Nigeria’s Federal Universities and Their Nicknames

[Shekinah Brama]

1. University of Ibadan (UI) – “The First and the Best”
Founded in 1948, UI is Nigeria’s premier university.
The nickname reflects its age, prestige, and longstanding academic excellence.

2. University of Lagos (UNILAG) – “The Nation’s Pride” / “Lag”
UNILAG’s reputation for innovation, media influence, and social vibrance has earned it a top-tier image.
Students commonly call it Lag, while its official slogan is The Nation’s Pride.

3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – “Great Ife”
One of Nigeria’s most iconic campuses, OAU is fondly called Great Ife, symbolizing prestige, academic strength, and its unique culture.

4. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria) – “ABU for Life”
ABU has one of the largest alumni networks in Nigeria.
Its nickname reflects deep student loyalty and enduring influence.

5. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – “The Lions” / “Nsukka”
UNN’s logo features a lion, and its students proudly call themselves Lions and Lionesses.
It is also widely known simply as Nsukka.

6. University of Benin (UNIBEN) – “UNIBEST”
Students coined the name UNIBEST to inspire pride and confidence in the school’s academic legacy.

7. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) – “Better by Far”
UNILORIN’s official motto became its everyday nickname.
It reflects the university’s reputation for stability and academic consistency.

8. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) – “The Great FUTA”
FUTA is widely known for engineering and technology excellence.
Students often refer to it as The Great FUTA.

9. University of Calabar (UNICAL) – “Malabites & Malabresses”
Students of UNICAL are famously known as Malabites (men) and Malabresses (women).
The nickname originated from the hostel names and has since become a strong identity.

10. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) – “The Uniport Sharks”
Due to its logo and sports identity, UNIPORT students often call themselves Sharks.

11. University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) – “The University of Purpose”
A newer federal university compared to others, with a nickname derived from its motto and central national relevance.

12. Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) – “The First Choice for Tech”
Respected for technology and engineering courses, FUTMINNA is widely known as a go-to tech hub in northern Nigeria.

13. Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) – “Home of Technocrats”
FUTO’s nickname celebrates its focus on producing high-level science and technology graduates.

14. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) – “The University of Technology”
Though all tech schools have their strengths, ATBU students emphasize their own identity with this nickname.

15. University of Jos (UNIJOS) – “UJ” / “The City School”
Students call it UJ, and its location in the serene city of Jos gives it the nickname The City School.

16. University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) – “The Oasis of Learning”
The nickname reflects resilience and commitment to education despite regional challenges.

17. Bayero University Kano (BUK) – “The Citadel of Learning”
BUK students pride themselves on the school’s strong academic culture.

18. Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) – “The Most Peaceful University”
Students often call it UDUS, and its calm academic environment inspired its popular nickname.

19. Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) – “The New Giant”
One of Nigeria’s fastest-growing federal universities, with a nickname that reflects ambition and rapid expansion.

20. Federal University, Dutse (FUD) – “The Rising Star”
Its recent progress in academics and reputation inspired this modern nickname.

 

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