List of Universities in Borno State

For aspiring students in Borno State, there is a growing variety of accredited tertiary institutions, federal, state, and private, ready to serve diverse academic goals. Whether your ambition lies in engineering, medicine, the arts, or defense-related technology, these universities offer programmes designed to meet both national and global standards.

These campuses are not just places of lecture halls; they are dynamic hubs for personal growth and academic exploration. Emphasizing mentorship, hands-on projects, and research, they create an environment where students can flourish intellectually and professionally. Through this supportive framework, graduates emerge ready to contribute meaningfully to society or pursue further studies.

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List of Universities in Borno State

These institutions, spanning federal, state, and private ownership, are designed to meet a wide range of academic and professional needs. From the arts and sciences to security and technological studies, they offer programmes that reflect both national priorities and the unique context of the region. Below is a complete breakdown of universities in Borno State.

University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)

Established: 1975 in Maiduguri
Overview: As the state’s premier federal institution, UNIMAID offers a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes—covering fields such as medicine, engineering, agriculture, law, social sciences, education, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and allied health sciences.
Distinctive Features: With an enrollment of up to 25,000 students, it plays a central role in regional research, especially in agriculture, conflict resolution, and environmental science. The university also hosts a teaching hospital and is widely recognized as a center of academic excellence in the northeast.

Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB)

Established: 2018 in Biu
Overview: A unique hybrid institution designed to combine military discipline with academic rigour, NAUB offers programmes in STEM and the humanities, preparing students for careers in both civilian and defence sectors
Distinctive Features: Accredited by the NUC, it emphasizes leadership, technological aptitude, and structured training, intending to produce graduates equipped for national security, innovation, and public service roles

Borno State University (BSU)/Kashim Ibrahim University

Established: 2016 in Maiduguri; renamed to honor Sir Kashim Ibrahim in January 2025.
Overview: Originally founded to expand accessible state-level higher education, BSU offers programmes across five faculties with over 20 departments, including sciences, management, arts, and education.
Distinctive Features: Though newer, the university rapidly advanced by inaugurating its Senate building in 2021 and appointing a substantive Vice-Chancellor in October 2024. It aims to foster inclusive learning and academic excellence within a growing student body.

Al-Ansar University, Maiduguri

Established: 2020 as Borno State’s first private university.
Overview: Founded by the Al-Ansar Foundation and NUC-approved in December 2020, the institution offers programmes in sciences, social and management sciences, and arts and humanities.
Distinctive Features: Located in urban Maiduguri, Al-Ansar University aims to broaden its academic offering, with plans for postgraduate programmes and professional courses. It prides itself on encouraging Western-style education and providing modern facilities and infrastructure.

Conclusion

Borno State is home to a growing number of universities that offer students meaningful opportunities to pursue higher education. From well-established federal institutions to newer state and private universities, the state is steadily expanding access to quality academic programmes across various fields.

Despite the challenges the region has faced, these universities continue to make impressive progress, providing students with the education, skills, and support they need to succeed. Whether you are aiming for a traditional academic path or a specialized career, Borno State offers a solid foundation to help you achieve your goals.

Universities in Borno State share a common goal of empowering the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and character they need to rebuild the region and lead it into a brighter future. Whether you choose a public or private institution, you’ll receive a rich academic and personal experience that equips you for global opportunities.