Private universities can offer structured calendars, smaller classes and specialised facilities, but the price and quality vary widely. A polished advert cannot tell you whether the exact course is approved or whether the full cost is affordable.
This guide to private universities in Nigeria helps families compare recognised institutions, course approval, fees and campus rules before paying an application charge.
Full List of Private Universities in Nigeria
The live NUC Nigerian University System register currently lists 182 private-owned universities. The table below reproduces every institution in that ownership category, with the state and establishment year shown by NUC.
Private Universities in Nigeria should be shortlisted by course, not by name alone. After finding a school in the table, confirm that the intended programme is accredited and that the current admission notice matches your qualifications.
| University | State | Established |
|---|---|---|
| Amadeus University, Amizi, Abia State | Abia | 2023 |
| Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State | Abia | 2012 |
| Clifford University, Owerrinta, Abia State | Abia | 2016 |
| Spiritan University, Nneochi, Abia State | Abia | 2017 |
| Nigerian British University, Asa, Abia State | Abia | 2022 |
| Lux Mundi University, Umuahia, Abia State | Abia | 2023 |
| American University of Nigeria, Yola, Adamawa State | Adamawa | 2003 |
| Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State | Akwa Ibom | 2025 |
| Obong University Obong Ntak, Akwa Ibom State | Akwa Ibom | 2007 |
| Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State | Akwa Ibom | 2015 |
| Topfaith University, Mkpatak, Akwa-Ibom State | Akwa Ibom | 2021 |
| Transatlantic University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Umuchukwu | Anambara | 2026 |
| University on the Niger, Umunya, Anambra State | Anambra | 2023 |
| Shanahan University, Onitsha, Anambra State | Anambra | 2023 |
| Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State | Anambra | 1999 |
| Tansian University, Umunya, Anambra State | Anambra | 2007 |
| Paul University, Awka, Anambra State | Anambra | 2009 |
| Legacy University, Okija, Anambra State | Anambra | 2016 |
| Peter University, Achina-Onneh, Anambra State | Anambra | 2022 |
| Hensard University, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State | Bayelsa | 2023 |
| University of Mkar, Mkar, Benue State | Benue | 2005 |
| Al-Ansar University, Maiduguri, Borno State | Borno | 2022 |
| British Canadian University, Obudu, Cross River State | Cross River | 2023 |
| The Duke Medical University Calabar, Cross River State | Cross River | 2023 |
| Pearl University, Calabar | Cross River | 2026 |
| Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo, Cross River State | Cross River | 2016 |
| Havilla University, Nde-Ikom, Cross River State | Cross River | 2021 |
| Godday Erewa University, Sapele | Delta | 2026 |
| Novena University, Ogume, Delta State | Delta | 2005 |
| Western Delta University, Oghara, Delta State | Delta | 2007 |
| Michael & Cecilia Ibru University, Owhode, Delta State | Delta | 2015 |
| Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, Delta State | Delta | 2015 |
| Margaret Lawrence University, Galilee, Delta State | Delta | 2022 |
| Sports University, Idumuje, Ugboko, Delta State | Delta | 2022 |
| Euston University, Abakaliki | Ebonyi | 2026 |
| Evangel University, Akaeze, Ebonyi State | Ebonyi | 2012 |
| Lighthouse University, Evbuobanosa, Edo State | Edo | 2024 |
| Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin City, Edo State | Edo | 2025 |
| Adeche Momoh University, Igarra | Edo | 2026 |
| Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State | Edo | 1999 |
| Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Edo State | Edo | 2002 |
| Wellspring University, Evbuobanosa, Edo State | Edo | 2009 |
| Glorious Vision University (formerly Samuel Adegboyega University), Ogwa, Edo State | Edo | 2011 |
| Mudiame University, Irrua, Edo State | Edo | 2021 |
| Hillside University of Science and Technology, Okemesi Ekiti, Ekiti State | Ekiti | 2023 |
| Venite University Iloro -Ekiti, Ekiti State | Ekiti | 2023 |
| High-Flyers University, Ikere-Ekiti | Ekiti | 2026 |
| Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti – Ekiti State | Ekiti | 2007 |
