Private universities in Oyo state, especially Ibadan have quietly become a serious option for students who want smaller classes, faster academic calendars, and a more structured campus life than many public schools can offer.
If you are comparing private universities in Ibadan for 2025 and beyond, the big difference usually comes down to fees, course availability, and how strong each school is in facilities and outcomes.
In this guide, you will see the most practical options inside Ibadan, plus a few credible choices near Ibadan that many Oyo State students also consider.
Comparison Table of Private Universities in Oyo State
| University Name | Fees (per session) | Impact Score (0 to 100) |
|---|---|---|
| Lead City University (LCU), Ibadan | ₦425,000 to ₦6,525,000 | 84 |
| Dominican University, Ibadan | ₦646,100 to ₦900,550 | 76 |
| KolaDaisi University (KDU), Ibadan | ₦580,000 to ₦2,000,000 | 73 |
| Precious Cornerstone University (PCU), Ibadan | ₦852,000 to ₦902,000 | 72 |
| Dominion University, Ibadan | ₦650,000 to ₦1,400,000 (range estimate) | 69 |
| Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), near Ibadan (Oyo Town) | ₦700,000 to ₦1,800,000 (varies by programme) | 80 |
| Atiba University, near Ibadan (Oyo Town) | ₦300,000 to ₦650,000 (varies by programme) | 67 |
Top Private Universities in Oyo State
1. Lead City University (LCU), Ibadan
Among the private universities in Ibadan, Lead City University is often the first school many families mention because of its long presence in the city and its wide course options.
It is also one of the most flexible choices if you want to live around Bodija, Jericho, or the University of Ibadan axis and still commute comfortably. If you want a private university in Ibadan with both regular programmes and several professional courses, LCU is usually on the shortlist.
- Address: Lead City University, Toll Gate Area, Lagos Ibadan Expressway, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
- What they offer: Multiple faculties and in demand programmes such as Law, Mass Communication, Computer and Information Science tracks, and health related courses in areas like Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health, Physiotherapy, and more (options vary by admission year and department capacity).
- Why choose them:
- Strong programme breadth, so you can switch paths without leaving the school
- Convenient location for students living around Challenge, Ring Road, Dugbe, or Mokola
- Good visibility and admissions information compared to many newer schools
- Useful for students who want professional courses that can shape employability
- Stable campus routine that appeals to parents who want structure
- Requirements:
- UTME with required subject combination for your course
- Minimum of five O Level credits including English, plus Mathematics for most courses
- JAMB change of institution to LCU if needed
- Direct Entry options for eligible candidates (OND, NCE, A Level, IJMB, or equivalent as applicable)
- Fees: Fees vary heavily by course. The latest published figures for newly admitted students show ranges from about ₦425,000 for some programmes up to ₦6,525,000 for Medicine, with other high cost health programmes also above ₦2,000,000. Always treat this as tuition guidance and confirm departmental and other charges during screening.
Related: List of the Best Nursing Schools in Ibadan (Oyo State): Fee and Cut Off Mark
2. Dominican University, Ibadan
Dominican University is a calmer option inside Ibadan for students who want a smaller, more focused academic environment. It is located around the Samonda area, which many students like because it is close to major student neighborhoods and the University of Ibadan zone.
For families comparing best private universities in Ibadan based on quiet learning, disciplined campus culture, and clear fee information, Dominican University is often a strong contender.
- Address: Educational Layout or Zone, Samonda, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria (within the Samonda, UI axis)
- What they offer: Undergraduate programmes in areas like Arts, Social and Management Sciences, plus computing related options and other growing departments depending on the current session. Student support tends to be structured, with clearer documentation than many newer schools.
