Universities in Lagos, Nigeria — Full List (2026)

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is West Africa's first dedicated open and distance learning (ODL) university, originally established in 1983 and resuscitated in 2002 by President Olusegun Obasanjo. NOUN is a federal university with its headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, and operates over 100 study centres across all 36 states and the FCT, including a major study centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. NOUN is designed to provide flexible, accessible and affordable tertiary education to Nigerians who cannot attend conventional full-time residential universities — including working adults, women, persons with disabilities, and those in remote areas. The university offers over 50 accredited programmes across eight faculties and provides course materials through print, e-learning, and broadcast media.

The University of Lagos (UNILAG), popularly called "the university of first choice and the nation's pride," is a federal research university founded in 1962 by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Located in Akoka, Yaba, Lagos State, UNILAG spreads across 802 acres adjacent to the Lagos Lagoon. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Nigeria and consistently ranks among the top three universities in the country. UNILAG offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate and distance learning education through 13 faculties. Its College of Medicine is affiliated with Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), one of Nigeria's premier tertiary health institutions. The university enrolls over 57,000 students and admits approximately 8,500 undergraduates annually. UNILAG was ranked jointly first in Nigeria in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 (801-1000 global band) and is one of only three Nigerian universities in the QS World Rankings 2026 (1001-1200 band).

Anchor University is a private Christian university established in 2016 by the Deeper Christian Life Ministry — one of Nigeria's largest Pentecostal churches founded by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi. Located in Ayobo, Lagos State, Anchor University operates seven faculties offering programmes in sciences, law, education, medicine, social sciences, humanities and environmental sciences. The university is known for its disciplined Christian campus environment, strong medicine and science programmes, and competitive fees relative to programme quality. The campus features a segmented library with a dedicated mobile app for student access.

Augustine University is a private Catholic university located in Ilara-Epe, Lagos State, established in 2015 by the Catholic Diocese of Lagos. The university is named after Saint Augustine of Hippo, the 4th-century bishop and theologian. Augustine University offers undergraduate programmes in sciences, nursing, accounting and computing, combining rigorous academic formation with Catholic intellectual tradition and spiritual development. Located in Epe, a coastal area east of Lagos, the campus provides a serene environment for study.

Caleb University is a private Christian university located in Imota, Lagos State, established in 2007 by the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria. The university offers over 40 NUC-accredited undergraduate programmes across six colleges including law, architecture, sciences, social sciences and management. Caleb University is known for its affordable fees, spacious campus environment and broad programme offering. The university held its maiden architecture seminar in 2023 and has earned recognition for its postgraduate programmes and ethics-focused legal education. It matriculated 2,140 students in 2022.

CETEP City University is one of Lagos State's earliest private universities, established in 2005 and located in the Yaba area of Lagos. The university is licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and offers programmes in management sciences, social sciences and technology. Located in Yaba — Lagos's technology and education district — the university is positioned within one of Nigeria's most academically concentrated neighbourhoods, in close proximity to institutions including UNILAG, Yaba College of Technology and the Lagos State Polytechnic.

Eko University of Medicine and Health Sciences (EkoUNIMED) is West Africa's pioneer private medical university, established in 2017 and located in Ijanikin, Lagos State. EkoUNIMED is exclusively focused on health sciences education, offering MBBS as its flagship programme alongside B.Sc degrees in allied health science disciplines. The university achieved full accreditation from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) in 2024, a critical milestone for its medical programme. EkoUNIMED has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Lagos State Government for clinical training facilities. Students of EkoUNIMED were selected as Millennium Fellows in 2025 and the university has won several national medical quizzes.

Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM) is Nigeria's newest and first dedicated aviation university, approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in 2025 (NUC serial number 158). Located in Lagos State, IBUAM is named after Dr. Isaac Balami, a prominent Nigerian aviation administrator and former Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The university is purpose-built to address Nigeria's growing need for trained aviation and aeronautics professionals as the country's aviation sector expands. As a 2025 startup, IBUAM is still in its early operational phase with limited enrolment.

James Hope University is a private university established in 2021 in Lekki, Lagos State, founded by the Jim Ovia Foundation — a philanthropic organisation established by Jim Ovia, founder of Zenith Bank and one of Nigeria's most successful bankers and entrepreneurs. The university was initially conceived as a postgraduate-focused institution and is expanding to offer comprehensive undergraduate programmes in business, finance and management with a strong emphasis on global standards, international partnerships and practical relevance. The Vice-Chancellor is Prof. Austin Nosike.

