Basic information and contact details for Ahmadu Bello University
Ahmadu Bello University is Nigeria’s second oldest university. It first opened in Zaria as the University of Northern Nigeria with four faculties and 426 students in October 1962. It was named after its founder, who was the first premier of Northern Nigeria.
It is now located on a 7,000 hectare site and it is one of the largest universities in sub-Saharan Africa. Faculties include physical sciences, social sciences, education, environmental design, medical sciences and law among others.
There are three campuses at the university: the main Samaru campus, Kongo campus where the faculties of law and public administration are located and Funtua where the School of Basic Studies is located.
Students at the university come from every state in Nigeria.
The Internationalisation Project offers digital degrees in the United Arab Emirates, UK and EU towards the end of the year.
Notable research centres include the Africa Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases and Forensic Biotechnology while current research projects include devising a car which can run on water.
Rankings
Select the type of rankings below to see stats
World University Rankings 2025
Breakdown via year: Teaching
Ranking positions
2025
1001-1200th
Precise ranks and overall scores are shown for the institutions toward the top of a ranking; for institutions with banded ranks, please see the relevant ranking tables for an indication of their scores.
Discover similar universities
Find out more about studying, research and jobs at these universities
