114 Universities Approved to Run Law Programmes in Nigeria (2026)

The pursuit of legal education in Nigeria has always been a highly regulated and competitive journey. For aspiring lawyers, gaining admission into a recognized Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) programme is not just a first step, it is a crucial gateway to the Nigerian Law School and eventual qualification to practice law across the country.

In 2026, the Council for Legal Education (CLE) has officially approved 114 universities across Nigeria to run law programmes, a move that ensures standardization, quality of instruction, and compliance with national legal education guidelines.

This full list offers clarity for students, parents, and stakeholders who want to plan their education pathway effectively.

The Full List of 114 CLE-Approved Universities to Run Law Programmes:

1. Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State
2. Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State
3. Adamawa State University, Mubi, Adamawa State
4. Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State
5. Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State
6. Admiralty University, Ibusa, Delta State
7. Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State
8. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State
9. Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Oyo State
10. Al Ansar University, Maiduguri, Borno State
11. Al Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State
12. Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State
13. American University of Nigeria, Yola, Adamawa State
14. Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State
15. Anchor University, Ayobo, Lagos State
16. Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo, Cross River State
17. Ave Maria University, Piyanko, Nasarawa State
18. Azman University, Kano, Kano State
19. Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State
20. Bauchi State University, Gadau, Bauchi State
21. Bayero University, Kano, Kano State
22. Baze University, Abuja, FCT (moratorium on new admissions)
23. Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Edo State
24. Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State
25. Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State
26. Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State
27. Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Ogun State
28. Christopher University, Mowe, Ogun State
29. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State
30. Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Kogi State
31. Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State
32. Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State
33. Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State
34. Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, Delta State
35. Edo University, Iyamho (Uzairue), Edo State
36. Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State
37. El Amin University, Minna, Niger State
38. Elizade University, Ilara Mokin, Ondo State
39. Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Enugu State
40. Federal University, Dutsin Ma, Katsina State
41. Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State
42. Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State
43. Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State
44. Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State
45. Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu State
46. Gombe State University, Gombe State
47. Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State
48. Hensard University, Toru Orua, Bayelsa State
49. Ibrahim Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State
50. Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State
51. Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State
52. Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji Arakeji, Osun State
53. Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University, Ogboko, Imo State
54. Koladaisi University, Ibadan, Oyo State
55. Kwara State University, Malete, Kwara State
56. Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State
57. Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State (moratorium on admissions)
58. Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State
59. Maduka University, Enugu State
60. Margaret Lawrence University, Abuja, FCT
61. Maryam Abacha American University, Kano, Kano State
62. McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ogun State
63. Mewar International University, Masaka, Nasarawa State
64. Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Adamawa State
65. Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nasarawa State
66. Newgate University, Minna, Niger State
67. Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State
68. Nigerian British University, Asa, Abia State
69. Nile University, Abuja, FCT
70. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State
71. North Eastern University, Gombe State
72. Northwest University, Kano (Yusuf Maitama Sule University), Kano State
73. Northwest University, Kalambaina, Sokoto State
74. Novena University, Ogume, Delta State
75. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State
76. Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State
77. Osun State University, Osogbo, Osun State
78. Peter University, Achina Onnch, Anambra State
79. Philomath University, Abuja, FCT
80. Plateau State University, Bokkos, Plateau State
81. Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State (moratorium on admissions)
82. Prime University, Abuja, FCT
83. Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State
84. Rayhaan University, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State
85. Redeemers University, Ede, Osun State
86. Renaissance University, Ugbawka, Enugu State
87. Reverend Father Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, Benue State
88. Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
89. Salem University, Lokoja, Kogi State
90. Sam Maris University, Supare Akoko, Ondo State
91. Shanahan University, Onitsha, Anambra State
92. Skyline University, Kano, Kano State
93. Taraba State University, Jalingo, Taraba State
94. Thomas Adewunmi University, Oko Irese, Kwara State
95. Topfaith University, Mkpatak, Akwa Ibom State
96. Umaru Musa YarAdua University, Katsina, Katsina State
97. University of Abuja, Abuja, FCT
98. University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State
99. University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State
100. University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State
101. University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State
102. University of Ilesa, Ilesa, Osun State
103. University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State
104. University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State
105. University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State
106. University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State
107. University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State
108. University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
109. University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
110. University on the Niger, Umunya, Anambra State
111. Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, Sokoto State
112. Veritas University, Bwari, Abuja, FCT
113. Wesley University, Ondo, Ondo State
114. Yobe State University, Damaturu, Yobe State

Analysis of Nigeria’s 114 CLE‑Approved Universities for Law Programmes 

The approval of these 114 universities by the Council for Legal Education is not merely a regulatory announcement; it reflects the evolution of legal education in Nigeria and the growing nationwide demand for quality lawyers. Over the decades, Nigeria has witnessed the rise of both federal and state universities, as well as private institutions, each contributing differently to the development of legal scholarship.

Historically, universities like Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile Ife, University of Lagos, and University of Nigeria, Nsukka, have been at the forefront, producing generations of lawyers who shaped legal practice and governance in the country. Their inclusion in the 2026 list demonstrates continuity and commitment to maintaining high standards.

Federal Universities and Their Significance

Federal universities play a unique role in ensuring that legal education is accessible across regions while maintaining uniform academic standards. In 2026, prominent federal institutions on this list include:

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State – Established in 1962, this institution has long been recognized for its rigorous LL.B programme and its history of producing legal scholars, judges, and leaders in public service.

