Kaduna State, located in the north-western region of Nigeria, is one of the country’s most prominent educational hubs. The state is home to a wide range of higher institutions, including federal, state, and private universities, making it a top destination for students across Nigeria and beyond.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at the list of universities in Kaduna State, what makes each unique, and what to consider before choosing one.

Federal Universities in Kaduna State

1. Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna

Established in 1964, NDA is Nigeria’s premier military university, training officers for the Armed Forces. It combines academic study with rigorous military training and offers degrees in engineering, sciences, arts, and military-related fields.

Location: Kaduna City

2. Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna

 

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A specialized university run by the Nigerian Air Force. It focuses on aerospace engineering, aviation technology, and other science-based courses. AFIT is rapidly gaining recognition for producing skilled graduates in technical fields.

Location: Kaduna City

State Universities in Kaduna State

1. Kaduna State University (KASU)

Established in 2004, KASU is the state-owned university with faculties in sciences, social sciences, arts, law, management, and medicine. It has expanded over the years and is now a major choice for students in northern Nigeria.

Location: Kaduna and Kafanchan

Private Universities in Kaduna State

1. Greenfield University, Kaduna

A private university established in 2019, Greenfield offers programmes in sciences, social sciences, and management. It aims to provide modern learning facilities and smaller class sizes.

Location: Kasarami, Kaduna

2. NOK University, Kachia

Location: Kachia

Highlights: A relatively new university licensed in 2020, offering courses in health sciences, natural sciences, and technology.

Why Study in Kaduna State?

Kaduna is a strategic educational hub with several advantages for students:

• Prestigious institutions – ABU and NDA are among Nigeria’s most respected universities.

• Diverse options – Students can choose from federal, state, or private universities.

• Specialized training – Institutions like AFIT and NDA focus on niche areas such as military and aerospace studies.

• Accessibility – Being in northern Nigeria, Kaduna attracts students from across the region and beyond.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a University in Kaduna

1. Course of study – Choose a school that is strong in your desired field. (e.g., ABU for a broad range of courses, UNIMED for health sciences, AFIT for aviation/engineering).

2. Tuition & budget – Federal and state universities are usually more affordable than private ones.

3. Learning environment – Private universities may offer smaller classes and modern facilities.

4. Location & lifestyle – Zaria is a student-friendly town, while Kaduna City offers more urban amenities.

5. Accreditation – Always confirm that your programme is NUC-approved.

Frequently Asked Questions About Universities in Kaduna State

1. How many universities are in Kaduna State?

Kaduna State has at least 7 accredited universities, made up of federal, state, and private institutions.

2. What are the federal universities in Kaduna State?

The federal universities are:

• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria

• Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna

• Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna

3. What is the state university in Kaduna?

The state-owned university is Kaduna State University (KASU) with campuses in Kaduna and Kafanchan.

4. What are the private universities in Kaduna State?

Private universities include:

• Greenfield University, Kaduna

• NOK University, Kachia

5. Which university is the best in Kaduna State?

• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria is the most prestigious and widely regarded as the best in Kaduna State, and one of the top universities in Nigeria.

• For military training, NDA is unmatched.

• For aerospace and aviation studies, AFIT is the go-to institution.

6. Which university in Kaduna is the cheapest?

Federal universities like ABU and AFIT generally have the lowest tuition fees compared to private universities such as Greenfield and NOK University.

Conclusion

With a blend of federal giants like ABU and NDA, the state-owned KASU, and growing private institutions like Greenfield University and NOK University, Kaduna State offers a wealth of options for students.