private universities in Nigeria

Private universities in Nigeria have grown remarkably over the past two decades. What started as a handful of faith-based institutions in the late 1990s has expanded into a sector of over 160 NUC-approved universities spread across all six geopolitical zones of the country. Today, private universities in Nigeria offer stable academic calendars, modern facilities, and competitive programmes across medicine, engineering, law, business, and technology — making them an increasingly attractive choice for Nigerian students and their families.

Whether you are a prospective student trying to decide where to apply, a parent comparing options, or simply looking for a complete and up-to-date list, this article covers all the NUC-accredited private universities in Nigeria grouped by geopolitical zone for easy reference. All institutions listed here are approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC), which is the regulatory body responsible for licensing and accrediting universities in Nigeria. You can verify any institution on the official NUC website before making any payment or commitment.

Why Choose a Private University in Nigeria?

Private universities in Nigeria come with a set of advantages that many students find appealing compared to public institutions. Here are a few reasons students and parents increasingly consider them:

• Stable academic calendar — private universities are rarely affected by the strikes that regularly disrupt public university sessions
• Better facilities — many private universities invest heavily in laboratories, libraries, ICT infrastructure, and student accommodation
• Smaller class sizes — students get more attention from lecturers compared to the overcrowded lecture halls in many public universities
• Conducive learning environment — most private universities maintain strict discipline and a structured campus culture
• Faster graduation — because of fewer disruptions, students tend to complete their programmes on time

The main concern for most families is cost, as private universities in Nigeria are significantly more expensive than federal or state universities. That said, many of them offer scholarships and bursaries to deserving students.

Private Universities in Nigeria by Geopolitical Zone

South West

The South West has the highest concentration of private universities in Nigeria. Lagos State alone accounts for a significant number of them. Here are the NUC-accredited private universities in this zone:

• Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo — Ogun State (Est. 1999)
• Bowen University, Iwo — Osun State (Est. 2001)
• Covenant University, Ota — Ogun State (Est. 2002)
• Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos — Lagos State (Est. 2002)
• Ajayi Crowther University, Ibadan — Oyo State (Est. 2005)
• Bells University of Technology, Ota — Ogun State (Est. 2005)
• Oduduwa University, Ile-Ife — Osun State (Est. 2009)
• Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti — Ekiti State (Est. 2009)
• Adeleke University, Ede — Osun State (Est. 2011)
• Augustine University, Ilara-Epe — Lagos State (Est. 2015)
• Southwestern University, Okun-Owa — Ogun State (Est. 2012)
• Summit University, Offa — Kwara State (Est. 2015)
• Christopher University, Mowe — Ogun State (Est. 2015)
• Anchor University, Lagos — Lagos State (Est. 2016)
• Dominion University, Ibadan — Oyo State (Est. 2017)
• Kings University, Ode-Omu — Osun State (Est. 2015)
• Lead City University, Ibadan — Oyo State (Est. 2005)
• Redeemer’s University, Ede — Osun State (Est. 2005)
• Wesley University, Ondo — Ondo State (Est. 2007)
• Achievers University, Owo — Ondo State (Est. 2007)
• Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji — Osun State (Est. 2006)
• Obafemi Awolowo University (Private) — see NUC for latest updates
• Crawford University, Igbesa — Ogun State (Est. 2005)
• McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo — Ogun State (Est. 2012)
• Hallmark University, Ijebu-Itele — Ogun State (Est. 2015)
• Chrisland University, Abeokuta — Ogun State (Est. 2015)
• Caleb University, Lagos — Lagos State (Est. 2007)
• Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences, Lagos — Lagos State (Est. 2017)
• Western Delta University, Oghara — Delta State (Est. 2007)

South South

The South South zone has a growing number of private universities in Nigeria, with Edo State accounting for several of them:

• Igbinedion University, Okada — Edo State (Est. 1999)
• Benson Idahosa University, Benin City — Edo State (Est. 2002)
• Novena University, Kwale — Delta State (Est. 2005)
• Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo — Delta State (Est. 2015)
• Edo University, Iyamho — Edo State (Est. 2016)
• Obong University, Obong Ntak — Akwa Ibom State (Est. 2007)
• Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene — Akwa Ibom State (Est. 2015)
• PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt — Rivers State (Est. 2017)
• Peter University, Achina-Onneh — Anambra State (Est. 2016)
• Spiritan University, Nneochi — Abia State (Est. 2016)
• Southern Atlantic University, Uyo — Akwa Ibom State (Est. 2022)
• Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa — Edo State (Est. 2011)
• Wellspring University, Evbuobanosa — Edo State (Est. 2009)
• Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba — Delta State (Est. 2021)

