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Research institutes headquartered in Nigeria

Tamtam tracks 32 research institutes headquartered in Nigeria. This list ranks all of them by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by University of Lagos, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Ahmadu Bello University. Their median headcount is 840. Half of them were founded in 1988 or later. The most common headquarters are Abuja (4), Ibadan (2) and Lagos (2).

πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Nigeria32 companiesUpdated Nov 12, 2026

The research institutes in Nigeria listed here are primarily large public universities, many founded in the 1960s and 1970s, with a focus on higher education and research services. University of Lagos is a prestigious institution providing education and research, while International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) conducts research to address hunger and malnutrition in Africa. National Space Research & Development Agency (NASRDA) specializes in integrating space science and technology into national development, and Babcock University is a private Christian university offering diverse academic programs.

A significant pattern is the concentration of these large institutes in the southwestern region of Nigeria, particularly in cities like Ibadan and Lagos. Many of these institutions were established around the same period, reflecting a national push for higher education and research development in the post-independence era.

#CompanyIndustryHeadquarters EmployeesFounded
1
University of Lagosunilag.edu.ng

A prestigious institution providing quality education and research opportunities for over 5 decades, aiming to develop a professional workforce for national development

Higher Education πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Lagos 5,293 1962
2
University of Nigeria, Nsukkaunn.edu.ng

An institution established in 1960, focused on providing skilled manpower through training, research, and development, with multiple campuses and faculties

Education Administration Programs πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Nsukka 4,741 n/a
3
Ahmadu Bello Universityabu.edu.ng

An educational institution established in 1962 following the recommendations of the Ashby Commission, named after a prominent Nigerian leader

Education Administration Programs πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Zaria 4,662 n/a
4
University of Ibadanedu.ng

Found in 1948, the organization began at a temporary site in Ibadan before moving to a permanent location on a spacious leased land

Research Services πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Ibadan 4,495 1948
5
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)iita.org

An Africa-based international non-profit organization that conducts research to address challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation in Africa

Research Services πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Ibadan 3,710 1967
6
University of Ilorin, Nigeriaunilorin.edu.ng

Public university offering diverse academic programs, established by federal government decree, located in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

Higher Education πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Ilorin 3,652 1975
7
University of Ilorinedu.ng

A renowned public research university offering world-class education, research opportunities, and community service with a large and diverse student population

Hospitality πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Ilorin 2,740 n/a
8
University of Maiduguriunimaid.edu.ng

Higher education institution offering tertiary level programs for students seeking specialized education and career advancement opportunities in various fields

Higher Education πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Maiduguri 1,959 1975
9
Rivers State Universityrsu.edu.ng

An educational institution offering a range of programs in science, technology, education, law, management, agriculture, and environmental sciences with a focus on excellence and creativity

Higher Education πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Port Harcourt 1,664 1972
10
Federal University Of Agriculture, Abeokutafunaab.edu.ng

Agricultural university established in 1988 by the Federal Government in Ogun State, offering various programs and research opportunities

Education Administration Programs πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Abeokuta 1,606 1988
11
Michael Okpara'​ University of Agriculture Umudikemouau.edu.ng

Leading institution producing top graduates in agriculture, science, and technology Offering practical training for professional competency and self-employment Emphasizing educational excellence and sustainable food production

Higher Education πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Umudike 1,442 1992
12
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeriaoauife.edu.ng

A first generation university located in Nigeria, offering education in Computer Science and Engineering through teaching and research

Research Services πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Ile-Ife 1,425 1962
13
National Space Research & Development Agency (NASRDA)central.nasrda.gov.ng

Specializing in integrating space science and technology into national development strategies for sustainable progress and growth

Space Research and Technology πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Abuja 1,148 n/a
14
Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeriababcock.edu.ng

A private Christian university in Nigeria offering a wide range of academic programs, including medicine, management, law, and nursing

Higher Education πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Ilishan-Remo 1,002 1999
15
Ambrose Alli Universityaauekpoma.edu.ng

