Not only is Abuja the political capital of Nigeria, it serves as the host of a rapidly expanding educational capital as well, as it is home to 19 universities, both federal and private.
The first state university is still in planning as there currently are no state-run universities in the capital.
Because of the absence of a state university, citizens of the capital are allowed to attend federal and private universities. Private and federal universities within the FCT are listed in the next section in accordance with the National Universities Commission as of 2026.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) is the government body that approves Universities in Nigeria. Therefore, any university not listed under the NUC, is not permitted to offer degrees.
Federal Universities in FCT, Abuja
As of February 2026, there are four federal universities in the FCT. These institutions receive funding solely from the Federal Government and as a result charge a subsidized tuition fee.
1. Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja)
| Detail | Information |
| Type | Federal Government-owned |
| Location | Airport Road, Gwagwalada, Abuja |
| Established | January 1988 |
| NUC Status | Fully Approved |
The University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) was renamed as Yakubu Gowon University by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to honour the former Head of State.
This University also has a distinction of being Nigeria’s first dual-mode university, as it was established with both conventional and distance learning programmes.
Official Website: uniabuja.edu.ng
2. National University of Science and Technology, Abuja
| Detail | Information |
| Type | Federal Government-owned |
| Location | Abuja, FCT |
| NUC Status | Approved |
The National University of Science and Technology is a federal university focused on science and technology education. It is one of the federally funded institutions in the FCT.
3. African Aviation and Aerospace University
| Detail | Information |
| Type | Federal Government-owned |
| Location | Abuja, FCT |
| NUC Status | Approved |
This specialized federal university focuses on aviation and aerospace education, providing training for Nigeria’s aviation sector.
4. African University of Science and Technology (AUST)
| Detail | Information |
| Type | Private (pan-African initiative) |
| Location | Galadima, Abuja |
| Established | 2007 |
| NUC Status | Fully Approved |
Note: While some sources classify AUST as a federal institution, it is actually a private, pan-African university established as a regional initiative led by the Nelson Mandela Institution (NMI). It is included here for completeness but is listed under Private Universities below.
State Universities in FCT, Abuja
At present, the Federal Capital Territory lacks a state-owned university that is operational.
Nevertheless, the FCT Administration has allocated substantial resources to its establishment. FCT Minister Nyesom Wike announced in December 2024 that N14.53 billion would be allocated to the conclusion of the FCT University of Science and Technology in Abaji. The institution is anticipated to commence operations under the current administration.
Private Universities in FCT, Abuja
The FCT is home to 15 private universities as of February 2026, making private institutions the dominant category in the capital. Below is the complete list of NUC-approved private universities in Abuja.
1. African University of Science and Technology (AUST)
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Galadima, Abuja |
| Established | 2007 |
| NUC Status | Fully Approved |
AUST is a private, pan-African university created as a regional initiative led by the Nelson Mandela Institution (NMI) to develop a world class research and advanced training institute in scientific and technology subjects. The institution offers both undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs, by combining coursework and state-of-the-art research.
Official Website: aust.edu.ng
2. Baze University
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Jabi Airport Road, Abuja (main campus); Bwari (second campus) |
| Established | 2011 |
| NUC Status | Fully Approved |
Founded by Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, Baze University offers university education to British standards.
The main campus hosts the Academic and Administrative building, Social Area, and Sports Complex
3. Bingham University
| Detail | Information |
| Location | New Karu (25 km from Abuja, FCT) |
| Established | 2005 |
| NUC Status | Fully Approved |
Bingham Institution is a privately owned institution created by the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) to offer outstanding secular education with a mix of moral and spiritual principles.
It is a university of choice for degree students in Abuja because it is close by although it is in New Karu, Nasarawa State.
The University offers Bachelor, Master and Doctorate degrees in Medicine, Management and Social Sciences and Science
4. Nile University of Nigeria
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Abuja, FCT |
| Established | 2009 |
| NUC Status | Fully Approved |
Nile University of Nigeria was established to provide high-quality tertiary education for Nigeria’s ever-increasing number of secondary school leavers.
It is a member of the Honoris United Universities Network, the first and largest pan-African private higher education network
5. Veritas University
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Abuja, FCT |
| NUC Status | Approved |
Veritas University is a private Catholic university located in Abuja.
6. Philomath University, Kuje
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Kuje, Abuja, FCT |
| NUC Status | Approved |
Philomath University is a newer private university located in Kuje, one of the six Area Councils of the FCT.
