Nigeria boasts some of the largest universities in Africa, enrolling hundreds of thousands of students from across the globe. The institutions also offer a variety of courses and occupy large hectares of land. Statistics indicate that the largest university in Nigeria in 2025 is the University of Ilorin based on land mass. Here are more details about the other four and their land sizes.
Key takeaways
Some of the top universities in Nigeria are also the largest universities. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta ranks among the largest universities in Nigeria based on land mass.The University of Ilorin tops the list with around 15,000 hectares.
Largest university in Nigeria in 2025
University rankings in Nigeria are mainly based on performance but this list ranks the largest universities based on land mass.
While an institution’s size might not influence a student’s decision to study in Nigeria, it is a significant aspect of expansion and minimising congestion. Explore the top 5 largest universities in Nigeria in 2025 and know their sizes and history.
5. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) – 10,000 hectares
Location: Alabata Road, Abeokuta, Ogun StateFounded: 1 January 1988Email: registrar@funaab.edu.ngWebsite: https://www.funaab.edu.ng
This institution was opened on 1 January 1988 after the federal authorities eliminated four technological universities previously united in 1984. The total size of FUNAAB is 10,000 hectares. Its vision is:
To be a Centre of Excellence in knowledge generation, towards global development and the sustainability of an environment-friendly society.
4. Federal University of Technology, Minna ( 10,650 Hectares)
Location: Minna, Niger State, NigeriaFounded: 1983Email: info@futminna.edu.ngWebsite: https://www.futminna.edu.ng
The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMinna) is among the largest universities in Nigeria by land mass. It covers approximately 10,650 hectares. The university is located in Niger State. Its large size allows space for academic buildings, research centers, student housing, and agricultural projects.
The vast land reflects its focus on science, technology, and innovation. It also provides room for future growth and sustainability. FUTMinna is also considered among the top ten best universities in Nigeria, known for offering some of the best science programs.
3. University of Abuja – 11,824 hectares
Location: Gwagwalada, AbujaFounded: 1 January 1988,Email: info@uniabuja.edu.ngWebsite: https://www.uniabuja.edu.ng
The institution has its mini campus in Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria, and a permanent site covering about 11,824 hectares located along the Kaduna – Lokoja – Abuja Road.
The University of Abuja took off from a temporary site, made up of three blocks of building meant for a primary school in Gwagwalada, tagged the “mini-campus”.
Academic activities started on the mini-campus in 1990. That same year, the institution was allocated an expanse of land covering over 11,800 hectares along the Abuja Airport road for the development of its main campus.
The university currently offers 1539 courses. UNIABUJA has 15,000 students and 1700 lecturers. According to the 4icu ranking of universities, the institution is among the top 15 best universities in Nigeria.
2. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife (13,000 hectares)
Location: Ile‑Ife, Osun State, Founded: 1961 Email: info@oauife.edu.ngWebsite: https://www.oauife.edu.ng
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, is one of the largest universities in Nigeria by land mass. It covers about 13,000 hectares. The university is located in Osun State. Its vast land supports academic facilities, student hostels, farms, and natural reserves.
The large space allows for future expansion. It also reflects the university’s strong focus on education, research, and sustainability. Based on the latest university ranking, Obafemi Awolowo University is also one of the Nigerian universities ranking in the world’s best at 1658.
1. University of Ilorin – 15,000 hectares
Location: Ilorin, Kwara StateFounded: 25 October 1976Email: registrar@unilorin.edu.ngWebsite: https://www.unilorin.edu.ng
Top on this list of universities in Nigeria with the largest landmass is the University of Ilorin. It is the largest university in Nigeria, occupying 15,000 hectares of land. It is located about 500km from Abuja and about 300km away from the nation’s economic capital (Lagos).
The University of Ilorin is one of the first universities in sub-Saharan Africa with uninterrupted academic programs for over 16 years.
In August 2018, Vanguard reported that the University of Ilorin, Kwara said that it has earmarked 5,000 hectares from its 15,000 hectares landmass for allocation to interested staff and students for commercial farming.
Prof. Sulyman Abdulkareem, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, made the disclosure in Ilorin at the official presentation of items purchased by the 1988 University set of the Faculty of Agriculture.
He also explained that the institution was currently using just five percent of the total 15,000 hectares of its landmass. The sheer size also makes it the largest university in Africa.
Top ten largest universities in Nigeria in 2025
Based on the land mass, here are the top 10 largest universities in Nigeria in 2025:
University of Ilorin (15,000 hectares)Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife (13,000 hectares)University of Abuja, Now Yakubu Gowon University ( 11,824 hectares)Federal University of Technology, Minna ( 10,600 Hectares)Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (10,000 hectares)Ahmadu Bello University (7, 000 hectares)Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto (6,000 hectares)Federal University of Technology, Owerri (4,048 hectares)University of Nigeria (3,700 hectares)University of Benin (2,500 hectares)
Which is the biggest university in Nigeria?
The largest Nigerian university, in terms of population, is the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). In 2018, enrollment at Nigeria’s National Open University hit 515,000.
What is the best school in Nigeria 2025?
In 2025, many Nigerian universities are gaining strong recognition. Covenant University stands out as a top choice. It is known for strong industry ties and a global outlook. The university often ranks high in national and international reports. Other notable institutions include Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Ibadan.
Private university ranking in Nigeria
Here are the best private universities in Nigeria.
Covenant University (Ota, Ogun State)Landmark University (Omu-Aran, Kwara State)Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) (Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State)American University of Nigeria (AUN) (Yola, Adamawa State)Babcock University (Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State)
Which is the best university of technology in Nigeria 2025?
In Nigeria, the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) is widely recognized as a leading institution for technological education. It ranks among the best in the country. The University of Lagos (UNILAG) also holds a strong academic reputation.
What is the most expensive university in Nigeria?
Wigwe University, situated in Isiokpo, Rivers State, is currently the most expensive university in Nigeria. Its annual tuition fee is estimated to be around N12 million. This amount excludes the cost of accommodation and other additional expenses.
Which state university is the best in Nigeria in 2025?
Lagos State University (LASU) is often regarded as the leading state-owned university in Nigeria. It frequently earns top positions in national and international rankings, including academic performance indexes.
You now know which is the largest university in Nigeria in 2025 in terms of the size of land it occupies. While some like the National Open University of Nigeria may not be large in terms of land size, they enroll more students than those occupying large lands.
Legit.ng recently reported about the best courses to study in the world today. According to the report, technology and innovation have changed the world massively, and even the educational sector has been affected by this change.
Some programs never existed in learning institutions a few decades ago, but thanks to technology, they are among the best. The best courses to study include Finance and Architecture courses.
The report concluded that the best courses to study in the world are also competitive as everyone wants to be the crème de la crème. The stiff competition may lock out some students who do not put in the extra effort. As such, taking short courses related to your major on the side is advisable as they build your resume and put you at an advantage over your peers; the end goal is to have a career that can sustain you after school.
Source: Legit.ng