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Ikiodiete George
- 2 Min Read
Top‑Rated Universities In Cross River State 2025: Official Ranking Of The Best Federal, State & Private Institutions
Cross River State, with the capital city of Calabar, is a rising educational hub in Nigeria’s South-South region. By 2025, the state hosts well-accredited federal, state, and private universities known for academic excellence, serene campuses, and strong career support. Below is the official ranking of top institutions in the state:
1. University of Calabar (UNICAL)
Type: Federal | Location: Calabar | Established: 1975
UNICAL remains the flagship university of Cross River State. It offers a wide variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including Law, Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts, and Education. It’s home to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and is highly respected for its academic research and student support systems.
2. University of Cross River State (UNICROSS)
Type: State | Main Campus: Calabar; additional campuses in Ogoja, Okuku, Obubra | Established: 2002 (renamed 2021)
Formerly CRUTECH, UNICROSS is a multi-campus institution offering courses in Engineering, Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, Management Science, Communication Technology, Education, Architecture, and Medical Sciences. Known for practical and tech-enhanced learning, it also hosts a renewable energy center.
3. Arthur Jarvis University (AJU)
Type: Private | Location: Akpabuyo (near Calabar) | Founded: 2016
AJU is Cross River’s first NUC-accredited private university. It offers programs in Natural & Applied Sciences, Basic Medical Sciences, Law, Humanities, Management, Education, and Social Sciences. Known for small class sizes, modern facilities, and personalized learning.
4. Havilla University, Nde‑Ikom
Type: Private | Established: ~2021 | Location: Nde‑Ikom
A newer private university offering programs in Computing & Sciences, Health Sciences, and Management Sciences. It features partnerships with tech and agriculture sectors and has competitive tuition rates for the region.
5. Evangel University (Affiliated Campus in Cross River)
Type: Faith-based private (main campus in Ebonyi; outreach in Cross River)
Though its main campus is outside Cross River State, Evangel University maintains an academic presence via affiliated theology and outreach centers. It offers Christian-based programs and values-driven learning.
Ranked Summary Table
| Rank | University | Type | Location | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Calabar (UNICAL) | Federal | Calabar | Wide faculties, research, teaching hospital |
| 2 | University of Cross River State | State | Calabar, Obubra, Ogoja, Okuku | Tech & practical focus, multi-campus access |
| 3 | Arthur Jarvis University | Private | Akpabuyo (Calabar) | Small classes, modern infrastructure |
| 4 | Havilla University | Private | Nde‑Ikom | New private option, tech- & health-focused |
| 5 | Evangel University (Affiliate) | Private | Satellite in Cross River | Faith-based learning via affiliate centers |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the top university in Cross River State?
UNICAL is ranked highest due to its federal status, diverse academic offerings, accredited programs, research output, and robust teaching hospital.
2. Is CRUTECH still operational?
Yes. It is now called the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), fully accredited and spanning multiple campuses across the state.
3. Are there private universities in Cross River State?
Yes. Arthur Jarvis University and Havilla University are the known private institutions offering NUC-approved degree programs.
4. Does UNICAL offer Medicine, Law, and Engineering?
Yes. UNICAL hosts faculties for Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, Engineering, Agriculture, and more, making it one of Nigeria’s respected federal institutions.
Conclusion
Cross River State offers a balanced mix of university choices in 2025. Whether you're seeking the federal prestige and program diversity of UNICAL, the multi-campus access and tech focus of UNICROSS, or a personalized private institution experience at AJU or Havilla, there's an institution to match every academic and personal aspiration.