7. Canadian University of Nigeria, Abuja
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Abuja, FCT |
| NUC Status | Approved |
The Canadian University of Nigeria is a private university operating in Abuja.
8. Amaj University, Kwali
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Kwali, Abuja, FCT |
| NUC Status | Approved |
Amaj University is located in Kwali, one of the six Area Councils of the FCT.
9. Cosmopolitan University, Abuja
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Abuja, FCT |
| NUC Status | Approved |
Cosmopolitan University is a private university operating in Abuja.
10. Al-Muhibbah Open University, Abuja
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Abuja, FCT |
| NUC Status | Approved |
Al-Muhibbah Open University is an open university approved by the NUC and based in Abuja.
11. Miva Open University, Abuja, FCT
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Abuja, FCT |
| NUC Status | Approved |
Miva Open University is an NUC-approved open university operating in Abuja.
12. Prime University, Kuje
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Kuje, FCT, Abuja |
| NUC Status | Approved |
Prime University is a private university located in Kuje, FCT.
13. European University of Nigeria, Duboyi
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Duboyi, FCT, Abuja |
| NUC Status | Approved |
The European University of Nigeria is a private university located in Duboyi, FCT.
14. African University of Economics
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Abuja, FCT |
| NUC Status | Approved |
The African University of Economics is a private university in Abuja.
15. Eranova University
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Mabushi/Kuje, FCT, Abuja |
| NUC Status | Approved (Provisional Licence) |
Eranova University is a newly approved private university located in the FCT. It received its provisional licence from the Minister of Education in April 2025.
16. Leadership University, Abuja
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Abuja, FCT |
| NUC Status | Approved |
Leadership University is one of the newly approved private universities in Abuja. It was approved as part of the NUC’s expansion of the university list.
Summary Table: Universities in FCT, Abuja (2026)
| Institution | Type | Location | Year Established | NUC Status |
| Yakubu Gowon University (formerly UNIABUJA) | Federal | Gwagwalada | 1988 | Approved |
| National University of Science and Technology | Federal | Abuja | — | Approved |
| African Aviation and Aerospace University | Federal | Abuja | — | Approved |
| African University of Science and Technology (AUST) | Private | Galadima | 2007 | Approved |
| Baze University | Private | Jabi/Bwari | 2011 | Approved |
| Bingham University | Private | New Karu | 2005 | Approved |
| Nile University of Nigeria | Private | Abuja | 2009 | Approved |
| Veritas University | Private | Abuja | — | Approved |
| Philomath University | Private | Kuje | — | Approved |
| Canadian University of Nigeria | Private | Abuja | — | Approved |
| Amaj University | Private | Kwali | — | Approved |
| Cosmopolitan University | Private | Abuja | — | Approved |
| Al-Muhibbah Open University | Private | Abuja | — | Approved |
| Miva Open University | Private | Abuja | — | Approved |
| Prime University | Private | Kuje | — | Approved |
| European University of Nigeria | Private | Duboyi | — | Approved |
| African University of Economics | Private | Abuja | — | Approved |
| Eranova University | Private | Mabushi/Kuje | 2025 | Provisional |
| Leadership University | Private | Abuja | 2025/2026 | Approved |
How to Verify NUC Accreditation
To confirm that a university is genuinely approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC):
- Visit the official NUC website at www.nuc.edu.ng
- Navigate to the approved universities list section
- Search for the institution by name or location
Warning: Always verify the accreditation status of any university through the official NUC portal before applying. Do not rely on unverified lists from unofficial sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many universities are in FCT, Abuja?
There are 19 universities in the Federal Capital Territory as of February 2026, including 4 federal and 15 private universities.
Are there state universities in Abuja?
No, there are none at this time. The FCT Administration is establishing the FCT University of Science and Technology in Abaji.
Is the University of Abuja now named Yakubu Gowon University?
The University of Abuja was renamed Yakubu Gowon University to honor the former Head of State of Nigeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
What is the JAMB cut-off mark for Abuja universities?
Each institution and course have different cut-off marks. Candidates are advised to confirm with the institution for the cut-off marks pertaining to the course they are interested in.
How do I check if a university in Abuja is accredited?
To check approved universities, visit the NUC official website at www.nuc.edu.ng
Conclusion
The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has numerous options for university education through NUC approved federal and private universities. The changing landscape of higher education in the FCT includes the recent name change of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University and the approval of new private universities Leadership University and Eranova University.
If you are considering admission in 2026, ensure to check the accreditation status of the university on the NUC portal before applying to the institution. Official sources should always be accessed for matters pertaining to university education.
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