In this article, we’ll be looking at the top ten federal universities with the highest number of female students. If you have been searching for this information, then this article is for you. Read to the end. While this article contains the list of Nigerian Federal Universities with the highest number of female students, we’ll also provide vital information about the universities that make the list.
Federal Universities With The Highest Number of Female Students (Top List)
1. University of Calabar
The University of Calabar, according to the National Universities Commission, holds the top position among federal universities in Nigeria with the highest percentage of female students, boasting 55.76 percent of the total enrollment. Established in 1975 as part of the National Higher Education Expansion Programme, the university has experienced substantial growth in its physical infrastructure, academic programs, and staff during its initial decade of existence. Situated in Calabar Municipal, the university spans a 17-hectare site and emphasizes fostering an inclusive atmosphere for interaction among people from diverse backgrounds. The institution’s founding aligns with the Federal Military Government’s initiative to establish seven new universities across Nigeria in 1975 as part of the National Development Plan. The University of Calabar is recognized for its representation of students from all states in Nigeria, contributing to its status as one of the prominent second-generation universities in the country.
2. University of Nigeria
The University of Nigeria, commonly known as UNN, secures the second spot on the list of federal universities with the highest number of female students, with females constituting 55.21 percent of the total enrollment. As the first university from the southeastern region to feature prominently, UNN stands out for its historical significance. Established in 1955 by Nnamdi Azikiwe, the University of Nigeria Nsukka officially opened its doors on October 7, 1960, and operates across multiple campuses in Enugu and Abia States. It holds the distinction of being Nigeria’s first fully indigenous and autonomous university, modeled after the American educational system, and recognized as the continent’s inaugural land-grant university. With 15 faculties, 102 academic departments, 108 undergraduate programs, and 211 postgraduate programs, UNN stands as one of Nigeria’s most reputable institutions of higher learning.
3. University of Port-Harcourt
The University of Port-Harcourt takes the third position among federal universities with the highest number of female students, boasting 54.17 percent of the total enrollment. Situated in Choba, Port Harcourt, within the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria, the university originated as University College, Port Harcourt, in 1975 and gained university status in 1977. Notably, it was ranked sixth in Africa and the top in Nigeria by Times Higher Education in 2015. In July 2021, Prof. George Owunari assumed the role of substantive Vice-Chancellor, contributing to the university’s ongoing academic leadership and development.
4. National Open University of Nigeria
The National Open University of Nigeria claims the fourth spot among federal universities with the highest number of female students, with a notable percentage of 53.66. Distinguished as a federal open and distance learning institution, it holds the distinction of being the first of its kind in the West African sub-region. Widely known as ‘NOUN,’ the university is Nigeria’s largest tertiary institution in terms of student numbers. Established on July 22, 1983, as a pioneer in open and distance learning, the university faced a suspension by the government on April 25, 1984. However, under the leadership of former President Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, its revitalization commenced on April 12, 2001. At its inception, the National Open University of Nigeria enrolled a pioneer student cohort of 32,400, marking a significant milestone in expanding access to higher education through innovative learning approaches.
5. Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, secures the fifth position among federal universities with the highest number of female students, as females constitute 53.51 percent of the total enrollment. Commonly known as UNIZIK or NAU, this federal university operates across two campuses in Anambra State, with the main campus in Awka, the capital of Anambra State, and another in Nnewi. Notably, Nnamdi Azikiwe University extends its presence to other locations in Aniocha and Ayamelum local government areas, ensuring representation in all three Senatorial Districts of Anambra State, Nigeria.
6. University of Uyo
The University of Uyo holds the sixth position among federal government universities featured in the top ten list with the highest number of female students, comprising 51.61 percent of the total enrollment. Located in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, the university underwent a series of transformations before attaining its current status. Established on October 1, 1991, by the Federal government of Nigeria, the institution evolved from a Teacher’s College to an Advanced Teacher’s College, a College of Education affiliated with the University of Port Harcourt, and later the University of Cross River (UNICROSS). Inheriting students, staff, academic programs, and facilities from the erstwhile University of Cross River State, which was established by Cross River State in 1983, the University of Uyo stands as a testament to educational growth and development in the region.
7. University of Benin
The University of Benin, commonly known as UNIBEN, secures the seventh spot among universities with the highest number of female students, representing 50.06 percent of the total enrollment. Situated in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, UNIBEN is a public research university established in 1970 under the ownership of the Federal Government of Nigeria. With two campuses and fifteen faculties, the university boasts a central library known as the John Harris Library. Notably, the campus features sparsely built structures that are not closely clustered, contributing to the university’s distinctive architectural layout.
8. University of Ilorin
The University of Ilorin, also known as Unilorin, claims the eighth position among universities with the highest number of female students, representing 50.03 percent of the total enrollment. Situated in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, Unilorin is a federal government-owned university established in August 1975 to address educational directives of the Third National Development Plan. The university’s establishment aimed at providing increased opportunities for Nigerians seeking university education and generating essential high-level manpower for the growing economy. Unilorin stands out with one of the largest land areas among higher institutions in the country, covering approximately 15,000 hectares. Remarkably, it has consistently been recognized as the most sought-after Nigerian university by the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB), holding this status for multiple consecutive years, including 2021 and 2023.
9. University of Lagos
The University of Lagos, commonly referred to as UNILAG, holds the ninth position among universities with the highest number of female students, comprising 49.84 percent of the total enrollment. Founded in 1962, UNILAG is a public research university located in Lagos, Nigeria, and is recognized as one of the first-generation universities in the country. Renowned for its academic excellence, the university is consistently ranked among the top in the world by major education publications. UNILAG operates three campuses in the mainland of Lagos, with the main campus in Akoka, a recently established campus at the former school of radiography, and the college of medicine located at Idi-Araba, Surulere. The main campus is distinguished by its expansive 802 acres of land, predominantly surrounded by the Lagos lagoon. Notably, the University of Lagos admits over 9,000 undergraduate students annually and enrolls a total student population exceeding 57,000.
10. University of Ibadan
The University of Ibadan earns the tenth spot among universities with the highest number of female students, representing 47.36 percent of the total enrollment. Established in 1948 as University College Ibadan within the University of London’s framework, it attained independent university status in 1962, becoming the oldest degree-awarding institution in Nigeria. As a public research university located in Ibadan, Nigeria, the University of Ibadan has played a pivotal role in the political, industrial, economic, and cultural development of the country through its extensive graduate network. The institution’s rich history and significant influence have contributed to its status as one of the most prestigious universities in Africa.
It’s important to note that this report is based on the National Universities Commission ranking as of 2021 and other reliable international higher institutions rankers such as Statista, among others.