Southern coast
The south includes coastal areas, mangroves, river systems and humid tropical conditions, with high rainfall in many locations.
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About Nigeria
Explore Nigeria: its people, culture, ethnic diversity, climate, population, geography, cities, economy and higher-education pathways.
ABOUT NIGERIA
A large, diverse West African country shaped by many peoples, languages, landscapes and traditions.
Nigeria is one of Africa’s most populous countries and an important cultural, educational and economic centre in West Africa. Its identity is not one story: it is built from hundreds of ethnic and linguistic communities, major cities, historic kingdoms, contemporary industries and a young, energetic population.
For students, Nigeria offers a wide range of public and private universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, specialised institutions and professional pathways across its 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
COUNTRY PROFILE
Nigeria at a glance
Figures and classifications can change over time. Population data below uses the World Bank’s 2025 estimate.
| Official name | Federal Republic of Nigeria | Capital | Abuja |
|---|---|---|---|
| Region | West Africa | Largest major urban centre | Lagos |
| Population | 237,527,782 (World Bank, 2025) | Administrative structure | 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory |
| Official language | English | Currency | Nigerian naira (₦) |
| Approximate area | 923,768 km² | Coast | Gulf of Guinea / Atlantic Ocean |
| Neighbouring countries | Benin, Niger, Chad and Cameroon | ||
Population source: World Bank — Nigeria Data. Update this figure periodically when newer data becomes available.
GEOGRAPHY & CLIMATE
From Atlantic wetlands to northern savanna
Middle belt
Central Nigeria includes broad savanna landscapes and upland areas, linking southern forest zones with the drier north.
Northern Nigeria
Northern areas are generally drier, with savanna and semi-arid environments becoming more pronounced toward the far north.
Seasons
Much of the country experiences wet and dry seasons, although timing, temperature and rainfall vary considerably by region.
Major rivers
The Niger and Benue river systems are central to Nigeria’s geography, agriculture, settlement patterns and national history.
Student planning
Climate can affect travel, clothing, housing and daily routines, so students should consider the conditions in their chosen city or state.
PEOPLE & ETHNIC DIVERSITY
A country of hundreds of communities
Nigeria’s ethnic and linguistic diversity cannot be reduced to a short list. The table below highlights selected large or historically significant communities for orientation only; it is not a complete classification and does not assign population percentages.
| Community / group | Areas strongly associated with the community | Examples of cultural or linguistic traditions |
|---|---|---|
| Hausa | Much of northern Nigeria | Hausa language, long urban and trading traditions, distinctive architecture, textiles and literature. |
| Fulani | Northern and central regions, with communities across West Africa | Fulfulde traditions, pastoral histories and diverse settled communities; often discussed alongside Hausa communities but culturally distinct. |
| Yoruba | South-West Nigeria | Yoruba language, historic city-states and kingdoms, visual arts, festivals, music and extensive literary traditions. |
| Igbo | South-East Nigeria | Igbo languages, strong trading and entrepreneurial traditions, masquerade cultures, festivals and varied local institutions. |
| Ijaw | Niger Delta and coastal South-South | Riverine and coastal traditions, fishing communities and multiple Ijo-language varieties. |
| Kanuri | North-East Nigeria, especially around Borno | Kanuri language and historical connections with the Kanem-Borno civilisation. |
| Tiv | Benue and neighbouring Middle Belt areas | Tiv language, agricultural traditions, dance, music and distinctive textile motifs. |
| Ibibio / Efik | Akwa Ibom, Cross River and surrounding South-South areas | Closely related but distinct communities with rich language, cuisine, dance, masquerade and coastal trading histories. |
| Edo / Bini | Edo State and surrounding areas | Historic Benin Kingdom, court arts, bronze and brass traditions, festivals and Edo language traditions. |
| Nupe, Gbagyi, Idoma and many others | North-Central and other regions | Nigeria contains many additional communities with distinct languages, histories, crafts, institutions and festivals. |
CULTURE & CREATIVE LIFE
Nigeria’s influence travels far beyond its borders
Afrobeats and many regional music traditions have made Nigerian artists highly visible across Africa and internationally.
Nollywood is one of the world’s most active film industries and tells stories in English and numerous Nigerian languages.
Nigerian writers have made major contributions to African and global literature across fiction, poetry, drama and essays.
Jollof rice, soups, swallows, grilled foods, yam dishes, seafood and region-specific recipes show the country’s culinary diversity.
