In this article, Catalystng.com will discuss the top 11 most expensive private universities in Nigeria for 2025/2026 and their owners.
Private universities have become a vital part of Nigeria’s higher education landscape, providing an alternative to public institutions that are frequently affected by strikes, inadequate funding, and overcrowding. However, the high cost of tuition has placed these institutions beyond the reach of many Nigerians.
As of February 2025, Nigeria has 149 licensed private universities, accounting for more than half of the country’s 295 universities.
Many of these premium institutions are owned by influential individuals and organisations, including religious bodies, prominent business figures, and international investors, who have invested heavily in developing world-class campuses that reflect their vision, values, and ambitions.
Below are the 11 most expensive private universities in Nigeria and their owners
1. Wigwe University
Wigwe University has emerged as the most expensive private university in Nigeria for the 2025/2026 academic session, with tuition fees ranging from N9.6 million to N11.99 million per session, depending on the course of study. Engineering, Science, and Computing programmes attract the highest fees, while Arts courses are the least expensive.
Located in Isiokpo, Rivers State, the university was founded by the late Nigerian banker and former Access Bank Group CEO, Dr. Herbert Wigwe. It received its operational licence from the National Universities Commission (NUC) on June 9, 2023, and officially commenced academic activities in 2024, admitting its first batch of more than 200 students in October of that year.
The institution operates four colleges: Arts; Management and Social Sciences; Science and Computing; and Engineering. Tuition for Arts programmes is pegged at N9.6 million, while students in the other colleges pay up to N11.99 million for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Wigwe University also offers a merit-based scholarship programme linked to candidates’ JAMB scores, with tuition discounts ranging from 30% to 60% based on academic performance.
The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including an IAAF-standard athletics track, NBA-standard basketball courts, a FIFA-standard football pitch, an on-campus cinema, breakout learning spaces, a student union lounge, and an outdoor amphitheatre. Accommodation fees range from N800,000 to N1.5 million per semester.
2. Pan-Atlantic University (PAU)
Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), a private non-profit institution based in Lagos State, evolved from the Lagos Business School, which began offering executive education programmes in 1991. It was granted a university licence in 2002 and commenced undergraduate programmes in 2004.
The university is inspired by the teachings of St. Josemaría Escrivá, the founder of Opus Dei, with a philosophy that promotes work as a means of service and personal development.
PAU operates two campuses: its main undergraduate campus in Ibeju-Lekki and a postgraduate campus in Ajah, which houses the Lagos Business School. The institution is governed by a council chaired by Henry Odein Ajumogobia, SAN, OFR.
For the 2024/2025 academic session, tuition fees ranged from ₦4.1 million to ₦6.3 million, depending on the programme. However, CatalystNG.com could not independently verify or access the university’s official tuition fee structure for the 2025/2026 academic session.
3. Nile University
Nile University of Nigeria, located in Abuja, charges undergraduate tuition fees ranging from N2.8 million to N6.5 million per session for the 2025/2026 academic year, depending on the programme.
Medicine and Surgery is the most expensive course, with tuition of about N6.5 million per session, while Law costs approximately N4.25 million. Engineering, Computing, and most Social Science programmes fall within the N3 million to N3.5 million range, while Science-based courses such as Biochemistry and Biology cost around N2.8 million per session.
Founded in 2009 to address the growing demand for quality tertiary education, the university operates from its 113-hectare main campus along the Jabi Airport Bypass in Abuja. The campus features modern lecture halls, sports facilities, and student accommodation.
Nile University is owned by Honoris United Universities, a pan-African higher education network backed by Actis Capital, following its full acquisition of the institution in 2020.
Accommodation fees are charged separately from tuition, with on-campus housing costing between N1.1 million and N2.2 million per session, depending on the room category. Students may also incur additional expenses for optional meal plans and laundry services.
4. Lead City University (LCU)
Lead City University charges tuition fees ranging from about N525,000 to N6.525 million per session for the 2025/2026 academic year, depending on the course of study.
