Nsukka

Nsukka, Nigeria

Nsukka, university town, Enugu state, southern Nigeria. It lies in the Udi Hills at an elevation of 1,300 feet (396 meters). Nsukka is an agricultural-trade center for the yams, cassava (manioc), corn (maize), taro, pigeon peas, and palm oil and kernels produced by the local Igbo (Ibo) people. Weaving is a traditional local craft. Coal deposits have been discovered east of Nsukka around Obolo, a town on the main Onitsha-Makurdi road.

Nsukka is the site of the University of Nigeria (1960), the first university established in Nigeria after independence. Nsukka is also the site of a teacher-training college and an agrometeorologic station. Pop. (2006) local government area, 309,633.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Michele Metych.