For many families, private universities offer what public universities often struggle to guarantee: a stable calendar, fewer disruptions and a more controlled learning environment.
But that promise comes at a steep cost.
Across the country, some private universities now charge fees that put them in a class of their own. Behind many of them are church organisations, wealthy founders, investors and public figures who are not only building campuses but also shaping the private education space in Nigeria. Here are top 10 most expensive universities in the country.
Wigwe University
Wigwe University, located in Isiokpo, Rivers State, is linked to the late Herbert Wigwe, former Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank.
Though he died before the school fully opened, the university later began operations in 2024 after receiving its licence from the National Universities Commission in June 2023. Its tuition runs from about ₦9.6 million to nearly ₦12 million, while accommodation costs more than ₦3.8 million. That fee level places it at the top of the list.
Babcock University
Babcock University, owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nigeria, remains one of the country’s best-known private universities. It started in 1959 as Adventist College of West Africa before becoming a university in 1999.
Its fees reflect its long-standing reputation. Medicine and Surgery costs between ₦5.5 million and ₦7 million per session. Law is about ₦2 million, while other courses range from ₦800,000 to ₦1.5 million. Hostel charges fall between ₦300,000 and ₦600,000.
Bowen University
Bowen University, owned by the Nigerian Baptist Convention, also sits in the expensive bracket. Based in Iwo, Osun State, the school charges ₦4.6 million for Medicine and ₦2.2 million for Law, while several other courses range from ₦880,900 to ₦1.3 million.
Redeemer’s University
Redeemer’s University, owned by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, is another faith-based school with high fees. Law students pay between ₦1.14 million and ₦2.09 million per session, while students in Basic Medical Sciences pay between ₦846,500 and ₦1.63 million.
Covenant University
Covenant University, founded by Bishop David Oyedepo, also belongs in this group. Located in Ota, Ogun State, the university charges between about ₦1.5 million and ₦1.7 million per session, depending on the course.
Nile University
Nile University of Nigeria, based in Abuja, is owned by Honoris United Universities, a pan African higher education group backed by Actis Capital.
The school charges ₦6.5 million for Medicine and Surgery, ₦4.25 million for Law, and between ₦2.8 million and ₦3.5 million for several other programmes. Its pricing puts it firmly among Nigeria’s costliest private universities.
Pan Atlantic University
Pan Atlantic University, a private non-profit institution in Lagos State, also ranks high. The university grew from the Lagos Business School and now runs both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Depending on the course, tuition ranges from ₦4.1 million to ₦6.3 million.
Afe Babalola University
Afe Babalola University in Ado Ekiti, founded by legal icon Aare Afe Babalola, is another major player. Medicine and Surgery begins at about ₦4.67 million and rise to ₦5.55 million, while other programmes fall between ₦1.1 million and ₦3.7 million per session.
Lead City University
Lead City University, Ibadan, founded by Professor Jide Owoeye, is also known for charging high fees in health-related courses. Medicine costs ₦5.525 million yearly, while Pharmacy and Nursing each cost ₦3.025 million. Dentistry is priced at ₦2.525 million per year.
The American University of Nigeria
The American University of Nigeria, founded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, brings a different structure to the private education market.
Located in Yola, Adamawa State, the school runs an American-style system and charges by semester. A regular 15 credit course load costs about ₦1.221 million, while specialised courses such as Law, Engineering, Nursing and Public Health cost about ₦1.755 million per semester.
