List of Federal, State and Private Universities in Anambra State

 
Anambra State, situated in the southeastern region of Nigeria, stands out for its strong focus on education and high literacy rates. Its university landscape reflects a balanced mix of federal, state, and private institutions, catering to a wide array of academic, professional, and cultural needs. These institutions offer diverse programs, foster research and innovation, and nurture the next generation of leaders and professionals.

In this blog post, we will walk you through the list of federal, state and private universities in Anambra State with brief description of each of these universities.

##Federal Universities in Anambra State 
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka:
As the sole federal university in Anambra State, Nnamdi Azikiwe University—commonly known as UNIZIK—is a prestigious institution named after Nigeria’s first president. It has its main campus in Awka, with additional campuses in Nnewi (hosting the teaching hospital and medical faculties), Agulu, and Ifite-Ogwari. UNIZIK offers a broad array of programs across sciences, arts, management, law, and medical sciences, serving thousands of students through its comprehensive academic and research infrastructure.

##State Universities in Anambra State
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli:
Originally founded as Anambra State University in 2000, this institution was later renamed in honor of the late Biafran leader, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. It operates two main campuses: one at Uli—the primary site that evolved from the former Ekwenugo Okeke Polytechnic—and the other at Igbariam, established at the former College of Agriculture. The institution provides a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs spanning arts, sciences, engineering, agriculture, law, and education, while contributing significantly to regional development and academic advancement.

##Private Universities in Anambra State
1. Madonna University, Okija:
Madonna University is the first private Catholic university in Nigeria. Its Okija campus offers programs in Management and Social Sciences, Arts and Education, and Law. The university is known for its holistic approach to education, integrating academic rigor with moral and spiritual development, grounded in Catholic educational traditions.

2. Paul University, Awka:
Founded in 2009 by the Anglican Church, Paul University is a private Christian institution located in Awka. It provides programs in Arts, Natural and Applied Sciences, Social Sciences, and Management. The university is fully residential and benefits from institutional support and infrastructure development, aimed at delivering quality, faith-based education.

3. Tansian University, Umunya:
Tansian University, established in 2009 by Rev. Msgr. Prof. John Bosco Akam, is a private Christian institution situated in Umunya (with a temporary origin in Oba). Its curriculum emphasizes the holistic “Total Man Concept,” with faculties covering Natural and Applied Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Health Sciences, Social and Management Sciences, Education, and Law, aiming to cultivate well-rounded graduates equipped for leadership roles.

4. Legacy University, Okija:
Established in 2016, Legacy University is a private institution located in Okija. With a commitment to excellence in learning and research, it offers programs in Natural and Applied Sciences, Arts and Humanities, and Social and Management Sciences. Set within a serene environment, Legacy University strives to build a legacy of academic integrity, global outlook, and moral values.

5. Peter University, Achina-Onneh:
Peter University is a faith-based private university jointly owned by the Catholic Dioceses of Awka and Ekwulobia. Established in 2020, it offers programs in Business Administration, Computer Science, Political Science, and Economics, aimed at producing graduates ready for service and impact in a rapidly evolving world.

6. University on the Niger, Umunya:
Founded by the Diocese on the Niger (Anglican Communion), the University on the Niger is a private institution located in Umunya. The university’s mission is to develop graduates who are morally grounded, entrepreneurial, and capable of nation building. It provides academic programs through faculties in Medicine and Dentistry, Allied Health Sciences, Sciences and Computing, and Management and Social Sciences.

7. Shanahan University, Onitsha:
Shanahan University is a private institution situated in Onitsha, established by the Catholic Archdiocese. Named after Bishop Shanahan, a pioneer of formal education in Igboland, it aims to offer transformative and critical-minded education. The university provides undergraduate and postgraduate programs across faculties such as Medicine, Law, Natural and Applied Sciences, Arts, and Social Management Sciences, fostering innovation and academic excellence.

##Final Thought
Anambra State's university system showcases a rich and diverse educational ecosystem from federal and state-led institutions that provide comprehensive scholarly depth, to private universities offering faith-based, entrepreneurial, and innovation-driven learning environments. Together, these universities contribute significantly to regional development, knowledge production, and the cultivation of future leaders.