Cheapest Private Universities in Nigeria and Their Fees (2025/2026)
With the rising numbers of demand towards getting quality education and due to lack of space at public universities, the students now find the use of the private institutions in Nigeria to be an attractive option to receive uninterrupted academic schedules, state of the art facilities, and degrees in programs relevant across the whole world. Nevertheless, most of the supposed future students and parents usually suppose that they cannot even afford to study in a private university. This paper will expose this fallacy by listing the most affordable privately owned universities in Nigeria by 2025 and their prevailing tuition costs, course offerings, and the overview of the admission procedure.
In Nigeria there are quality affordable private universities, irrespective of whether you want to study Medicine, Engineering, Law, Social Sciences, or Management, there are affordable universities to get quality education at affordable rates. We have undertaken a comprehensive survey of over 50 private colleges and narrowed down to those that provide value oriented education coupled with not affecting the standards.
Why Choose a Private University in Nigeria?
Private universities in Nigeria are governed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and adhere to strict accreditation and curriculum guidelines. Many students opt for private institutions due to:
- Stable academic calendars (no ASUU strikes)
- Smaller class sizes for better student engagement
- Modern facilities and learning infrastructure
- International affiliations and curriculum
- Faster graduation timeline
While tuition fees may be higher than public universities, not all private institutions are expensive. Below are the most affordable options available in Nigeria.
Top 15 Cheapest Private Universities in Nigeria (2025) and Their Tuition Fees
1. Al-Qalam University, Katsina
- Tuition Fee: ₦120,000 – ₦170,000 per session
- Courses Offered: Islamic Studies, Computer Science, Political Science, Education
- Overview: Formerly Katsina University, Al-Qalam is one of the most affordable Islamic private universities in Nigeria.
2. Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu (OUI)
- Tuition Fee: ₦150,000 – ₦250,000
- Courses: Mass Communication, Accounting, Computer Engineering, Business Admin
- Overview: Located in Osun State, OUI has grown in popularity for offering affordable degree programs in a serene environment.
3. Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo
- Tuition Fee: ₦195,000 – ₦350,000
- Courses: Law, Mass Communication, Accounting, Religious Studies, English
- Overview: Founded by the Anglican Church, ACU maintains moderate tuition fees, especially for arts and humanities courses.
4. Lead City University, Ibadan
- Tuition Fee: ₦200,000 – ₦450,000
- Courses: Medicine, Engineering, Law, Business Administration, Public Health
- Overview: Known for its urban learning model and quality postgraduate programs.
5. Obong University, Akwa Ibom
- Tuition Fee: ₦180,000 – ₦200,000
- Courses: Marketing, Religious Studies, Biochemistry, Mass Communication
- Overview: Operated by the Churches of Christ, Obong offers Christian-based education in southern Nigeria.
6. Wellspring University, Benin City
- Tuition Fee: ₦213,750 – ₦350,000
- Courses: Computer Science, Nursing, International Relations, Banking and Finance
- Overview: Known for business-oriented programs, Wellspring University maintains one of the lowest fees in its category.
7. Rhema University, Aba
- Tuition Fee: ₦200,000 – ₦500,000
- Courses: Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing, Computer Science, Economics
- Overview: Rhema is a faith-based private institution with a strong focus on healthcare and management sciences.
8. Crescent University, Abeokuta
- Tuition Fee: ₦250,000 – ₦400,000
- Courses: Mass Communication, Architecture, Political Science, Law
- Overview: Founded by the Islamic Mission for Africa, Crescent provides competitive education with modern facilities.
9. Baze University, Abuja
- Tuition Fee: ₦500,000 – ₦1.2 million
- Note: Though Baze is among the higher-end private universities, it has introduced partial scholarships for students from low-income backgrounds.
10. Atiba University, Oyo
- Tuition Fee: ₦250,000 – ₦400,000
- Courses: Nursing, Anatomy, Sociology, Law
- Overview: Relatively new but growing in popularity, Atiba University focuses on quality medical and social science education.
11. Hezekiah University, Umudi
- Tuition Fee: ₦200,000 – ₦300,000
- Courses: English, Accounting, Chemistry, Sociology
- Overview: A faith-based institution with NUC accreditation for all current programs.
