Full List of Universities in Lagos State (2024)

Who wouldn’t be interested in the number of universities in Lagos State, especially when you know how highly rated the southwestern state is? Apart from being one of the biggest cities in West Africa, Lagos State is also one of the most populated cities.

Lagos State isn’t just home to some of the best and highest number of universities in Nigeria, but also, they are one of the richest states in Nigeria with a great diversity of ethnic groups and tribes in the country.

Presently, there are nine universities in Lagos State. Two of these universities are owned and run by the Federal Government of Nigeria, one by the Lagos State Government, and the remaining six are private universities. In this article, we will be discussing these universities in Lagos State.

Complete List of Universities in Lagos State

National Open University of Nigeria

NOUN as they are popularly known is the very first of the open and distance learning institutions in West Africa. This school provides easy and affordable access to the best study resources. At the instant of writing, NOUN has 63 study centers spread across the country. 

Since its inception in 1983, the student population has risen to nearly 120,000 students. It must be said that its operations in the university were suspended in 1984 until the former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, revived its operations. 

The official headquarters is located at Plot 91, Cadastral Zone, Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway, Jabi, Abuja. While its Lagos branch is situated in Victoria Island, Eti-Osa, Lagos.

University of Lagos

Established in 1962, the University of Lagos is not just considered one of the oldest universities in Lagos, but also, in Nigeria with all three campuses located in the mainland areas of Yaba and Surulere.

The University of Lagos’ main campus is located in Akoka, in the Northeastern part of Yaba. The school’s student population has undeniably risen since its establishment from 131 students to over 40,000 students presently.

UNILAG as they fondly called it has its college of medicine located at Idi-Araba, Surulere. In addition, there are about twelve faculties in the university, namely: Arts, Basic Medical Sciences, Business Administration, Clinical Sciences, Dental Sciences, Education, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Law, Pharmacy, Science, and Social Sciences.

Lagos State University

With its main campus in the Ojo area of Lagos where most faculties and central administration are sited, Lagos State University was established in 1983 to improve learning and academic excellence in the country. 

The two campuses which are in Ikeja and Epe house the College of Medicine and Faculty of engineering and school of agriculture respectively.

Caleb University, Ikorodu

Being the very first private university in Lagos to offer a Bachelor’s degree at the time of its establishment in 2007, Caleb University has grown in leaps and bounds from its initial four departments and eleven-degree programs it started with.

The faith-based university is founded on the vision of providing an excellent education that will precipitate the rise of transformative national leaders.

Pan-Atlantic University

Famed for its business school, the Lagos business school, which is one of the leading business schools in Lagos, Pan-Atlantic University, is one of the private universities in Lagos State. It was established in 2002 by founders who were inspired by the teachings of Josemaria Escriva, who is the founder of Opus Dei.

James Hope University

Located in the highbrow area of Lekki, James Hope University is dedicated to bringing the best standards of education of international repute. In collaboration with some of the world’s leading institutions, James Hope is creating a school of business that distinguishes itself from the rest.

James Hope University was built by the Zenith Bank owner, Jim Ovia through his non-profit foundation.

Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences

Being one of the first of its kind in the whole of West Africa, this private university offers Medicine and Surgery, Nursing, Dentistry, and Dental Surgery, as well as other health-related courses.

Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences is located at Km. 28, Lagos-Badagry ExpressWay, Eko University Road, PMB 2009, Ijanikin, Lagos State.

Augustine University, Ilara-Epe

Augustine University is one the private universities in Lagos State that is known for providing higher catholic education. Augustine University is a private catholic university that is the brainchild of the former Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Anthony Cardinal Okogie.

The Lagos-based university which began in 2015 is committed to grooming students for national leadership.

Anchor University

Anchor University which is owned by the Deeper Life Christian Ministry provides officially recognized courses in the country. Founded in 2014, this private university is located in the urban Ayobo-Ipaja setting. Its recent accreditation by the National Universities Council makes them one of the youngest tertiary institutions in the country.

Conclusion

From the number of universities in Lagos State already discussed, it is incontestable that indeed the Yoruba-speaking state is living up to its name as the “Centre of Excellence”