Education plays a crucial role in shaping the development and progress of any nation. Nigeria, with its diverse educational landscape, has various states demonstrating varying levels of educational attainment. In this comprehensive ranking, we list the top 25 most educated states in Nigeria for 2024, based on literacy rates, out-of-school rates, dropout rates, and the number of tertiary institutions. The data used for this ranking comes from the National Bureau of Statistics and the UNICEF Education Fact Sheet 2023.
Imo State ranks first as the most educated state in Nigeria. With an impressive literacy rate of 96.43%, Imo State also has one of the lowest out-of-school rates in the country, standing at 8%. The state boasts 7 tertiary institutions, although it faces a 21% dropout rate in upper secondary education.
Lagos State, known as Nigeria’s commercial center, follows closely with a literacy rate of 96.30%. Despite its high dropout rate of 27% and an out-of-school rate of 23%, Lagos is home to a significant number of tertiary institutions, totaling 69.
Ekiti State, often referred to as the “Fountain of Knowledge,” comes in third place with a literacy rate of 95.79%. The state has a strong commitment to education, evident in its 9% out-of-school rate and 25% dropout rate, supported by 5 tertiary institutions.
Rivers State, which holds the fourth position, has a literacy rate of 95.76%. However, it struggles with one of the highest dropout rates among the top states, at 32%, and an out-of-school rate of 20%. The state supports its education sector with 6 tertiary institutions.
Abia State ranks fifth with a literacy rate of 94.24%. Known for its emphasis on technical and vocational education, Abia has a dropout rate of 26% and an out-of-school rate of 20%, with 9 tertiary institutions enhancing its educational profile.
Anambra State, a significant player in Nigeria’s educational sector, holds the sixth position with a literacy rate of 92.11%. The state has 29 tertiary institutions, a dropout rate of 28%, and an out-of-school rate of 19%.
Osun State, with its strong academic culture, ranks seventh with a literacy rate of 90.57%. Despite having a high dropout rate of 38% and an out-of-school rate of 24%, the state is supported by 47 tertiary institutions.
Edo State is eighth, with a literacy rate of 90.53%. The state’s educational standing is bolstered by its 21 tertiary institutions, although it faces a dropout rate of 24% and an out-of-school rate of 21%.
Enugu State, ranking ninth, has a literacy rate of 89.46% and hosts 33 tertiary institutions. The state’s dropout rate is 30%, and the out-of-school rate stands at 20%.
Delta State rounds out the top ten with a literacy rate of 87.43%. It supports its education system with 33 tertiary institutions, despite having a dropout rate of 26% and an out-of-school rate of 26%.
Bayelsa State, despite its high dropout rate of 39%, is ranked 11th with a literacy rate of 86.83% and 15 tertiary institutions.
Kogi State, with a literacy rate of 83.93%, ranks 12th. The state has 20 tertiary institutions and faces a dropout rate of 30% and an out-of-school rate of 15%.
Ogun State, known for its numerous tertiary institutions, ranks 13th with a literacy rate of 81.76%. It has a dropout rate of 20% and an out-of-school rate of 21%.
Ondo State, with a literacy rate of 81.15%, ranks 14th. The state supports its education system with 24 tertiary institutions, though it faces a dropout rate of 32% and an out-of-school rate of 20%.
Oyo State ranks 15th with a literacy rate of 80.25%. Known for its academic heritage, the state has 47 tertiary institutions, a dropout rate of 24%, and an out-of-school rate of 18%.
Cross River State, with a literacy rate of 80.03%, ranks 16th. The state has 16 tertiary institutions, a dropout rate of 20%, and an out-of-school rate of 21%.
Akwa Ibom State holds the 17th position with a literacy rate of 78.84%. Despite its high dropout rate of 32%, the state has 32 tertiary institutions and an out-of-school rate of 21%.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is 18th with a literacy rate of 78.84%. It is home to several prestigious educational institutions, including 34 tertiary institutions. The dropout rate is 25%, and the out-of-school rate is 20%.
Ebonyi State ranks 19th with a literacy rate of 77.76%. The state has 23 tertiary institutions and a dropout rate of 15%, with an out-of-school rate of 7%.
Benue State, with a literacy rate of 73.74%, ranks 20th. The state has 30 tertiary institutions, a dropout rate of 22%, and an out-of-school rate of 18%.
Taraba State is 21st with a literacy rate of 72.00%. The state has 12 tertiary institutions but struggles with a high out-of-school rate of 33% and a dropout rate of 16%.
Kwara State ranks 22nd with a literacy rate of 69.66%. The state’s educational system faces challenges with a high dropout rate of 33% and an out-of-school rate of 37%, despite having 31 tertiary institutions.
Plateau State is 23rd with a literacy rate of 63.65%. It has 25 tertiary institutions, with both dropout and out-of-school rates aligned at 28%.
Nasarawa State ranks 24th with a literacy rate of 59.21%. The state’s educational system faces a significant out-of-school rate of 31% and a dropout rate of 24%, supported by 21 tertiary institutions.
Kano State, despite being one of the most populous states, ranks last among the top 25 with a literacy rate of 38.06%. The state has 41 tertiary institutions but faces significant educational challenges with a high dropout rate of 29% and an out-of-school rate of 37%.
