Lifestyle
10 Most Educated Tribes In Nigeria – See Who Tops The List
There are over 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria and they have their unique culture, values, and relationship with education.
Some tribes value education, and some others don’t, and this inequality exists particularly between the southern and northern parts of the country. Despite decades of national investment in education, Nigeria’s literacy and education levels are still quite low and don’t even rank among countries with the highest IQs globally.
In 2022, Nigeria’s national literacy rate reached 69%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), a modest improvement since 2007. But this progress hides vast regional and tribal disparities. While states like Imo and Lagos boast literacy levels as high as 96%, states like Yobe and Zamfara still struggle far below the national average.
Southern tribes consistently lead, while many northern communities continue to face educational barriers. Here’s the top 10 most educated tribes, ranked by youth literacy (ages 15–24) and tertiary education rates:
Top 10 Most Educated Tribes in Nigeria
1. Igbo
The youth literacy is 74.2% for males and 73.1% for females, and these figures rank top for both genders among all tribes. The Igbo tribe in Nigeria is renowned for its business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit. However, they are also highly educated and have made significant contributions to the country’s educational landscape. They have a strong emphasis on education and believe in the power of knowledge to empower their community.
2. Edo
The youth literacy for males in Edo is 74.2% and 59.56% for females. The Edo tribe, known for their rich civilisation and high migration rates, is also recognised for their commitment to education. They place a strong emphasis on the value of knowledge and learning, making them one of the most educated tribes in Nigeria. Education among the Edo tribe goes beyond academic achievements. It is also intertwined with the preservation and promotion of their rich cultural heritage.
3. Yoruba
The youth literacy for Yoruba males is 70.3% and 56.8% for the females. The Yoruba tribe in Nigeria is widely recognised as one of the most educated tribes in the country. They have a long history of embracing Western education, and as a result, have achieved remarkable educational milestones. The Yoruba tribe has a significant number of professors within their community, and these individuals serve as inspiring role models to the younger generations.
4. Tiv
The youth literacy for Tiv males is 68.4% and 37.4% for females. There is a huge disparity in education between the genders. Tiv isa major ethnic group in Nigeria, primarily residing in Benue State and neighbouring regions. Historically, they relied on oral tradition and practical activities for knowledge transmission, with women often having less access to formal Western education. While Western education has opened up opportunities for Tiv women, these challenges remain.
5. Ijaw
The youth literacy for Ijaw males is 63.3% and 47.7% for females. The Ijaw tribe, prominent in the Niger Delta region, is not only politically influential but also highly educated. With a strong emphasis on education, the Ijaw people have produced a significant number of educated individuals who play significant roles in society.
6. Hausa
The youth literacy for Hausa men is 63.3% and 47.7% for women. Northern states have historically lagged due to limited colonial-era schooling in the North. Recent improvements only began through adult and rural literacy initiatives. This tribe is known for its political dominance, and despite their cultural and population challenges, those who pursue education within the Hausa tribe have proven their intellectual capabilities.
7. Ibibio
The youth literacy for males in Ibibio is 57.7% and for females, 62.2%. The Ibibio people are found in the South-South region of Nigeria in Akwa Ibom State, Cross River State, and Eastern Abia State (Arochukwu and Ukwa East LGAs). This tribe benefited from community and government literacy programs, which have shown strong improvements in literacy across both genders over the years.
8. Other Ethnicities
Other ethnicities like Urhobo / Itsekiri / Isoko / Calabar, and many others, fall under this category. For example, Urhobo (Delta), Itsekiri (Western Niger Delta), Isoko, and Calabar/Efik communities have historical ties to early education via missionaries/trade.
9. Kanuri
The youth literacy for Kanuri males is 42% and 22.7% for females. The Kanuri people, primarily located in northeastern Nigeria, have a complex relationship with education, influenced by their cultural values and the introduction of modern schooling. While education is valued, some Kanuri communities have experienced a disconnect between traditional Kanuri culture and the formal school curriculum, leading to resistance to modern education in certain areas.
