Check out the University of Nigeria, Nsukka – the first licensed university in Nigeria by NUC in 1960 and highly regarded as one of the top universities in the country.
The first university to be licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in Nigeria was the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). UNN was founded in 1960, shortly after Nigeria gained independence from the United Kingdom.
The main goal of establishing the University of Nigeria (UNN) was to offer top-notch education to Nigerian citizens while also contributing to the growth and development of the country.
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UNN – First Licensed University in Nigeria by NUC.
UNN is a federal university, meaning the Nigerian government funds it. The university has three campuses: Nsukka (main campus), Enugu, and Ituku-Ozalla. The University of Nigeria (UNN) offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in various disciplines.
UNN is one of the best universities in Nigeria due to its exceptional academic reputation and the high demand for its graduates.
Additionally, UNN is a prominent hub for research and innovation, having contributed significantly to these fields. Some notable alumni of the institution include Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka.
Here are some of the reasons why the University of Nigeria was the first university to be licensed by the NUC:
- Prominent Nigerians founded it committed to providing high-quality education to Nigerians.
- It had strong financial backing from the Nigerian government.
- It had a good location in southeastern Nigeria, home to many students.
- It had a well-qualified faculty and staff.
- It had a modern infrastructure, including libraries, laboratories, and sports facilities.
The University of Nigeria has played a significant role in the development of Nigeria. The university has produced many graduates who have significantly contributed to the country in various fields. UNN has also helped to promote national unity and development.
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Here is a brief history of education in Nigeria:
Education in Nigeria has a long and rich history. Schools in Nigeria were first established during the 19th century by Christian missionaries. These schools initially intended to teach the local population basic literacy and numeracy skills. However, they soon began offering more advanced education, such as secondary and university education.
Following Nigeria’s independence from the United Kingdom in 1960, the government emphasised education as a top priority. The government established new schools and universities and increased funding for education. As a result, the number of Nigerians attending school increased dramatically.
Today, Nigeria has a large and growing education system. There are over 100 universities in Nigeria, and millions of Nigerians enrol in these tertiary institutions.
However, there are still challenges to education in Nigeria. One challenge is the high cost of education. Another challenge is the need for qualified teachers.
Despite these challenges, education in Nigeria is improving and producing a more educated workforce.
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Best Federal, States and Private Universities in Nigeria 2023.
Below are the best universities in Nigeria, categorised by federal universities and private universities;
Federal Universities
- Abia State: Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU)
- Adamawa State: University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
- Akwa Ibom State: University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
- Anambra State: Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
- Bauchi State: Federal University of Technology, Bauchi (FUTMINNA)
- Benue State: University of Agriculture, Makurdi (UAM)
- Cross River State: University of Calabar (UNICAL)
- Delta State: Delta State University (DELSU)
- Ebonyi State: Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI)
- Edo State: University of Benin (UNIBEN)
State Universities
- Abia State: Abia State University (ABSU)
- Adamawa State: Adamawa State University Mubi (ADSU)
- Akwa Ibom State: Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU)
- Anambra State: Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU)
- Bauchi State: Bauchi State University (BASUG)
- Benue State: Benue State University (BSU)
- Cross River State: Cross River State University of Technology (CRUTECH)
- Delta State: Delta State University of Science and Technology (DSUST)
- Ebonyi State: Ebonyi State University (EBSU)
- Edo State: Edo State University, Uzairue (ESU)
Private Universities
- Abia State: Madonna University (MU)
- Adamawa State: American University of Nigeria (AUN)
- Akwa Ibom State: Deeper Life Bible College (DLBC)
- Anambra State: Benson Idahosa University (BIU)
- Bauchi State: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU)
- Benue State: Benson Idahosa University (BIU)
- Cross River State: Pan-Atlantic University (PAU)
- Delta State: Ambrose Alli University (AAU)
- Ebonyi State: Mount Zion University (MZU)
- Edo State: Benson Idahosa University (BIU)