The States below are the most educated in Nigeria according to the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in 2023. The report remains valid having not been updated.

IMO STATE: Eastern Heartland

Imo holds the distinction of being the most educated State in Nigeria with a literacy rate of 96.43%, the highest in the country. This achievement reflects the State’s strong emphasis on education and the effectiveness of its policies in promoting school attendance and retention.The state records an out-of-school rate of 8% at the upper secondary level one of the lowest nationwide alongside a dropout rate of 21%. These figures demonstrate both progress and the ongoing need to address challenges in sustaining student engagement through the completion of secondary education.With seven tertiary institutions, Imo State further underscores its commitment to higher education, providing its citizens with opportunities for academic and professional advancement.Overall, Imo State’s performance highlights the significant strides made in educational development within Nigeria, even as states continue to confront issues such as dropout rates and access disparities.

LAGOS STATE: Centre of Excellence in Education

Lagos State demonstrates its commitment to education with a literacy rate of 96.30%, supported by a strong network of 69 tertiary institutions. As Nigeria’s economic hub, the state continues to invest heavily in its education sector, balancing contributions from both public and private institutions.

At the upper secondary level, Lagos records a dropout rate of 27% and an out-of-school rate of 23%, highlighting areas where continued intervention is needed. Programs such as Eko Excel have already made a significant impact, particularly in improving literacy and numeracy skills among primary school students.

These achievements reflect the importance of consistent government policies, infrastructure development, and teacher training in building a literate and skilled population.

EKITI STATE: Fountain of knowledge

Ekiti State, widely known as the “Fountain of Knowledge,” maintains a literacy rate of 95.79%. The state is home to five tertiary institutions and has an upper secondary dropout rate of 25% with an out-of-school rate of 9%.

Its strong commitment to education is reflected in the performance of its public and private schools, as well as in government efforts to improve teacher training and educational infrastructure.

Rivers State is sitting at number four, although it faces challenges with higher dropout and out-of-school rates. Rivers State demonstrates strong literacy achievements with a rate of 95.76%. The state is home to six tertiary institutions, contributing to its educational landscape. Rivers is also known as one of the

RIVER STATE: Treasure base of the Nation

Rivers State ranks fourth in literacy, recording a literacy rate of 95.76%. The state hosts six tertiary institutions, which play a key role in shaping its educational landscape.

However, Rivers faces notable challenges, with an upper secondary dropout rate of 32% and an out-of-school rate of 20%. Despite these hurdles, the state continues to demonstrate strong literacy outcomes

Beyond education, Rivers is also recognized as one of the most affordable states to live in within Nigeria.

ABIA STATE: God’s own state

Abia state records a literacy rate of 94.24% and is home to nine tertiary institutions. At the upper secondary level, the state has a dropout rate of 26% and an out of school rate of 20%.

The government continues to strengthen the education sector by supporting public schools and expanding learning facilities. With a strong focus on science and technology, Abia is preparing its students to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.

ANAMBRA STATE: Light of the Nation

Anambra State ranks sixth with a literacy rate of 92.11%. The state is home to 29 tertiary institutions, highlighting its strong role in Nigeria’s education sector. At the upper secondary level, it records a dropout rate of 28% and an out-of-school rate of 19%.

OSUN STATE: Land of Virtue

Osun State, with a literacy rate of 74.7%, is known for its innovative education policies. The introduction of the Opon Imo (Tablet of Knowledge) by the former governor of the state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola initiative provides students with digital learning tools, enhancing their educational experience. Osun State University and other tertiary institutions play a crucial role in the state’s high educational standards.

EDO STATE: Heartbeat of the Nation

Edo State ranks eighth with a literacy rate of 90.53%. The state is home to 21 tertiary institutions, including several prestigious universities, and is recognized for offering affordable quality higher education.

At the upper secondary level, Edo records a dropout rate of 24% and an out-of-school rate of 21%, reflecting areas that still require improvement. Nonetheless, the state continues to prioritize educational development across all levels.

AKWA IBOM STATE: Land of Promise

Akwa Ibom State, boasting a literacy rate of 66.3%, has made notable advancements in its education sector. The state’s free and compulsory education policy for primary and secondary schools has increased enrolment rates. Investments in education infrastructure and teacher development have improved Akwa Ibom’s education quality.

DELTA STATE : The big heart of Nation

Delta State ranks tenth with a literacy rate of 87.43%. The state is home to 33 tertiary institutions, reflecting its strong investment in education. At the upper secondary level, Delta records a dropout rate of 26% and an out-of-school rate of 26%, highlighting areas for continued improvement. (The Nation)

•File photo of students in class