Top Universities In Benue State: Everything You Need To Know Before You Choose One

Ah, the joys of admission season! That time of the year when students start sweating not just from heat or NEPA’s absence, but from the pressure of choosing the right university. Parents become spiritual warriors—praying, fasting, asking questions like: “Is this school good? Will my child come back with degree or with heartbreak?”

If you’re considering studying in Benue State or sending your child there, first of all, you’re not alone. Secondly, congratulations—you’re already thinking ahead. Whether you’re looking for a federal university, a state-owned institution, or a private faith-based university, Benue State has something for everyone. And that’s what we’ll be discussing here—with gist, facts, and a sprinkle of humor, of course.

Let’s dive into the top universities in Benue State and why they deserve your attention.

1. Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi

“The People’s University”

If Benue State had a celebrity university, it would be BSU. It was established in 1992 and since then, it has grown into one of the most respected state universities in Nigeria.

Why You Should Care About BSU:

• It has over 14 faculties and 61 departments—talk about academic buffet!

• BSU offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Arts, Law, Social Sciences, Education, Sciences, Health Sciences, Management, and more.

• Its College of Health Sciences is a big deal. If you dream of becoming a doctor or anything medicine-related, BSU might just be your destiny helper.

Career Prospects:

Because it’s government-owned and well-structured, BSU graduates have a competitive edge, especially in the public sector.

Student Life:

BSU is located in Makurdi, the state capital, so expect city vibes. There’s hustle and bustle, but also plenty of eateries, hostels, and social activities. You’ll enjoy the balance of academics and social life.

Note:

BSU is popular, so competition is stiff. If you’re eyeing Medicine or Law, come with fire in your bones (and a high UTME score).

2. Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University (JSTU), Makurdi

Formerly known as the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM)

Ah, this one is the farmers’ Harvard. If you’re the type that loves nature, agriculture, food security, or just enjoys being in a peaceful academic environment, JSTU is calling your name like a long-lost cousin.

Highlights:

• It’s federal-owned, which means relatively affordable fees and stable academic calendars (most times).

• JSTU is known for courses like Agricultural Science, Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, and Environmental Management.

• The university recently rebranded and was renamed in honor of the late Joseph Sarwuan Tarka, a political legend from Benue.

What Makes JSTU Shine:

They take practical training seriously. Whether it's learning how to rear chickens or analyzing soil types, JSTU ensures you’re not just reading textbooks—you’re getting your hands dirty (literally).

Campus Life:

Located in the outskirts of Makurdi, JSTU is calm and serene. Perfect for students who prefer quiet learning environments.

3. Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO)

“The Nation’s First Dedicated Health Sciences University”

Now this is one of Nigeria’s most exciting new additions. Established in 2015, FUHSO is focused solely on health and medical sciences.

🩺 Course Offerings:

• Medicine and Surgery

• Nursing

• Radiography

• Public Health

• Medical Laboratory Science

• Physiotherapy
  More programs are being introduced gradually as the school expands.

What Makes FUHSO Unique:

It's Nigeria’s first specialized university for health sciences. That means more focused curriculum, intensive training, and—wait for it—better laboratory facilities compared to general universities.

If your dream is to wear a lab coat, hang a stethoscope around your neck, and one day write “Dr.” in front of your name, then FUHSO should be high on your list.

Bonus:

The school is supported by federal funding and TETFund, so infrastructure is developing rapidly.

4. University of Mkar, Mkar

“Faith-Based Excellence with a Heart”

Looking for a private university with morals, structure, and high academic standards? Then welcome to University of Mkar.

This university is owned by the Church of Christ in Sudan Among the Tiv (NKST). But don’t worry, whether you’re Catholic, Muslim, Pentecostal, or even undecided—if you love structure, discipline, and peace of mind, this school won’t disappoint.

Academic Focus:

• Food Science and Technology

• Microbiology

• Sociology

• Business Administration

• Political Science

• Education

They also offer select postgraduate programs in key disciplines. So yes, you can build your future here and even stay for your master’s degree.

Faith + Education:

University of Mkar blends moral discipline with academic rigor. It’s great for parents who want their children to get a solid education while staying away from “worldly distractions.”

School Fees:

Expect to pay between ₦400,000 to ₦500,000 per session, depending on the course. It's not the cheapest, but the quality, peace of mind, and structure make it worthwhile.

5. Benue State University of Health Technology, Otukpo (BSUHTO)

“The State Government’s Answer to Healthcare Gaps”

If you thought FUHSO was the only health-based university in Benue, think again. This new state-owned institution was established to train mid-level and professional health workers.

Courses to Expect:

• Nursing

• Environmental Health

• Health Information Management

• Radiography

• Biomedical Technology

Though still growing, BSUHTO is backed by government funding and is rapidly developing infrastructure. It’s one to watch, especially for students who want solid healthcare training but didn’t get into more competitive programs like Medicine at BSU or FUHSO.

Bonus Mentions (They’re Not Universities but Worth Considering)

Akperan Orshi Polytechnic, Yandev

Oldest agriculture-based school in Benue. If you want a diploma in agriculture, this is the OG.

Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo

Great for students interested in technical fields like Engineering, Business Studies, and ICT.

College of Education, Katsina-Ala

If teaching is your calling, this is where many of Benue’s best educators got their start.

So, Which University Should You Choose?

Let’s break it down like Jollof rice:

Final Thoughts: Let’s Keep It Real

Choosing a university is not beans. It’s a decision that affects the next 4–6 years of your life and, possibly, your career. So think beyond popularity or what your friend picked.

Parents, please don’t force your child to study Law because “Barrister sounds nice.” Let them follow their passion—be it agriculture, radiography, or political science.

Students, don’t just chase the biggest school or trendiest course. Look for where you’ll thrive—intellectually, emotionally, and socially. Also, check things like accommodation, transportation, security, and whether the school’s calendar is as stable as your heartbeat or as erratic as Lagos traffic.

And remember: no university is perfect. But with the right mindset, commitment, and grace, you’ll come out with flying colors wherever you go.

Over to You!

Have questions about admission into any of these schools? Want tips on surviving university life in Benue? Or just want to rant about JAMB stress? Drop a comment, share this post, or DM me. I’m always happy to help.

Until next time, keep believing in your academic dreams. The right school in Benue might just be the beginning of your success story!