: University of Ilorin

Curbing deforestation in Nigerian universities and beyond

There have been efforts made by individuals and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to curb this gnawing issue. One such person who has contributed to this cause is Debo Ajenifuja, a program manager at the Alliance for Positive Environmental Impacts and Reforestation (APEARE)

To curb deforestation, Ajenifuja and his team devised an initiative to empower women from rural communities in Ibadan whose significant income was from cutting and selling trees. The team trained the women on cultivating short-duration trees, mainly “Thaumatococcus Daniellii“, used for “moinmoin” wraps.

According to Agbaje, Universities need to approach their architecture and development goals from a position that’s more inclusive of the environment. Development plans should minimise deforestation and the fragmentation of vegetation cover.

Editor’s note:

This story is part of a series we’ll be publishing in partnership with University of Ilorin’s Union of Campus Journalists (UCJ) to support the launch of their 2023 OPTIC magazine.

UCJ is the official student press body of the University of Ilorin and is home to over 300 journalists. It won Pen Club of the year at Youth Digest’s 2022 Campus Journalism Awards, and was a finalist under the magazine of the year category.

You can also support their work by:
1. Sharing these stories for more visibility.
2. Placing an order for the magazine or funding next year’s release. Please email the UCJ team at ucjunilorin@gmail.com
On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, students of Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) raised an alarm over the disappearance of Miss Atanda Modupe Deborah, a 200-level student of the school’s nursing department.

She was reportedly last seen in front of the school’s Pharmacy Twin Hall on Monday, September 4. Unfortunately, by Wednesday evening, the situation took a tragic turn. She was found dead and buried in a shallow grave in the school’s premises.

What happened?

According to fellow students, Miss Atanda was raped and killed.

Ayo*, an accounting student at the university, provided some context. “She went for night reading, and when she didn’t come back the next day, some of her friends started a search party. The school authority was informed, but she was only found two days later in a shallow grave behind the Faculty of Pharmacy building. Her books and bag were found on a damaged bridge close by, and her earrings and pieces of clothing were found in a building close to the Pharmacy Twin Hall. She looked like she’d been raped but not mutilated or missing body parts, as the rumours claim.”

In the aftermath of her discovery, several students have voiced out their anger at the school’s lack of security personnel, night lights and student ID cards for proper identification. “We have forest-like bushes in Oye,” Bola*, another student, says. “Anyone can hide in those bushes and do anything they want. We don’t have security. At night, the school is dark. It’s not strange to hear that a student was robbed or molested in the dark, and there’s no way to even determine who is a student or not because we don’t have ID cards. The school doesn’t care about us.”

A protest in 2019 over the same poor electricity situation in the school led to the death of a student when protesting students were allegedly shot at by Nigerian police.

On Twitter, students and concerned individuals seeking justice for Miss Atanda are pushing hashtags like #justiceformodupe #blackwednesday and #makeFUOYEsafe.

https://twitter.com/FUOYE_CAMCONECT/status/1699544907445391369?t=1kf5eliZIaEEvWHdlgbxYw&s=19

What are the school and police saying?

The school authorities put out a press release on Wednesday, expressing their sadness over the unfortunate incident and urging “all stakeholders to be calm”.

They also noted that several arrests have been made as an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Miss Atanda’s death is ongoing. The press release contained instructions for students to “vacate the premises with immediate effect, to ensure a proper, holistic and unimpeded, thorough investigation.”

The Commissioner of Police, Ekiti, released a statement that the body had been put in a morgue, and ten suspects were held for questioning as of Thursday, September 7th.

07/09/2023
*PRESS RELEASE:* _Ekiti State CP orders discreet investigation into the cause of Deborah's death._
— Ekiti State Police Command (@EkitiPoliceNG) September 7, 2023

The school’s student union government and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) also released similar statements.

This story will be updated as more details emerge.

*Names have been changed for the sake of anonymity.

NEXT READ: Negligence Strikes Again as Dr Vwaere Diaso Falls to Death in Elevator Accident

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A Nigerian academic guru from the University of Calabar (UNICAL), identified as Cyril Ndifon, is facing allegations of sexual misconduct from female students of the school. Here’s all we know about the matter that has already garnered thousands of reactions from Twitter users under the trending hashtag #NdifonMustGo.

Who is Professor Cyril Ndifon?

According to information in the institution’s staff directory, “Professor Cyril Osim Ndifon is a Professor of Law at the University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.” He has held several positions in the institution, including Dean, Faculty of Law; Sub-Dean, Faculty of Law; Head of Department; Chairman, Faculty of Law Graduate Board; and Examination officer.

Professor Cyril Ndifon is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the National Association of Law Teachers, among others.

Why is he trending?

On Monday, August 14, 2023, a Twitter user identified as @ada_mummyya shared a video showing a group of female UNICAL law students, accompanied by a few male counterparts, protesting for the removal of their dean.

The students were seen raising placards with bold inscriptions like “Prof Ndifon, let girls with big breasts breathe, stop suffocating us”, “We are tired of sucking dicks”, “Prof Ndifon must go for our sanity”, “Law girls are not bonanzas, Prof Ndifon should stop grabbing us”, “The faculty of law is not a brothel” and “Enough of law school list manipulation.”

Unical female Law students have called out their Dean, Prof Cyril Ndifon. Right now they are being threatened and shushed by the establishment.

Lend your voice! #CyrilNdifonMustGo #ProtectOurGirls pic.twitter.com/xrlsB20ctN
— Where is Chijioke? (@Ada_mummyya) August 14, 2023

When did the allegations start?