Maranatha University is a private university established in 2021 and located in Lekki, Lagos State. It is among the newer licensed private universities in Nigeria (NUC serial number 81) and focuses on business administration, social sciences and management education. Located in Lekki — one of Lagos's fastest-growing and most affluent districts — the university is positioned to serve the large and growing population of professionals, entrepreneurs and families in the Lekki-Ajah corridor. The Vice-Chancellor is Prof. Rufus Akinyele.

The Nigerian University of Technology and Management (NUTM) is a private non-profit university established in 2023 in Apapa, Lagos State. NUTM employs cohort-based learning models focused on innovation, technology and management sciences, designed to produce graduates who are entrepreneurial, technically skilled and ready for the demands of Nigeria's rapidly evolving economy. The university emphasises practical skills and entrepreneurship through innovation hubs and partnerships with Nigerian industry. Annual fees are approximately NGN 2,500,000, positioning NUTM as a premium technology-focused institution.

Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) is a private non-profit university in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, established in 2002. It evolved from the Lagos Business School (LBS), which was founded in 1991 by Opus Dei, a Catholic organisation, and is widely regarded as the number one business school in Africa. PAU began offering undergraduate programmes in 2014. The university operates two main schools: the Lagos Business School (offering executive MBA and management programmes to top executives) and the School of Media and Communication. PAU's 110-hectare Ibeju-Lekki campus houses the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (opened 2019), one of Nigeria's largest private art collections. PAU is ranked 54th among Nigerian universities and is associated with a Mastercard Foundation partnership for women's entrepreneurship.

Trinity University is a private university established in 2019 and located in Yaba, Lagos State. The university emphasises innovation and contemporary education in Lagos's commercial Yaba district — Nigeria's technology and media hub. Trinity University offers NUC-approved programmes in management sciences, physical sciences, mass communication and information technology, catering to students seeking modern, industry-relevant education in the heart of Lagos.

Unique Open University (UOU) is a private open and distance learning (ODL) university established in 2025 in Ojo, Lagos State, approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) as NUC serial number 167. As Lagos State's first private open university (after NOUN's study centre), UOU is designed to provide flexible, affordable tertiary education to working adults, women, and students who cannot attend full-time residential classes. As one of Nigeria's newest universities, Unique Open University is still establishing its operational framework, programme offerings, and enrolment procedures.

Lagos State University (LASU) is the flagship state university of Lagos State, established in 1983 by Governor Lateef Jakande. From humble beginnings with three faculties, LASU has grown into a comprehensive research university offering programmes across 11 faculties on multiple campuses. The main campus is in Ojo, with additional campuses in Ikeja (clinical sciences) and Epe (engineering and agriculture). LASU is ranked the best state university in Nigeria by the AD Scientific Index 2024 and was ranked Nigeria's second-best university by Times Higher Education in 2021. The university received 79,000 JAMB applications in 2025, the highest of any state university in Nigeria, and operates LASU 95.7 FM radio station. It is accredited by the NUC and affiliated with Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) is a public university established in 2022 by the Lagos State Government through the merger of two long-standing teacher training colleges: Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED) and Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED). LASUED is Lagos State's first and only dedicated university of education, addressing Nigeria's critical shortage of professionally trained educators. The university offers 67 programmes across seven colleges at its Oto-Ijanikin (main) and Epe campuses. LASUED inaugurated its Postgraduate Board in 2026, marking a major milestone in its academic development. The university is NUC-accredited and operates LASUED Radio for mass communication training.

Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), formerly known as Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), was established on June 1, 1977, originally as Lagos State College of Science and Technology (LACOSTECH). After decades of operation as a polytechnic, the institution was upgraded to full university status in 2022 by the Lagos State Government, becoming LASUSTECH. The university specialises in technology, engineering, applied sciences, environmental studies and management, retaining the polytechnic's strong emphasis on practical, industry-ready education while expanding to award full degree qualifications. LASUSTECH operates its main campus in Ikorodu with additional campuses in Isolo and Surulere. The university is NUC-accredited and its Vice-Chancellor is Prof. Olumuyiwa O. Odusanya.