Private universities are playing an increasingly important role in Nigeria’s higher education system.
They offer an alternative to public institutions, which often face disruptions from strikes, underfunding, and overcrowding.
However, this alternative comes at a high cost, making it inaccessible to many Nigerians.
These private universities are backed by individuals and organizations who have made significant investments, influencing not only the campuses themselves but also the direction of tertiary education in the country.
Here are 10 of the most expensive private universities in Nigeria and their owners:
1. Wigwe University
Located in Isiokpo, Rivers State, Wigwe University was founded by the late Dr. Herbert Wigwe, former CEO of Access Bank. Despite Dr. Wigwe’s passing in a helicopter crash in early 2024 before the official opening, the institution began operations later that year. Licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in June 2023, it welcomed its first set of over 200 students in October 2024. The university offers programs across six colleges, including Engineering, Allied Health, and Arts. With tuition ranging from ₦9.6 million to nearly ₦12 million and accommodation fees over ₦3.8 million, Wigwe University is currently Nigeria’s most expensive private university.
2. Babcock University
Babcock University is a private institution owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nigeria, part of the global Adventist education network. Established in 1959 as the Adventist College of West Africa, it became a university in 1999 and was among the first private universities licensed by the NUC. Located in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, the university is governed by Chairperson Bassey Effiong Okon Udoh, with Professor Ademola S. Tayo as President. Tuition varies by program: Medicine and Surgery costs between ₦5.5 million and ₦7 million per session, law is ₦2 million, and other programs range from ₦800,000 to ₦1.5 million. Accommodation fees are between ₦300,000 and ₦600,000, depending on the hostel type.
3. Nile University of Nigeria
Nile University of Nigeria is owned by Honoris United Universities, a pan-African higher education network backed by Actis Capital. The group fully acquired the university in July 2020 as part of its West African expansion. Honoris, operating in 10 countries, is led by CEO Dr. Jonathan Louw. Nile University was established in 2009 and operates from a 113-hectare campus in Abuja. Tuition fees vary by program: Medicine and Surgery costs ₦6.5 million per session, Law is ₦4.25 million, and other programs range from ₦2.8 million to ₦3.5 million annually.
4. Pan-Atlantic University (PAU)
Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) is a private non-profit institution in Lagos State. It originated from the Lagos Business School, founded in 1991. PAU was officially licensed as a university in 2002, launching undergraduate programs in 2004. Inspired by the teachings of St. JosemarÃa Escrivá, founder of Opus Dei, it emphasizes work as a form of service. PAU has two campuses: its main undergraduate campus in Ibeju-Lekki and a postgraduate campus in Ajah (Lagos Business School). The university’s council is chaired by Henry Odein Ajumogobia. Tuition for the 2024/2025 academic year ranges from ₦4.1 million to ₦6.3 million, depending on the course of study.
5. Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)
Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) was founded in 2009 by Aare Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and advocate for educational reform. This private, non-profit institution was notably built on its permanent site in Ado-Ekiti within eight months, a feat recognized by the NUC. Starting with 101 students, it has grown to over 8,000, offering programs across six colleges. In 2022, it launched the ABUAD Business School in Ibadan. Tuition for Medicine and Surgery begins at ₦4.67 million and increases to ₦5.55 million in subsequent years. Other programs range from ₦1.1 million to ₦3.7 million per session.
6. Lead City University (LCU)
Lead City University (LCU) is a private institution located in Ibadan, Oyo State, licensed in 2005. It was founded by Professor Jide Owoeye, an academic and founder of Eduserve Consult, who also serves as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council. LCU is known for its focus on academic excellence and entrepreneurship, offering a wide array of programs including Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Dentistry. Health sciences programs have some of the highest tuition fees: Medicine costs ₦5.525 million annually, while Pharmacy and Nursing are ₦3.025 million each, and Dentistry is ₦2.525 million per year.
7. Bowen University
Bowen University is a private Christian institution in Iwo, Osun State, established in 2001 by the Nigerian Baptist Convention. Named after Reverend Thomas Jefferson Bowen, who pioneered Baptist mission work in Nigeria, the university combines academic learning with Christian values. It is governed by a council under Rev Dr. Israel A. Akanji. Bowen offers diverse programs: Medicine costs ₦4.6 million per year, Law is ₦2.2 million, and other programs range from ₦880,900 to ₦1.3 million per session.
8. American University of Nigeria (AUN)
The American University of Nigeria (AUN) is a private, non-profit university in Yola, Adamawa State, founded in 2003 by Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former Vice President. Its vision is to be Africa’s first Development University, offering an American-style liberal arts education from a 2,500-acre campus. AUN is NUC-accredited. Tuition for a standard 15-credit course load is ₦1.221 million per semester, while specialized programs like Law, Engineering, Nursing, and Public Health cost ₦1.755 million per semester. Its Board of Trustees includes Dr. Margee Ensign, Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, and Chief Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr.
9. Redeemer’s University (RUN)
Redeemer’s University (RUN) is a private Christian university in Ede, Osun State, owned by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). It was founded by Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of RCCG, who holds a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics and serves as the Visitor to the university. RUN began in 2005 at a temporary site before moving to its permanent campus in 2014. The university emphasizes spiritual discipline, academic excellence, and a drug- and cult-free environment, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Law, Natural Sciences, Humanities, and Basic Medical Sciences. Tuition for Law students ranges from ₦1.14 million to ₦2.09 million per session, while Basic Medical Sciences students pay between ₦846,500 and ₦1.63 million.
10. Covenant University (CU)
Covenant University (CU) is a private Christian institution in Ota, Ogun State, licensed by the NUC in 2002. It was founded by Bishop David Oyedepo, the presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel), who serves as its Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Regents. CU is recognized for its commitment to academic rigor, spiritual discipline, and leadership development, offering programs across four colleges. Undergraduate tuition ranges from ₦1,507,650 to ₦1,704,300 per session, depending on the course. The university operates from its Canaanland campus in Ota and is affiliated with international bodies like the Association of African Universities and the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
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