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Ikiodiete George
- 2 Min Read
Top‑Rated Universities In Benue State (2025): Official Ranking Of The Best Federal, State & Private Institutions
Benue State, in Nigeria’s North-Central region, is known for its agricultural strength and academic contributions. As of 2025, it hosts several fully accredited universities offering strong programs in agriculture, health sciences, law, education, and liberal arts. Here’s the official ranking of the top universities in Benue State, based on academic excellence, facilities, and graduate outcomes:
1. Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JSTUM)
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Type: Federal | Formerly the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi
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Focus: Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Engineering, Biological Sciences, and Management.
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Why It Stands Out: JSTUM leverages extensive farmland and research centers to support innovation in food security and aquaculture. It ranks among the leading federal institutions nationally.
2. Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi (now Moses Orshio Adasu University)
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Type: State-owned
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Strengths: Wide range of accredited programs including Law, Education, Social & Management Sciences, Arts, and Health Sciences. Known for affordability (especially for indigenes), active community engagement, and solid academic reputation.
3. Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO)
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Type: Federal | Specialized Health University
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Focus: Medicine & Surgery, Nursing, Medical Lab Science, Environmental Health, Physiotherapy, Public Health, Radiography.
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Why It Stands Out: Nigeria’s first federal university exclusively for health sciences, offering modern clinical training and serving as a regional health education hub.
4. University of Mkar, Mkar
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Type: Private (Faith-based)
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Focus: Management Sciences, Social Sciences, Natural & Applied Sciences, Education, Humanities, Theology.
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Why It Stands Out: Accredited Christian university known for moral formation, academic discipline, and leadership development.
Overview Table
| Rank | University | Type | Location | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University (JSTUM) | Federal | Makurdi | Agriculture tech, research excellence, federal status |
| 2 | Benue State University (BSU) | State | Makurdi | Diverse programs, affordability, strong accreditation |
| 3 | Federal University of Health Sciences | Federal | Otukpo | Specialized in health sciences, modern clinical labs |
| 4 | University of Mkar | Private | Mkar | Faith-led, leadership focus, small-class learning |
FAQs About Benue Universities
Which is the best university in Benue State in 2025?
Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University tops the list due to its strength in agriculture, research innovation, and national standing as a federal institution.
Is Benue State University fully accredited?
Yes. BSU offers accredited programs in various faculties and is officially recognized by the NUC. It has recently been renamed Moses Orshio Adasu University.
Is there a medical university in Benue State?
Yes. FUHSO in Otukpo provides dedicated healthcare programs including Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, and more, with access to teaching hospitals.
Which is the best private university in Benue State?
University of Mkar is the top accredited private university in the state, offering faith-based education and strong moral values alongside academic programs.
Conclusion
Benue State’s higher education scene in 2025 includes strong federal, state, and private options. Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University excels in agriculture and research, while BSU (MOAUM) leads in multidiscipline access. FUHSO is rapidly building its reputation in medical and health education, and the University of Mkar offers a disciplined, faith-based alternative. Choose according to your career focus—these institutions deliver accredited, supportive, and forward-looking academic experiences.
