The first private university licensed in Nigeria, Igbinedion University, welcomed its first batch of students in 1999. Since then, more private universities have penetrated the Nigerian higher education market.
These private higher education institutions are not operated, owned, or institutionally funded by governments. Rather, they are owned by individuals, corporate bodies, and religious institutions.
As a result of this, private universities do not benefit from education grants from the government, such as the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), set aside to subsidise education as is the case with government-owned institutions.
This means private universities have to generate sufficient revenue through tuition fees and other streams of income to cover operations cost with some profit margin so that they can keep their doors open to students.
Here are the top 10 most expensive private universities in Nigeria in annual tuition fees.
Baze University, Abuja
Tuition: ₦2,722,500 – ₦3,025,000
Baze University is a private tertiary institution in Abuja, Nigeria. It was founded in 2011 and offers basic standard university education. The university received its provisional licence from the National Universities Commission (NUC) on March 7, 2011. Since then, it has grown into one of the most sought-after institutions in Nigeria.
Skyline University, Kano
Tuition: N2,500,000 – N3,000,000
As a distinct world-class private university, Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) offers courses in both Arts and Sciences, through the Schools of Art, Management and Social Sciences (SAMSS), School of Science and Information Technology (SSIT) and the School of Basic Medical Sciences (SBMS).
Primarily, the goal of the university is to be recognised both locally and internationally as the citadel of academic excellence. The university boasts of quality staff and faculty members drawn from different parts of the world.
Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja
Tuition: ₦2,400,000 – ₦5,750,000
The Nile University of Nigeria is a private multidisciplinary university founded in 2009. It is located in Abuja and is a member of the Honoris United Universities Network. The institution currently has six faculties and offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programmes.
Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos
Tuition: ₦2,312,500 – ₦2,835,000
The Pan-Atlantic University was founded in 1991. At the time, it was known as the Lagos Business School. In 2002, the institution received its charter following its federal approval to operate as a private higher education institution. The institution’s Ajah Campus was completed in 2003, and its Ibeju-Lekki campus a few years later.
African University of Science & Technology, Abuja
Tuition: N1,200,000 – N2,800,000
The African University of Science and Technology is a private university which is part of a university system concept developed by the Nelson Mandela Institution (NMI, Inc.). NMI’s goal was and remains the creation of world class research and advanced training institutes in relevant scientific and technological disciplines which would serve as regional resources and centres of excellence in sub-Saharan Africa. It was established in 2007.
American University of Nigeria, Adamawa
Tuition: ₦1,850,000 – ₦2,660,000
The American University of Nigeria (AUN) is a private university located in Yola, the capital of Adamawa, Nigeria. The institution offers American-style undergraduate, graduate, and professional education. The university currently has over 1,500 students and is credited with being Africa’s first development-oriented university. AUN is also one of Nigeria’s most expensive universities in terms of annual tuition fees.
Covenant University, Ogun
Tuition: ₦937,500 – ₦1,002,500
Covenant University (CU) is a Nigerian private university in Ota, Ogun State. The institution was founded by David Oyedepo and opened its doors on October 21, 2002. Since then, it has risen into one of the best Nigerian universities. At some point, it became the first Nigerian university to be ranked in the 401-500 category of world universities by Times Higher Education.
Landmark University, Kwara
Tuition: N900,000 to N2,500,000
Landmark University is a private Christian university established, owned, and operated by the Living Faith Church Worldwide. The institution is located in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria. In 2014, Landmark University was ranked among the top five universities in Nigeria by Webometrics.
Afe Babalola University, Ekiti
Tuition: ₦800,000 – ₦2,500,000
Afe Babalola University, commonly known as ABUAD, is a private university located in Ado-Ekiti. It was founded in 2009 by the renowned Nigerian lawyer and philanthropist Afe Babalola. The institution has numerous academic programs grouped under its six colleges. Its school of engineering is quite famous and is reputed to be one of the biggest in Africa.
Bowen University, Osun
Tuition: ₦485,900 – ₦2,999,500
Bowen University is a Nigerian private Baptist university owned and operated by the Nigerian Baptist Convention. The institution is located in Iwo, Osun State. Its main campus is housed in an expansive 1,300-acre campus of the Baptist College, one of the most popular teacher training institutions in Nigeria.