| Maduka University, Ekwegbe – Nsukka, Enugu State | Enugu | 2023 |
| Peaceland University, Enugu, Enugu State | Enugu | 2023 |
| Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo, Enugu State | Enugu | 2025 |
| Caritas University, Enugu, Enugu State | Enugu | 2005 |
| Renaissance University, Enugu, Enugu State | Enugu | 2005 |
| Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu-Nike, Enugu State | Enugu | 2007 |
| Coal City University, Enugu, Enugu State | Enugu | 2016 |
| Canadian University of Nigeria, Abuja, FCT | FCT Abuja | 2023 |
| Miva Open University, Abuja, FCT | FCT Abuja | 2023 |
| Cosmopolitan University, Abuja, FCT | FCT Abuja | 2023 |
| Amaj University, Abuja, FCT | FCT Abuja | 2023 |
| Prime University, Abuja, FCT | FCT Abuja | 2023 |
| Al-Muhibbah Open University, Abuja, FCT | FCT Abuja | 2023 |
| African School of Economics, FCT, Abuja | FCT Abuja | 2024 |
| Eranova University, Mabushi, Abuja | FCT Abuja | 2025 |
| Leadership University, Abuja | FCT Abuja | 2025 |
| City University, Abuja | FCT Abuja | 2026 |
| Ummah University of Nigeria, Abuja | FCT Abuja | 2026 |
| Veritas University, Abuja, FCT | FCT Abuja | 2006 |
| African University of Science & Technology, Abuja, FCT | FCT Abuja | 2007 |
| Nile University of Nigeria, FCT Abuja | FCT Abuja | 2009 |
| Baze University, FCT Abuja | FCT Abuja | 2011 |
| Philomath University, Kuje, Abuja | FCT Abuja | 2021 |
| European University of Nigeria, Duboyi, Abuja, FCT | FCT Abuja | 2022 |
| Jewel University, Gombe, Gombe State | Gombe | 2023 |
| North Eastern University Gombe, Gombe State | Gombe | 2022 |
| Bridget University Mbaise, Okirika-Nweke, Imo State | Imo | 2025 |
| Azione Verde University, Amaigbo, Imo State | Imo | 2025 |
| Maria Assumpta University, Owerri | Imo | 2026 |
| Hezekiah University, Umudi, Imo State | Imo | 2015 |
| Claretian University of Nigeria, Nekede, Imo State | Imo | 2021 |
| Franco British International University, Kaduna, Kaduna State | Kaduna | 2023 |
| College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna, Kaduna State | Kaduna | 2023 |
| Tazkiyah University, Kaduna | Kaduna | 2025 |
| Omega University, Kaduna | Kaduna | 2026 |
| Greenfield University, Kasarami-Kaduna, Kaduna State | Kaduna | 2019 |
| Azman University, Kano, Kano State | Kano | 2023 |
| Elrazi University of Medical Sciences, Kano, Kano State | Kano | 2023 |
| Skyline University, Nigeria, Kano, Kano State | Kano | 2018 |
| Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kano State | Kano | 2021 |
| Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Kano, Kano State | Kano | 2021 |
| Capital City University, Kano, Kano State | Kano | 2021 |
| Khalifa Isiyaku Rabiu University, Gadon /Kaya City Gate Kano, Kano State | Kano | 2022 |
| Baba-Ahmed University, Kano, Kano State | Kano | 2022 |
| Al-Qalam University, Katsina, Katsina State | Katsina | 2005 |
| Rayhaan University, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State | Kebbi | 2023 |
| Al-Bayan University, Ankpa, Kogi State | Kogi | 2023 |
| Salem University, Lokoja, Kogi State | Kogi | 2007 |
| Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Agba, Kwara State | Kwara | 2025 |
| Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara State | Kwara | 2025 |
| Jimoh Babalola University, Ilorin | Kwara | 2025 |
| Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State | Kwara | 2005 |
| Landmark University Omu-Aran, Kwara State | Kwara | 2011 |
| Summit University, Offa, Kwara State | Kwara | 2015 |
| Ojaja University, Eiyenkorin, Kwara State (formerly Crown-Hill University) | Kwara | 2016 |
| Thomas Adewumi University, Oko-Irese, Kwara State | Kwara | 2021 |
| Ahman Pategi University, Patigi, Kwara State | Kwara | 2021 |
| University of Offa, Offa, Kwara State | Kwara | 2021 |
| Muhammad Kamalud-Deen University, Ilorin, Kwara State | Kwara | 2023 |
| Nigerian University of Technology and Management, Apapa , Lagos State | Lagos | 2023 |
| Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos State | Lagos | 2025 |
| Unique Open University, Ojo, Lagos State | Lagos | 2025 |
| Regnum Medical University, Anthony | Lagos | 2026 |
| Pan-Atlantic University, Lekki-Express Way, Lagos State | Lagos | 2002 |
| Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State | Lagos | 2007 |
| Augustine University, Ilara, Lagos State | Lagos | 2015 |
