# 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).

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.

🇳🇬 Nigeria · 32 companies · Updated Nov 12, 2026

| # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [University of Lagos](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-lagos) (unilag.edu.ng)<br>A prestigious institution providing quality education and research opportunities for over 5 decades, aiming to develop a professional workforce for national development | Higher Education | 🇳🇬 Lagos | 5,293 | 1962 |
| 2 | [University of Nigeria, Nsukka](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-nigeria-nsukka) (unn.edu.ng)<br>An institution established in 1960, focused on providing skilled manpower through training, research, and development, with multiple campuses and faculties | Education Administration Programs | 🇳🇬 Nsukka | 4,741 |  |
| 3 | [Ahmadu Bello University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ahmadu-bello-university) (abu.edu.ng)<br>An educational institution established in 1962 following the recommendations of the Ashby Commission, named after a prominent Nigerian leader | Education Administration Programs | 🇳🇬 Zaria | 4,662 |  |
| 4 | [University of Ibadan](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-ibadan) (edu.ng)<br>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 | 🇳🇬 Ibadan | 4,495 | 1948 |
| 5 | [International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/international-institute-of-tropical-agriculture-iita) (iita.org)<br>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 | 🇳🇬 Ibadan | 3,710 | 1967 |
| 6 | [University of Ilorin, Nigeria](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-ilorin-nigeria) (unilorin.edu.ng)<br>Public university offering diverse academic programs, established by federal government decree, located in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. | Higher Education | 🇳🇬 Ilorin | 3,652 | 1975 |
| 7 | [University of Ilorin](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-ilorin) (edu.ng)<br>A renowned public research university offering world-class education, research opportunities, and community service with a large and diverse student population | Hospitality | 🇳🇬 Ilorin | 2,740 |  |
| 8 | [University of Maiduguri](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-maiduguri) (unimaid.edu.ng)<br>Higher education institution offering tertiary level programs for students seeking specialized education and career advancement opportunities in various fields | Higher Education | 🇳🇬 Maiduguri | 1,959 | 1975 |
| 9 | [Rivers State University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/rivers-state-university) (rsu.edu.ng)<br>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 | 🇳🇬 Port Harcourt | 1,664 | 1972 |
| 10 | [Federal University Of Agriculture, Abeokuta](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/federal-university-of-agriculture-abeokuta) (funaab.edu.ng)<br>Agricultural university established in 1988 by the Federal Government in Ogun State, offering various programs and research opportunities | Education Administration Programs | 🇳🇬 Abeokuta | 1,606 | 1988 |
| 11 | [Michael Okpara'​ University of Agriculture Umudike](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/michael-okpara-university-of-agriculture-umudike) (mouau.edu.ng)<br>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 | 🇳🇬 Umudike | 1,442 | 1992 |
| 12 | [Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/obafemi-awolowo-university-ile-ife-nigeria) (oauife.edu.ng)<br>A first generation university located in Nigeria, offering education in Computer Science and Engineering through teaching and research | Research Services | 🇳🇬 Ile-Ife | 1,425 | 1962 |
| 13 | [National Space Research & Development Agency (NASRDA)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/national-space-research-and-development-agency-nasrda) (central.nasrda.gov.ng)<br>Specializing in integrating space science and technology into national development strategies for sustainable progress and growth | Space Research and Technology | 🇳🇬 Abuja | 1,148 |  |
| 14 | [Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/babcock-university-ilishan-remo-nigeria) (babcock.edu.ng)<br>A private Christian university in Nigeria offering a wide range of academic programs, including medicine, management, law, and nursing | Higher Education | 🇳🇬 Ilishan-Remo | 1,002 | 1999 |
| 15 | [Ambrose Alli University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ambrose-alli-university) (aauekpoma.edu.ng)<br>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 | 🇳🇬 Ekpoma | 943 | 1981 |
| 16 | [BAYERO UNIVERSITY, KANO](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bayero-university-kano) (buk.edu.ng)<br>A university institution that originated as a college, offering degree programs and academic leadership under various Vice Chancellors since 1960 | Higher Education | 🇳🇬 Kano | 840 | 1977 |
| 17 | [Federal University Dutsin-Ma](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/federal-university-dutsin-ma) (fudutsinma.edu.ng)<br>Promoting higher education opportunities for all individuals regardless of background, encouraging academic advancement and liberal learning at a university | Higher Education | 🇳🇬 Dutsin-Ma | 759 | 2010 |
