Nigeria’s private university sector has witnessed remarkable growth over the past two decades, emerging as a preferred choice for many seeking quality education, stable academic calendars, and modern facilities. While public universities grapple with overpopulation, funding challenges, and frequent industrial actions, private institutions offer an alternative, albeit at a significantly higher financial commitment. The fees charged by these institutions vary widely, with the top tier commanding prices that place them among the most expensive educational endeavors in the country.
These elite universities are often backed by influential individuals, powerful religious organizations, or robust corporate entities, each with a distinct vision for education and a capacity to invest substantially in infrastructure, faculty, and research. This article delves into the ownership structures of ten of Nigeria’s most expensive private universities and provides an insight into their approximate tuition fees for the 2024/2025 academic session. It is crucial to note that tuition fees are subject to change and often vary significantly across different courses, levels of study, and include or exclude other charges like accommodation, feeding, and registration fees. The figures presented here are approximations based on available data for the current or upcoming academic year and should be verified directly with the institutions.
1. Wigwe University, Rivers State
Owner: Wigwe University is a luxury educational institution founded by the late Dr. Herbert Wigwe, former CEO of Access Bank Plc. His vision was to create a world-class university that would rival Ivy League institutions globally, providing an environment conducive to academic excellence and leadership development. The university’s establishment reflects a significant private investment in Nigeria’s educational future, aiming to produce graduates capable of global leadership and entrepreneurship.
Approximate Annual Tuition (2024/2025): ₦12,000,000 Wigwe University currently holds the distinction of being Nigeria’s most expensive university. This substantial fee covers state-of-the-art facilities, a curriculum designed for global relevance, and access to international faculty, aligning with its ambitious goal of offering an Ivy League-standard education.
2. Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja
Owner: Nile University of Nigeria, established in 2009, has undergone a significant transformation in its ownership. In 2020, it was acquired by Honoris United Universities, a pan-African private higher education network supported by Actis Capital. This acquisition positioned Nile University within a larger international educational framework, leveraging a network of institutions across Africa to enhance its academic offerings and global competitiveness.
Approximate Annual Tuition (2024/2025): ₦2,700,000 – ₦6,500,000 The tuition fees at Nile University vary significantly depending on the course of study. Medical and health-related programs, such as Medicine & Surgery, tend to be the most expensive, reaching up to ₦6,500,000 per session. Other faculties like Law, Engineering, and Environmental Sciences typically range from ₦3,000,000 to ₦4,250,000. Science and Management Sciences generally fall within the ₦2,700,000 to ₦3,500,000 bracket.
3. Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
Owner: Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), founded in 2009, is the brainchild of the distinguished legal luminary and philanthropist, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN. Babalola’s motivation for establishing ABUAD stemmed from a profound desire to revolutionize Nigeria’s educational system by instilling discipline, integrity, and a commitment to service. He envisioned an institution that would produce graduates who are not only academically sound but also morally upright and globally competitive. His personal dedication and substantial investment underscore the university’s commitment to excellence.
Approximate Annual Tuition (2024/2025): ₦1,000,000 – ₦5,900,000 ABUAD’s fees are highly dependent on the program. The College of Medicine and Health Sciences, particularly Medicine and Surgery, commands the highest fees, potentially reaching up to ₦5,875,000 per session for returning students. Other medical fields like Nursing and Medical Laboratory Science are also on the higher end, around ₦2,600,000. Engineering and Law programs typically fall in the range of ₦1,700,000 to ₦2,000,000, while sciences and humanities generally have lower fees, starting from about ₦1,000,000.
4. Veritas University, Abuja
Owner: Veritas University, located in Abuja, is a private university established in 2007 by the Catholic Church in Nigeria. The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria initiated this university with the aim of providing high-quality tertiary education firmly rooted in the rich intellectual traditions and social teachings of the Catholic Church. The university emphasizes the pursuit of truth, moral values, and service to humanity, reflecting the Church’s long-standing commitment to education.
Approximate Annual Tuition (2024/2025): ₦941,000 – ₦3,613,000 Veritas University’s tuition fees vary significantly across its diverse range of programs. Like many other top institutions, the College of Medicine and Surgery carries the highest cost, with freshers paying around ₦3,613,000. Nursing and Pharmacy also fall into the higher bracket, reaching approximately ₦2,079,000. Law programs are similarly expensive, at around ₦2,059,000 for freshers. Other faculties like Engineering, Sciences, and Management Sciences range from about ₦1,000,000 to ₦1,300,000, with humanities and education programs generally being less expensive.
5. American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, Adamawa State
Owner: The American University of Nigeria (AUN) was founded in 2003 by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Abubakar’s vision for AUN was to create Africa’s first “Development University,” modeled after the American liberal arts education system. His aim was to establish an institution that not only provides academic knowledge but also focuses on practical solutions to regional challenges through a curriculum that emphasizes technology, entrepreneurship, and community development.