10. Fulani
The youth literacy for Fulani men is 26.2% and 13.8% for females. This tribe is traditionally nomadic, which makes formal education access more difficult.
Education Trends (2000 – 2024)
2000–2004: The Igbo and Yoruba led in literacy, while the Hausa and Fulani lagged. Nigeria’s literacy rate in 2003 was 54.77%.
2005–2009: The literacy rate rose to 70.20%. The rate of increase for the Edo and Tiv peoples was impressive, while that of the Fulani and Kanuri still lagged far behind.
2010–2014: Nigeria’s literacy rate in 2010 was 68.11%. Igbo and Yoruba continued to lead, while Edo and Tiv showed improvements with targeted programmes, but Fulani and Kanuri remained disadvantaged.
2015–2019: By 2018, the Fulanis saw gains of about 35%, aided by government programmes directed at nomadic and rural populations.
2020–2024: Nigeria’s literacy rate was 77.62% in 2021 but declined to 59.57% by 2024. The Igbo and Yoruba remained at the top, while the Fulani and Kanuri improved.
In conclusion, Igbo, Edo, and Yoruba top Nigeria’s educational rankings.
Pulse.ng
Lifestyle
Chimamanda: Heartbreaking Details About What Killed Author’s Late Son Emerge
The renowned author and her family were plunged into grief a few days ago after a statement was released confirming the untimely death of one of her twin sons, Nkanu.
In a post shared by renowned journalist and BON Awards organiser, Seun Oloketuyi, more heartbreaking details about what happened before the little boy was pronounced dead were revealed.
According to the post, which was credited to the author, Nkanu might still be alive today if not for a tragic incident that occurred at Euracare Hospital on January 6, 2026.
It was reported that the little boy initially had what was believed to be a cold, which later turned out to be a serious infection. He was admitted to Atlantis Hospital and was scheduled to travel to the United States the following day for advanced medical treatment.
Doctors and a medical team at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore were reportedly already waiting to receive him.
Seun Oloketuyi further stated that the Johns Hopkins team requested an MRI scan and a lumbar puncture test. However, while preparations for his journey were ongoing, the Nigerian medical team administered intravenous medications.
While at Atlantis Hospital, Nkanu was referred to Euracare Hospital, which was said to be the best facility to carry out the procedures. On January 6, he was taken to Euracare, sitting in his father’s arms, after doctors advised that he be sedated to prevent movement during the MRI and central line procedure.
According to Chimamanda, she was standing outside the theatre when she suddenly saw people rushing in and immediately sensed that something was wrong.
Moments later, a doctor reportedly informed her that her son had been given too much propofol by the anaesthesiologist, causing him to become unresponsive and requiring urgent resuscitation.
She said Nkanu was later placed on a ventilator, intubated, and admitted into the ICU. A few hours later, he developed seizures and suffered a cardiac arrest. Sadly, he was later pronounced dead.
In the post, the writer was said to have alleged that her son was not properly monitored after being given an excessive dose of propofol. She also claimed that the anaesthesiologist casually carried him on his shoulder into the theatre and later switched off his oxygen after the central line procedure before again carrying him to the ICU.
The heartbreaking account has continued to stir deep emotions and outrage across social media.
Here is the Instagram post about Chimamanda’s son below:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DTU2D7NjUz5/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=7b3a8bd2-870b-4003-946b-48ea4ab6865a
Lifestyle
Fusengbuwa Ruling House Fixes Monday To Fill Awujale Vacant Stool
The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode has fixed Monday, January 12, 2026, for the commencement of the selection process to fill the vacant stool of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland.
This followed a letter of clearance from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs through the Executive Chairman, Ijebu Ode Local Government, Ogun State, Hon. Dare Alebiosu.
Recall that the Ogun State government had, about three weeks ago, advised the Fusengbuwa ruling house to halt the selection process of the new paramount ruler of Ijebuland, having identified a procedural error that could encourage a floodgate of litigation
The cancellation of the earlier selection process was announced at a meeting the state government held with the ruling house and the Awujale Interregnum Administration Committee in Abeokuta
The stool became vacant following the death of 91-year-old Oba Sikiru Adetona in July after reigning for 65 years.