While @ada_mummyya’s video has only just brought the matter to light, an online search of Professor Ndifon’s name returns with a string of articles that link him to allegations of sexual abuse from as far back as 2015.

In a 2016 article, it was reported that Prof Ndifon was accused of sexually assaulting a 20-year-old year student in his office on August 29, 2015. The incident led to Ndifon’s suspension by the university management. He was only to return to office once he was completely exonerated from the allegations of sexual misconduct.

The aggrieved professor dragged the matter to court, and on September 21, 2016, the National Industrial Court in Calabar, presided over by Justice Eunice Agbakoba, dismissed the suit.

On November 16, 2017, reports that the university management had recalled Professor Ndifon made headlines with pictures of his arrival on the university premises.

Professor Ndifon receives a warm welcome upon reinstatement

Why are the students protesting now?

On January 30, 2023, an article published in the campus news segment of UNICAL’s website announced the re-election of Professor Ndifon as the dean of the faculty of law. According to the release, Ndifon’s tenure is to run for two years, from January 27, 2023, till January 26, 2025.

The re-election didn’t sit well with the students, who are still accusing Professor Ndifon of sexual misconduct and the school authority of attempting a cover-up.

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Has this received any public attention?

In December 2022, a civil service organisation, Sacredhearts Gender Protection Initiative, wrote to the UNICAL management, querying the reinstatement and promotion of Professor Ndifon despite allegations of misconduct.

A portion of the letter addressed to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, read “…we therefore find it hard to understand the basis for which Ndifon who is under investigation for sexual assault against a female law student was reinstated as a staff of the university and made Dean of the Law Faculty. Is it that the Management of the University of Calabar has no moral standard for measuring or distinguishing right from wrong?

The group equally vowed to hit the streets and protest the reinstatement of Professor Ndifon.

“Our organization together with other Civil Society groups involved in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) activities will lead a protest march and advocacy visit to international organizations and foreign embassies in the Federal Capital Territory to call your university management to order.”

A number of Nigerians have also taken to social media in solidarity with the protesting students, calling for the professor’s immediate removal.

Every Eke Market Day spanning 8 years now, Prof Cyril Ndifon is called out for abuse. Nothing happens because the “Powers that be” protects a perpetrator.

Today, I join my voice with these brave brave girls to say No more. Make schools a safer place for Everyone. https://t.co/JYI0PwwWoN
— Priye The Star ⭐️✨🤩💫🌟 (@PriyeDiri) August 14, 2023

So sad but im glad they’re sticking up for themselves. Smh https://t.co/Qw6K60PY1e
— OLONI BABY 💋 (@Oloni) August 14, 2023

I just want to give these young women a big hug because the education system in this country is already set up to frustrate your progress for you to still deal with sexual harassment from your dean. I hope they don’t get punished for speaking up for themselves https://t.co/ImhnMYjGf3
— Ebele (@ebelee_) August 14, 2023

UNICAL suspends Professor Ndifon

Following the recent allegations of sexual harassment, the university management on Thursday, August 17, suspended Professor Ndifon. In a letter signed by the registrar, Mr Gabriel Egbe, the school management expressed reservations about Ndifon’s unsatisfactory response to a query issued to him.

The letter read: “Please refer to our letter Ref UC/REG/DISC.45A dated August 14, 2023, on your alleged violation of the provisions of the extant laws and policies of the university and your response to the said letter which was dated August 16, 2023.

“The vice-chancellor has gone through your written representations and is not satisfied with your explanations. She has therefore directed that you be relieved of your position as the Dean, Faculty of Law and placed on suspension while the matter is referred to a panel that will be set up to investigate these allegations.”

This is a developing story.

Abia

Adamawa

Akwa Ibom

Anambra

Bauchi

Bayelsa

Benue

Borno

Cross River

Delta

Ebonyi

Edo

Ekiti

Enugu

Gombe

Imo

Jigawa

Kaduna

Kano

Katsina

Kebbi

Kogi

Kwara

Lagos

Nasarawa

Niger

Ogun

Ondo

Osun

Oyo

Plateau

Rivers

Sokoto

Taraba

Yobe

Zamfara

Babcock University: Knowledge, truth, service

Adeleke University: Education, excellence and character

Fountain University: Knowledge, faith and leadership

Achievers University: Knowledge, integrity and leadership

Bowen University: Excellence and Godliness

American University of Nigeria: Quality, integrity, style

Crescent University: Citadel of academic excellence

Afe Babalola University: Labor servitum et integritas

Baze University: Learn to live

Lead City University: Knowledge for self-reliance

Mountain Top University: Empowered to excel

Caleb University: For God and humanity

Covenant University: Raising a new generation of leaders

Redeemer’s University: Running with a vision

Bells University of Technology: Only the best is good for bells

UNIBEN: Knowledge for service

UNICAL: Knowledge for service

LASU: For truth and service

EKSU: Knowledge, honour, service

DELSU: Knowledge, character and service

LAUTECH: Excellence, integrity and service

UNILORIN: Learning and character

University of Nigeria: To restore the dignity of man

UNIABUJA: For unity and scholarship

UNIOSUN: Living spring of knowledge and culture

UNILAG: In deed and in truth

Kwara State University: …the Green University for community development and entrepreneurship

FUTA: Technology for self-reliance

OAU: For learning and culture

UI: Recte sapere fons

OOU: Excellentia humana et patriae opus

UNIJOS: Discipline and dedication

Another sex-for-grades situation

He was called out five years ago

Many more accusations

University of Lagos (UNILAG)

Cut-off

University of Ibadan

Cut-off

Federal University, Lokoja

Cut-off

University of Benin (UNIBEN)

Cut-off

University of Ilorin