Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria, is not just the political hub of the country but also a center for education, research, and academic excellence. The city hosts a blend of federal, private, and specialized universities, making it a great destination for students who want access to quality education in a cosmopolitan environment.
If you’re planning to study in Abuja or you’re simply curious about the academic institutions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), here’s an extensive list of universities in Abuja.
List of Universities in Abuja
1. University of Abuja (UNIABUJA)
Established in 1988, the University of Abuja is one of Nigeria’s leading federal universities. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across faculties such as Arts, Science, Education, Engineering, Law, Social Sciences, Agriculture, and Health Sciences.
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Type: Federal University
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Location: Along Airport Road, Gwagwalada, Abuja
- Unique Feature: Known as the “University for National Unity,” it is strategically located in the nation’s capital and draws students from across the country.
2. African University of Science and Technology (AUST)
Founded in 2007 as part of the Nelson Mandela Institution, AUST focuses on postgraduate education and research in science, technology, and engineering.
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Type: Private (Pan-African, postgraduate-focused)
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Location: Airport Road, Abuja
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Unique Feature: It has an international faculty and research collaborations, making it a hub for innovation and advanced studies in Africa.
3. Baze University
Established in 2011, Baze University is one of Abuja’s most popular private universities. It is known for its modern facilities, strong emphasis on quality education, and relatively high tuition fees.
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Type: Private University
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Location: Jabi Airport Road Bypass, Abuja
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Unique Feature: Offers a broad range of courses and is particularly known for Law, Social Sciences, and Engineering.
4. Nile University of Nigeria
Founded in 2009, Nile University is part of the Honoris United Universities Network. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across faculties such as Law, Engineering, Arts & Social Sciences, Business, Medicine, and Health Sciences.
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Type: Private University
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Location: Jabi Airport Bypass, Abuja
- Unique Feature: The university’s affiliation with Honoris provides students with international exposure and exchange opportunities.
5. Veritas University (Catholic University of Nigeria)
Established in 2007 by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Veritas University provides holistic education with strong moral and ethical values.
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Type: Private (Faith-based, Catholic)
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Location: Bwari Area Council, Abuja
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Unique Feature: Known for combining academic excellence with Catholic values, it is a great choice for students seeking both education and spiritual development.
6. Philomath University
Philomath University is one of the newer institutions in Abuja, licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC). It aims to provide modern and practical education across various disciplines.
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Type: Private University
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Location: Kuje, Abuja
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Unique Feature: A strong focus on innovation, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship.
7. Miva Open University
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Licensed by the NUC in 2023, Miva Open University is Nigeria’s first fully online university. It provides flexible degree programs in fields like Computer Science, Data Science, Business Management, and Public Policy.
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Type: Private (Online University)
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Location: Abuja (headquarters)
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Unique Feature: 100% online learning, making higher education accessible to students nationwide and beyond.
8. Other Specialized and Emerging Universities in Abuja
Beyond the major names listed above, Abuja is home to specialized universities and institutions focused on research, theology, and professional education. Some of them include:
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African University of Science and Technology (AUST) – postgraduate specialization.
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Bingham University (near Abuja in Karu, Nasarawa State but often associated with FCT students).
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Several NUC-approved new private universities that continue to expand Abuja’s educational landscape.
Why Choose a University in Abuja?
Studying in Abuja offers unique advantages:
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Diversity: Students from all over Nigeria converge here.
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Opportunities: Being the capital city, Abuja provides internship, networking, and job opportunities.
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Security & Infrastructure: Abuja is relatively more planned and secure than many Nigerian cities.
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Modern Universities: Many private institutions in Abuja boast world-class facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About List of Universities in Abuja
1. How many universities are in Abuja?
As of 2025, Abuja has a mix of federal, private, and specialized universities. The major ones include the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), Baze University, Nile University, Veritas University, African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Philomath University, and Miva Open University.
2. What is the federal university in Abuja?
The main federal university in Abuja is the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), located along Airport Road, Gwagwalada.
3. What private universities are in Abuja?
Popular private universities in Abuja include Baze University, Nile University of Nigeria, Veritas University, Philomath University, and Miva Open University.
4. Which university in Abuja is the cheapest?
Generally, federal universities like UNIABUJA have lower tuition compared to private universities. Private schools like Baze or Nile tend to have higher fees.
5. Which university in Abuja is best for Medicine and Health Sciences?
Nile University of Nigeria and the University of Abuja have well-established faculties for Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences.
Final Thoughts
Abuja’s universities provide a mix of affordability (federal options like UNIABUJA), innovation (AUST, Miva), and premium education (Baze, Nile, Veritas). Whether you’re seeking a federal institution, a faith-based university, or a tech-driven online degree, the capital city has something for every student.
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