South East

The South East zone is home to several well-established private universities in Nigeria, particularly in Anambra and Enugu states:

• Madonna University, Okija — Anambra State (Est. 1999)
• Caritas University, Amorji-Nike — Enugu State (Est. 2005)
• Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu — Enugu State (Est. 2009)
• Tansian University, Umunya — Anambra State (Est. 2007)
• Renaissance University, Enugu — Enugu State (Est. 2005)
• Paul University, Awka — Anambra State (Est. 2009)
• Rhema University, Aba — Abia State (Est. 2009)
• Clifford University, Owerrinta — Abia State (Est. 2015)
• Gregory University, Uturu — Abia State (Est. 2012)
• Kampala International University, Igbotako — see NUC for latest updates
• Arthur Javis University, Akpoyubo — Cross River State (Est. 2016)
• Coal City University, Enugu — Enugu State (Est. 2016)
• Enugu State University of Science and Technology (Private wing) — see NUC for updates

North West

The North West zone has seen steady growth in the number of private universities in Nigeria, with Kano and Kaduna states leading in the region:

• Al-Qalam University, Katsina — Katsina State (Est. 2005)
• Skyline University Nigeria, Kano — Kano State (Est. 2018)
• Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Kano — Kano State (Est. 2021)
• Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano — Kano State (Est. 2015)
• Northwest University, Kano — Kano State (Est. 2012)
• Zamfara State University — see NUC for latest updates
• Sikiru Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology — see NUC for updates

North East

The North East zone is home to a smaller number of private universities in Nigeria, though the sector is gradually expanding in this region:

• American University of Nigeria, Yola — Adamawa State (Est. 2003)
• Adamawa State University, Mubi — Adamawa State (Est. 2002)
• Bingham University, New Karu — Nasarawa State (Est. 2005)
• Gombe State University — see NUC for latest private university updates in this zone

North Central

The North Central zone, including the Federal Capital Territory, has a solid representation of private universities in Nigeria:

• Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin — Kwara State (Est. 2005)
• Kwara State University, Malete — Kwara State (Est. 2009)
• Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja — FCT (Est. 2009)
• Baze University, Abuja — FCT (Est. 2011)
• Veritas University, Abuja — FCT (Est. 2007)
• University of Mkar, Mkar — Benue State (Est. 2005)
• Landmark University, Omu-Aran — Kwara State (Est. 2011)
• Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin — Ondo State (Est. 2012)
• Evangel University, Akaeze — Ebonyi State (Est. 2012)
• Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Agbarha-Otor — Delta State (Est. 2015)
• Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan — Oyo State (Est. 2016)
• Topfaith University, Mkpatak — Akwa Ibom State (Est. 2021)
• Hezekiah University, Umudi — Imo State (Est. 2015)
• Kola Daisi University, Ibadan — Oyo State (Est. 2016)
• Margaret Lawrence University, Galilee — Delta State (Est. 2021)

Things to Know Before Choosing a Private University in Nigeria

Before settling on any of the private universities in Nigeria listed above, here are a few important things to keep in mind:

Always verify NUC accreditation. Not every institution that calls itself a university is properly licensed. Before paying any application or acceptance fee, confirm the university is on the NUC approved list and that your specific course is fully accredited.

Check professional body accreditation for regulated courses. If you are studying Medicine, Dentistry, Law, Engineering, Pharmacy, or Nursing, make sure the programme is also accredited by the relevant professional body — MDCN for medicine and dentistry, COREN for engineering, ICCON for law, and so on.

Compare total cost, not just tuition. School fees at private universities in Nigeria vary widely — from around ₦300,000 per session at some institutions to over ₦3,000,000 at others. Factor in accommodation, feeding, and other levies when comparing costs.

Look into available scholarships. Many private universities in Nigeria offer merit-based and need-based scholarships. Check each institution’s scholarship page before assuming you cannot afford it.

Visit the campus if possible. Before making a final decision, try to visit the campus or speak with current students. This gives you a real sense of the environment, facilities, and student life.

Final Thoughts

Private universities in Nigeria have come a long way from the early days of just a few institutions operating in the late 1990s. Today, with over 160 NUC-accredited options across all six geopolitical zones, Nigerian students have more choices than ever before. Whether you are drawn by a stable academic calendar, better facilities, or a specific programme that is only offered privately, there is a private university in Nigeria that can meet your needs.

The most important thing is to do your research, verify accreditation, and choose an institution that aligns with your academic goals and financial situation. A private university education in Nigeria, when chosen wisely, can be one of the best investments you make in your future.

Do you have questions about any of the private universities in Nigeria listed here? Drop them in the comment section below and we will be happy to help.