Lagos is one of the most competitive places to study in Nigeria, so choosing among the private universities in Lagos is usually about fit, not hype. Some schools lean heavily into business and media, others focus on tech, health sciences, or a tight residential campus experience.
In this guide, you will see verified private options with real Lagos campuses (not just an office address), what they offer, and a realistic look at private universities in Lagos fees so you can plan properly.
Comparison Table of Private Universities in Lagos
| University Name | Fees (per session) | Impact Score (0 to 100) |
|---|---|---|
| Pan-Atlantic University (Lekki axis) | ₦4,000,000 to ₦6,500,000 | 86 |
| Nigerian University of Technology and Management, NUTM (Apapa) | ₦2,000,000 tuition plus about ₦500,000 accommodation | 80 |
| Caleb University (Ikorodu) | ₦500,000 to ₦1,500,000 | 72 |
| Augustine University (Epe) | ₦1,200,000 to ₦1,800,000 | 74 |
| Anchor University (Ayobo, Ipaja) | ₦507,500 to ₦1,293,025 | 70 |
| Trinity University (Yaba) | ₦746,000 to ₦1,506,000 | 71 |
| Eko University of Medicine and Health Sciences, EkoUNIMED (Ojo, Badagry Expressway) | ₦5,519,750 to ₦6,519,750 | 78 |
| Maranatha University Lagos (Lekki plus Okota for some early years) | about ₦250,000 to ₦450,000 | 66 |
Top Private Universities in Lagos
1. Pan-Atlantic University (PAU)
Pan-Atlantic is often the first name people mention when they talk about private universities in Lagos with strong industry credibility, especially for business, media, and the kind of professional polish that helps graduates stand out in Lagos hiring markets.
Its location also works well for students who want access to Lekki, Ajah, and Victoria Island networks without living inside mainland traffic daily. It is best for students who value internships, modern campus culture, and programs tied to real corporate demand.
- Address: Km 52 Lekki Epe Expressway, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State
- What they offer: Undergraduate programs across business and social sciences, media and communication, and other demand-driven areas, plus strong professional units (business school and executive education) that shape campus culture
- Why choose them:
- Strong reputation signals and consistent visibility in Nigeria’s private university space
- Practical, industry-facing training culture that fits Lagos corporate expectations
- Better internship and mentorship chances because of proximity to major business hubs (Lekki and Victoria Island axis)
- Clear student support structure and professional environment
- Good facilities and learning environment compared to many newer schools
- Requirements:
- UTME with required subjects for your course (check departmental subject combination)
- Minimum of five O Level credits including English and Mathematics (plus course-specific credits)
- Post UTME or internal screening as announced by the school
- Direct Entry: A Level, IJMB, JUPEB, or relevant diploma plus O Level requirements
- Fees: ₦4,000,000 to ₦6,500,000 per session (range based on latest publicly shared schedules, varies by course and year; confirm with admissions for the current session)
See Also: 7 Best Private Universities in Oyo State (Ibadan, Oyo town)
2. Nigerian University of Technology and Management (NUTM)
NUTM is a newer, high-intensity tech and management focused university built for Lagos students who want a modern, global style learning structure.
Its Apapa location makes it accessible from places like Surulere, Festac, and even parts of Ikeja if you plan your movement well. It is best for students who want a tech-forward degree with strong career support and a structured learning culture.
- Address: NUTM Campus, 6 Freetown Road, Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria
- What they offer: Undergraduate tech and computing aligned programs, with a strong emphasis on applied skills, projects, and industry mindset; the school also runs postgraduate and professional learning tracks
- Why choose them:
- Very focused program identity in tech and management, not a “too many courses” model
- Strong signals of modern learning environment and structure
- Good graduate outcome signals for students targeting tech roles, product, and digital business
- Clear brand positioning and strong visibility for a newer institution
- Lagos location that supports industry exposure, especially for internships and tech communities
- Requirements:
- UTME with the right subject combination for computing and tech aligned courses
- Five O Level credits including English, Mathematics, and core science subjects depending on program
- Screening or interview process where applicable
- Direct Entry: relevant A Level or equivalent plus O Level requirements
- Fees: Tuition about ₦2,000,000 per year, accommodation about ₦500,000 (latest brochure mentions; treat as indicative and confirm current session)
3. Caleb University
Caleb University is one of the more established Lagos private university options and is known for a structured school culture and steady academic calendar.
