You’re ready to go to the University. You’re about to write the JAMB and WAEC exams, and you want to know the best universities to select.
In this article, we’ll uncover the top 10 private universities in Nigeria. These universities have been listed based on their academic excellence and student ratings.
So if you would like to study in a private university, consider one of these top 10 private universities in Nigeria.
Table of Content
What are Private Universities?
Private universities are tertiary institutions that are owned, funded, and managed by individuals, religious organizations, or corporate bodies rather than the government. They operate independently but are regulated by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in Nigeria.
Some examples of private universities in Nigeria are Covenant University, African University of Science and Technology, and Afe Babalola University.
Private universities often have higher school fees than public (government) universities. One reason for this is that private universities do not receive financial support from the government; instead, they rely entirely on tuition fees and private donations. In contrast, public universities have subsidized fees because the government funds them, making higher education accessible to the general public.
Another reason private universities can be costly is because they offer high-quality education, modern facilities, and a conducive learning environment, which are catered for by the tuition fees.
Before gaining admission to the higher institution, there is a milestone to cross: the JAMB exam. Please see our post on the JAMB registration details if you haven’t taken yours yet. You can also explore how to check your JAMB exam result and other JAMB exam requirements and important dates.
Top 10 Private Universities in Nigeria
As of 2025, the top 10 private universities in Nigeria (in no particular order) are:
- Covenant University
- Bingham University
- Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria
- Babcock University
- Afe Babalola University
- Bowen University
- Baze University
- Redeemer’s University
- African University of Science and Technology
- Nile University of Nigeria
- Bingham University
Let’s learn a few things about these top private universities in Nigeria.
1. Covenant University
High on the list of the top 10 private universities in Nigeria is Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State. Founded by Pastor David Oyedepo, the General Overseer of Living Faith Church, Covenant University ranked No. 4 University in Africa and No. 1 University in West Africa (Times Higher Education: THEWUR2020).
Also read: WAEC Timetable 2025 | Requirements and Date
2. Bingham University
Located in Karu, FCT-Abuja, Bingham University was founded by ECWA with a mission to provide high-quality and morally sound tertiary education. The University currently offers 80 undergraduate/postgraduate programs and has successfully graduated 6,000+ students.
3. Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria
Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria is located in Kano state, offering 22 undergraduate programs in 5 departments: Health Sciences, Nursing, Computing, Law, and Social & Management Sciences. The school was established in 2021 by Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo and named in honor of H.E. Hajia Maryam Abacha, a former first lady of Nigeria.
4. Babcock University
Babcock University is owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church and was initially known as Adventist College of West Africa (ACWA). Located in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, the institution has earned an award as the Best Private University in Africa.
Also read: Professional Courses in Nigeria
5. Afe Babalola University
Afe Babalola University, popularly known as ABUAD, is located in Ado-Ekiti and boasts of 5 colleges for undergraduates, namely the College of Law, the College of Sciences, the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, the College of Engineering and the College of Social and Management Sciences. They also offer pre-degree and foundational courses in these colleges.
6. Bowen University
With over 5,000 students, Bowen University is another visionary institution on the list of top 10 private universities in Nigeria. It was established by the Nigerian Baptist Convention and is located at Iwo, Osun State. The faculties at Bowen University include the College of Law, the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, the College of Management and Social Sciences, the College of Health Sciences, the College of Liberal Studies, the College of Computing and Communication Studies, and the College of Environmental Sciences.
7. Baze University
Founded by Sen. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, Baze University is located on Jabi Airport Road, Abuja. The institution has 43 accredited undergraduate programs and boasts of excellence and conducive learning. They also offer graduate programs in Law, Chemistry, Animal and Environmental Science, Business Administration, Public Administration, Mass Communication, and other interesting fields.
Also read: 4 Years Science Courses in Nigeria
8. Redeemer’s University
Redeemer’s University is located in Ede, Osun State, and owned by the Redeemed Christian Church of God. The National Universities Commission awarded the University the 2nd Overall Best University in Nigeria in 2021. They also received the Nigeria Technology Awards for Excellence in Adopting Emerging Technologies (Private University). Redeemer’s University operates 5 faculties: the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, the Faculty of Natural Sciences, the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, and the Faculty of Humanities.
