Nigeria’s higher education landscape expanded rapidly after World War II and the country’s independence in 1960. This feature highlights the seven oldest universities—alongside the oldest higher institution often listed with them—detailing their founding years, origins, and notable contributions to national development.
1. University of Ibadan (UI) — 1948 / 1962
Established in 1948 as University College Ibadan under a special relationship with the University of London, UI began by awarding London degrees before becoming an independent institution in 1962–1963. Designed by Maxwell Fry and Jane Drew, UI’s campus became a model of modernist tropical architecture. It remains Nigeria’s premier university and oldest degree-awarding institution.
2. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) — 1955 (Law) / 1960 (Opening)
UNN was inspired by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s vision for a truly national university. Founded legally in 1955 and formally opened on 7 October 1960, it became the first fully autonomous Nigerian university established by a regional government. UNN played a pivotal role in training early post-independence professionals.
3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), formerly University of Ife — 1961 / 1962
Founded by the Western Region Government in response to the Ashby Commission, the University of Ife came into being in 1961 and admitted its first students in 1962. Renamed Obafemi Awolowo University, the institution is globally admired for its iconic modernist campus designed by architect Arieh Sharon and his team.
4. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria — 1962
Opened on 4 October 1962 as the University of Northern Nigeria, ABU consolidated several existing colleges to become the leading academic and research centre in northern Nigeria. It was later renamed after Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto.
5. University of Lagos (UNILAG) — 1962
Created by the University of Lagos Act, UNILAG began operations in 1962 with a few faculties before rapid expansion in the 1960s. It was one of the first federal universities established to strengthen workforce capacity during the nation’s formative years.
6. University of Benin (UNIBEN) — 1970 / 1971
Founded as the Midwest Institute of Technology in November 1970, it attained university status in 1971 and later became a federal institution. UNIBEN serves as a major academic hub for Edo State and the surrounding region, offering diverse programmes and research opportunities.
7. Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) — 1947
Though not a university, YABATECH—founded in 1947—is Nigeria’s oldest tertiary technical institution and is frequently included in historical lists of early higher education centres. It supplied early talent and manpower to emerging universities and continues to rank among the nation’s top polytechnics.
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