Medicine is the institution’s most expensive programme, with tuition set at approximately N6.525 million per session. Nursing Science follows at about N3.575 million, while Law costs around N2.575 million. Software Engineering is priced at roughly N1.575 million, whereas most Engineering and Computing programmes—including Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical/Electronics Engineering—cost about N925,000 per session.
Tuition for Arts, Social Sciences, and Education-related courses generally ranges between N525,000 and N775,000 per session.
Located along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway (Toll Gate area) in Ibadan, Oyo State, Lead City University is a private, non-profit institution owned by Eduserve Consult. It was founded by Prof. Jide Owoeye, who serves as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council. The university is accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and operates from a single main campus.
Originally established as City University, Ibadan, the institution was renamed Lead City University in March 2005. It currently offers academic programmes across Medicine, Health Sciences, Engineering, Computing, Social Sciences, Management, and the Arts.
5. Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD)
Afe Babalola University charges tuition fees ranging from about N1.1 million to N6.17 million per session for the 2025/2026 academic year, depending on the programme of study.
Medicine and Surgery is the institution’s most expensive course, with tuition ranging from about N5.65 million to N6.17 million per session. Dentistry costs between N3.31 million and N4.87 million, while Law attracts fees of approximately N2.82 million to N3.79 million per session. Pharmacy is priced between N2.47 million and N3.29 million, while Engineering programmes generally cost between N2.05 million and N2.59 million per session. Science and Computing courses range from about N1.35 million to N2.29 million.
Located in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Afe Babalola University was founded in 2009 by renowned lawyer Aare Afe Babalola (SAN). The private, non-profit institution is licensed by the Federal Government of Nigeria and currently operates six colleges with a student population of more than 8,000.
The university was built on its permanent site in about eight months and began academic activities with an initial intake of 101 students.
6. Bowen University
Bowen University charges total fees ranging from about N615,900 to over N5.07 million per session for the 2025/2026 academic year, depending on the programme of study.
Medicine and Surgery (Pre-Clinical) is the university’s most expensive programme, with tuition of about N5.07 million per session. Nursing costs approximately N1.91 million, while Medical Laboratory Science and Physiotherapy attract fees of about N1.79 million and N1.71 million, respectively.
Law students pay about N2.39 million per session, while Engineering and Computing programmes generally cost between N1.32 million and N1.45 million. Religious Studies, along with several Arts and Education-related courses, are among the institution’s most affordable programmes, with fees starting at about N615,900 per session.
Located in Iwo, Osun State, Bowen University is a private, non-profit institution owned and operated by the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC). Established in 2001, it is widely recognised as the first Baptist university in Africa.
The university is named after Reverend Thomas Jefferson Bowen, the American missionary who introduced Baptist missionary work to Nigeria in 1850. Its historical roots, however, date back to 1854, when the Bowen family laid the foundation for Baptist education in Nigeria by establishing a school in Ijaiye Orile, now in Oyo State. What began as a small class with five stewards and a handful of learners has since evolved into a nationwide network of Baptist primary and secondary schools, culminating in the establishment of Bowen University.
The institution occupies a 1,300-acre campus in Iwo and is governed by a council appointed by the Nigerian Baptist Convention. Its leadership includes Rev. Dr. Israel A. Akanji, President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, who serves as the Visitor; Rev. Yusuf Gwadah as Chancellor; and Deaconess Joan Olatoyosi Ayo, OON, as Chairperson of the Governing Council.
7. American University of Nigeria (AUN)
The American University of Nigeria (AUN) charges tuition fees ranging from about N2.44 million to N3.51 million per session for the 2025/2026 academic year, depending on the programme of study.
Standard undergraduate programmes cost about N2.44 million per session, while specialised courses such as Law, Engineering, Nursing, and Public Health attract tuition fees of approximately N3.51 million per session.
Located in Yola, Adamawa State, the university was founded in 2003 by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. It was originally established as ABTI American University before being renamed the American University of Nigeria in 2007.