However, in a letter dated January 6th and signed by the Secretary of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Oke Adebanjo, the local government said that, having received clearance from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Fusengbuwa ruling house should commence the process to fill the vacant stool of Awujale.
The statement partly reads, “Following clearance from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, I am directed to convey the approval of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, for the commencement of the process to fill the vacant stool of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland.
“The Fusengbuwa Ruling House is hereby authorised to begin its internal selection process in accordance with the Customary Laws of Ijebuland and the Chieftaincy Regulations of Ogun State.
“To ensure proper administrative documentation, please you are to formally notify the local government of the date, time, and venue of the nomination exercise. which must be within 14 days from the receipt of this notification, while representatives of the local government will attend strictly as observers.
“This approval is issued to facilitate due process and remains without prejudice to the traditional rights and internal procedures of the Ruling House.”
Similarly, the ruling house has equally fixed Monday, January 12, for the nomination meeting for the vacant stool of Awujale at Bisrod Hall, GRA, Ijebu Ode
This was contained in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday and signed by Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, the chairman of the ruling house.
The letter partly reads “We wish to thank you for your letter dated 6th January, 2026, Ref No IOLG.584/11/34, and confirm to you, that our Ruling House Family Nomination Meeting for the vacant position of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of ljebuland, has, by the Grace of Almighty God, been fixed to take place on Monday, 12th of January, 2026 at The BISROD HALL, GRA, Off Igbeba Road, Ijebu Ode by 12 Noon.
“We also hereby invite the Secretary of the Local Government and his officials, to please join us for the meeting, to observe and monitor our Ruling House Family Nomination meeting process, in accordance with the Law”.
Recall that the selection of the new Awujale, which has reportedly attracted over 60 contestants, has for some time generated significant interest, with the popular Fuji musician, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde, popularly called KWAM1, also declaring his interest in the throne.
Lifestyle
VIDEO: Housemaid Shares Sad Experience Working for Pastor’s Family
A Nigerian lady has sparked mixed reactions on social media after sharing the ordeal she went through while working as a housemaid for a pastor’s family.
In a video spotted by Legit.ng, the lady, identified as thatikwuanogirl on TikTok, disclosed the hardship and abuse she endured behind closed doors while working for the pastor’s family.
According to her, working as a house help in a pastor’s home was one of the most difficult periods of her life. She explained that Sunday was the only day she was allowed in the sitting room to watch movies, as the family would usually be away at church.
She recalled a moment when she was allegedly threatened after she mistakenly left the front door open. In her words: “She told me that if anything happened to her child—even if she saw just one mosquito bite mark on the child’s body—she would throw me from upstairs to downstairs.”
She also claimed that the pastor’s wife boasted that if her actions resulted in a court case, she would use her money to settle it, and if that was not enough, she would have her father handle it with his own money.
Not disclosing the identity of the pastor and his family, the housemaid further claimed that the reason she had remained silent for so long was because of the fear that had gripped her heart.
The video shared on TikTok has since sparked mixed reactions on social media.
Watch the TikTok video here:
Reactions to housemaid ordeal with pastor’s family
Mum JM & Thrift said: “Actress lizzy Gold’s mom is a pastor, I stayed with her, omo dat woman no get two, she’s very kind omo her type nor dey.”
@DUMUHE wrote: “Who notice she’s saying the truth honestly?”
@Queenchacha0078 commented: “I do house girl but my own dey different o. I have not seen anybody that is nice like her. A woman that use to pay for flight for me and her kids.”
miss world said: “I was once a victim too, and they are so kind when they are out, I use to cry every day and night asking God why he took my parents away from me at the age of 7,but I thank God for my life now I’m doing great.”
@miminighties stated “Me wey use parker chop food for two weeks for my aunty house.”
@Osinachi commented: “She’s not caping mine was even my elder sister same mother, same father, but I would have preferred a stranger and na deeper life pastor wife ooh.
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