- Why choose them:
- Smaller campus feel, which often improves focus and lecturer access
- Practical fee breakdown that helps parents plan early
- Good location for students staying around Bodija, Samonda, Agodi, or Sango
- Calm learning culture that suits students who struggle in crowded systems
- Clear admission pathway for UTME and Direct Entry candidates
- Requirements:
- UTME with appropriate subject combination
- Minimum of five O Level credits including English (and Mathematics for many courses)
- Direct Entry considered for qualified applicants depending on programme
- Screening and document verification as part of admission processing
- Fees: Latest published fee schedule shows a subtotal for 100 level that ranges roughly from ₦646,100 to ₦900,550 depending on programme, with optional hostel listed separately. Some items may be “payable once” for new students, so your first year total may be higher than later sessions.
3. KolaDaisi University (KDU), Ibadan
KolaDaisi University is one of the newer private universities in Ibadan that tries to compete with stronger facilities and a modern learning vibe.
The campus location along the Ibadan Oyo express route makes it attractive for students coming from the Akobo, Ajibode, and UI side, especially those who want something not too deep inside the city traffic.
If you are searching for top private universities in Ibadan that are still growing and investing in a modern campus identity, KDU is worth considering.
- Address: KolaDaisi University, KM 18, Ibadan Oyo Express Road, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
- What they offer: Faculties across Management and Social Sciences, Applied Sciences, and health related fields depending on the current academic year. The school markets a modern approach and tends to appeal to students who want a contemporary private campus style.
- Why choose them:
- Newer facilities and a more modern campus environment than many older schools
- Programme direction that aligns with market demand, especially business and science tracks
- Good option for students living around UI, Moniya corridor, or northern Ibadan routes
- Smaller student population compared to older institutions, which can improve access
- Clear branding and visibility, which is useful when parents want stability signals
- Requirements:
- UTME with correct subject combination for your course
- Five O Level credits including English, plus Mathematics for most programmes
- Direct Entry options depending on course and qualifications
- Screening and verification of results and documents
- Fees: Latest published tuition ranges vary by faculty. A realistic per session range is roughly ₦580,000 to ₦2,000,000 depending on programme category, with science and health related programmes typically higher.
4. Precious Cornerstone University (PCU), Ibadan
Precious Cornerstone University is a faith based private option inside Ibadan with a campus identity built around structured learning and character formation. It is located off Old Ife Road, which makes it accessible for students coming from the Iwo Road, New Ife Road, and Oyo Road corridors.
If you are comparing private universities in Ibadan fees and you want a school that clearly publishes a per annum breakdown, PCU is one of the easier ones to plan around.
- Address: The Garden of Victory, Olaogun Street, Off Old Ife Road, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
- What they offer: Undergraduate programmes across selected faculties, with a focus on building a structured student life and an organized campus experience. The school also publishes admission updates and fee schedules, which helps parents and guardians plan.
- Why choose them:
- Clear published fee schedule that reduces guesswork
- Faith based campus culture that many families prefer
- Location works well for students around Iwo Road, Ikorodu Road side routes, or Agodi access
- Structured campus life and student support setting
- Good option if you want a calmer alternative to crowded institutions
- Requirements:
- UTME with programme specific subject combination
- Five O Level credits including English, plus Mathematics where required
- Direct Entry considered for qualified candidates based on department rules
- Screening and document verification as required
- Fees: Latest published school fees schedule shows a total per annum around ₦852,000 to ₦902,000 for 100 level depending on faculty, with some items like acceptance fee handled separately. Always confirm whether hostel and other optional charges are included for your choice.
5. Dominion University, Ibadan
Dominion University is located along the Lagos Ibadan expressway corridor, which makes it attractive for students who want to stay around Oluyole, Challenge, or areas that connect easily to the express route.
It is one of the private universities in Ibadan that sells a strong values driven campus culture while building out programmes in computing, social sciences, and health related areas. It can be a good fit if you want a newer school and you prefer a campus that feels more controlled and residential in style.
- Address: KLM 24, Ibadan Lagos Expressway, City of Faith, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria (liaison office is also listed within Ibadan)
- What they offer: Programmes grouped around computing and applied sciences, social sciences, and health sciences as the university grows. The school promotes a values driven student environment and structured campus life.
