In Nigeria’s complex academic landscape, choosing the right university can feel overwhelming. While federal and private institutions often dominate the spotlight, state universities are home to some of the country’s best minds and infrastructure. So, which state-owned institution deserves the crown in 2025?
If you’re searching for the best state university in Nigeria in 2025, this in-depth guide will walk you through the evidence, highlight the top contenders, and help you make a smart decision.
Why State Universities Deserve More Attention
State universities in Nigeria offer a unique middle ground—they’re more affordable than most private universities and better funded than many federal ones. Supported by state governments, these institutions are expanding fast, competing nationally in research, innovation, and employability.
With over 50 state universities across the country, students now face more options—and more confusion. Thankfully, several reputable sources have ranked these universities for 2025 using different criteria. Let’s dive into the top picks.
2025 Snapshot: Top Contenders
According to multiple rankings, three universities dominate the conversation:
- Lagos State University (LASU) – Strong performance in research and global outlook.
- Ekiti State University (EKSU) – Leading in teaching and student-centered learning.
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) – Historically strong in tech and science.
So, which one truly stands out in 2025? Let’s examine the rankings.
Times Higher Education (THE) Nigeria Rankings 2025
THE is one of the most respected global university ranking platforms. In 2025, two state universities tied for 12th place nationally:
| University Name | Nigeria Rank 2025 | Overall Score Range | Teaching | Research Quality | Industry | International Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ekiti State University | =12 | 10.5–25.1 | 22.9 | 13.6 | 15.9 | 33.9 |
| Lagos State University | =12 | 10.5–25.1 | 13.3 | 26.1 | 17 | 43.7 |
- EKSU leads in teaching, ideal for undergraduates seeking strong academic mentorship.
- LASU shines in research quality and global outlook—perfect for students aiming for postgraduate studies or international collaboration.
New Telegraph 2024 Ranking (Applicable for 2025)
New Telegraph published a list dedicated specifically to state universities, evaluating them on academic excellence, infrastructure, and student population. Their top 10 state universities in Nigeria for 2025 include:
| Rank | University | Location | Founded | Student Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LASU | Lagos | 1983 | 35,000+ |
| 2 | Rivers State University | Rivers | 1980 | 40,000+ |
| 3 | Olabisi Onabanjo University | Ogun | 1982 | 30,000+ |
| 4 | LAUTECH | Oyo | 1990 | 25,000+ |
| 5 | Ambrose Alli University | Edo | 1981 | N/A |
| 6 | Adekunle Ajasin University | Ondo | 1982 | 15,000+ |
| 7 | EKSU | Ekiti | 1985 | 35,000+ |
| 8 | Nasarawa State University | Nasarawa | 2002 | N/A |
| 9 | Delta State University | Delta | 1995 | 22,000+ |
| 10 | Benue State University | Benue | 1992 | 30,000+ |
Key takeaway: LASU is ranked #1 by a ranking that exclusively focuses on state universities—reinforcing its place at the top for 2025.
Webometrics Rankings (2023 Data)
Though slightly outdated, Webometrics evaluates universities based on web presence, visibility, and scholarly output. In their latest release:
| State University | National Rank |
|---|---|
| LAUTECH | 7 |
| Adekunle Ajasin | 13 |
| LASU | 21 |
Here, LAUTECH leads among state institutions. However, due to the absence of 2025 Webometrics updates, these rankings serve only as context, not as final judgment.
What Are Students Saying? (Social Media Insights)
According to recent posts on X (formerly Twitter):
- @StatiSense (Oct 2024) named EKSU the best state university per THE 2025.
- @Imranmuhdz (June 2025) shared a top universities list where LASU appeared ahead of EKSU, but didn’t specify state vs overall ranks.
These posts reflect the debate and reveal how close the competition is.
Which Is the Best State University in 2025?
Let’s summarize:
Lagos State University (LASU)
- Best overall ranking from New Telegraph.
- Top performer in research and global outlook per THE.
- Multiple campuses (Ojo, Ikeja, Epe) and over 35,000 students.
Ekiti State University (EKSU)
- Strongest in teaching, per THE.
- Cited as top state university in some media reports.
Ladoke Akintola University (LAUTECH)
- Historically strong in STEM fields.
- Leads in Webometrics (2023).
Still, LASU emerges as the strongest all-rounder for 2025.
What Makes LASU Stand Out?
- High international outlook: LASU ranks well in terms of global collaboration and exchange programs.
- Strong research quality: With a 26.1 score in THE’s research metric, it outperforms even some federal universities.
- Urban advantage: Located in Lagos, students gain better access to internships, startups, and top employers.
- Solid infrastructure: LASU has invested heavily in e-learning, modern classrooms, and postgraduate programs.
Admissions, Accreditation, and Affordability
- LASU accepts JAMB scores and conducts post-UTME screening. Stay updated via JAMB official portal.
- Accredited by NUC.
- Relatively affordable, with tuition starting around ₦57,000 for Lagos residents and ₦150,000+ for non-residents (subject to course).
Final Thoughts: Choose Based on Fit, Not Just Rankings
While LASU may be the best state university in Nigeria in 2025, the truth is—your best fit depends on your goals:
- Choose EKSU if you want a teaching-focused environment.
- Choose LAUTECH if you want a tech-heavy degree in engineering or sciences.
- Choose LASU if you want a balanced academic experience with global exposure.
Conclusion
Based on 2025 data and rankings, Lagos State University (LASU) is considered the best state university in Nigeria this year. It combines strong research, solid infrastructure, and international visibility—while staying relatively affordable. That said, EKSU and LAUTECH remain top choices depending on what you value most: teaching strength or tech focus.
As always, do your research. Check admission requirements, course offerings, and accreditation on official platforms.
