Edo State, located in the South-South region of Nigeria, is not only known for its rich history and cultural heritage but also for being home to some of the country’s respected institutions of higher learning. The state capital, Benin City, serves as a hub for education, commerce, and culture.

If you’re considering studying in Edo State, here’s a comprehensive list of universities located in the state, categorized by federal, state, and private ownership.

Federal Universities in Edo State

1. University of Benin (UNIBEN)

The University of Benin is one of Nigeria’s first-generation universities and remains one of the most popular higher institutions in the country. It has a wide range of faculties, including Medicine, Engineering, Law, Arts, and Social Sciences. UNIBEN is known for its academic excellence, vibrant student life, and a rich history of producing notable alumni in politics, business, and entertainment.

• Established: 1970

• Type: Federal University

State Universities in Edo State

1. Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma

Named after Professor Ambrose Alli, the former governor of Bendel State, AAU is Edo State’s flagship university. The university offers diverse programs across faculties such as Medicine, Law, Engineering, Agriculture, and Education. It has contributed immensely to human capital development in Nigeria.

• Established: 1981

• Type: State University

Private Universities in Edo State

Edo State has several private universities that offer quality education in specialized and general fields.

1. Benson Idahosa University (BIU), Benin City

Founded in honor of Archbishop Benson Idahosa, BIU is a Christian university that emphasizes academic excellence alongside spiritual development. It offers programs in Law, Engineering, Social Sciences, Arts, and Agriculture, and is recognized internationally for its strong moral and academic standards.

• Established: 2002

• Type: Private (Faith-based)

2. Igbinedion University, Okada

Igbinedion University is the first licensed private university in Nigeria. It has a reputation for innovation and academic distinction, with faculties in Medicine, Law, Engineering, Business, Arts, and Health Sciences. The university is located in Okada and is known for producing some of Nigeria’s top professionals.

• Established: 1999

• Type: Private University

3. Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa

Founded by The Apostolic Church, this university focuses on instilling discipline, knowledge, and spiritual values in its students. It offers undergraduate programs in Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Management.

• Established: 2011

• Type: Private (Faith-based)

4. Wellspring University, Benin City

Wellspring University emphasizes entrepreneurship, leadership, and character development. It offers courses in Management, Social Sciences, Computing, and Natural Sciences. The institution is committed to producing graduates who can thrive in a competitive global economy.

• Established: 2009

• Type: Private University

5. Mudiame University, Irrua

A relatively new university, Mudiame University focuses on science, technology, and innovation. It aims to provide solutions to Nigeria’s development challenges by equipping students with modern skills in engineering, applied sciences, and business.

• Established: 2020

• Type: Private University

6. Edo State University, Uzairue

Although it is a state-owned institution, Edo State University operates with a modernized structure and state-of-the-art facilities, which makes it stand out. The university provides programs in Medicine, Law, Engineering, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences, with emphasis on technology-driven learning.

• Established: 2016

• Type: State-Owned but operates uniquely with modern private-sector standards

Frequently Asked Questions About Universities in Edo State

1. How many universities are in Edo State?

Edo State has eight universities: one federal university, two state universities, and five private universities.

2. Which is the best university in Edo State?

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) is the most prestigious and widely recognized university in Edo State. It is one of Nigeria’s top federal universities and attracts students from across the country and abroad.

3. What is the first private university in Edo State?

The Igbinedion University, Okada, established in 1999, is not only the first private university in Edo State but also the first licensed private university in Nigeria.

4. Does Edo State have a medical school?

Yes. The University of Benin, Ambrose Alli University, Igbinedion University, and Edo State University Uzairue all have faculties of medicine and health sciences.

5. Are there faith-based universities in Edo State?

Yes. Benson Idahosa University, Samuel Adegboyega University, and some programs at Wellspring University are faith-based, combining academics with spiritual and moral values.

Final Thoughts

Edo State is a true academic hub in Nigeria, offering students a wide variety of choices, from the prestigious University of Benin to the innovative Mudiame University.