University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State – Since its foundation in 1962, it has served as a hub for legal education in the southwestern region, combining academic excellence with practical exposure.

University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State – As Nigeria’s first fully autonomous university, founded in 1960, it has historically emphasized comprehensive legal training and research.

Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State; Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State; Federal University, Dutsin Ma, Katsina State; and Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State – These relatively newer institutions reflect CLE’s policy of geographic inclusivity, ensuring that legal education reaches all corners of the country.

Federal universities not only offer LL.B programmes that meet national standards but also provide students with diverse exposure to comparative legal systems, regional case studies, and internships that are critical for practice in Nigeria’s multifaceted legal environment.

State Universities and Regional Representation

State universities contribute significantly to legal education, particularly for students who may wish to remain closer to home due to financial, cultural, or familial considerations. Key examples include:

Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State – Known for its robust law faculty and consistent accreditation, it has been producing competent lawyers for decades.

Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State – Serving southwestern Nigeria, it integrates local customary law studies alongside national law curriculum.

Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State – With emphasis on human rights and business law, it prepares students to engage with both local and international legal issues.

Taraba State University, Jalingo, Taraba State; Plateau State University, Bokkos, Plateau State – Their inclusion ensures the northern regions have access to high-quality legal education.

State universities also respond to regional legal needs, for instance, studying customary land laws, local dispute resolution mechanisms, and issues affecting state governments, which federal universities may not prioritize as much.

Private Universities and Their Growing Influence

Private universities have transformed the landscape of legal education in Nigeria. They bring innovation, flexible curricula, and often better infrastructure for students, though tuition is typically higher. In the 2026 list, notable private institutions include:

Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State – Established by a renowned legal practitioner, it has a law faculty that emphasizes ethics, litigation practice, and international law exposure.

Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State – Known for modern teaching facilities and partnerships with legal firms for internships.

Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State (currently on moratorium) – Despite temporary admission suspension, it remains an important contributor to private legal education.

Baze University, Abuja (moratorium) – It represents the growing presence of private law faculties in Nigeria’s capital, emphasizing contemporary legal practice and global exposure.

Nigerian British University, Asa, Abia State – An emerging institution focused on blending Nigerian and British legal frameworks, giving students a comparative advantage.

Private universities, while often newer than federal and state institutions, are increasingly recognized for their ability to adapt quickly to legal trends, incorporate technology into learning, and offer students international collaborations and research opportunities.

Moratoriums and Admission Limitations

It is crucial to note that while 114 universities are CLE-approved in 2026, some institutions currently have moratoriums on new law student admissions. This is often due to infrastructure limitations, faculty shortages, or ongoing curriculum evaluations. Specifically:

Baze University, Abuja

Lead City University, Ibadan

Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State

These moratoriums mean that students must carefully plan their admissions, as eligibility to enter the Nigerian Law School hinges not only on CLE approval but also on the actual availability of spaces in LL.B programmes for the given academic session.

Geographical Distribution and Accessibility

A deeper look at the 2026 list reveals thoughtful geographic distribution:

Northern Nigeria – Institutions like Ahmadu Bello University, Bayero University, and Northwest University in Kano provide access to LL.B programmes for students in the north, reflecting CLE’s aim to reduce regional educational disparities.

Southern Nigeria – Lagos, Ogun, Osun, and Edo states host multiple universities, including the University of Lagos, Babcock University, Redeemers University, and Ambrose Alli University, catering to a dense population and historically high demand for law programmes.

Eastern Nigeria – Universities such as Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, and Madonna University provide students in Enugu, Anambra, and Ebonyi states with accessible legal education.

Federal Capital Territory – With institutions like Nile University, Margaret Lawrence University, and Philomath University, Abuja serves as a hub for students from across the country seeking both federal exposure and proximity to national legal institutions.

The geographic spread ensures that students from all socio-economic backgrounds and regions have access to accredited legal education, reducing the need for relocation and supporting regional retention of talent.

Implications for Students and Legal Practice

Being admitted into a CLE-approved LL.B programme in 2026 has significant implications:

Eligibility for Nigerian Law School – Only graduates from these approved programmes can continue to the Nigerian Law School, attend vocational training, and qualify as licensed legal practitioners.

Standardized Curriculum – CLE ensures that all 114 universities meet minimum academic and ethical standards, offering a uniform foundation in Nigerian law, comparative law, and professional ethics.

Career Opportunities – Graduates from approved programmes are highly sought after in law firms, government agencies, corporate legal departments, and international organizations, giving them a competitive edge over unapproved programme graduates.

International Recognition – Some universities, especially private institutions like Afe Babalola University and Nigerian British University, offer exposure to international law frameworks, opening opportunities for global practice or postgraduate studies abroad.

Key Takeaways

• CLE approval is mandatory for all students aiming to practice law in Nigeria.
• 114 universities are approved in 2026, including federal, state, and private institutions.
• Some universities currently have moratoriums on admissions, which students must consider.
• Geographic distribution ensures equitable access to legal education nationwide.
• Graduates from these universities are eligible to attend Nigerian Law School, making this list a critical guide for prospective law students.

The 2026 list demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining high standards in legal education, ensuring that future lawyers are well-trained, ethically grounded, and equipped to contribute to the country’s justice system. With careful planning and understanding of CLE requirements, aspiring legal practitioners can navigate the competitive landscape and build successful careers in law.