12. Spiritan University, Nneochi
- Tuition Fee: ₦250,000 – ₦350,000
- Courses: Philosophy, Business Administration, Political Science
- Overview: Founded by the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Spiritan University is focused on spiritual and academic formation.
13. Tansian University, Anambra
- Tuition Fee: ₦250,000 – ₦500,000
- Courses: Public Health, Microbiology, Law, Economics
- Overview: Offers quality education with scholarship support for indigent students.
14. Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Osun State
- Tuition Fee: ₦350,000 – ₦500,000
- Courses: Estate Management, Industrial Chemistry, Agricultural Economics
- Overview: Nigeria’s first entrepreneurial university with programs supporting self-employment.
15. Novena University, Delta State
- Tuition Fee: ₦300,000 – ₦400,000
- Courses: Mass Communication, Intelligence and Security Studies, Energy Studies
- Overview: Known for specialized programs not found in most public universities.
Fee Comparison Table (Summary)
| University | Tuition Fee Range (₦) | Notable Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Al-Qalam University | 120,000 – 170,000 | Islamic Studies, Education |
| Oduduwa University | 150,000 – 250,000 | Computer Engineering, Accounting |
| Ajayi Crowther University | 195,000 – 350,000 | Law, Mass Comm, Religious Studies |
| Lead City University | 200,000 – 450,000 | Medicine, Engineering, Business |
| Obong University | 180,000 – 200,000 | Biochemistry, Mass Communication |
| Wellspring University | 213,750 – 350,000 | Banking, Nursing |
| Rhema University | 200,000 – 500,000 | Nursing, Economics |
| Crescent University | 250,000 – 400,000 | Architecture, Law |
| Atiba University | 250,000 – 400,000 | Anatomy, Law, Sociology |
| Hezekiah University | 200,000 – 300,000 | Chemistry, English |
| Spiritan University | 250,000 – 350,000 | Philosophy, Business Admin |
| Tansian University | 250,000 – 500,000 | Microbiology, Law |
| JABU | 350,000 – 500,000 | Estate Management, Agriculture |
| Novena University | 300,000 – 400,000 | Intelligence Studies, Energy Studies |
What You Should Consider Before Choosing a Private University
Before deciding which private university to attend based on tuition fees, consider the following:
1. Accreditation Status
Confirm that the university is accredited by the NUC and that your intended course has full accreditation.
2. Cost of Living
Some schools may have lower tuition but be located in areas with high cost of living, increasing overall expenses.
3. Scholarship Availability
Many institutions offer partial or full scholarships, work-study programs, or discounts for siblings.
4. Facilities and Labs
If you are studying Engineering, Nursing, or Sciences, ensure that the school has up-to-date laboratories.
5. Location and Accessibility
A university’s location affects your travel costs, internship opportunities, and personal safety.
Scholarships and Financial Aid in Private Universities
Several private universities provide internal scholarships or accept external scholarship schemes such as:
- MTN Foundation Scholarship
- NNPC-SNEPCo Scholarship
- David Oyedepo Foundation (for Covenant University)
- Joseph Ayo Babalola Entrepreneurial Grant
- State Government Bursaries
If cost is your concern, always check if the university has payment plans or installment systems that allow you to pay per semester or per quarter.
Application Timeline for 2025/2026 Academic Session
Most private universities begin admissions earlier than public universities. The typical timeline is:
- Application Opens: February–June 2025
- Screening/Interviews: May–August 2025
- Admission Offers: July–October 2025
- Registration Begins: August–October 2025
- Session Commences: October–November 2025
Tips for Getting Admitted into Private Universities
- Apply early to increase your chances of securing merit-based scholarships.
- Ensure your O’level (WAEC/NECO) results are complete and valid.
- Prepare for any internal screening or interview.
- Clearly indicate the preferred mode of study (full-time, part-time, top-up).
- Include all required documents such as birth certificate, passport photo, and academic transcripts (if applicable).
Final Thoughts: Private Universities on a Budget
There is no longer need of the rich having the privilege to attend private universities. Their fee structure in some schools is as low as 120,000-140,000 naira which means that middle-class families can afford world-class education without ending up in debts like the high and elite school students would have done.
The secret in terms of affordability lies in researches, putting it on early, as well as budgeting. When you are economically sensitive yet you desire to have quality learning without interruptions through properly organized academicName blocks, these universities give a perfect blend of quality and affordability.
