Abuja, Nigeria’s vibrant capital, is home to a dynamic higher‑education ecosystem. As of early 2025, students and graduates exploring options will find a compelling mix: one federal institution, several prominent private universities, and groundbreaking online models. This feature provides an authoritative “Full List Of Universities In Abuja (2025)”, updated with the latest developments, essential stats, and student‑focused insights.
Table of Contents
Federal University
University of Abuja (now officially Yakubu Gowon University)
Formally launched in 1988 and beginning academic operations in 1990, this remains Abuja’s only federal university. With eight faculties plus a College of Health Sciences, Centre for Distance Learning, Institute of Education, and Postgraduate School, the institution now boasts over 55,000 students. In December 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu renamed it Yakubu Gowon University to honour the former Head of State on his 90th birthday.
This name change is official as of 16 December 2024, so all references and branding moving forward reflect Yakubu Gowon University, though many still refer to it as University of Abuja.
Private Universities in FCT Abuja (Fully Accredited)
Abuja hosts a strong roster of private universities, each NUC‑approved and offering diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programmes:
1. African University of Science and Technology (AUST)
AUST began in 2007 as part of the pan‑African Nelson Mandela Institution. Originally doctoral and postgraduate‑focused, it has expanded to undergraduate offerings in STEM and public policy. It delivers science, engineering, and mathematics in a research‑oriented environment with faculty drawn from a global diaspora.
2. Baze University
Founded in 2011 by the notable senator Yusuf Datti Baba‑Ahmed, Baze University offers British‑standard education across six faculties, including Engineering, Law, Medical & Health Sciences, and Computing. Located along Jabi Airport Road, its teaching hospital and modern facilities position it among Abuja’s leading private institutions.
3. Bingham University
Although its primary campus is just outside Abuja in New Karu, Bingham is often counted among FCT institutions due to its proximity (~25 km) and appeal to Abuja students. Established by ECWA in 2005, it merges high-quality secular education with Christian values, and offers degrees in medicine, sciences, management, and humanities.
4. Nile University of Nigeria
Founded in 2009, Nile University is accredited by NUC and part of the Honoris United Universities pan‑African network. Located in the Jabi Research & Institution Area, it offers six faculties, a standalone postgraduate school, and over 6,000 students. It’s known for professional studies and even contributed to Nigeria’s COVID‑19 vaccine production in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Science & Technology.
5. Veritas University
Founded in 2002 by the Catholic Bishops Conference, Veritas began operations in Abuja in 2008 and moved to its permanent Bwari campus in 2014. The university emphasizes ethics, entrepreneurial skills, and holistic education across faculties including Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, Engineering, Law, and Education. Its NUC accreditation came in 2007.
6. Philomath University
Philomath is a newer addition, established in 2021 in Kuje, Abuja FCT. Focused on two faculties—Law, and Management & Social Sciences—it embraces the Greek‑derived name meaning “lover of learning” and seeks to drive innovation in Nigeria’s educational sphere.
Online University (NUC‑Licensed)
Miva Open University
Launched in 2023 by uLesson, Miva is Nigeria’s first licensed fully online university, based in Abuja. Approved by NUC in May 2023, it began admissions the same month and now offers over 10 disciplines across faculties such as Cybersecurity, Data Science, Public Health, Criminology, and Business Management. New postgraduate programmes — MBA, MPA, MPH, and MIT — were approved between April 2024 and February 2025, making it uniquely flexible for distance‑learning students across Nigeria and West Africa.
Summary Table
| Institution | Established | Type | Location | Programs Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yakubu Gowon University (UofA) | 1988 | Federal | Gwagwalada | Diverse undergrad/postgrad, distance learning |
| AUST | 2007 | Private (Pan‑African) | Galadimawa | STEM, public policy, postgraduate research |
| Baze University | 2011 | Private | Jabi | Law, Engineering, Medicine, Computing |
| Bingham University | 2005 | Private (ECWA) | New Karu (near Abuja) | Medicine, Management, Sciences |
| Nile University of Nigeria | 2009 | Private | Jabi | Law, Arts, Engineering, Health, Business |
| Veritas University | 2008 | Private (Catholic‑founded) | Bwari | Law, Education, Humanities, Engineering |
| Philomath University | 2021 | Private | Kuje | Law; Management & Social Sciences |
| Miva Open University | 2023 | Online Private | Virtual (based Abuja) | Various undergrad & postgrad online programs |
Why These Universities Matter in 2025
Yakubu Gowon University remains the capital’s flagship federal institution. Its renaming in December 2024 marks a historic transition and lends new prestige.
AUST stands apart as a research-led institution with a continental vision.
Baze, Nile, Veritas, and Bingham dominate Abuja’s private sector—each offering strong academic cultures, modern infrastructure, and professional alignment.
Philomath, though young, represents a rising wave of niche-focused campuses in emerging urban districts of Abuja.
Miva breaks the mold entirely with its online delivery—offering flexible access for working adults and remote students.
Tips for Navigating Your Options
- By Mode of Study
- Prefer in-person campus life? Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja) and Baze, Nile, Veritas are excellent choices.
- Ideal for distance learners or working professionals? Explore AUST and Miva’s online programs.
- By Discipline
- Medicine/Health Sciences: Baze and Nile both feature medical faculties; Bingham offers accredited medical degrees.
- Engineering & Technology: AUST, Baze, Nile, and Veritas all feature strong engineering or STEM offerings.
- Humanities/Management/Law: Veritas, Baze, Nile, Philomath, and Bingham offer rich programs across those fields.
- By Budget & Affordability
- Federal funding makes Yakubu Gowon University most affordable.
- Private universities vary in tuition—Philomath and Veritas are generally more moderate, whereas Baze and Nile command higher fees but offer considerable value through facilities and academic reputation.
- By Accreditation & Ranking
- All listed institutions are NUC‑accredited as of mid‑2025.
- University of Abuja ranks highest among Abuja schools in national/international assessments.
- Baze and Nile also appear in THE Sub‑Saharan and Webometrics rankings.
Outlook & Trends Ahead
- New Federal Universities: While Abuja currently has only one federal campus, there have been national discussions (as of 2025) about establishing additional federal universities in new zones—though no official FCT satellites have been announced yet.
- Private Burgeoning: Institutions like Philomath signal a shift toward smaller, specialized campuses in satellite towns like Kuje.
- Digital Education on the Rise: Miva’s success and licensing in 2023–2025 opens the door for other online universities, indicating a new direction in Nigeria’s tertiary sector.
- Global Partnerships: AUST and Nile’s connections to pan‑African and international networks offer attractive research and exchange opportunities.
Conclusion
Abuja’s university landscape in 2025 combines tradition and innovation. From the time-honoured federal Yakubu Gowon University to pioneering institutions like Miva Open University, students now enjoy a wider range of choices than ever. Whether you’re seeking affordable public education, faith‑based values, world‑class science, or flexible online study, Abuja has a relevant, accredited option.
Remember: verify current programme availability, admission criteria, and accreditations before applying—universities evolve, and new offerings arrive each academic cycle.
If you’d like personalised guidance—say, comparing tuition, course specifics, or student life—just ask!
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
READ THE LATEST EDUCATION NEWS