Ankara, aso-oke, adire, embroidery and contemporary Nigerian fashion combine traditional and modern design languages.
Religious, royal, harvest, cultural and community festivals vary widely across the country and remain important forms of identity and celebration.
A COUNTRY BEST UNDERSTOOD IN LAYERS
Modern cities, older traditions and very different regional experiences exist side by side.
Images can introduce places and traditions, but no single photograph represents Nigeria as a whole. Students should expect substantial differences between regions, cities, campuses and communities.
Image policy
The photographs on this page are freely licensed Wikimedia Commons images with attribution. You can replace them at any time in the Site Builder’s visual/HTML editor.
LANGUAGE & RELIGION
Many languages, many ways of life
English is Nigeria’s official language and is widely used in government, education and formal communication. Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo are among the most widely spoken Nigerian languages, alongside hundreds of other languages and local varieties.
Religious life is also diverse. Islam and Christianity are prominent, while indigenous religious and cultural traditions continue to influence communities in different ways. Practices vary by region, family and individual.
AEnglishOfficial language and major language of formal education.
BNigerian languagesHundreds of languages and varieties are spoken across the federation.
CUrban multilingualismMajor cities often bring together speakers from many linguistic backgrounds.
DCultural respectStudents benefit from learning local customs and everyday expressions in their host community.
ECONOMY & CITIES
A large economy with very different regional strengths
Nigeria’s economy includes oil and gas, agriculture, trade, financial services, telecommunications, technology, manufacturing, transport, entertainment and a large informal sector. Economic opportunities and living costs vary widely between states and cities.
Commercial and creative powerhouse with a very large higher-education ecosystem and a fast-paced urban lifestyle.
National capital and administrative centre with universities, professional institutions and a planned urban environment.
Historic academic city with major research and education institutions.
One of northern Nigeria’s largest commercial and educational centres.
Important South-East education, government and business centre.
Major South-South city with strong links to industry, energy and higher education.
EDUCATION IN NIGERIA
Multiple pathways into higher and professional education
| Institution / route | Typical qualifications or role | Regulatory / planning context |
|---|---|---|
| Universities | Bachelor’s degrees, postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees, doctorates and professional degrees. | University programmes and institutions operate within national regulatory and professional frameworks, including the National Universities Commission. |
| Polytechnics | National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND) and technical/professional programmes. | Technical education institutions and programmes are overseen within the NBTE framework. |
| Colleges of Education | Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and teacher-education pathways. | Teacher-education quality assurance is associated with the National Commission for Colleges of Education. |
| Admission examinations | UTME, Direct Entry and institution-specific screening routes. | JAMB is central to many tertiary-admission processes, while individual institutions publish their own current requirements. |
| Senior-school examinations | WASSCE, NECO SSCE and technical/business certificates. | Subject combinations and grades required depend on the programme and institution. |
STUDENT LIFE
What students should think about before choosing a city
Cost of living
Housing, transport and daily expenses vary significantly between major cities and smaller university towns.
Transport
Consider the distance between accommodation, campus, transport hubs and essential services.
Campus environment
Compare residential, commuter, urban and more self-contained campus experiences.
Programme availability
Choose a city after confirming that the institution offers the programme and qualification route you need.
Accreditation
Where programme-level accreditation is important, verify the latest status with the institution and relevant regulator.
Community & lifestyle
Language, food, climate, pace of life and local culture all shape the student experience.
QUICK QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions about Nigeria
What is the capital of Nigeria?
Abuja is the federal capital. Lagos is the country’s largest major urban and commercial centre.
How many states does Nigeria have?
Nigeria has 36 states plus the Federal Capital Territory.
What language is used in Nigerian universities?
English is the main language of formal instruction in most Nigerian tertiary institutions, although students live in a highly multilingual society.
Is the climate the same everywhere in Nigeria?
No. Conditions differ substantially between the humid south, central savanna areas and the drier north, and rainfall patterns vary by location and season.
Is Nigeria made up of only three ethnic groups?
No. Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo are among the largest and most widely discussed groups, but Nigeria contains hundreds of ethnic and linguistic communities.
Where can I search for universities and programmes in Nigeria?
Use the StudyInfoWeb.ng Nigerian institutions directory to explore public and private universities, polytechnics, colleges, programmes and study cities, then verify final requirements with official sources.
STUDY IN NIGERIA
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