We Ranked The 25 Most Educated States in Nigeria in 2025

Education takes a front seat in the development and progress of any nation, and Nigeria is no exception. If you’ve ever wondered where each Nigerian state stands regarding education, this article has answers for you. This ranking of the top 25 most educated states in Nigeria is derived from a combination of literacy rates, out-of-school rates, dropout rates, and the number of tertiary institutions in each state. The data used for this analysis is sourced from the National Bureau of Statistics and the UNICEF Education Fact Sheet 2023.

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Imo State tops the list as the most educated state in Nigeria. With a literacy rate of 96.43%, the state boasts one of the lowest out-of-school rates in the country.

Literacy Rate: 96.43%

Number of tertiary institutions: 7

Dropout rate (upper secondary): 21%

Out-of-school rate (upper secondary): 8%

Known as the commercial hub of Nigeria, the state follows closely with a literacy rate of 96.30%. Despite its high dropout and out-of-school rates, Lagos is home to numerous tertiary institutions.

Literacy rate: 96.30%

Number of tertiary institutions: 69

Dropout Rate (upper secondary): 27%

Out-of-school rate (upper secondary): 23%

Ekiti State, often referred to as the “Fountain of Knowledge,” ranks third with a literacy rate of 95.79%. The state has a commendable out-of-school rate and is known for its commitment to education.

Literacy rate: 95.79%

Number of tertiary institutions: 5

Dropout rate (upper secondary): 25%

Out-of-school rate (upper secondary): 9%

Rivers State, with its literacy rate of 95.76%, has one of the highest dropout rates among the top states.

Literacy rate: 95.76%

Number of tertiary institutions: 6

Dropout rate (upper secondary): 32%

Out-of-school rate (upper secondary): 20%

Abia State, known for its focus on technical and vocational education, ranks fifth. The state has a strong kick for education, reflected in its high literacy rate.

Literacy rate: 94.24%

Number of tertiary institutions: 9

Dropout rate (upper secondary): 26%

Out-of-school rate (upper secondary): 20%

Anambra State is a significant player in Nigeria’s educational sector, with a literacy rate of 92.11% and a substantial number of tertiary institutions.

Literacy rate: 92.11%

Number of tertiary institutions: 29

Dropout rate (upper secondary): 28%

Out-of-school rate (upper secondary): 19%

Osun State is known for its strong academic culture and ranks seventh with a literacy rate of 90.57%.

Literacy rate: 90.57%

Literacy rate: 90.57%

Number of tertiary institutions: 47

Dropout rate (upper secondary): 38%

Out-of-school rate (upper secondary): 24%

Edo State, with a literacy rate of 90.53%, is home to some of Nigeria’s prestigious universities and educational institutions, making it a key state in the nation’s educational landscape.

Literacy rate: 90.53%

Number of tertiary institutions: 21