Universities in Cross River, Nigeria — Full List (2026)

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) is a federal university established in 1975, originally as a satellite campus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, before becoming fully autonomous. Located in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, UNICAL operates with the enduring motto "Knowledge for Service." It is one of Nigeria's second-generation federal universities and a major centre of academic excellence in the South South geopolitical zone. UNICAL offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across sciences, arts, social sciences, education, health sciences, law and management. The university is home to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), one of the premier federal teaching hospitals in southern Nigeria, and is fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Arthur Jarvis University (AJU) is a private university established in 2016 and licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC), located in Akpabuyo, on the outskirts of Calabar, Cross River State. The university was founded by Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, a prominent Cross River State businessman and philanthropist, with the mission of equipping students with life and entrepreneurial skills alongside academic knowledge for active participation in global socio-economic development. AJU commenced academic activities in March 2017 with 15 programmes across two faculties and has since expanded to five faculties. The university is equipped with modern ICT centres, a well-stocked library, study skills centres, entrepreneurship facilities, recreational infrastructure and conducive hostel accommodation. AJU operates a rolling admission model and accepts both UTME and NCE holders for direct entry. At its maiden convocation in 2023, 18 students graduated with First Class honours.

Havilla University is a private university located in Nde, Ikom Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. It was among 20 new private universities approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in February 2021. Havilla University is strategically positioned in the northern part of Cross River State, an area that has historically lacked accessible higher education infrastructure, serving communities in Ikom, Ogoja and the Benue-Cross River border region. The university has formed strategic alliances with local and international investors and partners in areas including technology, agriculture, sports, research and hospitality. The current Vice Chancellor is Professor Samuel Tiwa Wara. Havilla University is fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), formerly known as Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), is a state-owned university established in August 2002 by Governor Donald Duke through Cross River State Bill No. 9, by merging three existing higher institutions: The Polytechnic of Calabar, The College of Education, Akamkpa, and Ibrahim Babangida College of Agriculture, Obubra. The university was renamed from CRUTECH to University of Cross River State in February 2021 by a bill passed by the Cross River State House of Assembly and signed by Governor Benedict Ayade, enabling the institution to function as a conventional university with a broader range of professional programmes. UNICROSS operates four campuses across four local government areas of Cross River State: Calabar (main campus), Obubra, Ogoja and Okuku. The university is accredited by the NUC and enrolls between 10,000 and 15,000 students.