- Why choose them:
- Newer campus feel with a strong moral and discipline branding
- Accessible location for students around Oluyole Extension, Challenge, and Ring Road connections
- Growing programme list in practical, employable fields
- Smaller population can mean more attention per student
- Good fit for students who prefer a structured, faith oriented environment
- Requirements:
- UTME with required subjects for your programme
- Five O Level credits including English, plus Mathematics where required
- Direct Entry considered for qualified applicants
- Screening, result verification, and documentation during admission processing
- Fees: Full itemized fees can vary by faculty and may not always be published in a single static public table. A realistic tuition range often cited for recent sessions is about ₦650,000 to ₦1,400,000 depending on course and level, so treat this as guidance and verify from the bursary or admissions office before paying.
6. Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), near Ibadan (Oyo Town)
Ajayi Crowther University is commonly considered by Ibadan families even though its main campus is in Oyo Town, which is near Ibadan and reachable by road.
Many people searching for private universities near Ibadan include ACU because it is older, more established, and has strong faith based reputation signals. If your priority is a stable private university experience in Oyo State and you do not mind being outside central Ibadan, ACU is a serious option.
- Address: Ajayi Crowther University Campus, Oyo Town, Oyo State, Nigeria (near Ibadan, typically within commuting distance depending on traffic)
- What they offer: Broad undergraduate options across multiple faculties, including professional and career aligned courses. The school is known for a structured, faith based environment with a strong campus identity.
- Why choose them:
- More established private university brand in Oyo State
- Stronger reputation signals and long term stability
- Broad course options compared to many newer schools
- Good for students who want a controlled campus environment away from city distractions
- Typically clearer academic culture and discipline expectations
- Requirements:
- UTME with programme specific subject combination
- Five O Level credits including English and other required subjects
- Direct Entry options depending on course and qualification route
- Screening, document verification, and departmental checks as required
- Fees: Fees vary by programme and level, and can be higher for professional courses. A realistic range is roughly ₦700,000 to ₦1,800,000 per session depending on faculty, plus other charges that may apply for accommodation and services.
7. Atiba University, near Ibadan (Oyo Town)
If you want private universities in Ibadan but you are open to a nearby option with lighter costs, Atiba University in Oyo Town is often considered by students across the Ibadan axis. It is a near Ibadan choice that is positioned as more affordable than many premium private schools.
Students who live around Iwo Road, Moniya, or the Ibadan Oyo corridor sometimes find it practical because it sits along a major route outside the city center.
- Address: Atiba University, KM 5, Oyo Iseyin Road, PMB 1077, Oyo Township, Oyo State, Nigeria (near Ibadan)
- What they offer: Undergraduate programmes across selected faculties, with the appeal of a developing university structure and a less crowded environment than older schools.
- Why choose them:
- Often positioned as a more budget friendly private option in Oyo State
- Easier admission planning for students who want a newer campus system
- Less crowded learning environment which can support focus
- Location works for families outside central Ibadan who prefer Oyo Town access
- Useful for students who want a private university structure without premium pricing
- Requirements:
- UTME with appropriate subject combination
- Five O Level credits including English and other required subjects for your course
- Direct Entry considered where applicable
- Screening and result verification process
- Fees: Fees vary by programme. A realistic tuition range widely referenced for recent sessions is about ₦300,000 to ₦650,000, but you should confirm the exact departmental breakdown from admissions before payment.
Cheapest Private Universities in Ibadan, Oyo State
When people ask for the cheap private universities in Ibadan, they usually mean the lowest published tuition for common programmes, not necessarily the lowest total cost after accommodation and other charges.
Also, “cheapest” can change depending on your course, because Nursing, Medicine, Pharmacy, and some lab based programmes will almost always cost more.
