Are you considering enrolling in any of the universities in Rivers State? Or are you just relocating to Rivers state with the desire to find a good university to apply to? This article has got you covered.
Here, we will cover everything you need to know about Rivers State and the various higher institutions the state.
Located in southern Nigeria’s Niger Delta, Rivers State goes by a variety of different names (Old Eastern Region). Rivers State is located in southeastern Nigeria and is bordered by the states of Imo to the north, Abia and Akwa Ibom to the east, and Bayelsa and Delta to the west.
It was established in 1967 when the Eastern Region was divided. The commercial core of the Nigerian oil sector is located in Port Harcourt, the state capital. Rivers State is one of the 36 states in Nigeria, formed after the nation became a republic.
As of the last national census in 2006, the population of Rivers State, Nigeria was 5,198,716. This makes it the sixth most populated state in all of Nigeria.

The Igbo, the Ogoni, and the Ijaw are just a few of the numerous ethnic groups that call Rivers State home. Igbo-speaking communities, as well as speakers of the Ogoni and Ijaw languages, are only a few examples of the state’s reputed 28 indigenous tongues.
With that in mind, let us take a look at the list of universities in Rivers State.
How Many Universities Are In Rivers State?
There are five universities in Rivers State; one is controlled by the federal government, two are owned by the state government, and two are privately owned.
Universities in Rivers State, both public and private, that have been granted NUC accreditation are listed below.
Federal Universities In Rivers State
Only one federal university exists in Rivers State namely University of Port-Harcourt.
University of Port-Harcourt
Choba in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, Nigeria is home to the University of Port Harcourt. One of the schools that make up the list of federal universities in Nigeria.
University of Port Harcourt began life in 1975 as University College, Port Harcourt. In 2015, Times Higher Education recognized the University of Port Harcourt as the best university in Nigeria and the sixth best university in Africa.
- How much is UNIPORT school fees?
Incoming freshmen pay between ₦92,150 and ₦127,150, while returning students pay ₦45,340. In order to get a feel for how much each individual department will cost, prospective students may peruse the school’s website.
- What is UNIPORT cutoff mark?
At present, UNIPORT has a minimum UTME score requirement of 150. Students who selected UNIPORT as their top university in the recently finished UTME are being sent invitations to enroll in the program of their choice at the University of Port-Harcourt.
State Universities in Rivers State
On the list of state universities in Nigeria, there exists two (2) NUC accredited state universities in Rivers State, namely River State University, and Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni.
River State University
In 1972, the Rivers State College of Science and Technology was founded, and in 1980, it grew into what is now known as Rivers State University (RSU) Port Harcourt. Specifically, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo in Port Harcourt, the state capital of Rivers State in Nigeria.
When it comes to Nigerian universities, Rivers State University has two firsts: it was the country’s first Technological University and it was the first state university in the Niger Delta to be controlled by the government.
The University has adopted the slogan “Excellence and Creativity” Over 28,000 students are enrolled in the University, while the staff numbers over 1,800. At this school, English is used as the medium of instruction.
- How much is Rivers State University school fees?
In the current academic year, tuition and fees at River State University are between ₦65,000 and ₦145,000 for first-year students and between ₦50,000 and ₦105,000 for returning students. If you are a new student, you should visit the school’s website to research the individual cost structures for each academic program.
- What is the Cutoff Mark for Rivers State University
For the 2022-2023 school year, the overall Rivers State University (RSU) admissions requirement is a grade point average (GPA) of 180. All JAMB 2022 applicants with a score of 180 or above are encouraged to apply for the RSU Post UTME screening.
- Is Rivers State University Under ASUU?
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) represents all public universities in Nigeria except for the states of Delta, River, and Anambra. The ASUU does not represent any private universities.
Related: List of All Universities in Osun State
Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni
From June 1971 until October 2009, the institution presently known as Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) was called Rivers State College of Education, and became one of the universities in Rivers State.
An independent Rivers State College of Education has been established. Now that it has reached its full potential, the College is in a position to make significant contributions to society. The college’s Governing Council was set up with the express aim of hiring faculty and taking full administrative and financial control of the school.
- How Much is School Fees in IAUE?
Tuition at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni now runs between ₦37,500 and ₦47,500 for first-year students and ₦37,500 and ₦49,500 for returning students.
- How many Campuses Does Ignatius Ajuru University Have?
Rumuolumeni, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, St. John Diobu Campus in Port Harcourt Local Government Area, and Ndele Campus in Emuoha Local Government Area make up the University’s three campuses.
How much is Hostel Fee in IAUE?
All IAUOE hostels have the same housing charge shown below. All students, new and old, enrolled in the 2023–2024 school year, are welcome to stay in the hostel. Each student would be charged between ₦30,000 and ₦45,000 Naira each semester for dormitory living.
- What is the cut off mark of IAUE?
Candidates must have a minimum UTME score of 140 and have earned at least 5 credits in either the WASSCE or NECO. In all of IAUE’s departments, that’s the present minimum requirement.