| Anchor University, Ayobo, Lagos State | Lagos | 2016 |
| Eko University of Medical Sciences, Ijanikin, Lagos | Lagos | 2017 |
| Maranatha University, Lekki, Lagos State | Lagos | 2021 |
| James Hope University, Lekki, Lagos State | Lagos | 2021 |
| Phoenix University, Agwada, Nasarawa State | Nasarawa | 2023 |
| Bingham University, New-Karu, Nasarawa State | Nasarawa | 2005 |
| Ave-Maria University, Piyanko, Nasarawa State | Nasarawa | 2021 |
| Mewar University, Masaka, Nasarawa State | Nasarawa | 2021 |
| El-Amin University, Niger State | Niger | 2023 |
| JEFAP University, Suleja | Niger | 2025 |
| Sani Bello University, Kontagora | Niger | 2026 |
| Edusoko University, Bida, Niger State | Niger | 2021 |
| Newgate University, Minna, Niger State | Niger | 2022 |
| Vision University, Ikogbo, Ogun State | Ogun | 2023 |
| Gerar University of Medical Sciences, Imope-Ijebu, Ogun State | Ogun | 2023 |
| New City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State | Ogun | 2025 |
| Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State | Ogun | 2025 |
| American Open University, Abeokuta, Ogun State | Ogun | 2025 |
| Abdulfattah Durojaiye University, Abeokuta | Ogun | 2026 |
| Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State | Ogun | 1999 |
| Bowen University, Iwo, Ogun State | Ogun | 2001 |
| Covenant University, Otta, Ogun State | Ogun | 2002 |
| Bells University of Technology, Otta, Ogun State | Ogun | 2005 |
| Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun State | Ogun | 2005 |
| Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State | Ogun | 2005 |
| Redeemer’s University, Mowe, Ogun State | Ogun | 2005 |
| Mcpherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ajebo | Ogun | 2012 |
| Southwestern University Oku Owa, Ogun State | Ogun | 2012 |
| Chrisland University, Owode, Ogun State | Ogun | 2015 |
| Christopher University, Mowe, Ogun State | Ogun | 2015 |
| Hallmark University, Ijebu-Itele, Ogun State | Ogun | 2015 |
| Mountain Top University, Makogi/Oba, Ogun State | Ogun | 2015 |
| Trinity University, Laloko, Ogun State | Ogun | 2019 |
| Aletheia University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State | Ogun | 2023 |
| University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State | Ondo | 2025 |
| Millennium Crest University, Ikare-Akoko | Ondo | 2026 |
| Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State | Ondo | 2007 |
| Wesley University of Science & Technology, Ondo State | Ondo | 2007 |
| Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State | Ondo | 2012 |
| Sam Maris University, Supare, Ondo State | Ondo | 2023 |
| Mercy Medical University, Iwara, Iwo, Osun State | Osun | 2023 |
| Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun State | Osun | 2025 |
| Owolabi University, Oke-Ila Orangun | Osun | 2026 |
| Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State | Osun | 2006 |
| Fountain University, Oshogbo, Osun State | Osun | 2007 |
| Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu – Osun State | Osun | 2009 |
| Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State | Osun | 2011 |
| Kings University Ode-Omu, Osun State | Osun | 2015 |
| Westland University, Iwo, Osun State | Osun | 2019 |
| West Midland Open University, Ibadan, Oyo State | Oyo | 2023 |
| Ajayi Crowther University, Ibadan, Oyo State | Oyo | 2005 |
| Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State | Oyo | 2005 |
| Dominican University, Ibadan, Oyo State | Oyo | 2016 |
| Kola Daisi University, Ibadan, Oyo State | Oyo | 2016 |
| Precious Cornerstone, Ibadan, Oyo State | Oyo | 2017 |
| Atiba University, Oyo, Oyo State | Oyo | 2017 |
| Dominion University, Ibadan, Oyo State | Oyo | 2019 |
| Karl-Kumm University, Vom, Plateau State | Plateau | 2021 |
| ANAN University, Kwall, Plateau State | Plateau | 2021 |
| Wigwe University, Isiokpo, Rivers State | Rivers | 2023 |
| Rhema University, Obeama-Asa, Rivers State | Rivers | 2009 |
| PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State | Rivers | 2017 |
| Iconic Open University, Sokoto, Sokoto State | Sokoto | 2023 |
| Saisa University Of Medical Sciences And Technology, Sokoto, Sokoto State | Sokoto | 2022 |
| Northwest University, Sokoto, Sokoto State | Sokoto | 2022 |
| Greenland University, Jalingo, Taraba State | Taraba | 2025 |
