25 cheapest private universities in Nigeria to apply for in 2025

Attending the cheapest private university in Nigeria does not mean you will get low-quality education. Cheap private universities in Nigeria only lower the fees to accommodate students from all backgrounds, but still, maintain high standards. This article lists the 25 cheapest private universities in Nigeria.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Key takeaways
• Cheapest private universities in Nigeria
  • 25. Turkish Nile University – N500,000 to 1 million
  • 24. Lead City University (LCU) – N550,000
  • 23. Coal City University (CCU) – N467,000
  • 22. Covenant University (CU) – N452,000
  • 21. Crawford University – N450,000
  • 20. Newgate University Minna (NUM) – N450,000
  • 19. Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) – N436,000
  • 18. ECWA Bingham University – N400,000
  • 17. Novena University – N400,000
  • 16. Adeleke University – N350,000
  • 15. Al-Hikmah University – N350,000
  • 14. Fountain University – N341,000
  • 13. Babcock University – N340,000
  • 12. Atiba University – N300,000 to N600,000
  • 11. Trinity University – N300,000 to N550,000
  • 10. Rhema University – N300,000
  • 9. Paul University, Awka – N300,000
  • 8. Claretian University of Nigerian (CUN) – N300,000
  • 7. Tansian University – N258,000 to N300,000
  • 6. Caritas University – N248,000
  • 5. Wellspring University – N213,000
  • 4. Renaissance University (RNU) – N200,000 to N700,000
  • 3. Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu (OUI) – N195,000
  • 2. Obong University – N170,000
  • 1. Ajayi Crowther University (ACU) – N162,000 to N782,000
• Which are the private universities with the cheapest school fees in Nigeria?
• How much is the average school fees of private universities in Nigeria?
• How many private universities are in Nigeria?
• Which African country has the cheapest university fees?
• Which country has the most universities in Africa?
• Which are the cheapest private universities in Nigeria to apply for medicine
• Which private university has the lowest fees in Nigeria?
• How much is the cheapest private university in Nigeria?
• Which university has the most students in Nigeria?
• Which Nigerian university is among the best in the world?
• Which federal university is the cheapest in Nigeria?
• What is the most expensive university in Nigeria?
• How much does it cost to establish a private university in Nigeria?

Key takeaways

• Nigeria has 258 universities; 148 private universities, 60 state universities, and 50 federal universities.
• Nigeria is one of the African countries with the most institutions of higher learning.
• The average school fees of private universities in Nigeria range from N150,000 to N700,000, depending on the course.

Cheapest private universities in Nigeria

We used information from Scholarship Region and Academicful to compile this list. However, this is a highly subjective topic, and choices may vary depending on location and religion.

Rank	University	Average fees
1	Ajayi Crowther University (ACU)	N162,000 to N782,000
2	Obong University	N170,000
3	Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu (OUI)	N195,000
4	Renaissance University (RNU)	N200,000 to N700,000
5	Wellspring University	N213,000
6	Caritas University	N248,000
7	Tansian University	N258,000 to N300,000
8	Claretian University of Nigerian (CUN)	N300,000
9	Paul University, Awka	N300,000
10	Rhema University	N300,000
11	Trinity University	N300,000 to N550,000
12	Atiba University	N300,000 to N600,000
13	Babcock University	N340,000
14	Fountain University	N341,000
15	Al-Hikmah University	N350,000
16	Adeleke University	N350,000
17	Novena University	N400,000
18	ECWA Bingham University	N400,000
19	Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU)	N436,000
20	Newgate University Minna (NUM)	N450,000
21	Crawford University	N450,000
22	Covenant University (CU)	N452,000
23	Coal City University (CCU)	N467,000
24	Lead City University (LCU)	N550,000
25	Turkish Nile University	N500,000 to 1 million

25. Turkish Nile University – N500,000 to 1 million

• Founded: 2009
• Address: Jabi Airport Bypass, Abuja State, Nigeria
• Phone numbers: +234 806 735 0919 | +234 805 489 2616 | +234 916 985 3402
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.nileuniversity.edu.ng

Turkish Nile University has branches in over ten countries in Africa. The school was established in Nigeria in 2009. Every faculty at TNU has reputable academics dedicated to driving innovation in research and learning. Consider this school if you are looking for the cheapest private university in Abuja‌.

24. Lead City University (LCU) – N550,000

• Founded: 2005
• Address: Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
• Phone numbers: +234 908 899 9145 | +234 908 899 9149
• Emails: [email protected] | [email protected]
• Website: www.lcu.edu.ng

The physical and academic development of Lead City University is impressive. In addition, the school contributes to developing tertiary education in Nigeria by using innovative teaching techniques. Besides, this is one of the schools you can apply to when seeking the cheapest private university in Lagos.