Related: List of Universities In Alberta for International Students
Private Universities In Rivers State
There are 2 private universities in Rivers State namely PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt, and Rhema University, Obeama-Asa – Rivers State. Did either of these universities make it to the list of the top 20 cheapest private university in Nigeria?
PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt
Port Harcourt, Nigeria is home to PAMO University of Medical Sciences, a private medical institution. The institution was created in 2017 as the first private medical university in Nigeria.
Dr. Sir Peter Odili, a former governor of Rivers State, established PAMO University of Medical Sciences. General Abdulsalami Abubakar, a former president of Nigeria, was named chairman of the university’s board of trustees and governing council in 2017.
- What is the Pamo cut off mark?
In order to be considered for admission, a post UTME score of at least this minimum is required.
The minimum post-UTME score required to get admission to PAMO UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES for the 2021–2022 academic year was 50%. To be considered for admission, applicants needed a score of 50 or higher out of a possible 100 on the post-UTME exam.
- Is Medicine and Surgery Accredited in Pamo University?
The National Universities Commission of Nigeria (NUC) has validated PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS).
Rhema University, Obeama-Asa – Rivers State
Related: List of Universities in Bayelsa State
Procedures for Establishing a University in Nigeria
In order to get approval from the government and the National Universities Commission in Nigeria, prospective universities must follow a certain set of procedures and processes.
The National Universities Commission is charged with handling any and all matters pertaining to higher education. To better serve its students, the NUC suggests that universities provide courses from a wide range of academic departments.
It’s necessary to provide proof of financing. There should be no distinction between these types of costs.
Hiring the correct people is also crucial. The number of instructors to support staff members seems reasonable. The NUC (National Uniformed Services Committee) establishes rules for hiring and firing military personnel.
Here, the NUC is the government entity that must validate your funding mechanism. This is crucial to ensure a successful takeoff.
The next step is to disclose all of your assets, both long-term and short-term, on the licensing application. If anything is to be approved, it must adhere to or surpass minimum standards.
They should also be consistent with the institution’s stated mission and core values. Keep in mind that you’ll need to show that you have access to at least ₦200,000,000 in verifiable assets. A full campus master plan should also be provided.
Related: NUC university accreditation requirements
The NUC recommends a minimum of 100 acres of land for a university site. There is a need for supplementary private housing beyond the current dormitories, as well as for easy access to public transit, a water system, and the university campus.
Developing relationships with well-respected academic institutions is crucial. Constant dialogue between the entities is hence to be expected. National Open Universities are required to meet all of the above requirements, however campus size is not one of them.
The application procedures will be outlined in full throughout the registration process. In spite of the above justifications, careful preparation is still necessary before launching the institution.
Facts About University of Port-Harcourt as a Federal University
- PRITASSO (Aluu) is a legendary private dorm complex in UNIPORT. Your acquaintance must have some serious dough if he claims to reside here.
The wealthy and famous can afford this. Although I’ve been here twice, I still wouldn’t call it anything more than a posh secondary school dorm.
- Post-Utme centers at Uniport are provided by the School of Basic Studies, Ashgrove Academy, and the International Computer Training Center (ICTC).
- In a list of Nigerian institutions conducted in July 2022, the University of Port Harcourt placed fifth.
- Business ethics and the cultivation of indigenous entrepreneurs have been cited as two of the University’s strongest areas of research and teaching.
Related: Full List of Universities In Anambra State
Facts About River State University as a State University
- The first university to undertake online exam and ict based result management in Nigeria.
- The first state Government owned university in Nigeria.
- The first university of science and technology in Nigeria.
- The first university in Nigeria to run secretarial administration programme
- It is the first university in Nigeria to start online Post-UME and E-senate.
- The first university in Nigeria to run a marine engineering programme.
- It has one of the best e-libraries in Nigeria.
- It has one of Nigeria’s best convocation arenas.

Facts About PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt as a Private University in Rivers State
- PUMS has two take off faculties; Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and Faculty of Clinical Science which offer such courses as Anatomy, Biochemistry, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Pharmacology and Physiology.
- Former governor of Rivers State and current Founder and Chairman of the PAMO Clinics and Hospitals Group, Dr. Peter Otunuya Odili CON, also established PAMO University of Medical Sciences.
- The institution’s website proclaims, “Our mission is to become the preeminent medical university in Nigeria, known locally and worldwide for quality and excellence in health care, medical education, and research.”
List of Universities in Rivers State (Summary)
Rivers State has over the years been regarded as one of the most prosperous states with reputable universities offering standard education to its students.
If you are considering attending your university education in Rivers State, this is a great move as there are reputable private, state and federal universities that you can choose to apply to like the ones listed in this article.
The various universities in Rivers State listed above have various factors that make them unique, it’s now left for you to decide on which one favors you as we have done the hard part by presenting all the relevant information about each of these universities.
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