The establishment of private institutions in Nigerian higher education is traced to 1979 during the civilian government era. Prior to this time, higher institutions in Nigeria were owned and run by the government. In line with actions to resuscitate private higher education, alongside problems associated with admission into the higher institution, the Federal government revoked Decree 19 of 1984 which paved way for the re-emergence of private universities- establishment of 3 private universities (Babcock, Madonna, and Igbinedion) in 1999.
Since then, private universities have continued to grow in quantity and quality in Nigeria. Today, some of the best universities in Nigeria are privately owned with many others improving their offerings to meet global standards. Many Nigerian parents now opt for private universities instead of public schools even though it would cost them an arm and a leg.
If you are a Nigerian parent considering the option of a private university in Nigeria for your child, below is a list of some of the best private universities in Nigeria from which you could choose. This list is curated based on the available data of Nigerian private universities rankings across the web and is in no particular order.
Top Private Universities in Nigeria
1. Covenant University, Ota
No doubt, Covenant University has a track record of being one of the best destinations of learning in Nigeria. The school was founded in 2002. The University is a growing, dynamic vision-driven University, founded on a Christian mission ethos and committed to pioneering excellence at the cutting edge of learning.
In recent years, CU has ranked as one of the best universities in Nigeria, many overtaking public universities that have been established for decades. In 2021, Covenant ranked 401 - 600 in THE SDGs Impact Rankings to Emerge First in Nigeria. Covenant ranked the best Nigerian university in Global Subject Rankings in 2021.
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The school has 23 departments and 4 colleges including Engineering, Science and Technology, Management and Social Sciences, Leadership and Development Studies, Postgraduate Studies, etc. Covenant University is located in Ota, Ogun State, it has four colleges which includes: The College of Business and Social Sciences; College of Leadership and Development Studies; College of Engineering, and the College of Science and Technology. The tuition fee ranges from ₦937,500 - ₦1,002,500.
2. Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti
Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti is another fastest-growing university in Nigeria any student should consider. The school was founded in 2009 by renowned lawyer and Philanthropist, Afe Bablola. The school was founded to reform functional education in Nigeria and Africa at large by providing and leading others in quality education, service, industry, and character as well as discipline.
In recent years, Afe Babalola has grown to become one of the best universities in Nigeria surpassing in offerings and standards, many publicly owned universities in Nigeria. Since its establishment, the school has ranked as one of the best private universities in Nigeria.
Afe Babalola University operates on a collegiate system comprising five colleges. Afe Babalola University offers Academic programs in six Colleges: Sciences, Law, Engineering, Social and Management Sciences, Medicine and Health Sciences, and Postgraduate Studies. Afe Babalola University is located in Ekiti State and the tuition is between ₦583,000 - ₦2,500,000. AFUAD is one of the leading private universities in Nigeria.
3. Landmark University, Omu-Aran
Landmark University is one of the leading private universities in Nigeria. The school is affiliated with the Living Faith Church Worldwide. The school was founded in 2011 in Omu-Aran Kwara State.
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The university encourages its students to venture into agriculture whether it is their core discipline or not and encourages the enrollment of Nigerian students into Agriculture-related courses through scholarships and Career talks. Landmark University runs academic programmes such as the College of Agricultural Sciences, College of Business and Social Sciences, College of Science and Engineering, etc.
In recent years, the school has proven its dedication to research and contributions to academia and Nigerian society and large, hence, they rank as one of the best private universities in Nigeria. Landmark University nurtures generation of problem solvers through a practical training system centered on creative knowledge and values and aim to develop leaders through a comprehensive education grounded in biblical principles, resulting in the emergence of breadwinners, job creators, and global change-makers. It is located in Kwara State with tuition fee between ₦320,000 - ₦675,000.
4. Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo
Babcock University is another good choice to consider talking about the best private schools in Nigeria. Babcock University is a private Christian co-educational Nigerian university owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nigeria.
The university was officially inaugurated on 20 April 1999. It started with four schools but it has added medical school, post-graduate studies, and others schools since then. Some of their notable alumni include Adenike Akinsemolu, Davido, Debo Ogundoyin, Olumide Oworu, Beverly Osu, Olamide Samuel, and others.
Based on their contributions to research and student performance, Babcock ranks as one of the best private universities in Nigeria. Since its establishment in Ogun State as a pioneering private university in Nigeria in 1999, Babcock University has consistently maintained a legacy of excellence in education. Offering not only undergraduate studies but also postgraduate and medical school programs, Babcock remains committed to academic distinction. The University has it tuition fee ranging from ₦310,860 - ₦1,500,00.
