Nigeria’s private university sector has experienced remarkable growth, with over 100 private institutions now offering world-class education. These universities have revolutionized higher education by providing modern facilities, smaller class sizes, innovative curricula, and exceptional graduate employment rates. This comprehensive guide explores the best private universities in Nigeria for 2025, helping you make informed decisions about your academic future.
Top 10 Best Private Universities in Nigeria (2025 Rankings)
1. Covenant University, Ota
Covenant University ranks highest, praised for global recognition (THE Impact Rankings), modern facilities, and high graduate employment. Covenant University stands out as the best university in Nigeria in 2025, maintaining its position for two consecutive years through strong industry collaboration and international outlook.
Key Features:
- Founded: 2002
- Location: Ota, Ogun State
- Specialty: Engineering, Business, Sciences
- Tuition Fees: ₦1.5 million to ₦3 million per session
- Global Rankings: Featured in THE Impact Rankings
- Graduate Employment: Exceptionally high placement rates
2. American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola
The American University of Nigeria is Africa’s first development university, offering international undergraduate and graduate programs. Founded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, GCON, in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State, Northeast Nigeria, with a student population of 9,000 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate students.
Key Features:
- Founded: 2005
- Location: Yola, Adamawa State
- Student Population: 10,000+ students
- Specialty: Liberal Arts, Business, Engineering, Law
- Tuition Fees: Students pay ₦81,400 for each additional credit beyond 15 units per semester, with Law students paying a fixed rate of ₦1,221,000 per semester
- Accreditation: American-style liberal arts education
- Campus: Modern American-style campus with hostels
3. Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo
Babcock University is a private Christian co-educational Nigerian university owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, equidistant between Ibadan and Lagos. In 2017, the university had its first set of graduates from the Ben Carson School of Medicine.
Key Features:
- Founded: 1999
- Location: Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State
- Specialty: Medicine, Engineering, Business, Nursing, Law
- Tuition Fees: ₦1,507,650 to ₦1,704,300 per session
- Affiliation: Seventh-Day Adventist Church
- Medical School: Ben Carson School of Medicine
- Campus: Modern facilities equidistant between Lagos and Ibadan
4. Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Ado-Ekiti
Afe Babalola University leads in medicine, offering exceptional healthcare education and facilities. ABUAD stands out as one of Nigeria’s most affordable private universities, providing a comprehensive program in medicine and surgery with a well-equipped faculty and ample resources.
Key Features:
- Founded: 2009
- Location: Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
- Specialty: Medicine, Law, Engineering, Sciences
- Tuition Fees: ₦4.1 million to ₦6.3 million per session
- Founder: Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) – Renowned lawyer and philanthropist
- Hospital: Multi-system teaching hospital
- 2025 Admission: 2025/2026 admission process currently ongoing
5. Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos
Pan-Atlantic University excels in business programs, providing world-class business education. Located in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, the university offers strategic advantages for business and management education.
Key Features:
- Founded: 2002
- Location: Lagos State (Nigeria’s Commercial Hub)
- Specialty: Business, Management, Media, Philosophy
- Tuition Fees: ₦2 – ₦4 million per session
- Affiliation: Opus Dei
- Schools: Lagos Business School, School of Media and Communication
- Location Advantage: Heart of Nigeria’s business district
6. Landmark University, Omu-Aran
Landmark University represents innovation in agricultural education and technology, with a focus on practical, hands-on learning and modern farming techniques.
Key Features:
- Founded: 2014
- Location: Omu-Aran, Kwara State
- Specialty: Agriculture, Engineering, Sciences, Computing
- Tuition Fees: ₦800,000 – ₦1.5 million per session
- Focus: Innovation, Technology, and Practical Learning
- Campus: Modern agricultural research facilities and smart farms
- Programs: STEM-focused with emphasis on agricultural technology
7. Baze University, Abuja
Baze University leverages its strategic location in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory to provide excellent education with strong government and business connections.
Key Features:
- Founded: 2011
- Location: Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
- Specialty: Law, Business, Engineering, Medicine
- Tuition Fees: ₦1.2 – ₦2.5 million per session
- Location Advantage: Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory
- Campus: Modern facilities in purpose-built campus
- Programs: Focus on professional and technical education
8. Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja
Nile University, situated in Abuja, is unified by a dedication to delivering education of the utmost quality with tuition fees ranging from ₦310,860 – ₦1,500,000.