The campus is in Ikorodu, which works well for families around Ikorodu, Ketu, Mile 12, and even parts of mainland Lagos that prefer a calmer environment than central Lagos. It is best for students who want stability, a wide course mix, and a traditional campus experience inside Lagos State.
- Address: Imota, Ikorodu, Lagos State (Caleb University campus area)
- What they offer: Multiple faculties and degree options across sciences, social sciences, management, and other mainstream programs, with a campus environment designed for full-time undergraduates
- Why choose them:
- More established private university structure within Lagos State
- Program breadth for students who want options beyond a single niche
- Stable academic environment and structured student life
- Useful for families that prefer Ikorodu axis rather than Lekki or Badagry movement
- Recognizable private university name for employers familiar with Lagos institutions
- Requirements:
- UTME with the correct subject combination for your course
- Five O Level credits including English and Mathematics (plus course-specific credits)
- Post UTME or internal screening as announced
- Direct Entry: A Level, IJMB, JUPEB, NCE, or ND (where applicable) plus O Level requirements
- Fees: ₦500,000 to ₦1,500,000 per session (range varies widely by course and level; confirm with the school for exact current figures)
4. Augustine University, Ilara Epe
Augustine University is a calmer, residential style choice in Lagos State, located in the Epe area, which appeals to families who want a focused environment away from the noise of Ikeja and central mainland.
It suits students who learn better in a quieter setting while still being in Lagos State and not too far from the Lekki Epe corridor. It is best for students who want structure, values-driven campus culture, and a strong learning routine.
- Address: Ilara Epe, Epe, Lagos State (PMB 1010, Epe, Lagos State)
- What they offer: Undergraduate programs across sciences, humanities, management, and social sciences, with student support services designed for a residential environment
- Why choose them:
- Quiet campus location that supports focus and discipline
- Good for parents who want a residential, guided campus environment
- Program mix that fits common Nigerian degree demand
- Lagos State location with access to Lekki Epe corridor when needed
- Clear campus lifestyle and structured academic culture
- Requirements:
- UTME with required subjects for your course
- Five O Level credits including English and Mathematics (plus course-specific credits)
- Screening exercises as announced by the university
- Direct Entry: A Level or equivalent plus O Level requirements
- Fees: ₦1,200,000 to ₦1,800,000 per session (range based on publicly available fee breakdowns outside the restricted PDF; confirm current session directly with admissions)
Related: List of Approved Nursing Schools in Lagos with Fees & Cut Off Mark
5. Anchor University, Ayobo Ipaja
Anchor University is one of the better-known private universities near Ikeja and Alausa areas because of its Ayobo Ipaja location, which is easier for mainland families than Lekki schools.
The school has built visibility through practical programs and steady admissions information. It is best for students who want a Lagos mainland friendly private university in Lagos with a clear fee structure published by program.
- Address: Ayobo Road, Ipaja, Lagos State (Ayobo Ipaja axis)
- What they offer: Undergraduate programs across sciences, social sciences, management, and selected health related tracks, with an emphasis on structured learning and practical outcomes
- Why choose them:
- Mainland accessible location, convenient for families around Ikeja, Egbeda, and Ikotun
- Clearer fee transparency than many similar schools because totals are published by program
- Growing program relevance, including health related offerings that many students now chase
- Structured admissions guidance and student support messaging
- Better cost control compared to the most expensive Lagos private options
- Requirements:
- UTME with correct subjects for the chosen program
- Five O Level credits including English and Mathematics (plus course-specific credits)
- Post UTME or screening as announced
- Direct Entry: A Level or recognized diploma plus O Level requirements
- Fees: ₦507,500 to ₦1,293,025 per session (latest published totals vary by course and level; confirm if amounts include accommodation and other compulsory charges for your program)
6. Trinity University, Yaba
Trinity University is one of the most location-friendly private options in Lagos because it sits in Yaba, close to the city’s education and tech heartbeat. If you want private universities near Yaba, Unilag axis, or even areas like Surulere and Maryland, this is a practical choice.