9. African University of Science and Technology
The African University of Science and Technology, popularly referred to as AUST, is a Pan-African University located in Abuja. It makes the list of top 10 private universities in Nigeria for its academic excellence and technology-driven learning. They offer both undergraduate and postgraduate studies across all science and tech disciplines, including Space & Aerospace Sciences.
10: Nile University of Nigeria
Nile University of Nigeria is located in Abuja. Founded in 2007, the institution runs a Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Sciences, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Computing, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Management Sciences, Faculty of Environmental Sciences and College of Health Sciences.
Also read: University of Abuja Courses
Top 10 Private Universities in Nigeria and Their Fees
In this section, we’ll uncover just how expensive private universities can be by discussing the top 10 private universities in Nigeria and their fees.
The school fees for each institution vary based on an applicant’s course of study. However, we have provided a range per school: from the lowest tuition fees to the highest tuition, for both national and international students.
| NO | Top 10 Best Private Universities in Nigeria | Lowest Tuition | Highest Tuition |
| 1. | Covenant University Tuition Page | ₦1,210,375 | ₦1,456,000 |
| 2. | Bingham University Tuition Page | ₦380,000 | ₦2,980,000 |
| 3. | Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria Tuition Page | ₦1,372,000 | ₦5,550,000 |
| 4. | Babcock University Tuition Page | ₦813,036.90 | ₦1,187,338.80 |
| 5. | Afe Babalola University Tuition Page | ₦1,114,500 | ₦4,670,000 |
| 6. | Bowen University Tuition Page | ₦485,900 | ₦2,999,500 |
| 7. | Baze University Tuition Page | ₦2,994,750 | ₦5,025,000 |
| 8. | Redeemer’s University Tuition Page | ₦804,000 | ₦1,960,500 |
| 9. | African University of Science and Technology Tuition Page | ₦1,500,000 | ₦1,500,000 |
| 10. | Nile University of Nigeria Tuition Page | ₦2,600,000 | ₦5,950,000 |
It is pertinent to state that the amounts mentioned in the table above are tuition fees only: they do not include accommodation, books, feeding, and other additional fees. You can visit each school’s website to find out more about additional payments outside the tuition.
Tuition fees are also subject to increment as the schools deem fit. However, as of now, these are the current ranges.
Also read: National Open University Courses and Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
The cheapest Private University in Nigeria 2025 is Oduduwa University Ipetumodu in Osun State Oduduwa University, Osun State, with its tuition ranging from ₦98,000 to ₦150,000.
In no particular order, the top 10 best private universities in Nigeria are Covenant University, Landmark University, Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Babcock University, Afe Babalola University, Bowen University, Baze University, Redeemer’s University, African University of Science and Technology, Nile University of Nigeria, and Bingham University
According to the Ad Scientific Index ranking 2025, the top 5 private universities in Nigeria are Covenant University, Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Redeemer’s University, Afe Babalola University, and Landmark University.
The most expensive university in Nigeria in 2025 is Wigwe University, Rivers State, with a tuition fee of N12m, which covers accommodation.
There are many universities with beautiful campuses in Nigeria. Top on the list, in no particular order, are Obafemi Awolowo University, Baze University, Nile University, and Covenant University.
Conclusion: Welcome to the Higher Institution!
University life is quite different from secondary school life. But with adequate preparation and thorough concentration, you can ace your exams and overcome all obstacles with flying colors.
So welcome to the higher institution! We hope by now you’ve made your choice from the top 10 private universities in Nigeria. But if you’re still unsure, don’t worry. Take your time to preview all the options and make the best choice. Remember, your choice determines where you’ll be learning for the next four years, at least. We wish you all the best!
Before you go, you might want to check out some of the recommended posts. Furthermore, stay connected to this page for more access to the latest school updates.
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References
- Adscientificindex.com – Nigeria 121 Private Universities Rankings 2025
- Businessday.ng – Here are Nigeria’s 20 affordable private universities in 2025
- Punchng.com – 15 most expensive Nigerian universities
- Backtoschool.com.ng – Baze University School Fees for all Courses 2025/2026
- Myschoolgist.com – AUST School Fees for Undergraduates 2023/2024