| 18 | [Delta State University, Nigeria](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/delta-state-university-nigeria) (delsu.edu.ng)<br>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 | 🇳🇬 Abraka | 755 | 1992 |
| 19 | [NABDA - National Biotechnology Development Agency](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/nabda-national-biotechnology-development-agency) (nabda.gov.ng)<br>Pioneering biotechnological solutions for food security, job creation, healthcare access, and environmental preservation in Nigeria for over two decades | Biotechnology Research | 🇳🇬 Abuja | 586 | 2001 |
| 20 | [National Agency for Science & Engineering Infrastructure - NASENI](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/national-agency-for-science-and-engineering-infrastructure-naseni) (naseni.gov.ng)<br>Enabling local mass production of standard parts and goods for technological advancement through capital goods research, production, and reverse engineering | Industrial Machinery Manufacturing | 🇳🇬 Abuja | 557 | 1992 |
| 21 | [SCIDaR - Solina Centre for International Development and Research](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/scidar-solina-centre-for-international-development-and-research) (scidar.org)<br>An indigenous nonprofit institution working to accelerate positive health, social, and economic reforms through program design, implementation, and research | Business Consulting and Services | 🇳🇬 Wuse II | 509 | 2017 |
| 22 | [Federal University Lokoja](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/federal-university-lokoja) (fulokoja.edu.ng)<br>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 | 🇳🇬 Lokoja | 503 | 2011 |
| 23 | [Federal University, Kashere](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/federal-university-kashere) (fukashere.edu.ng)<br>A federal university in Nigeria established to increase access to higher education, with programmatic focuses on agriculture, education, and entrepreneurship studies | Higher Education | 🇳🇬 Kashere | 497 | 2011 |
| 24 | [University of Port Harcourt Nigeria](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-port-harcourt-nigeria) (uniport.edu.ng)<br>Esteemed Nigerian educational institution offering a wide range of academic programs and ranked as one of the top universities in Africa | Higher Education | 🇳🇬 Port Harcourt | 486 | 1975 |
| 25 | [FEDERAL UNIVERSITY LAFIA (FULAFIA)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/federal-university-lafia-fulafia) (fulafia.edu.ng)<br>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 | 🇳🇬 Lafia | 480 | 2010 |
| 26 | [Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/nigerian-institute-of-medical-research-nimr) (nimr.gov.ng)<br>A company dedicated to conducting research on national health issues | Research Services | 🇳🇬 Lagos | 471 |  |
| 27 | [University of Agriculture, Abeokuta](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-agriculture-abeokuta) (funaab.edu.ng)<br>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 | 🇳🇬 | 429 | 1988 |
| 28 | [Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/cross-river-university-of-technology-crutech) (crutech.edu.ng)<br>A higher education institution formed through the merger of three former colleges, focused on providing training and research in various technological fields | Higher Education | 🇳🇬 Calabar | 397 | 2002 |
| 29 | [Energy Commission of Nigeria ​(ECN)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/energy-commission-of-nigeria-ecn) (energy.gov.ng)<br>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 | 🇳🇬 Abuja | 344 | 1988 |
| 30 | [Ladoke Akintola University of Technology](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ladoke-akintola-university-of-technology-ogbomoso) (lautech.edu.ng)<br>An autonomous public institution providing liberal higher education and promoting the rapid advancement of learning in Nigeria through research #Lautech | Education Administration Programs | 🇳🇬 Ladoke Akintola University of Technology | 332 | 1990 |
| 31 | [National Research Institute For Chemical Technology (NARICT), Zaria](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/national-research-institute-for-chemical-technology-narict-zaria) (narict.gov.ng)<br>A research institute in Zaria specializing in advanced Research and Development in chemicals, petrochemicals, and natural products for technological advancement in Nigeria | Research Services | 🇳🇬 Zaria | 213 | 1976 |
| 32 | [FiLab](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/filab) (filab.xyz)<br>An interdisciplinary research lab focused on inspiring innovation and entrepreneurship to empower communities globally through exploration of new ideas | Research Services | 🇳🇬 Surulere | 3 | 2015 |

## 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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## The same list elsewhere

- [Research institutes in the world](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-in-the-world) (5,686)
- [Research institutes in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-in-africa) (209)

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Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-nigeria