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5. American University of Nigeria, Yola
The American University of Nigeria (AUN) is a private university located in Yola the capital of Adamawa, Nigeria. It offers an American-style liberal arts higher education at undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels.
The university was founded in 2003 by Atiku Abubakar as the first American-style institution of higher learning in sub-Saharan Africa. It consists of six schools, offering various undergraduate majors and graduate programs. Throughout their four years, students are encouraged to volunteer actively in any of the regular, extracurricular outings and work with organizations in the community, including schools, health clinics, community associations, and the local government.
The school boasts of a world-class learning environment and the students are immersed in lifelong learning culture. AUN strives to shape Africa’s future leaders and drive regional economic development. Students, regardless of specialization, receive training in key areas like information technology and entrepreneurship for sustainable development. AUN is situated in Yola State with tuition ranging from ₦1,221,000 - ₦3,551,200. AUN ranks as one of the leading private universities in Nigeria.
6. Skyline University, Kano
Skyline University also made the list as a top private university in Nigeria to reckon with. The school was established in 2018 as the first private University in Kano, Nigeria, and also the second private University in the North-West region of Nigeria.
From the establishment of the new institution in 2018, Skyline University Nigeria has grown into 3 different faculties with departments attached to the faculties. The faculties are the School of Science and Information Technology, School of Arts, Management and Social Science, and School of Basic Medical Sciences.
Skyline University is one of the fastest-growing universities in Nigeria and has shown great potential for contributing significantly towards research and knowledge in Nigeria. Skyline University, located in Kano with tuition fee between ₦675,000 - N2,700,000, is a privately owned institution. Notably, Skyline University is the first private university in Kano and the second in the North-West region of Nigeria. The school ranks as one of the best private universities in Nigeria.
7. Bowen University, Iwo
Bowen University is another top private university in Nigeria owned and operated by the Nigerian Baptist Convention. The university is located at Iwo in Osun State, Nigeria.
The school has College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science (COAES), College of Management and Social Sciences (COMSS), College of Law (COLAW), College of Liberal Studies (COLBS), College of Health Sciences (COHES), College of Computing and Communication Studies (COCCS), and College of Environmental Sciences (COEVS).
Bowen University prides itself on a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. The institution’s colleges and staff are devoted to delivering a world-class education that equips students for success in their chosen fields. The university is located in Osun State with tuition ranging from ₦201,900 - ₦2,270,000. Bowen ranks as one of the oldest and leading private universities in Nigeria.
8. Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos
Located in the prestigious city of Lagos, Pan-Atlantic University had its origin as the Lagos Business School (LBS), established in 1991. The federal government approved the university as Pan-African University in 2002, and the LBS became its first school.
The Ajah Campus was completed in 2003 and in 2010 work began on the Ibeju-Lekki campus. In May 2013 its name was changed to Pan-Atlantic University, in order to avoid confusion with the Pan-African University of the African Union.
The university develops its curriculum in collaboration with industry leaders and professional bodies. The university has graduated some of the leading figures in politics, entertainment and all works of life. The Pan-Atlantic university is one of the best private universities in Nigeria.
9. Caleb University, Imota
Caleb University is a private university located in Imota Lagos Nigeria. They commenced full activities on January 21, 2008.
The university is a centre for teaching, learning and research persistently ranked as one of the top 10 private universities in Nigeria. The university embraces innovations and transforms ideas into actions. Since its inception in 2007, the school has been investing in people with the curiosity, drive, passion, and empathy to positively impact their environment while also being globally competitive.
Caleb University, is consistently ranked among Nigeria’s top 10 private universities, is a hub for teaching, learning, and research. Embracing innovation, it transforms ideas into action, investing in individuals with curiosity, drive, passion, and empathy to make a positive impact locally and globally. The University is located in Lagos State with tuition fee between ₦214,500 - ₦1,400,000. Caleb is arguably one of the best private universities in Nigeria.
10. Elizade University, Ilaramokin
Another good private university in Nigeria you can consider for your child is Elizade University. The school has a large, beautiful and serene environment in the heart of Ilara in Ondo State.
Elizade university was founded by Micheal Ade Ojo, a Nigerian business magnate. The university has five faculties which are e Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Law, and Faculty of Humanities. It has twenty-four departments in these facilities altogether.
Elizade University in Ondo State has her tuition fee between ₦305,000 - ₦1,500,000. The University has consistently engages experienced academics and professionals, utilizing modern facilities for impactful teaching. Notably, the university has achieved commendable student and faculty accomplishments, securing grants and earning awards.
11. Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin
We can’t complete this list without mentioning Al-Hikmah University. The school is a top Islamic-oriented private university located in Ilorin, Kwara State. The school was established in 2005 with the goal of being a centre of intellectual and moral excellence.
The university has several Faculties which are spread across two campuses (Ilorin and Igbaja) in Kwara State. Al-Hikmah University located in Kwara State distinguishes itself as a traditional private institution with a clear mission of advancing academic and moral excellence for the betterment of Nigeria and humanity at large. Its motto encapsulates the university’s overarching objective: “Learning for Wisdom and Morality”. The university’s tuition fee is between ₦176,500 - ₦1,360,500. The school ranks as one of the best private universities in Nigeria.
12. Nile University, Abuja
Also taking a spot in the list of the best private universities in Nigeria is Nile University. Nile University of Nigeria is a private multidisciplinary university established in 2009 and located in Abuja, Nigeria.
The school is a member of the Honoris United Universities Network and accredited by the National Universities Commission. Nile University has six faculties and a School of Postgraduate Studies offering 34 undergraduate programs and 47 postgraduate programs.
Comprising eight faculties, Nile University which is situated in Abuja, is unified by a dedication to delivering education of the utmost quality. Each faculty is overseen by distinguished academics who are committed to fostering innovation in both research and learning. The tuition fee is between ₦1,200,000 - ₦5,950,000. In addition to its standard academic programs, Nile University of Nigeria-through its Centre for Lifelong Learning (CELL)- offers short, on-demand, professional courses that are tailored to the needs of the participants.
13. Veritas University, Abuja
Veritas University was founded in March 2002 by the Catholic Church in Nigeria. The school received it provisional operation license in 2007 from the National Universities Commission and commenced admission of students in October 2008, at its take-off campus in Obehie, Abia State, Nigeria.
In 2014, it moved to its permanent site with its campus now located in the Bwari Area council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. The University emphasizes moral values, self-reliance, and the development of the students’ entrepreneurial capabilities for the social and economic benefit of the graduates and Nigerian society.
Veritas University, located in Abuja made its debut in the 2023 THE Impact Rankings on SDGs, ranking among 11 Nigerian universities. It also achieved “Reporter Status” on the 2023 Webometric Rankings for World University Rankings. The University tuition fee is between ₦678,000 - ₦1,780,000. The university is one of the best private universities in Nigeria today.
14. African University of Science and Technology
One of the best private universities in Nigeria today is The African University of Science and Technology (AUST). The school is an undergraduate and post-graduate university that is part of a university system concept developed by the Nelson Mandela Institution (NMI).
The university caters for over 5,000 students who mostly reside in Abuja and its environs. African University of Science and Technology Established in 2007, is a Pan-African institution initiated in response to a request from African Heads of State. It was created to fulfill President Nelson Mandela’s proposal for the World Bank and African Union to establish strong Pan-African centers of excellence in Science and Technology.
AUST in Abuja, the first of these centers, currently focuses exclusively on graduate-level programs through a blend of coursework and advanced research. The tuition fee is between ₦750,000 - ₦1,800,000. The university offers series of programs which are five major disciplinary areas: Computer Science and Management of Information Technology, Material Science and Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Pure, Applied Mathematics, Space and Aerospace Sciences and Engineering as well as its first foray into applied Social Sciences with master's degree in Public Administration and Public Policy.
15. Redeemers University, Ede
Also making the list is Redeemers University, a private university located in Ede, Osun state, Nigeria. The university was established in 2005, owned by the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
The University which is located in Osun State is a leading academic institution, dedicated to setting high standards through a continuous commitment to excellence. Focused on making a transformative impact on society, the university emphasizes excellence in education, research, creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the development of global leaders as change agents.
The university runs both undergraduate and posprogramsprogrammes. Undergraduate programmes started at inception in 2005 with three colleges. They were the College of Natural Sciences, College of Management and Social Sciences, and College of Humanities. In the 2012-2013 academic year, the university admitted its first set of M.A., M.Sc., and Ph.D. students.