- Lead City University (LCU), Ibadan: This is one of the few private universities in Ibadan where some programmes sit in a lower band, starting around ₦425,000 for certain courses, while premium professional courses cost far more. It suits students who want flexibility to pick a lower cost programme while still staying in the city.
- Dominican University, Ibadan: With a published subtotal range starting around ₦646,100 for some programmes, it can be a relatively affordable private university in Ibadan for students who want a calm campus culture and clear planning. It is best for families who want predictable fees and a smaller school environment.
- Atiba University, near Ibadan (Oyo Town): If your search is about affordable private universities in Ibadan but you are open to nearby options, Atiba often appears in the budget friendly conversation with tuition ranges commonly referenced around ₦300,000 to ₦650,000 depending on programme. It can work well for families prioritizing cost over central city location.
- Dominion University, Ibadan: Depending on course and session, fee estimates often place it in a middle band rather than premium pricing. It can suit students who want a newer, structured campus along the Oluyole and expressway corridor.
Most Expensive Private Universities in Ibadan, Oyo State
A school becomes expensive when it runs premium programmes like Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Engineering, or specialized allied health courses, and when the campus model includes heavier facility costs.
Brand positioning also matters, because some schools price higher to maintain smaller class sizes and stronger residential support.
- KolaDaisi University (KDU), Ibadan: KDU’s published ranges can stretch up to about ₦2,000,000 depending on programme category, especially where science and health related tracks are involved. It is expensive mainly because of programme type and a modern campus investment approach.
- Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), near Ibadan (Oyo Town): While it is near Ibadan, ACU can reach higher fee bands for premium programmes, with realistic ranges rising well above ₦1,000,000 depending on course and level. This suits families who want a more established faith based institution and do not mind paying more for stability.
FAQs About Private Universities in Oyo Town
What are the best private universities in Ibadan for science and health courses?
Lead City University is usually the first pick for a wider health course range, while KolaDaisi and Dominion can be considered depending on the exact programme availability that year.
Which private universities in Ibadan are closest to University of Ibadan and Bodija?
Dominican University in the Samonda axis is quite close to UI and Bodija, and Lead City University is also reachable from Bodija, Jericho, and Agodi with reasonable commute routes.
What is the cheapest private university in Ibadan?
It depends on your course, but Lead City University has some lower fee programmes, while Dominican University often falls in a relatively affordable band for published 100 level costs.
Do private universities in Ibadan accept two sittings in WAEC or NECO?
Many private schools accept two sittings for several programmes, but competitive courses may be stricter, so you should confirm from the department before paying acceptance fees.
How much are private universities in Ibadan fees per year?
For many programmes, private universities in Ibadan fees commonly fall between about ₦600,000 and ₦1,500,000 per session, while Medicine and some health courses can be much higher.
Do private universities in Ibadan require JAMB for admission?
Yes, UTME is the standard route for most candidates, though Direct Entry is available for qualified applicants with OND, NCE, A Level, IJMB, or other accepted credentials.
Are there private universities near Ibadan that Ibadan students commonly attend?
Yes. Ajayi Crowther University and Atiba University in Oyo Town are near Ibadan and are often considered by families who want alternatives within Oyo State.
Which private universities in Ibadan have clearer fee breakdowns online?
Dominican University and Precious Cornerstone University are notable for publishing structured fee schedules that help parents plan without relying on guesses.
Can I study Nursing in a private university in Ibadan?
Lead City University publishes Nursing as part of its programme list, but you should confirm admission quota, clinical partnership requirements, and the latest tuition before applying.
Conclusion
Choosing among private universities in Ibadan is easiest when you start with your course, your budget ceiling, and your preferred location inside the city. If you want the widest programme options and premium professional courses, Lead City University usually stands out among private universities in Ibadan, but it can become costly depending on what you study.
If your priority is a calmer, smaller school experience with clearer published fees, Dominican University and PCU are strong options. And if you are flexible about studying near Ibadan, Ajayi Crowther and Atiba in Oyo Town can expand your choices without leaving Oyo State.