Some revealing statistics have risen from the Federal Bureau of statistics and UNICEF Education Fact Sheet 2023 for the educational gratification of states in Nigeria.
The stats used are drawn from literacy rates amongst states, out-of-school rates, dropout rates, and number of tertiary institutions in each state.
IMO STATE
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%
LAGOS STATE
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
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
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
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
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
Osun State is known for its strong academic culture and ranks seventh with a literacy rate of 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
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
Dropout rate (upper secondary): 24%
Out-of-school rate (upper secondary): 21%
ENUGU STATE
Enugu State ranks ninth, with a literacy rate of 89.46% and a solid number of tertiary institutions that contribute to its educational standing.
Literacy rate: 89.46%
Number of tertiary institutions: 33
Dropout rate (upper secondary): 30%
Out-of-school rate (upper secondary): 20%
DELTA STATE
Delta State rounds out the top ten, with a literacy rate of 87.43% and a significant number of educational institutions that drive its academic achievements.
Literacy rate: 87.43%
Number of tertiary institutions: 33
Dropout rate (upper secondary): 26%
Out-of-school rate (upper secondary): 26%
BAYELSA STATE
Bayelsa State, despite its high dropout rate, ranks 11th among the most educated states in Nigeria.
Literacy rate: 86.83%
Number of tertiary institutions: 15
Dropout rate (upper secondary): 39%
Out-of-school rate (upper secondary): 18%
KOGI STATE
Kogi State, with a literacy rate of 83.93%, is home to several reputable educational institutions, making it a key player in the Nigerian educational landscape.
Literacy rate: 83.93%
Number of tertiary institutions: 20
Dropout rate (upper secondary): 30%
Out-of-school rate (upper secondary): 15%
OGUN STATE
Ogun State is known for its high number of tertiary institutions, contributing to its literacy rate of 81.76%.
Literacy rate: 81.76%
Number of tertiary Institutions: 50
Dropout rate (Upper Secondary): 20%
Out-of-school rate (Upper Secondary): 21%
ONDO STATE
With a literacy rate of 81.15%, Ondo State has a strong educational foundation, supported by its tertiary institutions.
Literacy rate: 81.15%
Number of tertiary institutions: 24
Dropout rate (upper secondary): 32%
Out-of-school rate (upper secondary): 20%
OYO STATE
Oyo State, known for its academic heritage, ranks 15th with a literacy rate of 80.25%.
Literacy rate: 80.25%
Number of tertiary institutions: 47
Dropout rate (upper secondary): 24%
Out-of-school rate (upper secondary):18%
Amongst this, Akwa Ibom State State falls short of the ranking, missing in the first 15 most educated states in the country.