Additional Private Universities in Nigeria
Below is a list of other private universities operating in Nigeria:
- Achievers University, Owo
- Al-Qalam University, Katsina
- Baze University
- Bells University of Technology, Otta
- Benson Idahosa University, Benin City
- Bingham University, New Karu
- Caritas University, Enugu
- Edwin Clark University, Kaigbodo
- Evangel University, Akaeze
- Fountain Unveristy, Oshogbo
- Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu-Nike - Enugu State
- Gregory University, Uturu
- Hallmark University, Ijebi Itele, Ogun
- Hezekiah University, Umudi
- Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji
- Kings University, Ode Omu
- Kwararafa University, Wukari
- Lead City University, Ibadan
- Micheal & Cecilia Ibru University
- Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu - Osun State
- Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom
- Salem University, Lokoja
- Southwestern University, Oku Owa
- Summit University, Offa
- Tansian University, Umunya
- Wesley University Ondo
- Anchor University Ayobo Lagos State
- Dominican University Ibadan Oyo State
- Arthur Javis University Akpoyubo Cross river State
- Coal City University Enugu State
- Clifford University Owerrinta Abia State
- Spiritan University, Nneochi Abia State
- PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Portharcourt
- Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences Ijanikin, Lagos
- Greenfield University, Kaduna
- Dominion University Ibadan, Oyo State
- Westland University Iwo, Osun State
- Topfaith University, Mkpatak, Akwa Ibom State
- Maranathan University, Mgbidi, Imo State
- Mudiame University, Irrua, Edo State
- Havilla University, Nde-Ikom, Cross River State
- Claretian University of Nigeria, Nekede, Imo State
- NOK University, Kachia, Kaduna State
- Karl-Kumm University, Vom, Plateau State
- Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Kano State
- Capital City University, Kano State
- Ahman Pategi University, Kwara State
- University of Offa, Kwara State
- Mewar International University, Masaka, Nasarawa State
- Philomath University, Kuje, Abuja
- Khadija University, Majia, Jigawa State
- Anan University, Kwall, Plateau State
- PEN Resource University, Gombe
- Al-Ansar University, Maiduguri, Borno
- Margaret Lawrence University, Umunede, Delta State
- Khalifa Isiyaku Rabiu University, Kano
- Baba Ahmed University, Kano State
- Peter University, Achina-Onneh Anambra State
- Rayhaan University, Kebbi
- Muhammad Kamalud University Kwara
- Aletheia University, Ago-Iwoye Ogun State
- Lux Mundi University Umuahia, Abia State
- Maduka University, Ekwegbe, Enugu State
- PeaceLand University, Enugu State
- Amadeus University, Amizi, Abia State
- Huda University, Gusau, Zamafara State
- British Canadian University, Obufu Cross River State
- Hensard University, Toru-Orua, Sagbama, Bayelsa State
- Wigwe University, Isiokpo Rivers State
- University on the Niger, Umunya, Anambra state
- Elrazi Medical University Yargaya University, Kano State
- Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti, Ekiti State
- Shanahan University Onitsha, Anambra State
- Mercy Medical University, Iwo, Ogun State
- Cosmopolitan University Abuja
- Miva Open University, Abuja FCT
- Iconic Open University, Sokoto State
- Al-Muhibbah Open University, Abuja
- Nigerian University of Technology and Management, Apapa, Lagos State
Tuition Fees and Other Considerations
When choosing a private university, it is important to consider tuition fees, location, available programs, and the overall academic environment. Each university offers unique strengths and focuses, catering to diverse educational needs and career aspirations.
Here's a summary table of the universities mentioned with available tuition fee information:
| University | Location | Tuition Fee Range (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Covenant University | Ota, Ogun State | 937,500 - 1,002,500 |
| Afe Babalola University | Ekiti State | 583,000 - 2,500,000 |
| Landmark University | Kwara State | 320,000 - 675,000 |
| Babcock University | Ogun State | 310,860 - 1,500,000 |
| American University of Nigeria | Yola, Adamawa State | 1,221,000 - 3,551,200 |
| Skyline University | Kano | 675,000 - 2,700,000 |
| Bowen University | Osun State | 201,900 - 2,270,000 |
| Elizade University | Ondo State | 305,000 - 1,500,000 |
| Al-Hikmah University | Kwara State | 176,500 - 1,360,500 |
| Nile University | Abuja | 1,200,000 - 5,950,000 |
| Veritas University | Abuja | 678,000 - 1,780,000 |
| African University of Science and Technology | Abuja | 750,000 - 1,800,000 |
| Godfrey Okoye University | Enugu State | 311,200 - 670,000 |
| Lead City University | Oyo State | 300,000 - 5,500,000 |
| Baze University | Abuja | 591,250 - 3,025,000 |
| Caleb University | Lagos State | 214,500 - 1,400,000 |
Note: Tuition fees are subject to change. Contact the universities directly for the most up-to-date information.
