University of Ilorin has been ranked Nigeria’s largest university by landmass, leading a 2026 list of top institutions by campus size
The University of Ilorin has been ranked as the largest university in Nigeria by landmass, occupying about 15,000 hectares of land and maintaining its position as one of the country’s most expansive academic institutions.
Located in Ilorin, Kwara State, the University of Ilorin was established on 25 October 1976 and has grown into one of Nigeria’s most stable universities, known for uninterrupted academic sessions spanning over 16 years.
The institution sits strategically between Abuja and Lagos, serving as a major academic hub within the North-Central region.
University authorities have previously disclosed that only a small fraction of its total land is currently in active use, with plans to expand agricultural and commercial development across the campus.
A former administration had also earmarked a significant portion of the land for staff and student agricultural ventures, aimed at boosting productivity and practical learning.
The ranking places it ahead of other major institutions, including Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and the University of Abuja, both of which also maintain vast campus environments.
Other universities featured in the 2026 landmass ranking include Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Federal University of Technology Minna, and Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
While land size highlights physical expansion, education analysts note that student population figures tell a different story, with the National Open University of Nigeria hosting the largest student enrolment in the country.
Private institutions such as Covenant University and Afe Babalola University continue to rank highly in academic quality, even without large physical campuses.
Education experts also point to growing diversification in Nigerian higher education, where universities are increasingly judged by research output, innovation, and global partnerships rather than size alone.
The University of Ilorin’s expansive landmass continues to position it as a key player in Nigeria’s academic landscape, particularly in research, agriculture, and future infrastructure development.