The institution operates from a single campus spanning more than 2,500 acres of land donated by the late Alhaji (Dr.) Aliyu Musdafa, the 11th Lamido of Adamawa.
AUN adopts a liberal arts-based academic model and offers programmes across several disciplines, including Law, Engineering, Computing, Economics, Social Sciences, and Health Sciences.
8. Covenant University (CU)
Covenant University charges tuition fees ranging from about N1.71 million to N2.01 million per session for the 2025/2026 academic year, depending on the programme of study.
Programmes such as Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management and Marketing are among the most affordable, with tuition of about N1.71 million per session. Most courses in the Sciences, Social Sciences, and Management disciplines cost between N1.73 million and N1.96 million.
Engineering programmes—including Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical/Electronics, Mechanical, and Petroleum Engineering—are the most expensive, with tuition set at about N2.01 million per session.
The fees cover tuition, examinations, ICT services, medical care, sports, registration, and the issuance of student identity cards.
Located in Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, Covenant University is owned by the Living Faith Church Worldwide. The institution was founded by Bishop David Oyedepo and received its operating licence from the National Universities Commission (NUC) in 2002.
9. Babcock University
Babcock University charges tuition fees ranging from about N813,036.90 to N2,001,987 per session for the 2025/2026 academic year, depending on the programme of study.
Law is the institution’s most expensive programme, with tuition set at about N2,001,987 per session, while Education is among the most affordable, costing approximately N813,036.90. Most undergraduate programmes fall within the N800,000 to N1.5 million range, with Medicine, Engineering, and other specialised courses attracting higher fees.
In addition to tuition, students are required to pay for feeding and accommodation. Feeding costs N952,000 per session for a two-meal daily plan or N1.428 million for a three-meal daily plan, while accommodation fees range from about N397,712 to N564,180 per session, depending on the hostel option.
Located in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Babcock University is owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nigeria. The institution was established in 1959 and attained full university status in 1999 after receiving approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC).
10. Redeemers University
Redeemer’s University charges undergraduate tuition fees ranging from about N666,500 to N2,090,000 per session for the 2025/2026 academic year, depending on the programme and level of study.
Tuition in the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences ranges from about N846,500 to N1,636,300 per session, while Law is the institution’s most expensive programme, with fees ranging from about N1,141,500 to N2,090,000. Engineering, Computing, and related courses generally cost between N973,000 and N1,450,000, while Management and Social Sciences programmes range from about N884,000 to N1,200,000. Humanities courses, including English and Theatre Arts, are among the most affordable, with fees ranging from about N666,500 to N1,100,000 per session.
Redeemer’s University is owned by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and received its operational licence from the Federal Government on January 7, 2005. Academic activities commenced on October 11, 2005, at the Redemption City in Mowe, Ogun State, before the institution relocated to its permanent campus in Ede, Osun State, in 2014.
The university was established under the leadership of Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
11. Adeleke University (AU)
Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, charges undergraduate school fees ranging from about ₦1.1 million to over ₦2.9 million for the 2025/2026 academic session, depending on the faculty, level of study, and accommodation option selected. The institution also offers flexible payment plans, allowing students to pay in two or four instalments.
For newly admitted students, tuition in the Arts, Management, and Social Sciences faculties generally ranges from about ₦1.5 million to ₦1.8 million per session. Engineering programmes, including Civil, Mechanical, and Computer Engineering, cost between ₦1.1 million and ₦1.4 million, while Nursing and other specialised Science programmes attract fees ranging from about ₦1.5 million to over ₦2.9 million per session.
The published fees cover tuition, accommodation, feeding, and medical services. However, newly admitted students are also required to pay a non-refundable acceptance fee, which typically ranges between ₦100,000 and ₦150,000.
The owner and founder of Adeleke University is the Nigerian billionaire business magnate and philanthropist Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, the father of popular Nigerian singer Davido. He established the private, faith-based institution in 2011 through his non-profit organization, the Springtime Development Foundation (SDF).
