Everything You Need To Know About Nasarawa State University, Keffi (Nsuk) (Updated 2025)

Let’s be honest—when someone mentions Nasarawa State, your first thought might not be “premium university experience.” But give me a few minutes of your time and I’ll show you why Nasarawa State University, Keffi, popularly known as NSUK, is one of Nigeria’s underrated academic gems.

Now, whether you’re a student searching for the right university, a parent looking for a good academic environment for your child, or just a curious mind who stumbled on this post while scrolling through the internet during lunch break—sit tight. You’re about to get a full 360-degree view of NSUK.

A Brief History of NSUK

Established in 2001 by the Nasarawa State Government under the leadership of the then Governor Abdullahi Adamu, NSUK was created with one simple goal: to bring quality tertiary education closer to the people of Nasarawa and surrounding states.

From a humble beginning with just three faculties, NSUK has grown over the years into a full-fledged university with over eight faculties, multiple campuses, and thousands of students trooping in annually like it’s the NYSC orientation camp.

Its main campus is in Keffi, a small but vibrant town about 45 minutes from Abuja. If you’re wondering why this matters, imagine studying in a relatively calm and affordable town while still being close enough to the capital to dash in for a weekend hangout or internship.

Faculties and Courses Offered

Gone are the days when state universities were all about mass communication and political science. NSUK has stepped up its game, and now offers a broad range of courses across several faculties:

1. Faculty of Administration
   – Accounting
   – Business Administration
   – Public Administration
   – Banking and Finance

2. Faculty of Arts
   – English
   – History
   – Islamic Studies
   – Philosophy
   – French
   – Arabic Studies
   – Theatre and Cultural Studies

3. Faculty of Education
   – Educational Foundation
   – Educational Management
   – Science Education
   – Arts and Social Science Education

4. Faculty of Law
   – Law (Yes, NSUK has a respected Law faculty. Go ahead and call your uncle, the judge.)

5. Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences
   – Computer Science
   – Biochemistry
   – Mathematics
   – Physics
   – Chemistry
   – Microbiology
   – Statistics

6. Faculty of Social Sciences
   – Mass Communication
   – Sociology
   – Political Science
   – Psychology
   – Geography
   – Economics

7. Faculty of Agriculture
   – Agricultural Economics and Extension
   – Animal Science
   – Agronomy
   – Fisheries
   – Soil Science

8. Faculty of Environmental Science
   – Urban and Regional Planning
   – Geography
   – Environmental Management

If you’re into the arts, sciences, or you’re just looking for that "JAMB course" that your parents can proudly tell their friends about, NSUK has something for you.

Admission Requirements

Now to the part everyone wants to know: how do you get in?

For UTME candidates, NSUK accepts students with:

• Minimum of 5 credits in relevant subjects including English and Mathematics (in not more than two sittings).

• A UTME score of 160 and above (some courses may require higher).

• Choice of NSUK as first choice in JAMB (second choice rarely gets attention).

• Participation in the Post-UTME screening exercise.

For Direct Entry applicants, you’ll need:

• A minimum of Upper Credit in your OND/NCE or relevant qualifications.

• Or, A-level passes in relevant subjects.

Don’t forget, NSUK’s admission process is quite competitive, especially in hotcake courses like Law, Mass Communication, and Accounting. So, bring your A-game.

School Fees: What You’ll Pay (and How Much You’ll Cry)

Let’s talk money.

NSUK is a state-owned university, so fees are relatively moderate, especially when compared to private universities where the school fees look like your phone number.

For indigenes, tuition fees typically range from ₦65,000 to ₦85,000 depending on the faculty. For non-indigenes, it could go up to ₦100,000 or more.

Note: New students might pay more in their first year because of other charges like acceptance fee, ICT, medicals, and so on.

Also, NSUK allows students to pay in installments—which means you don’t have to sell your father’s farmland to attend.

Hostel and Accommodation

Ah yes, accommodation—arguably the most controversial part of Nigerian university life.

NSUK has school hostels, but they are limited in number. So, unless you’re lucky or have strong “leg work,” you may end up renting an off-campus apartment.

Hostel fees range from ₦20,000 to ₦35,000, depending on the type (male/female, number of people per room, etc.). But if you miss hostel space, you’ll find plenty of affordable lodges around Keffi town, ranging from ₦60,000 to ₦150,000 per session depending on comfort and proximity.

Just make sure you don’t rent a room near the generator of a popcorn seller. You’ll thank me later.

Campus Life

NSUK may not have the razzmatazz of Lagos or the hype of University of Ibadan, but it has its own unique student vibe.

• Social Life: The school has plenty of activities—drama clubs, student fellowships, departmental associations, elections (oh yes, campus politics is serious business), and even fashion shows.

• Spiritual Life: From Redeemed Christian Fellowship to NASFAT, the spiritual life is rich and diverse. Fridays and Sundays? The whole school transforms.

• Security: Generally, NSUK is considered safe. The university works with security agencies, and there’s a relatively strong security presence in and around the school. But of course, always stay vigilant.

• Transportation: Keffi is small, so you’ll survive with bikes (okada), tricycles (keke), or the NSUK shuttle buses. Just make sure you hold change—these bike men don’t play.

• Food and Restaurants: From mama-put joints to student-friendly eateries, you won’t go hungry. And if you're the “I-miss-home” type, you’ll find places selling semo and egusi at student-friendly prices.

Notable Alumni (aka Who Don Graduate)

Over the years, NSUK has produced graduates doing great things in the corporate world, media, politics, and academia. You’ll find NSUK alumni working in banks, tech startups, media houses, and even in government offices.

Some have even made it big as entrepreneurs and social influencers. So, if you’re worried about what life after NSUK looks like—trust me, the alumni are already setting standards.

Challenges? Of Course!

NSUK isn’t heaven. Like every other Nigerian university, it has its fair share of issues.

• Sometimes lectures get disrupted due to strikes (ASUU, we see you).

• Hostel space is limited.

• Registration process can occasionally feel like a traditional marriage ceremony—long and exhausting.

• And yes, power supply in Keffi is a hit or miss (bring power bank, torchlight, and patience).

But in all honesty, these are challenges you’ll find in almost every Nigerian public university. It’s about adapting and making the most of your student experience.

Final Thoughts: Should You Choose NSUK?

If you’re looking for a school that combines academic seriousness, moderate fees, decent facilities, and a campus community that’s both calm and active, then NSUK is definitely worth considering.

You’ll gain access to solid lecturers, vibrant student life, and the opportunity to grow—not just as a student but as a complete individual.

And if you’re from Nasarawa State? My friend, you’re sitting on a goldmine. The affordability, the proximity to Abuja, and the steadily growing reputation of NSUK are all reasons why this university is a great option.