Key Features:
- Founded: 2009
- Location: Abuja, FCT
- Specialty: Engineering, Management, Computing
- Tuition Fees: ₦310,860 – ₦1,500,000 per session
- Faculties: Eight specialized faculties
9. Bowen University, Iwo
Key Features:
- Founded: 2001
- Location: Iwo, Osun State
- Specialty: Medicine, Sciences, Arts
- Tuition Fees: ₦600,000 – ₦1.2 million per session
- Affiliation: Nigerian Baptist Convention
10. Igbinedion University, Okada
Key Features:
- Founded: 1999 (First private university in Nigeria)
- Location: Okada, Edo State
- Specialty: Medicine, Law, Pharmacy
- Tuition Fees: ₦800,000 – ₦1.8 million per session
- Historical Significance: Pioneer private university
Tuition Fees Overview: Private Universities in Nigeria
Premium Tier Universities (₦2 – ₦6.3 Million)
- American University of Nigeria: ₦4.1 – ₦6.3 million
- Afe Babalola University: ₦4.1 – ₦6.3 million
- Pan-Atlantic University: ₦2 – ₦4 million
Mid-Range Universities (₦1 – ₦2.5 Million)
Many universities have tuition fees ranging from ₦937,500 to ₦1,002,500 per session, covering tuition, accommodation, meals, health insurance, and other student services.
- Covenant University: ₦1.5 – ₦3 million
- Babcock University: ₦1.5 – ₦1.7 million
- Landmark University: ₦800,000 – ₦1.5 million
Affordable Options (₦300,000 – ₦1.2 Million)
The average school fees of private universities in Nigeria range from ₦150,000 to ₦700,000, depending on the course.
- Nile University: ₦310,860 – ₦1.5 million
- Bowen University: ₦600,000 – ₦1.2 million
Admission Requirements for Top Private Universities
General Entry Requirements
O’Level Requirements:
- Minimum of 5 credits in SSCE/WAEC/NECO
- Must include English Language and Mathematics
- Relevant subjects for chosen course of study
- Maximum of two sittings accepted
UTME Requirements:
- JAMB UTME score (varies by university: 180-250+)
- Correct subject combination for intended course
- Age requirement (usually 16+ years)
Post-UTME/Screening:
- University-specific screening examinations
- Oral interviews (for some programs)
- Medical examinations (for health-related courses)
Program-Specific Requirements
Medicine and Health Sciences:
- UTME subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English
- Minimum JAMB score: 250+
- Strong science background essential
Engineering Programs:
- UTME subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, English
- Minimum JAMB score: 220+
- Strong mathematical foundation required
Business and Management:
- UTME subjects: Mathematics, Economics, English + one other
- Minimum JAMB score: 200+
- Commercial subjects advantage
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Private University
Academic Excellence Indicators
1. Accreditation Status
- NUC full accreditation for all programs
- Professional body recognition (NMC, NSE, ICAN, etc.)
- International partnerships and affiliations
2. Faculty Quality
- PhD-qualified lecturers ratio
- Industry experience of faculty members
- Research publications and citations
3. Graduate Outcomes
- Employment rates within 6 months of graduation
- Alumni success stories and achievements
- Industry partnerships and internship opportunities
Infrastructure and Facilities
Modern Learning Environment:
- Well-equipped libraries and digital resources
- State-of-the-art laboratories and workshops
- Reliable internet connectivity and e-learning platforms
- Modern hostels and recreational facilities
Specialized Facilities:
- Teaching hospitals (for medical schools)
- Engineering workshops and labs
- Business incubation centers
- Research institutes and centers of excellence
Financial Considerations
Total Cost of Education:
- Tuition fees per session
- Accommodation and feeding costs
- Textbooks and learning materials
- Personal expenses and miscellaneous fees
Payment Options:
- Installment payment plans
- Scholarship opportunities
- Financial aid and student loans
- Work-study programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is private university education worth the cost?
Yes, for many students. Private universities offer:
- Higher graduate employability rates
- Better facilities and smaller class sizes
- More reliable academic calendars
- Strong industry connections
- Personalized attention and mentorship
Can private university graduates compete with public university graduates?
Absolutely. Many employers prefer private university graduates due to:
- Practical skills and industry exposure
- Better communication abilities
- Professional attitude and work ethics
- Innovative thinking and problem-solving skills
Are there scholarship opportunities in private universities?
Yes, many private universities offer:
- Merit-based scholarships
- Need-based financial aid
- Alumni-sponsored scholarships
- International exchange scholarships
- Corporate-sponsored awards
