10 Most Educated Tribes in Nigeria – See Who Tops the List
Nigeria is a country of rich cultural diversity and over 250 ethnic groups. While each tribe has unique traditions and values, some have stood out in terms of their embrace of formal education. Education is not just a tool for personal development—it’s a cultural priority in many Nigerian communities.
Based on credible statistics and social observations, here’s a list of the 10 most educated tribes in Nigeria and why they top the chart.
1. Yoruba
The Yoruba people are widely regarded as the most educated tribe in Nigeria. According to the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), 29.2% of Yoruba men and 22.3% of Yoruba women have attained tertiary education.
The Southwest region, where most Yoruba live, is home to some of Nigeria’s oldest institutions (e.g., University of Ibadan) and highest literacy rates.
2. Edo
Edo State ranks high in education, especially among women. 27.9% of Edo women and 28.7% of men have tertiary education—making them the top among women nationally.
Historically influenced by early contact with Western education, the Edo people have maintained a strong educational culture.
3. Igbo
The Igbo are known for their entrepreneurial spirit and love for education. About 26.1% of Igbo men and 27% of Igbo women have tertiary education, showing balance across genders.
Across the Southeast, there’s a deep-rooted belief in education as a path to social mobility and excellence.
4. Ijaw
The Ijaw people, predominantly from the Niger Delta, have made steady progress in higher education. With around 20% of Ijaw men and 12.8% of women holding tertiary degrees, they’re ahead of many other ethnic groups.
Despite environmental and economic challenges, the Ijaw community continues to prioritize learning.
5. Tiv
The Tiv tribe from the Middle Belt region of Nigeria records about 19.9% of men and 12.7% of women with tertiary education. Their increasing presence in academia and civil service highlights their growing investment in education.
6. Kanuri
Based mainly in the Northeast, the Kanuri tribe has overcome regional setbacks to rank among the top 10. 16.3% of Kanuri men and 7.7% of women have attained tertiary education, showing steady improvement over time.
7. Ibibio
Located in Akwa Ibom State, the Ibibio people show significant educational advancement. 16.3% of men and 18.3% of women in the tribe have tertiary qualifications.
The government’s investment in education and the people’s cultural value for learning are key contributors.
8. Hausa
The Hausa are one of Nigeria’s largest ethnic groups. While historically educational access has been uneven, recent years have seen improvements. 14.3% of Hausa men and 5% of women have tertiary education.
With expanding literacy programs, especially in Northern Nigeria, these numbers are expected to rise.
9. Fulani
Similar to the Hausa, the Fulani have historically faced education access challenges. However, 9.8% of Fulani men and 3.6% of women have attained tertiary education.
Cultural shifts and modern awareness are contributing to gradual progress in this area.
10. Urhobo / Itsekiri / Efik / Isoko
While smaller in population, these Southern tribes are often mentioned for their strong cultural embrace of education. Though exact stats vary, they feature prominently in regional academic achievements and professional excellence
Education remains a key factor in societal development, and these tribes have shown remarkable strides. The Yoruba, Edo, and Igbo dominate the list, not just in numbers but also in cultural orientation toward academic success.
As government efforts and private initiatives continue to improve access to education, more tribes across Nigeria are expected to join this list in the near future……CONTINUE READING