Imo State, located in southeastern Nigeria, is widely regarded as the educational hub of the South East. The state is home to a large number of tertiary institutions, particularly universities, making it one of the top destinations for students seeking higher education in Nigeria.

If you’re looking for a federal, state, or private university, Imo State has a wide range of options to suit different academic and financial needs. In this guide, we’ll cover the complete list of universities in Imo State, along with key details about each one.

Federal Universities in Imo State

1. Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)

FUTO is the premier federal university of technology in Nigeria and is widely respected for its focus on engineering, sciences, environmental studies, and technology-driven courses. It has grown to become one of the most competitive universities in Nigeria.

• Established: 1980

• Location: Owerri

State Universities in Imo State

1. Imo State University (IMSU)

IMSU is one of Nigeria’s leading state-owned universities. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Medicine, Law, Engineering, Business, Arts, and Social Sciences. IMSU is known for its affordable tuition and accessibility for indigenes of Imo State.

• Established: 1981

• Location: Owerri

2. Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University (KOMU)

Named after the late Dr. Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe, KOMU is one of Nigeria’s newest state universities. It focuses on innovation, entrepreneurship, and applied sciences, with the aim of bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry demands.

• Established: 2021 (converted from Eastern Palm University)

• Location: Ideato South, Ogboko

Private Universities in Imo State

Imo State has several private universities that provide alternative options for students who prefer smaller class sizes, flexible academic calendars, and modern facilities.

1. Hezekiah University, Umudi

Founded by the Living Christ Mission, Hezekiah University offers courses in Sciences, Arts, Management, and Social Sciences.

• Established: 2015
• Location: Umudi, Nkwerre LGA

2. Maranatha University, Mgbidi

A faith-based university with a focus on entrepreneurship, technology, and leadership training.

• Established: 2021
• Location: Mgbidi, Oru West LGA

3. Claretian University of Nigeria, Nekede

Founded by the Claretian Missionaries, this university is dedicated to raising morally upright graduates in fields like Management, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Humanities.

• Established: 2021
• Location: Nekede, Owerri

Frequently Asked Questions About Universities in Imo State

1. How many universities are in Imo State?

Imo State has six universities in total:

• 1 Federal University: Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)

• 2 State Universities: Imo State University (IMSU), Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University (KOMU)

• 3 Private Universities: Hezekiah University (Umudi), Maranatha University (Mgbidi), Claretian University (Nekede)

2. Which is the oldest university in Imo State?

The Imo State University (IMSU), established in 1981, is the oldest university in the state.

3. Which is the most popular university in Imo State?

The Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) is the most popular and highly ranked university in Imo State. It attracts students from across Nigeria because of its strong focus on science, technology, and engineering programs.

4. Which university in Imo State is the cheapest?

Generally, state-owned universities like IMSU and KOMU are cheaper compared to private universities. Tuition fees for indigenes are also subsidized in state universities.

5. Which university in Imo State is the most expensive?

Private universities such as Hezekiah University, Maranatha University, and Claretian University are the most expensive due to their private ownership and modern facilities.

Final Thoughts

Imo State truly lives up to its reputation as an educational powerhouse, with universities that span federal, state, and private ownership.