| Kwararafa University, Wukari, Taraba State | Taraba | 2005 |
| Huda University, Gusau, Zamfara State | Zamfara | 2023 |
The NUC register is the source of record for this list of Private Universities in Nigeria. New universities may be licensed and names may change, while programme accreditation remains a separate check.
How to Verify Private Universities in Nigeria
The NUC’s live Nigerian University System register showed 182 private universities when checked on 4 October 2026. That total includes long-established schools and recent licensees. Use the register to confirm the legal institution name, location and year established.
A new licence establishes the university, but applicants should still confirm which programmes are open for the session. Ask for the current admission notice and programme approval.
Do not confuse an online training provider or foreign-affiliated centre with a Nigerian private university. Recognition must be verifiable through the regulator.
How to Check Accreditation for a Private University Course
Ask whether the programme has current NUC approval and, where relevant, professional accreditation. Medicine, Nursing, Law, Engineering and other regulated fields need careful programme-level checks.
The institution should explain the award, campus and study mode. Be cautious when an agent offers a course at an unlisted satellite centre. Confirm directly with the university.
For Nursing options, consult the private universities offering Nursing guide and then verify the current status with the university and relevant regulators.
Private University Fees and Hidden Costs
Request a written schedule showing acceptance, tuition, accommodation, feeding, medical, ICT, laboratory and other compulsory charges. Ask which payments are annual, semester-based or one-time.
Some private universities bundle accommodation and meals, while others itemise them. Compare like with like. A low tuition headline may exclude large compulsory charges.
Check refund and instalment policies in writing. A verbal promise from a marketer is difficult to enforce. You can also compare published examples such as Babcock University school fees and Covenant University school fees, then confirm the current invoice directly.
Campus Rules, Facilities and Student Support
Private campuses often have detailed dress, attendance, device, residence and religious-life policies. Read the student handbook before committing. A rule that seems minor during an open day can affect daily life.
Ask about laboratories, internet access, clinical placements, counselling, disability support and career services. Visit the campus where possible and speak with students from your intended department.
Check whether accommodation is compulsory and what happens during holidays. Include travel costs if the school is far from home.
Private University Admission Requirements
Applicants normally need suitable O-level credits, UTME subjects and the institution’s screening or application process. Some schools accept transfer or direct-entry candidates with additional documents.
Private ownership does not remove JAMB and programme requirements. Confirm how the offer will appear in the central admission record and follow the required response process.
How to Confirm a Private University Is Licensed
Start with the current NUC list and match the institution’s official name and location. Be cautious with study centres or organisations using a similar name to a recognised university. The right to operate belongs to a particular institution, not to every campus or affiliate that borrows its branding.
After confirming the university, check the course. New institutions often introduce programmes in stages, and a recognised university may not yet offer every subject shown in an old advert. Private universities in Nigeria should be verified at institution, campus and programme level before an applicant pays an acceptance fee.
Private University Admission Requirements
Requirements commonly include the appropriate O-level credits, UTME or Direct Entry credentials and an institutional application or screening step. The precise route varies. Some schools may admit candidates at different points in an academic cycle, but that flexibility does not remove JAMB or professional requirements where they apply.
