Before Nigeria became home to over 170 universities and countless polytechnics, there were just a few institutions leading the way in higher education. These schools weren’t just built for show, they were created to solve real problems.
From training engineers to equipping teachers and doctors, Nigeria’s earliest universities laid the foundation for what we now call our tertiary education system.
Here’s a look at the five oldest universities (and polytechnics) in Nigeria and why they still matter today.
Yaba College of Technology (Established in 1947)
Yaba Tech, as it’s popularly known, is Nigeria’s very first higher institution. It started as a technical college in Lagos, focused on vocational training. Back then, Nigeria needed skilled workers like carpenters, mechanics, and masons especially after World War II. Yaba Tech answered that call.
Over time, it transformed into something much bigger, now offering diplomas and degrees in fields like science, technology, and the arts. It was also the first school to introduce a Polytechnic Council in the country. Today, it stands as Nigeria’s biggest technical institution, still pushing out skilled professionals into the workforce.
University College Ibadan (Established in 1948)
Just one year after Yaba Tech, another historic institution was born, University College Ibadan. At first, it was linked to the University of London, meaning students earned foreign degrees right here in Nigeria.
By 1962, it gained full independence and became the University of Ibadan (UI). This made it the first Nigerian university to award its own degrees. UI quickly became a hub for academic excellence, especially in subjects like literature, medicine, and social sciences. Many of Nigeria’s top thinkers and public servants started their journey at UI.
Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology, Zaria (Established in 1954)
This college was created to fill the gap between secondary school and full university education. It trained students in agriculture, home economics, education, and the sciences. The idea was simple, give students enough practical and academic knowledge to prepare them for life and future degrees.
In 1962, the college evolved into Ahmadu Bello University (ABU). Today, ABU is one of the most respected universities in Nigeria, known for its wide range of professional and academic programs in law, medicine, engineering, and the humanities.
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (Established in 1960)
Unlike the others, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), was not set up by colonial powers. It was Nigeria’s first indigenous university, founded by the country’s first president, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. His vision was to build a truly Nigerian institution, one that could support national growth and unity.
UNN had an ambitious start, with strong programs in science, technology, and the arts. It also became one of the first to offer distance learning and community outreach in areas like health and agriculture. From the beginning, UNN has played an active role in Nigeria’s development.
University of Ife (Established in 1961)
Now called Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), this institution was created to serve the western part of Nigeria. Its early focus was on law, arts, and social sciences that could help solve regional issues.
Later, it became known for bold innovations in medicine, agriculture, and environmental design. OAU’s unique approach to community health and rural development even helped shape national policies. It’s not just a university, it’s been a model for how schools can help improve lives beyond the campus.
Why these schools still matter
These five institutions didn’t just offer lectures and hand out certificates, they helped build the country. They trained the first batch of Nigerian engineers, doctors, scientists, teachers, and leaders.
They set the tone for the modern university system and made education more accessible to people from all backgrounds.
Even today, the legacies of these schools are seen in classrooms, boardrooms, and communities across Nigeria. They remain a reminder that education is not just about knowledge, but also about building a nation.
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