Education

Top 10 Most Educated States in Nigeria – See Where Yours Ranks!

Published

4 days ago

October 22, 2025

Nigeria has the highest number of educated citizens in the whole of Africa and amongst the Reasons Why Nigeria Is Truly The Giant of Africa. Yet, there is no unified or equal number of educated persons in all the 36 States in the country, and in this article, we will be focusing on the top most educated states in Nigeria.

Education is the bedrock of national development, and in Nigeria, every state in Nigeria has at least, a University, College of Education and polytechnic. These show that there are over 150 higher institutions of learning in Nigeria. However, some states are rising above the rest when it comes to literacy levels, school enrollment, and educational infrastructure. As the Federal Government and private stakeholders continue to invest in the Nigerian education system, certain states have taken the lead by producing top-performing students, hosting prestigious institutions, and embracing educational reforms.

In this article, we take a look at the Top 10 Most Educated States in Nigeria based on key educational indicators like literacy rate, WAEC performance, access to higher institutions, and government investment in education.

Whether you’re a student, parent, policymaker, or education enthusiast, this ranking offers useful insights into where education is thriving the most in Nigeria today.

Most Educated States in Nigeria

1. Lagos State

It is no surprise that Lagos State tops this list. As Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, Lagos boasts some of the best schools in the country, both public and private. The state government consistently allocates a significant portion of its budget to education.

The state may be seen as a state with many numbers if ‘agberos’ and street guys, but the truth is, it’s one of the most educated states in the country.

The literacy level in the state is impressive and for this reason, there are numerous private and public institutions producing graduate and prominent figures every now and then.

Why Lagos Leads:

Highest number of private universities and colleges.
WAEC pass rate consistently above 70%.
High literacy rate (over 95% in urban areas).
Home to the University of Lagos (UNILAG), one of Nigeria’s top federal universities.

In Lagos, education is not just a service—it’s a business, an aspiration, and a culture.

2. Anambra State

Anambra State, located in the South-East, has become a model for educational excellence in Nigeria. Known for producing some of the country’s brightest minds, Anambra students often top national competitions and external exams.

Anambra State is known for breeding successful businessmen and capable entrepreneurs from their various institutions. The zeal and passion the people of the state have for business made them venture into education.

Key Highlights:

Best-performing state in WAEC for multiple years.
High literacy rate (above 90%).
Strong private school sector, especially in Onitsha and Awka.
Home to Nnamdi Azikiwe University and multiple mission schools.

The state’s commitment to education is deeply rooted in Igbo culture, which values learning as a path to success.

3. Imo State

Another South-Eastern state with strong academic performance, Imo State is known for its emphasis on formal education and professional training. Research shows that Imo State has the high number of degree holders.

The state housed many prestigious schools and colleges like the Federal University of Technology, Technological skills Acquisition Institute, Federal Polytechnic and many more.

Educational Strengths:

Literacy rate around 89%.
Significant number of students excelling in WAEC and JAMB.
Home to the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO).
High school enrollment rate and active private education sector.

Education is seen as a stepping stone to social mobility in Imo, and families make serious sacrifices to give their children quality education.

4. Ekiti State

Despite its relatively small population, Ekiti State has made a name for itself as the “Fountain of Knowledge.” Known for its academic pedigree, the state has a long-standing tradition of educational achievement.

Educational Edge:

One of the highest literacy rates in Nigeria (over 90%).
Significant WAEC success rates.
Home to Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), one of the fastest-growing private universities in Africa.
Strong focus on teacher training and development.

Ekiti’s rural-urban educational consistency makes it one of the best states for academic development.

5. Ogun State

It is without a doubt that Ogun State has a high number of educated personalities in Nigeria. Even, the state has produced countless numbers of professors compare to other states.

Ogun State has positioned itself as a centre of academic excellence in the South-West. The state’s proximity to Lagos and its wealth of educational institutions contribute to its strong performance.

While Ogun State deserved to be on this list on merit as it is, it has also produced many intelligent people that have ruled Nigeria; as well as made NIGERIA proud in the wider world.

Why Ogun Shines:

Hosts more tertiary institutions than most states.
Home to Covenant University, one of Africa’s top-ranked private universities.
High WAEC and JAMB performance rates.
Strong literacy level (around 85%).

Cities like Abeokuta and Ota are education hubs, attracting students from across the country.

6. Enugu State

Enugu is often referred to as the heart of the South-East. It combines cultural heritage with academic ambition, producing high-achieving students in secondary and tertiary institutions.

Key Indicators:

Literacy rate above 85%.
Notable WAEC and NECO results.
Home to the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), a prestigious institution.
Strong female enrollment in schools and colleges.

The people of Enugu deeply value education as a tool for empowerment and community development.

7. Delta State

Delta is making big strides in education, especially with the state government’s renewed commitment to basic and secondary education reforms.

Educational Growth:

Literacy rate near 84%.
Improved school infrastructure across LGAs.
Home to Delta State University (DELSU).
Large number of technical colleges and vocational training centres.

Delta is investing heavily in both academic and technical education, giving students multiple pathways to success.

8. Osun State

Home to several notable institutions, Osun State is another South-Western state where education is taken seriously. The government has prioritized revamping school structures and improving teacher welfare.

Educational Merits:

WAEC performance improving steadily.
Literacy rate around 83%.
Home to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife.
Strong school attendance rates and growing tertiary enrollment.

Osun is quietly but steadily climbing up the education ladder in Nigeria.

9. Kaduna State

In Northern Nigeria, Kaduna State stands out for its balanced approach to education. With both Islamic and Western education co-existing, the state is a regional leader.

Why Kaduna Excels:

Hosts Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), the largest university in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Literacy rate has improved to 78% in urban areas.
Major investments in girl-child education.
State-led education reforms under past and present administrations.

Kaduna is blazing a trail in the North, proving that education can thrive with the right policies.

10. Rivers State

Rounding out our list is Rivers State, one of Nigeria’s wealthiest states and home to Port Harcourt—an oil-rich, education-focused metropolis.

Rivers State is the major oil-producing state, has many private and government-owned beautiful as well as standard schools and colleges.

After all, the main income Nigeria generates comes form the state, then most of its revenue will be spent on education.

With top and quality education assurance in the state, Rivers State is another state in Nigeria with a higher number of educated fellow.

Educational Profile:

High school enrollment rates.
Home to University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).
Literacy rate around 82%.
Increasing private school investment in urban areas.

Rivers combines economic strength with educational ambition, especially in STEM fields and professional disciplines.

Which state is the most educated in Nigeria

Lagos State ranks as the most educated due to its infrastructure, WAEC results, and access to higher education.

Which Northern state is most educated?

Kaduna State currently leads the North in terms of literacy rate, tertiary institutions, and education reforms.

What is the most educated region in Nigeria?

The South-West region, particularly due to Lagos, Ekiti, and Ogun, is the most educated in Nigeria.

Conclusion:

Nigeria’s development depends heavily on the quality of education available to its citizens. These top 10 most educated states in Nigeria are not only leading in exam results and literacy but are also laying the foundation for a more skilled and knowledgeable population.

Parents, investors, and government officials should continue to invest in these leading states while helping lagging states to catch up. A better-educated Nigeria is possible, and these states are showing the way forward.

Are you from one of these states? Think your state should be on the list? Drop a comment and share with your friends!