It is best for students who value city access, smaller campus culture, and programs like Nursing that many Lagos families now prioritize.
- Address: Yaba, Lagos State (Trinity University city campus area)
- What they offer: Degree programs across sciences, management, and health aligned courses, with growing visibility for Nursing Science
- Why choose them:
- Strong Lagos mainland access, especially for students commuting from Surulere, Yaba, and Mushin side
- Programs aligned to current demand, including health related tracks
- Clear published fee structure by faculty which improves planning
- Smaller campus style that can work for students who prefer a more guided environment
- Visibility and reputation signals helped by being in Yaba’s academic ecosystem
- Requirements:
- UTME with correct subject combination for your course
- Five O Level credits including English and Mathematics (plus course-specific credits)
- Screening or post UTME as announced
- Direct Entry: A Level or recognized diploma plus O Level requirements
- Fees: ₦746,000 to ₦1,506,000 per session (freshers totals vary by program; confirm current session and whether hostel is optional for your category)
7. Eko University of Medicine and Health Sciences (EkoUNIMED)
EkoUNIMED is a specialized medical university and one of the clearest examples of why some private universities in Lagos are expensive. Its campus sits along the Lagos Badagry Expressway axis, which works for families around Ojo, Ijanikin, Festac, and parts of Badagry movement.
It is best for students who are serious about health sciences and can handle a premium fee model tied to medical training costs.
- Address: Km 28, Lagos Badagry Express, Ojo, Lagos 102101, Lagos State
- What they offer: Medical and health sciences focused training with a specialized campus model, designed around professional health education
- Why choose them:
- Specialized focus can mean stronger facilities attention for health programs
- Clear and transparent fee schedule published for new students (rare among newer schools)
- Strong relevance for students targeting clinical and health careers
- Lagos location helps with exposure to major health ecosystems and training networks
- Clear institutional identity rather than a scattered course list
- Requirements:
- UTME with correct science subject combination (typically Biology, Chemistry, Physics plus English depending on program)
- Five O Level credits including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics for most health pathways
- Screening exercises and medical fitness requirements where applicable
- Direct Entry: relevant advanced science qualifications plus O Level requirements
- Fees: ₦5,519,750 to ₦6,519,750 per session for newly admitted students (2025/2026 fee schedule; totals include tuition and other educational charges plus accommodation as listed)
8. Maranatha University Lagos
Maranatha University positions itself as a Lagos private university option that tries to keep entry cost friendly on many non-clinical programs, while still offering professional courses that can be pricier.
The school operates across Lekki and Okota for some programs and levels, which can be helpful if you live around Okota, Oshodi, or even Festac and want a closer early year arrangement.
It is best for students and parents looking for flexible payment culture and a Lagos based private university with multiple faculty options.
- Address: Lekki, Lagos State (with Okota used for some early years and specific programs as indicated by the school)
- What they offer: A broad list of NUC accredited programs across management, sciences, engineering, and health aligned tracks, with a payment structure that can be flexible depending on program
- Why choose them:
- Payment flexibility signals that can help families budgeting term by term
- Multi-campus structure that may reduce transport stress for some students in early years
- Broad course list that offers options for students still deciding their career path
- Lagos location with access to Lekki axis opportunities for networking and exposure
- Publicly visible admissions messaging and program marketing materials
- Requirements:
- UTME with required subject combination for chosen program
- Five O Level credits including English and Mathematics (plus course-specific credits)
- Screening and documentation checks as announced
- Direct Entry: A Level, JUPEB, IJMB, or equivalent plus O Level requirements
- Fees: Varies widely by program. Some published low fee claims place certain programs around ₦250,000 to ₦450,000, while clinical and professional programs can be higher; confirm with admissions for your exact program and campus level
Cheapest Private Universities in Lagos
When this guide says “cheapest,” it means the lowest published tuition or the lowest typical fee ranges that are consistently shown publicly, not a one-time promo or a rumor from a student group chat.
In Lagos, cheap private universities in Lagos are usually the schools that (1) are newer, (2) have fewer high-cost clinical programs, or (3) intentionally run a low-fee strategy to attract volume.
