Are you a Nigerian student trying to figure out where to study without depending on JAMB admission cycles that seem endless? Then you are in the right place. The top 20 private universities in Nigeria and their fees is exactly what every serious student — and their parents — needs to read right now.
Private universities in Nigeria offer faster admission processes, better campus infrastructure, and a more structured academic environment compared to many federal institutions. But there’s one question everyone asks first: how much does it cost?
This article breaks it all down clearly — school by school, with fees, notable programs, and what makes each institution stand out. Whether you are searching for the cheapest private universities in Nigeria, the best private universities for medicine, or simply want to compare options, this guide covers everything.
Why Consider a Private University in Nigeria?
Before diving into the list, here is why thousands of students now choose private over public institutions:
- Admission is faster and less competitive in most cases.
- Strikes and ASUU disruptions rarely affect private schools.
- Campus facilities — hostels, labs, libraries — are generally better maintained.
- Smaller class sizes mean more attention from lecturers.
- Some offer internationally recognized degree programs.
Top 20 Private Universities In Nigeria And Their Fees
1. Covenant University, Ota (Ogun State)
Covenant University consistently ranks as one of the best private universities in Nigeria and across Africa. Founded in 2002 by Bishop David Oyedepo and the Living Faith Church, it operates under a strict but rewarding campus structure.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fee Range | ₦1,000,000 – ₦2,500,000 per session |
| Ownership | Living Faith Church |
| Location | Ota, Ogun State |
| Popular Programs | Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration, Architecture, Law, Mass Communication |
What makes Covenant stand out is its consistent appearance on Times Higher Education rankings — a rare achievement for Nigerian institutions. The school enforces dress codes and conduct rules, which builds discipline students carry into their careers.
2. American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola (Adamawa State)
AUN runs an American-style liberal arts curriculum and attracts students from across West Africa. It is one of the few universities in Nigeria where classes are structured like U.S. institutions.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fee Range | ₦2,000,000 – ₦4,500,000 per session |
| Ownership | Private |
| Location | Yola, Adamawa State |
| Popular Programs | Information Systems, Business, International Studies, Engineering |
The university also offers financial aid and scholarship opportunities, making it more accessible than the fee figures suggest. Students who thrive here tend to be globally minded.
3. Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo (Ogun State)
Run by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Babcock University is one of the oldest and most recognized private universities in Nigeria. Its medical and health sciences programs are particularly respected.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fee Range | ₦900,000 – ₦2,000,000 per session |
| Ownership | Seventh-day Adventist Church |
| Location | Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State |
| Popular Programs | Medicine and Surgery, Nursing, Law, Accounting, Mass Communication |
Babcock’s College of Medicine is accredited and produces graduates who perform well in medical licensing exams. The campus environment is quiet and academic-focused, which students who want fewer distractions appreciate.
4. Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD)
Founded by legal icon Aare Afe Babalola, this university has built an impressive reputation in a short time. ABUAD operates its own hospital, law firm clinic, and research facilities — giving students real-world exposure.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fee Range | ₦1,200,000 – ₦2,800,000 per session |
| Ownership | Private |
| Location | Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State |
| Popular Programs | Law, Medicine, Engineering, Pharmacy |
If you plan to study Law in a private university in Nigeria, ABUAD is one of the top names you will hear repeatedly — and for good reason.
5. Bowen University, Iwo (Osun State)
Bowen is one of Nigeria’s most affordable reputable private universities. Founded by the Nigerian Baptist Convention, it maintains strong academic standards while keeping fees relatively manageable.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fee Range | ₦700,000 – ₦1,500,000 per session |
| Ownership | Nigerian Baptist Convention |
| Location | Iwo, Osun State |
| Popular Programs | Agriculture, Biochemistry, Economics, Computer Science, Mass Communication |
Students who want a well-rounded university experience at a lower cost than Covenant or ABUAD often turn to Bowen as their top alternative.
6. Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), Lagos
PAU is strongly business-oriented and connects students directly to Lagos — Nigeria’s commercial heartbeat. Its MBA program through Lagos Business School is one of the most prestigious in Africa.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fee Range | ₦1,500,000 – ₦3,500,000 per session |
| Ownership | Private |
| Location | Lagos |
| Popular Programs | Business Administration, Management, Economics, Humanities |
If you aim to work in corporate Nigeria or on the African continent at a senior level, studying at PAU opens doors very few other universities can.
7. Redeemer’s University, Ede (Osun State)
Founded by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Redeemer’s University offers a peaceful, organized environment. It has a growing reputation in sciences and social sciences.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fee Range | ₦600,000 – ₦1,200,000 per session |
| Ownership | Redeemed Christian Church of God |
| Location | Ede, Osun State |
| Popular Programs | Biochemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Accounting, Political Science |
Redeemer’s is one of the more affordable options on this list while still maintaining solid academic standards.