An established university in Nigeria offering a wide range of faculties and known for its innovative use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

Higher Education πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Ekpoma 943 1981
16
BAYERO UNIVERSITY, KANObuk.edu.ng

A university institution that originated as a college, offering degree programs and academic leadership under various Vice Chancellors since 1960

Higher Education πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Kano 840 1977

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17
Federal University Dutsin-Mafudutsinma.edu.ng

Promoting higher education opportunities for all individuals regardless of background, encouraging academic advancement and liberal learning at a university

Higher Education πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Dutsin-Ma 759 2010
18
Delta State University, Nigeriadelsu.edu.ng

A state government university in Nigeria offering a wide range of full-time and part-time programs, including post-graduate studies up to doctoral level

Higher Education πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Abraka 755 1992
19
NABDA - National Biotechnology Development Agencynabda.gov.ng

Pioneering biotechnological solutions for food security, job creation, healthcare access, and environmental preservation in Nigeria for over two decades

Biotechnology Research πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Abuja 586 2001
20
National Agency for Science & Engineering Infrastructure - NASENInaseni.gov.ng

Enabling local mass production of standard parts and goods for technological advancement through capital goods research, production, and reverse engineering

Industrial Machinery Manufacturing πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Abuja 557 1992
21
SCIDaR - Solina Centre for International Development and Researchscidar.org

An indigenous nonprofit institution working to accelerate positive health, social, and economic reforms through program design, implementation, and research

Business Consulting and Services πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Wuse II 509 2017
22
Federal University Lokojafulokoja.edu.ng

Established in 2011, the organization aims to provide equitable access to higher education in Nigeria and support the country's rapid development through quality manpower and knowledge

Education πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Lokoja 503 2011
23
Federal University, Kasherefukashere.edu.ng

A federal university in Nigeria established to increase access to higher education, with programmatic focuses on agriculture, education, and entrepreneurship studies

Higher Education πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Kashere 497 2011
24
University of Port Harcourt Nigeriauniport.edu.ng

Esteemed Nigerian educational institution offering a wide range of academic programs and ranked as one of the top universities in Africa

Higher Education πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Port Harcourt 486 1975
25
FEDERAL UNIVERSITY LAFIA (FULAFIA)fulafia.edu.ng

A new university in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, focused on providing top quality education, fostering economic development, and promoting integrity, innovation, and excellence in graduates

Education Administration Programs πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Lafia 480 2010
26
Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR)nimr.gov.ng

A company dedicated to conducting research on national health issues

Research Services πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Lagos 471 n/a
27
University of Agriculture, Abeokutafunaab.edu.ng

An educational institution with a focus on agriculture, established in 1988 by the Federal Government through the demerger of four Universities of Technology

Education Administration Programs πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ 429 1988
28
Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH)crutech.edu.ng

A higher education institution formed through the merger of three former colleges, focused on providing training and research in various technological fields

Higher Education πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Calabar 397 2002
29
Energy Commission of Nigeria ​(ECN)energy.gov.ng

The Energy Commission of Nigeria strategically plans and coordinates national energy policies to ensure reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective energy supply for development

Renewable Energy Semiconductor Manufacturing πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Abuja 344 1988
30
Ladoke Akintola University of Technologylautech.edu.ng

An autonomous public institution providing liberal higher education and promoting the rapid advancement of learning in Nigeria through research #Lautech

Education Administration Programs πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Ladoke Akintola University of Technology 332 1990
31
National Research Institute For Chemical Technology (NARICT), Zarianarict.gov.ng

A research institute in Zaria specializing in advanced Research and Development in chemicals, petrochemicals, and natural products for technological advancement in Nigeria

Research Services πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Zaria 213 1976
32
FiLabfilab.xyz

An interdisciplinary research lab focused on inspiring innovation and entrepreneurship to empower communities globally through exploration of new ideas

Research Services πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Surulere 3 2015

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How this list is built

Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 12, 2026.

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