If you are searching for private universities in Lagos fees that will not crush your budget, these are the most realistic starting points.
- Maranatha University Lagos: Some programs are publicly positioned around ₦250,000 to ₦450,000, which can suit families that want a private university in Lagos experience without the premium pricing. It may be a better fit for non-clinical programs where facility cost is lower.
- Anchor University: With published totals as low as about ₦507,500 on certain programs and levels, it is one of the more budget-controlled private universities in Lagos mainland areas. It suits students who want a practical Lagos campus without paying Lekki premium fees.
- Caleb University: While the exact figure depends heavily on course, publicly available ranges often place some programs around mid-tier pricing compared to Lekki based schools. It suits Ikorodu and mainland families that prefer a stable, established campus.
Most Expensive Private Universities in Lagos
The most expensive private universities in Lagos usually charge more for three reasons: expensive facilities (labs and clinical infrastructure), high-cost programs like Medicine and Nursing, and a premium campus model with strong branding or residential services.
If you are specifically looking for the most expensive private universities in Lagos, these are the ones in this guide with the highest published totals.
- EkoUNIMED: ₦5,519,750 to ₦6,519,750 for newly admitted students (2025/2026). The cost reflects the reality of medical and health sciences infrastructure plus the bundled educational charges and accommodation listed.
- Pan-Atlantic University: ₦4,000,000 to ₦6,500,000 (range). The price is tied to premium learning environment signals, strong professional culture, and a brand positioned toward high-end outcomes in business and media ecosystems.
- NUTM: Tuition about ₦2,000,000 per year plus about ₦500,000 accommodation. It is expensive because it is a modern, niche, tech-first institution with a high-structure delivery model and a premium student experience.
- Trinity University (top-end programs): Up to about ₦1,506,000 on published freshers totals for certain programs. In a city like Lagos, health aligned and resource-heavy programs typically push the fee upward even within the same institution.
FAQs About Private University in Lagos
How many private universities are in Lagos State?
Lagos State has multiple private universities, including specialized and newer institutions, and the list changes as new approvals happen, so always cross-check with the latest NUC approved list.
Which are the best private universities in Lagos for business and media?
For business and media, Pan-Atlantic University is a popular choice because of its strong professional culture and industry-facing learning model in the Lekki corridor.
What is the cheapest private university in Lagos?
“Cheapest” depends on course and year, but some Lagos private universities publicly position certain programs in the low hundreds of thousands, while others start around half a million and above.
Do private universities in Lagos accept two sittings in WAEC or NECO?
Many accept two sittings, but it depends on the university and course; competitive programs may prefer one sitting, so confirm with admissions for your chosen department.
Are there private universities in Lagos that offer Nursing?
Yes. Some Lagos based private universities have Nursing Science options, but Nursing approval can be program-specific, so verify with the relevant professional body list and the school’s department updates.
Can I study Medicine in a private university in Lagos?
Yes, but options are limited and the fees are typically premium because Medicine requires heavy facilities, clinical training structure, and strict accreditation demands.
Do private universities near Lekki cost more than mainland schools?
Often, yes. The Lekki and Victoria Island ecosystem can drive higher operating costs and premium positioning, but the exact difference depends on the school’s facilities and program mix.
Is it better to choose a private university in Lagos or a private university near Lagos?
If daily commuting and city access matter, a Lagos campus can save stress and cost over time. If you want quieter residential focus, a school near Lagos may feel more stable for study.
What should I look for before paying acceptance and school fees?
Confirm the current session fee schedule, what the total includes (tuition, accommodation, medicals, ICT, lab), refund rules, and whether your program has full accreditation status updates.
Conclusion
Choosing among the private universities in Lagos is easiest when you decide what matters most: location, program strength, campus culture, and how predictable your costs will be. If you want premium business and industry exposure, PAU and NUTM stand out, while schools like Anchor and Trinity can be more balanced for mainland access and budgeting.
For health sciences, EkoUNIMED clearly shows what premium medical education looks like in Lagos State pricing. No matter which you pick, verify your program’s current fee schedule and admissions requirements before paying, because private universities in Lagos can change policies quickly from session to session.