23. Coal City University (CCU) – N467,000

• Founded: 2016
• Address: Emene Enugu State, Nigeria
• Phone number: +234 902 3637 316
• Fax number: +234 902 3637 316
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: ccu.edu.ng

Coal City University is a non-profit co-educational university in Igboland. Its world-class education has earned the school an excellent reputation locally and internationally. CCU school fees are affordable, and students could benefit from study-abroad programs in Australia, Germany, Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, or the USA, among others.

22. Covenant University (CU) – N452,000

• Founded: 2002
• Address: Canaan Land, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
• Phone number: +234 201 227 3500
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: covenantuniversity.edu.ng

Covenant University is affiliated with Living Faith Church Worldwide. The school has four colleges, 23 departments, and over 36 areas of study. Furthermore, Covenant University offers international scholarships, fellowships, or grants to local and international students.

21. Crawford University – N450,000

• Founded: 2005
• Address: Lusada, Igbesa, Ogun State, Nigeria
• Phone numbers: ++234 7036 0881 35 | +234 8038 1940 61
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: crawforduniversity.edu.ng

Rev. Paul Akazue established Crawford University in 2005. Many acknowledge this is the cheapest private university in Ogun State that associates with the Apostolic Faith Mission church. Furthermore, Crawford University upholds Godliness, intellectualism, integrity, community service, and entrepreneurship.

20. Newgate University Minna (NUM) – N450,000

• Address: Minna, Niger State, Nigeria
• Phone number: +234 817 881 2480
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: newgateuniversityminna.edu.ng

This Islamic university delivers high-quality learning experiences in the classroom, online, or within the community. The Newgate University Minna students also graduate on time, and the school prepares them to be well-rounded, responsible citizens who can successfully influence positive change in society.

19. Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) – N436,000

• Founded: 2006
• Address: Ipo Arakeji and Ikeji Arakeji, Osun State, Nigeria
• Phone number: +234 811 104 2020
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: jabu.edu.ng

Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) is the best entrepreneurial university in Nigeria. The university has a campus in Ipo Arakeji and Ikeji Arakeji in Osun State. Joseph Ayo Babalola University also embraces all scholars regardless of their affiliations and backgrounds.

18. ECWA Bingham University – N400,000

• Founded: 2005
• Address: New Karu, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
• Phone numbers: +234 706 861 5119 | +234 706 509 2268 | +234 706 448 3649
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: binghamuni.edu.ng

ECWA Bingham is one of the cheapest private universities in Northern Nigeria. ECWA’s plans to establish Bingham University in Nasarawa State began in 2003. The Nigerian University Commission gave the school a charter in 2005, and lectures commenced in 2006.

17. Novena University – N400,000

• Founded: 2005
• Address: Ogume, Delta State, Nigeria
• Phone numbers: +234 803 330 2376 | +234 803 716 7418
• Email: [email protected] | [email protected]
• Website: novenauniversity.edu.ng

Novena University was the first private university to be established in Delta State. The serene and calm environment at Novena University makes learning fun, and the school gives unparalleled opportunities for students to achieve their dreams.

16. Adeleke University – N350,000

• Founded: 2011
• Address: Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
• Phone numbers: 07026115005 | 09069631925 | 07032387431
• Emails: [email protected] | [email protected]
• Website: adelekeuniversity.edu.ng

Adeleke University is not only affordable but also one of the best universities in Nigeria. The school has a diverse academic plan that attracts students worldwide. Moreover, Adeleke University is the best place for students interested in an excellent college education.

15. Al-Hikmah University – N350,000

• Founded: 2005
• Address: Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
• Phone numbers: +234 703 275 4666 | +234 805 544 6634
• Emails: [email protected] | [email protected]
• Website: alhikmahuniversity.edu.ng

World Assembly of Muslim Youths (WAMY) in Jeddah and the Abdur-Raheem Oladimeji Islamic Foundation (AROIF) in Nigeria established Al-Hikmah University in 2005. The Islamic university charges N300,000 to N600,000 per session.

14. Fountain University – N341,000

• Founded: 2007
• Address: Oke-Osun, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
• Phone numbers: +234 816 035 0557 | +234 803 706 3960
• Email: [email protected]

Fountain University produces competent and resourceful graduates. The school’s library boosts student research and innovations they create to benefit society. What’s more, Fountain University is an Islamic school offering very affordable education to students from middle and low-income backgrounds.

13. Babcock University – N340,000

• Founded: 1959
• Address: Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria
• Phone numbers: +234 805 680 0999 | +234 703 204 9418
• Emails: [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected]
• Website: www.babcock.edu.ng

Babcock University is a Seventh-day Adventist higher learning institution and, presumably, the cheapest private university in Ogun State. It is among the oldest private universities in the country.

12. Atiba University – N300,000 to N600,000

• Founded: 2017
• Address: Oyo Township, Oyo State, Nigeria
• Phone number: 08169382815
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.atibauniversity.edu.ng

Academic programs and activities at Atiba University Oyo promote a progressive culture of excellence in teaching, learning, research, and innovation. The school is affordable, and a student can apply for a scholarship of up to N158,000 per academic year.