8. Landmark University, Omu-Aran (Kwara State)
Landmark is unique because it blends academic excellence with an agricultural mission. The university strongly emphasizes agro-based entrepreneurship and food security research.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fee Range | ₦700,000 – ₦1,400,000 per session |
| Ownership | Private |
| Location | Omu-Aran, Kwara State |
| Popular Programs | Agriculture, Engineering, Natural and Applied Sciences, Business |
Students interested in food technology, crop science, or agribusiness will find Landmark’s programs deeply practical and career-focused.
9. Baze University, Abuja (FCT)
Located in Nigeria’s capital city, Baze University is one of the newer but fast-rising private institutions. Its urban location gives students access to government agencies, embassies, and NGOs for internships.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fee Range | ₦1,000,000 – ₦2,200,000 per session |
| Ownership | Private |
| Location | Abuja, FCT |
| Popular Programs | Law, Economics, Mass Communication, Political Science, Engineering |
Studying law or political science in Abuja — where the courts, National Assembly, and policy centers are — gives Baze students a practical edge.
10. Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja (FCT)
Nile University is affiliated with Near East University in Turkey and brings an international orientation to its programs. It is a solid choice for students interested in technology and management.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fee Range | ₦800,000 – ₦1,800,000 per session |
| Ownership | Private (International Affiliation) |
| Location | Abuja, FCT |
| Popular Programs | Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration, Health Sciences |
The school also offers postgraduate programs that attract working professionals in Abuja.
11. Adeleke University, Ede (Osun State)
Adeleke University, founded by the Adeleke family, offers a broad range of programs at moderate fees. It has grown steadily since its founding and has a comfortable campus infrastructure.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fee Range | ₦500,000 – ₦1,000,000 per session |
| Ownership | Private |
| Location | Ede, Osun State |
| Popular Programs | Nursing, Computer Science, Accounting, Mass Communication |
For students looking for affordable private universities in Nigeria that still maintain quality, Adeleke is frequently mentioned.
12. Caleb University, Lagos
Caleb University operates in the heart of Lagos and draws students who want city access alongside their academics. The school is relatively affordable compared to other Lagos-based institutions.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fee Range | ₦500,000 – ₦1,100,000 per session |
| Ownership | Private |
| Location | Lagos |
| Popular Programs | Law, Mass Communication, Business Administration, Computer Science |
Its Law faculty is particularly growing in reputation among students who want to study in Lagos.
13. Wellspring University, Benin City (Edo State)
Wellspring is one of the newer private institutions but has developed quickly in the South-South region. It offers several programs relevant to the Niger Delta’s economic and social environment.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fee Range | ₦400,000 – ₦900,000 per session |
| Ownership | Private |
| Location | Benin City, Edo State |
| Popular Programs | Petroleum Engineering, Environmental Science, Accounting, Business |
If you are a student from the South-South and want to stay close to home without sacrificing quality, Wellspring is worth considering.
14. Paul University, Awka (Anambra State)
Paul University is faith-based, founded by the Anglican Diocese, and maintains a calm academic setting in Awka. It serves students in the Southeast who prefer private university education.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fee Range | ₦450,000 – ₦950,000 per session |
| Ownership | Anglican Diocese |
| Location | Awka, Anambra State |
| Popular Programs | Computer Science, Business Administration, Economics, Theology |
15. Fountain University, Osogbo (Osun State)
Fountain University is an Islamic mission university focused on moral development alongside academics. It offers programs at relatively modest fees.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fee Range | ₦400,000 – ₦850,000 per session |
| Ownership | Islamic Mission |
| Location | Osogbo, Osun State |
| Popular Programs | Accounting, Computer Science, Mass Communication, Economics |
16. Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Ikeji-Arakeji (Osun State)
JABU is faith-based and places a high emphasis on character alongside academic performance. It is a growing institution in Osun State with a peaceful campus setting.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fee Range | ₦500,000 – ₦1,050,000 per session |
| Ownership | Christ Apostolic Church |
| Location | Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State |
| Popular Programs | Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Computer Science, Accounting |
17. Madonna University, Okija (Anambra State)
Madonna University, run by the Catholic Mission, has been operating since 1999. It offers medicine and health science programs that are popular with Southeast students.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fee Range | ₦600,000 – ₦1,500,000 per session |
| Ownership | Catholic Mission |
| Location | Okija, Anambra State |
| Popular Programs | Medicine and Surgery, Pharmacy, Nursing, Law, Engineering |
Its health science faculty draws students who want to study medicine in a private institution with a Catholic ethos.
18. Crescent University, Abeokuta (Ogun State)
Crescent University is an Islamic mission school with programs in law, social sciences, and management. It is one of the more established private universities in the Southwest.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fee Range | ₦500,000 – ₦1,000,000 per session |
| Ownership | Islamic Mission |
| Location | Abeokuta, Ogun State |
| Popular Programs | Law, Political Science, Accounting, Mass Communication |
19. Veritas University, Abuja (FCT)
Veritas is a Catholic university located in the FCT. It focuses strongly on humanities, social sciences, and philosophy — areas where many Nigerian universities lag behind.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fee Range | ₦450,000 – ₦950,000 per session |
| Ownership | Catholic Mission |
| Location | Abuja, FCT |
| Popular Programs | Philosophy, Law, Economics, Mass Communication, Social Work |
Students interested in the humanities will find Veritas to be one of the few institutions that treats those disciplines seriously.
