List of Federal, State and Private Universities in Nigeria

 
Benue State, located in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria, has developed a respectable higher education sector comprising federal, state, and private universities. Known for its agricultural strength, rich cultural diversity, and commitment to education, the state offers students a variety of academic environments—whether one desires research in agriculture, health, or social sciences. The universities in Benue State provide both local impact and broader academic opportunities.

In this blog post, we will cover universities in Benue State according to federal, state and private categories.

##Federal Universities
1. University of Agriculture, Makurdi: (Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University)
Originally established in 1988, this is a federal university focused especially on agricultural sciences, research, and related technologies. Located in Makurdi, the state capital, it now serves a wider mandate beyond agriculture, offering programs in engineering, management sciences, education, science, and other fields. It is well-suited for students who are interested in food security, sustainable farming, agribusiness, and technological applications in rural development.

2. University of Health Technology, Otukpo (FUHSO):
A relatively new federal institution, this university is located in Otukpo. Its mandate is specialized in health sciences, including medicine, dentistry, nursing, medical laboratory sciences, and other allied health disciplines. It is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled health professionals in Nigeria, with modern facilities aimed at blending theoretical learning and practical hands-on medical training.

##State Universities
3. Benue State University, Makurdi (BSU):
Founded in 1992, Benue State University is the primary state-owned university in Benue State, situated in Makurdi. It offers a broad spectrum of academic programs in the arts, social sciences, natural sciences, law, education, management sciences, and health sciences. BSU aims to provide accessible, quality education, especially to the state’s own populace, while also attracting students from across Nigeria. The university plays a key role in developing local capacity in areas such as teacher training, healthcare, governance, and regional development.

##Private Universities
4. University of Mkar, Mkar:
Founded in 2005 by the Church of Christ in Sudan Among the Tiv (NKST), University of Mkar is a private Christian institution located in Mkar, Gboko Local Government Area. It is known for combining strong moral and spiritual values with academic excellence. The university offers undergraduate programmes in Social and Management Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences, Education, Humanities, and Agricultural Sciences. Students seeking a disciplined, faith-based learning environment often consider this institution.