Read the current admissions page for the course and level. Confirm the number of sittings, subject combination and documents needed. If admission staff offer an alternative programme, ask how it differs from your original choice and whether you meet its full requirements. Do not accept a verbal promise without a formal offer tied to your application.
Private University Fees and Payment Plans
Request the complete fee schedule, not a single tuition figure. Ask about acceptance, registration, accommodation, feeding, medical services, laboratory or studio charges, technology, examinations, uniforms, field trips and graduation-related costs. Find out which items are compulsory and which can change by programme or level.
Where instalment payment is available, record the dates, minimum amounts and consequences of missing a deadline. Ask whether accommodation or feeding is included for the entire session. Private university fees can look comparable at first but differ greatly after compulsory services are added.
Scholarships, Discounts and Refund Terms
A scholarship can reduce cost, but its conditions matter. Confirm whether it covers tuition only, how long it lasts and what grade or conduct standard must be maintained. Ask whether a discount is automatic or competitive, and whether it can be combined with another award. Get the terms in writing.
Also read the refund policy before making a large payment. Find out what happens if admission is not completed, a candidate changes institution or a programme does not begin as expected. Families should understand the non-refundable portion and the timeline for any valid claim.
Professional Accreditation for Regulated Courses
Courses such as law, engineering, nursing and other health programmes may require approval beyond the university’s general licence. Check the relevant professional body and ask whether the status covers your intake. A statement that an application has been submitted is not the same as completed accreditation.
Inspect the facilities related to the course, including laboratories, clinics, studios, moot courts or workshops. Ask about practical placements and professional examinations. Private universities in Nigeria sometimes invest heavily in selected areas, so the strongest programme may not be the one most visible in general advertising.
Campus Rules, Faith Identity and Student Life
Many private institutions have detailed rules on residence, dress, attendance, devices, worship, movement and visitors. These rules may provide structure for one student and feel restrictive to another. Read the handbook with the applicant, not only the parent. A student is more likely to succeed in an environment whose expectations are understood in advance.
Ask about student clubs, sports, counselling, health services, disability support and complaint procedures. Find out how disciplinary cases are reviewed and how parents are contacted. Campus culture is part of the education, so it deserves the same attention as buildings and fees.
Accommodation, Feeding and Transport
If residence is compulsory, inspect the room type, power, water, security and distance to lectures. Confirm whether the advertised fee covers a bed space, meals or both. Ask how dietary or medical needs are handled. If students can live off campus, calculate transport and check any restrictions on address or movement.
For a university outside your home state, include travel at the beginning and end of terms and during emergencies. A remote campus can be peaceful, but transport may add time and cost. Visit the actual campus where the course is taught before committing if that is practical.
How to Compare Private Universities in Nigeria
Use a written scorecard. Rate each school on programme approval, academic facilities, total annual cost, payment flexibility, campus rules, housing, student support and distance from home. Give the greatest weight to the factors that can stop the student from completing the programme.
Speak with current students and, where possible, graduates from the same department. Ask specific questions about class size, practical work, lecturer availability and unexpected charges. A polished tour can introduce the campus, but consistent evidence from official records and student experience produces a safer final choice.
Academic Calendar and Graduate Outcomes
Review the current academic calendar and ask how consistently the university has completed recent sessions. A predictable calendar helps families plan fees, housing and travel. Also investigate where graduates from the intended department work, what professional examinations they take and whether the university supports internships or placements.
Private universities in Nigeria often advertise small classes and stable schedules, but applicants should verify what those claims mean for the exact course. Ask a final-year student about project supervision, lecturer access and career support. Evidence from the department provides a stronger basis for comparison than a general promise of an uninterrupted experience.
Private University Frequently Asked Questions
Are Private Universities Easier to Enter?
Competition may differ, but candidates still need the required subjects, credits and screening. Professional programmes can remain highly selective.
Are All New Private Universities Ready for Students?
Confirm that the institution is admitting, that your course is open and that the campus is operational. A licence date alone does not answer those questions.
Can Fees Increase After Admission?
Fees can change. Ask about the current schedule, payment policy and how revisions are communicated. Build a budget with room for later sessions.
How to Make a Confident Private University Choice
Compare private universities in Nigeria by recognition, programme status, full cost and campus fit. A verified course and sustainable family budget matter more than an attractive advertisement.
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