20. Gregory University, Uturu (Abia State)
Gregory University rounds out this list as a solid, affordable option for Southeast students. Named after Pope Gregory, it operates under Catholic mission values.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fee Range | ₦400,000 – ₦850,000 per session |
| Ownership | Catholic Mission |
| Location | Uturu, Abia State |
| Popular Programs | Computer Science, Accounting, Business Administration, Mass Communication, Economics |
Quick Comparison: Fees At A Glance
| # | University | State | Fee Range (Per Session) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Covenant University | Ogun | ₦1,000,000 – ₦2,500,000 |
| 2 | American University of Nigeria (AUN) | Adamawa | ₦2,000,000 – ₦4,500,000 |
| 3 | Babcock University | Ogun | ₦900,000 – ₦2,000,000 |
| 4 | Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) | Ekiti | ₦1,200,000 – ₦2,800,000 |
| 5 | Bowen University | Osun | ₦700,000 – ₦1,500,000 |
| 6 | Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) | Lagos | ₦1,500,000 – ₦3,500,000 |
| 7 | Redeemer’s University | Osun | ₦600,000 – ₦1,200,000 |
| 8 | Landmark University | Kwara | ₦700,000 – ₦1,400,000 |
| 9 | Baze University | FCT | ₦1,000,000 – ₦2,200,000 |
| 10 | Nile University | FCT | ₦800,000 – ₦1,800,000 |
| 11 | Adeleke University | Osun | ₦500,000 – ₦1,000,000 |
| 12 | Caleb University | Lagos | ₦500,000 – ₦1,100,000 |
| 13 | Wellspring University | Edo | ₦400,000 – ₦900,000 |
| 14 | Paul University | Anambra | ₦450,000 – ₦950,000 |
| 15 | Fountain University | Osun | ₦400,000 – ₦850,000 |
| 16 | Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) | Osun | ₦500,000 – ₦1,050,000 |
| 17 | Madonna University | Anambra | ₦600,000 – ₦1,500,000 |
| 18 | Crescent University | Ogun | ₦500,000 – ₦1,000,000 |
| 19 | Veritas University | FCT | ₦450,000 – ₦950,000 |
| 20 | Gregory University | Abia | ₦400,000 – ₦850,000 |
Note: Fees vary by department, accommodation choice, and academic session. Always verify directly with the institution’s official website or admissions office before making payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Private University in Nigeria Is the Cheapest?
Among the top 20, the most affordable options include Gregory University, Fountain University, Wellspring University, and Paul University — all of which charge as low as ₦400,000 per session for some programs. However, “cheapest” should never be the only filter. Look at accreditation status, NUC approval, and program quality alongside cost.
Which Private University Has the Best Medical Program?
Babcock University, ABUAD, and Madonna University stand out for medicine and health sciences. All three have NUC-accredited programs and produce graduates who excel in licensing exams like MDCN.
Do Private Universities in Nigeria Offer Scholarships?
Yes — several do. AUN is well known for its scholarship offerings. Covenant University, Babcock, and Landmark also have merit-based and need-based support available. Contact each school’s scholarship office directly for accurate current information.
FAQs
Q: Are private university degrees in Nigeria recognized internationally? Yes, provided the institution has NUC (National Universities Commission) accreditation. Graduates from Covenant University, for example, have been accepted into master’s programs in the UK, USA, and Canada.
Q: Can I use JAMB scores to gain admission into private universities in Nigeria? Yes. Most private universities require JAMB UTME scores, though their cutoff marks are often lower than federal universities. Some schools set their own post-UTME exams.
Q: Is accommodation included in the fees listed above? Not always. Many schools separate tuition and accommodation fees. The figures in this article reflect a general session cost but vary based on hostel choices. Confirm with each school.
Q: Which private university is best for Law in Nigeria? ABUAD, Baze University, Caleb University, and Crescent University are all strong choices for Law. ABUAD’s law faculty has a particularly strong reputation linked to its founder’s legal legacy.
Q: How do private universities in Nigeria compare to public universities? Private universities offer more stability (no ASUU strikes), better facilities in most cases, and faster graduation timelines. However, tuition is significantly higher than at federal or state universities.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a university is one of the biggest decisions a young Nigerian will make. This guide gives you an honest, up-to-date starting point. There is no perfect school for everyone — the best choice depends on your program of interest, budget, location preference, and long-term career goals.
Whether you go with the globally ranked Covenant University, the medically strong Babcock, the legal powerhouse ABUAD, or the budget-friendly Gregory University — what matters most is showing up ready to learn, work hard, and take full advantage of every opportunity your campus offers.
Do your research, visit campuses if possible, and make a decision grounded in solid information — not just word of mouth.