Rivers State, located in the South-South region of Nigeria, is widely recognized as one of the nation’s academic and economic hubs. The state is home to some of Nigeria’s most prestigious universities, cutting-edge institutions, and specialized centers of learning.
According to the National Universities Commission (NUC), Rivers State hosts a mix of federal, state, and private universities that provide diverse opportunities for higher education. Below is the full list:
Federal Universities in Rivers State
- University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
- Established in 1975 as a University College and later upgraded to a full-fledged university in 1977.
- Located in Port Harcourt, UNIPORT is one of Nigeria’s top-ranking universities.
- Known for its strong academic programs in medicine, law, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and the arts.
- It is also a major research hub in oil and gas studies.
- Established in 1975 as a University College and later upgraded to a full-fledged university in 1977.
- Federal University of Environment and Technology, Tai Town (Ogoniland)
- One of Nigeria’s newest federal universities.
- Established to drive environmental sustainability, technology, and innovative research.
- Located in Tai Local Government Area, Ogoniland, Rivers State.
- One of Nigeria’s newest federal universities.
State Universities in Rivers State
- Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rumuolumeni
- Formerly Rivers State College of Education.
- Upgraded to a university in 2009 and renamed after Ignatius Ajuru, a notable Rivers State educationist.
- Specializes in education, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and management sciences.
- Formerly Rivers State College of Education.
- Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt
- Formerly known as Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST).
- Established in 1980, it is the first state-owned university of science and technology in Nigeria.
- Offers a wide range of programmes across engineering, sciences, law, agriculture, education, and medicine.
- Formerly known as Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST).
Private Universities in Rivers State
- Rhema University, Obeama-Asa
- Faith-based private university licensed in 2009.
- Offers accredited programmes in management sciences, social sciences, natural sciences, and medical sciences.
- Faith-based private university licensed in 2009.
- PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt
- Nigeria’s first private medical university.
- Established in 2017 with a core focus on medical, nursing, and health-related programs.
- Provides specialized training to address Nigeria’s healthcare needs.
- Nigeria’s first private medical university.
- British Canadian University, Obufu (Cross River/Rivers Border Region)
- Although located on the Cross River–Rivers axis, it serves students within Rivers State.
- Offers globally aligned academic programmes with a blend of British and Canadian education models.
- Although located on the Cross River–Rivers axis, it serves students within Rivers State.
- Wigwe University, Isiokpo
- Founded by the late Herbert Wigwe, former CEO of Access Holdings.
- Designed to be a world-class institution combining innovation, entrepreneurship, and research.
- Offers modern facilities and international-standard programmes.
- Founded by the late Herbert Wigwe, former CEO of Access Holdings.
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