taken over the Tertiary Education sector in Nigeria.
However, the cost of running these private institutions continues to sky-rocket, a reflection of the economic realities of the country. Little wonder, private universities in Nigeria have become very expensive in recent times.
The truth though, is, that quality education is not cheap anywhere in the world. Compared to public universities in Nigeria that have become relatively expensive in recent times as well, some of these private universities in Nigeria provide quality education to students that equip them to be able to compete with students from other climes.
Below is a list of some of the most expensive universities in Nigeria in 2021.
Most Expensive Universities in Nigeria 2021
Incidentally, some of the universities on this list are among the best universities in Nigeria in 2021.
Please note that these universities are listed in no particular order and the information fees mentioned here are not static, and school fees across various schools depend on the different types of courses and other factors.
Nile University Fee: N2.7 million – N4.8 million per session Nile university ranks top among the most expensive universities in Nigeria in 2021. The University was established in 2009 and is located in Abuja.
When they started, NILE had three faculties (Arts & Social Sciences, Engineering, and Natural & Applied Sciences) and 93 students.
Currently, Nile University of Nigeria has six faculties and a School of Postgraduate Studies, as well as over 4,000 students (undergraduate and postgraduate). NILE currently offers 33 undergraduate programs and 43 postgraduate programs.
See Also: Best secondary schools in Nigeria.
2. Baze University, Abuja Fee: N2m – N3.2million per session (not fixed). Baze University is one of the privately-owned universities located in Abuja Nigeria that offer quality education to students.
The school was founded in 2011 and since then has continued to improve on its offering and value to students to justify the expensive school fees they require.
3. Pan Atlantic University, Lagos Fee: N2 million and above per session (depending on the course) The university had its origin as the Lagos Business School (LBS), established in 1991.
The school was approved by the federal government as Pan-African University in 2002, and the LBS became its first school.
The Ajah Campus was completed in 2003 and in 2010 work began on the Ibeju-Lekki campus. The school boasts of some of the best lecturers a professionals in Nigeria.
4. American University Nigeria, Adamawa State Fee: N1.9 – N2.7 per session (school fees vary among different courses). The American University of Nigeria is one of the leading private universities in Nigeria located in the North and arguably one of the most expensive schools in Nigeria.
The university was founded in 2003 by Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria's former vice president, along with other local and international statesmen and academic leaders. Most expensive private universities in Nigeria and their fees.
5. Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti Fee: N1million – N2.2 million (depending on your course of study). Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) is a private university located in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
See Also: Best Courses to Study in Nigeria in 2021/2022
It was founded by a lawyer and philanthropist, Afe Babalola, in 2009. Afe Babalola University offers Academic programs in six Colleges: Sciences, Law, Engineering, Social and Management Sciences, Medicine and Health Sciences, etc.
They presently have five colleges; College of Law, College of Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, College of Engineering, and others.
6. Benson Idahosa University, Benin City Fee: Up to N1. Million or less depending on the course of study Ben Idahosa University is one of the most expensive universities in Nigeria in 2021.
The school is located in Benin City, Edo State. In February 2002, ten years after the application to start the school, the Federal Government graciously granted Benson Idahosa University license to operate.
The University started operating as a fully licensed institution in March 2002 with an initial student enrolment of 400, registered into two faculties (Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences, Education, and Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences). Most expensive private schools in Nigeria in 2021 and fees
7. Covenant University, Ogun State Fee: N1.2 million on average (school fees vary according to courses). Arguably the best private university in Nigeria and the top 5 best universities in Nigeria overall.
Covenant University is one of the best universities in Nigeria in 2021.
CU has proven to be a true institution of learning that sets students on the path of success in a globally competitive world.
Covenant University is a growing, dynamic vision-birthed, vision-driven University, founded on a Christian mission ethos and committed to pioneering excellence at the cutting edge of learning.
8. Bowen University, Ogun State Fee: N450,000 – N1.3 million (fee vary based on courses). Since its founding in 2001, Bowen has been dedicated to providing high-quality, morally sound, and socially relevant education in the most cost-effective manner to all its students.
Bowen University is a Christian Institution with total commitment to the age-long tradition held by the Baptist. The school is located at Iwo in Osun State, Nigeria, and is the first Baptist University in Africa.
9. Babcock University, Ogun State Fee: N700,000 and above Babcock University is a private Christian co-educational Nigerian university owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nigeria.
The university is located at Alishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria equidistant between Ibadan and Lagos. In 2017, the university had its first set of graduates from the Ben Carson School of Medicine.
It is a part of the Seventh-day Adventist education system, which is the world's second-largest Christian school system.
10. Lead City University, Ibadan Fee: 350,000 and above Currently in its sixteenth academic session. Lead City University, Ibadan (LCU) is a private University approved by the Federal Government of Nigeria. It has graduated nine sets of students.
The school offers various programmes suitable for both the young adolescents and adult working class. Programmes are offered by specialized faculties in Social Sciences & Entrepreneurial Studies, Information Technology & Applied Sciences and Law.
Lead City ranks as one of the most expensive universities in Nigeria in 2021.
There you go for the most expensive private universities in Nigeria in 2021. Now let’s briefly answer some of the most frequently asked questions about private universities in Nigeria below.
Which private university is the cheapest in Nigeria? No quality education is cheap anywhere in the world. But compared to other private universities in Nigeria, one could conclude that the cheapest universities in Nigeria today would be Oduduwa University – N195,000, Obong University, Obong Ntak – N170,000, Wellspring University _ N213,000, Caritas University – N248,000, Paul University, Awka – N300,000.
How many private universities are currently in Nigeria? As of the time of this publication, there were 79 private universities in Nigeria that are recognized. These 79 are spread across the thirty-six states of Nigeria. One of the best among these 79 is Covenant University which has been ranked as the best university in Nigeria in 2019.
Does a private university require jamb? Some private universities in Nigeria require JAMB while some do not. But all universities conduct some examinations to determine if a potential candidate would qualify to gain admission or not. When you are seeking admission into a university, you will find out if they require JAMB or not.
Which private university is the first in Nigeria? The first university in Nigeria is Igbinedion University Okada. It was established in 1999.
The University has recorded several landmark achievements including being the first Private University to produce medical doctors in Sub-Saharan Africa & producing the first private university graduate in 2006 to bag the first class at the Nigeria Law School.
