Top universities in Benue State include Rv. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University (formerly Benue State University), Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, and University of Mkar. These institutions offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across areas such as medicine, agriculture, sciences, engineering, education, management, arts, social sciences and other professional disciplines.
Benue State, popularly known for its agricultural importance, has developed into an important educational destination in North-Central Nigeria. Students looking for affordable and recognised universities in Benue State can choose from state, federal and private institutions located in different parts of the state.
According to the National Universities Commission (NUC), Benue currently has universities including Rv. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University in Makurdi, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University in Makurdi, Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology in Ihugh, and University of Mkar.
This article provides a guide to the best universities to study in Benue State, their locations, ownership, major areas of study and factors prospective students should consider before choosing a university.
List of Top Universities in Benue State
The major universities in Benue State include:
- Rv. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi
- Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi
- Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo
- Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh
- University of Mkar, Mkar
The institutions differ considerably in ownership, academic focus, location and programme offerings. Therefore, the most suitable university for a student depends largely on the course they intend to study.
1. Rv. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi
Rv. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, located in Makurdi, is one of the major universities in Benue State. The institution was formerly known as Benue State University (BSU) and was established in 1992. The Federal Ministry of Education lists the institution among Nigeria’s state universities.
The university provides programmes in several academic fields, including arts, sciences, education, social sciences, management and health-related disciplines.
The institution has also undergone NUC accreditation exercises for various programmes. For example, NUC reports from 2024 show full accreditation for programmes including Microbiology, Environmental Management and Toxicology, and English Language and Literature in English.
Why Study at Rv. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University?
Students may consider the university because of:
- Its long history of university education in Benue State.
- Its location in Makurdi, the state capital.
- Its broad range of academic programmes.
- Availability of undergraduate and postgraduate education.
- Its established academic and administrative structure.
- NUC accreditation of various academic programmes.
Popular Areas of Study
Depending on current programme availability and admission requirements, students can find courses in areas such as:
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Economics
- English
- History
- Political Science
- Law
- Mass Communication
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Education
- Medicine and other health-related disciplines
Important: Prospective students should confirm the current accreditation and admission status of their specific programme before applying because accreditation is programme-specific and can change.
2. Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi
Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University (JOSTUM) is a federal university located in Makurdi, Benue State. The institution is particularly associated with agriculture, science, technology and related disciplines.
The NUC lists Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, as a federal university established in 1988.
The university is an important option for students interested in agricultural sciences, engineering, environmental sciences, natural sciences, management and related fields.
Why Study at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University?
Some reasons students consider JOSTUM include:
- Federal university status.
- Strong historical connection with agricultural education.
- Wide range of academic programmes.
- Location in Makurdi.
- Opportunities in agriculture, science and technology-related fields.
- Availability of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Courses and Academic Areas
JOSTUM is particularly relevant to students interested in:
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Economics
- Animal Science
- Crop Production
- Food Science
- Engineering
- Veterinary-related agricultural fields
- Environmental Sciences
- Biological Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Management Sciences
- Education
Students should consult the university’s current admission materials for the exact list of available courses and programme requirements.
3. Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo
Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO) is a specialised federal university in Otukpo, Benue State.
Unlike universities with broad academic offerings, FUHSO is focused heavily on health sciences and the training of healthcare professionals. The university describes itself as a specialised institution dedicated to producing skilled healthcare professionals and has invested in laboratories, ICT facilities and research centres.
This makes FUHSO particularly relevant to students interested in medicine, pharmacy, nursing, medical laboratory science and other health-related disciplines.
Courses Available at FUHSO
The university’s 2026/2027 Post-UTME information lists programmes including:
- Medicine and Surgery (MBBS)
- Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D)
- Nursing Science
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Public Health and Epidemiology
- Human Anatomy
The university also published different minimum UTME scores for these programmes for the 2026/2027 admission exercise.
Why Study at Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo?
FUHSO may be particularly suitable for students who want to build careers in healthcare because:
- It is a federal university.
- It has a specialised health-science focus.
- It offers professional health programmes.
- It has modern laboratories and healthcare-related facilities.
- It provides opportunities for health-science research and training.
Students interested in admission should check the latest Post-UTME requirements because programme-specific UTME scores and admission conditions can change from one academic session to another.
4. Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh
Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology (BSUAST), Ihugh is a newer state university in Benue State.
The NUC’s current Nigerian University System list includes the institution among Benue State’s universities and identifies it as a state university established in 2025.
Because it is a relatively new university, prospective students should pay particular attention to the programmes currently approved and available for admission.
Areas of Study
As its name suggests, the university’s academic direction is centred on areas such as:
- Agriculture
- Science
- Technology
- Agricultural sciences
- Applied sciences
- Technology-related disciplines
The university may be an option for students who want to study in Benue while pursuing agriculture, science or technology-oriented programmes.
Why Consider BSUAST?
Students may consider the institution because:
- It is a state-owned university.
- It has an agricultural, science and technology orientation.
- It provides another university option for students in Benue State.
- Its location in Ihugh may be convenient for students from nearby communities.
However, because it is a new institution, applicants should confirm the current list of approved programmes, admission requirements and available facilities before making an application.
5. University of Mkar, Mkar
University of Mkar, Mkar (UMM) is a private university located in Mkar, Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.
The university was licensed by the National Universities Commission on June 6, 2005, and was established by the Universal Reformed Christian Church (URCC), also known as NKST.