Approximate Annual Tuition (2024/2025): ₦1,372,000 – ₦5,550,000 AUN’s tuition fees are structured to reflect its American education model. For undergraduate programs, tuition can range from approximately ₦1,372,000 for the School of Social and Management Sciences to about ₦2,000,000 for Architecture. The School of Medicine (MBBS) is the most expensive, with tuition fees of around ₦5,550,000. These figures generally include tuition and certain administrative fees, but students should budget separately for accommodation, feeding, and other personal expenses.
6. Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State
Owner: Redeemer’s University, established in 2005, is owned by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), one of Nigeria’s largest and most influential Pentecostal denominations. The university’s establishment reflects the church’s commitment to providing holistic education that combines academic excellence with strong spiritual and moral development, aligning with the RCCG’s core values under the leadership of its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye.
Approximate Annual Tuition (2024/2025): ₦792,500 – ₦1,974,000 Redeemer’s University’s tuition fees vary across faculties. For the 2024/2025 academic session, Law is the most expensive program, with 100-level students paying approximately ₦1,960,500. Engineering programs (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, and Computer) are also relatively high, at about ₦1,369,000. Natural Sciences average around ₦1,020,000, while Management Sciences courses like Accounting and Business Administration are about ₦819,500. Humanities programs, including English and Philosophy, are generally the most affordable, around ₦792,500.
7. Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State
Owner: Bowen University, founded in 2001, is owned by the Nigerian Baptist Convention. The university’s establishment was driven by the Convention’s long-standing commitment to education and its desire to provide a university-level institution grounded in Christian principles. Bowen aims to produce graduates who are not only academically proficient but also of strong moral character, contributing positively to society through a faith-based educational framework.
Approximate Annual Tuition (2024/2025): ₦485,900 – ₦3,800,000 Bowen University’s tuition fees exhibit a wide range, primarily influenced by the faculty and specific program. Professional courses like Medicine and Surgery are among the highest, potentially reaching ₦3,800,000. Law programs are also significantly higher, at around ₦1,838,850. Other faculties such as Agriculture, Humanities, Social and Management Sciences, and Science and Science Education have varying fees, generally ranging from approximately ₦485,900 to ₦2,000,000, depending on the course and level of study.
8. Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State
Owner: Babcock University, established in 1999, is a private Christian co-educational university owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nigeria. Named after David C. Babcock, a pioneer missionary of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nigeria, the university emphasizes a holistic education that integrates faith and learning. Its mission is to produce graduates with strong ethical values, academic competence, and a commitment to service, reflecting the church’s global educational philosophy.
Approximate Annual Tuition (2024/2025): ₦700,000 – ₦4,000,000+ Babcock University’s tuition fees vary widely by program. While specific 2024/2025 figures for all courses might require direct inquiry, general indications place Medical programs (MBBS, Nursing) at the highest end, potentially exceeding ₦4,000,000 annually. Law and Engineering courses also command premium fees, often ranging from ₦2,000,000 to ₦3,000,000. Other programs in the sciences, humanities, and management sciences typically fall within the range of ₦700,000 to ₦1,500,000.
9. Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State
Owner: Lead City University, located in Ibadan, was established in 2005 and is privately owned. It was founded by Prof. Jide Owoeye, a distinguished academic and former university lecturer. The university’s establishment was aimed at providing quality education that is both theoretical and practical, preparing students for the demands of the modern workforce. Its entrepreneurial focus and diverse range of programs are central to its appeal.
Approximate Annual Tuition (2024/2025): ₦2,500,000 – ₦5,500,000 Lead City University’s tuition fees are relatively high across various disciplines. Programs in medical sciences, including Nursing and Medical Laboratory Science, and some engineering courses, typically range from ₦4,000,000 to ₦5,500,000. Social sciences, arts, and some management sciences can range from ₦2,500,000 to ₦3,500,000. It’s important to note that these figures often include accommodation and other statutory fees.
10. Benson Idahosa University (BIU), Benin City, Edo State
Owner: Benson Idahosa University (BIU), founded in 2002, is a private Christian university owned by the Church of God Mission International (CGMI). The university was established in honor of its founder, the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa, a renowned Pentecostal evangelist. BIU is rooted in Christian values and emphasizes academic discipline, entrepreneurial skills, and moral uprightness, aiming to develop individuals who are intellectually and spiritually sound.
Approximate Annual Tuition (2024/2025): ₦1,500,000 – ₦3,000,000+ Benson Idahosa University’s tuition fees generally fall within the mid-to-high range for private universities in Nigeria. While precise 2024/2025 figures for all courses are not readily available, programs such as Law and Medicine often have the highest fees, potentially exceeding ₦3,000,000. Engineering, Natural Sciences, and some Management Science courses typically range from ₦1,500,000 to ₦2,500,000. The university’s fees usually cover tuition, accommodation, and some other charges, but prospective students should always confirm the breakdown of costs directly with the institution.