The University of Mkar provides an alternative to students who prefer private university education in Benue State.
Why Study at University of Mkar?
Some factors that may attract students include:
- Private university environment.
- Location in Gboko Local Government Area.
- Faith-based institutional background.
- Undergraduate and postgraduate academic opportunities.
- Focus on academic development and character formation.
The university describes its philosophy around “Knowledge for Service” and provides students with academic and digital services through its university platforms.
Best Universities in Benue State for Different Courses
There is no single university that is the best choice for every course. A student interested in medicine, for example, may need to consider different factors from someone interested in agriculture, engineering, education or business administration.
Here is a simple guide:
| Area of Study | Universities to Consider |
|---|---|
| Medicine and Surgery | Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo; Rv. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University |
| Pharmacy | Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo |
| Nursing Science | Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo; Rv. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University |
| Agriculture | Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University; Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology |
| Science | Rv. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University; Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University; BSUAST |
| Technology | Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University; BSUAST |
| Education | Rv. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University; Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University |
| Management Sciences | Rv. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University; Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University; University of Mkar |
| Arts and Humanities | Rv. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University; University of Mkar |
| Social Sciences | Rv. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University; Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University; University of Mkar |
This table is intended as a starting point rather than a ranking. Students should verify that their preferred course is currently approved and available for admission.
Federal Universities in Benue State
There are currently two federal universities listed by the NUC in Benue State:
- Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi
- Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo
Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University is particularly associated with agriculture, science and technology, while Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo has a specialised health-sciences focus.
State Universities in Benue State
The NUC’s current university listing includes state-owned universities such as:
- Rv. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi
- Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh
The university formerly known as Benue State University is now listed by the NUC as Rv. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University.
Private Universities in Benue State
For students specifically searching for a private university in Benue State, the University of Mkar is one of the established options.
University of Mkar
The University of Mkar is a private faith-based university located in Mkar, Gboko Local Government Area. It received its NUC licence in 2005.
Students considering private university education should compare tuition fees, accommodation, available courses, facilities, admission requirements and the accreditation status of their intended programme.
Universities in Makurdi, Benue State
Makurdi is the capital of Benue State and an important university city.
Major universities located in Makurdi include:
- Rv. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University
- Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University
Both institutions are listed by the NUC as universities in Makurdi, Benue State.
The concentration of universities in Makurdi makes the city an important destination for students seeking higher education in Benue State.
How to Choose the Best University in Benue State
Choosing a university should involve more than simply looking at a general ranking. Consider the following factors before applying.
1. Check Your Course
The first thing to consider is whether the university offers your preferred course.
A university may be well known generally but may not offer the particular programme you want to study.
2. Check NUC Accreditation
Always confirm that the programme you intend to study has the appropriate approval or accreditation.
This is important because university accreditation can apply to individual programmes rather than automatically covering every course offered by an institution.
3. Compare School Fees
Cost is another important factor. Compare tuition and other charges before choosing a university.
Remember to consider:
- Tuition and school charges
- Acceptance fee
- Accommodation
- Registration fees
- Examination fees
- Medical fees
- Transportation
- Feeding and other living expenses
4. Consider Location
Think about where the university is located and how easy it will be to travel between your home and school.
For example, students who prefer to study in the state capital may consider universities in Makurdi.
5. Look at Facilities
Students should consider facilities relevant to their course.
For science and health-related courses, laboratories and clinical facilities may be particularly important. For technology-related courses, computer laboratories, workshops and ICT infrastructure may be important.
6. Check Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary from university to university and from course to course.
Before applying, check:
- JAMB UTME requirements
- Required O’level subjects
- Minimum UTME score
- Post-UTME requirements
- Direct Entry requirements
- Subject combinations
- Departmental requirements
7. Consider Accommodation
If you are coming from another town or state, find out whether the university provides student accommodation and what alternatives are available around the campus.
8. Check the University’s Academic Calendar
Students should also consider whether the university has a relatively predictable academic calendar and how frequently academic activities are disrupted.
Why Study in Benue State?
Benue State can be an attractive destination for students who want to pursue higher education in North-Central Nigeria.
Some advantages include:
- Availability of federal, state and private universities.
- Universities offering different fields of study.
- Availability of specialised health-science education.
- Strong agricultural and science-related academic opportunities.
- Several institutions located in or around Makurdi.
- Options for students with different educational and financial preferences.
How many universities are in Benue State?
The NUC’s current Nigerian University System listing includes five universities in Benue State: Rv. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh, and University of Mkar.
What is the best university in Benue State?
The most suitable university depends on the student’s course, budget, preferred location, university type and programme accreditation. Rather than choosing based only on a general ranking, prospective students should compare the specific programme they want to study.
Which university is best for medicine in Benue State?
Students interested in medicine should consider universities that currently offer Medicine and Surgery and verify the programme’s admission requirements and accreditation. Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo currently lists Medicine and Surgery among its programmes.
Which university is best for agriculture in Benue State?
Students interested in agriculture can consider Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University and Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, while checking the specific agricultural programme, admission requirements and current accreditation before applying.
Closing thoughts
Benue State has a growing university system comprising federal, state and private universities. The major institutions include Rv. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, and University of Mkar.
For prospective students, the right university depends on factors such as course of study, programme accreditation, admission requirements, school fees, location, facilities and career objectives. Students should always check the latest information from the university and the NUC before making an admission decision.