11. Trinity University – N300,000 to N550,000

• Founded: 1990s
• Address: Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria
• Phone number: +234 703 216 7003 | +234 703 216 7003
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.trinityuniversity.edu.ng

Trinity University is among the cheapest private universities in Lagos. The school is on the outskirts of Lagos State and was first established as a college in Ikeja Lagos in the early 1990s.

The institution later moved to a permanent site in Ofada in Ogun State in 1998 and got a license to operate as a private university in 2019.

10. Rhema University – N300,000

• Founded: 2009
• Address: Aba, Abia State, Nigeria
• Phone number: 08076846648
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.rhemauniversity.edu.ng

Rhema University is among the few affordable private universities in Abia state. The school is affiliated with the Living Word Ministries. Moreover, students rarely regret choosing the institution because of its diverse undergraduate programs that nurture and equip scholars to prosper globally.

9. Paul University, Awka – N300,000

• Founded: 2009
• Address: Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
• Phone numbers: 0805-607-9976 | 0803-524-6492 | 0813-449-3683
• Emails: [email protected] | [email protected]
• Website: www.pauluniversity.edu.ng

Paul University is affiliated with the Church of Nigeria. The school has a very conducive learning environment and a team of committed staff to help scholars excel. Its top priority is to offer talented youth access to university education and involve them in making innovations.

8. Claretian University of Nigerian (CUN) – N300,000

• Founded: 2021
• Address: Umualum, Nekede, Imo State, Nigeria
• Phone number: +234 901 6189 060
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: claretianuniversity.edu.ng

The Claretian Missionaries of the Catholic Church established the Claretian University of Nigeria in February 2021. The school is one of the cheapest private universities in Imo State. CUN school fees range from N200,000 to N300,000 per session.

7. Tansian University – N258,000 to N300,000

• Founded: 2007
• Address: Umunya, Oyi LGA, Anambra State, Nigeria
• Phone number: +234 (0) 806 437 8213
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.tansianuniversity.edu.ng

Tansian University is among the best private Christian universities in Nigeria. It was established at Oba, Idemili South LGA, a temporary site, then moved to a permanent place in Umunya. The school’s fees range from N200,000 to N300,000 per session.

6. Caritas University – N248,000

• Founded: 2004
• Address: Amorji-Nike, Enugu State, Nigeria
• Phone number: 08034232449
• Emails: [email protected] | [email protected]
• Website: www.caritasuni.edu.ng

Caritas University is most likely the cheapest private university in Enugu State. Emmanuel Paul Mattew Edeh established this private institution in 2004. The school’s fees range from N220,000 to N390,000 per session.

5. Wellspring University – N213,000

• Founded: 2009
• Address: Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
• Phone numbers: +234 704 255 0535 | +234 806 255 7803
• Emails: [email protected] | [email protected]
• Website: wellspringuniversity.edu.ng

Wellspring University’s school fees range from N100,000 to N250,000 per session, but most students pay N213,000 on average. The school is committed to providing quality learning that will stimulate students’ minds and make them the best leaders to bring change in Africa.

4. Renaissance University (RNU) – N200,000 to N700,000

• Founded: 2005
• Address: Ugbawka, Nkanu East LGA, Enugu State, Nigeria
• Phone numbers: +234 806 6416
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.rnu.edu.ng

Renaissance University was established in 2005, but studies took off in September 2007. Its vision is to be a centre of excellence for teaching, research, and community service and to empower individuals to strive for the utmost development of humanity. The university often responds appropriately to the needs of its students.

3. Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu (OUI) – N195,000

• Founded: 2009
• Address: Ipetumodu, Ile-Ife, Osun state, Nigeria
• Phone numbers: +234 805 656 5656 | +234 805 855 5558
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.oduduwauniversity.edu.ng

Oduduwa University sits on 100 hectares piece of land in Osun state. The school collaborates with various universities in Africa and abroad to give students the best education. For instance, Oduduwa University has affiliations with the Institute of Aviation Studies, Unique Citizen (University) College in Ghana, and Our Saviour University America.

2. Obong University – N170,000

• Founded: 1997
• Address: Obong Ntak, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria
• Phone numbers: 0904 219 3686 | 0904 220 4010
• Emails: [email protected] | [email protected]
• Website: www.obonguniversity.org

Obong University is a private university in Obong Ntak, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria. The school is closely affiliated with the Churches of Christ and is sponsoring the congregation of Rivergate Church of Christ in Madison, Tennessee.

1. Ajayi Crowther University (ACU) – N162,000 to N782,000

• Founded: 2005
• Address: Oke-Ebo, Atiba LGA, Oyo State, Nigeria
• Phone number: +234 807 114 2017
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.acu.edu.ng

Ajayi Crowther University produces highly qualified, talented, and disciplined intellectuals who can bring positive change and societal transformation. It is among the most affordable private universities in Nigeria, also loved for its Christian ethics.

During an interview with Dr. Jadesola Tai Babatola, the Registrar at Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), told Legit.ng that the basic idea of spreading cost at ACU is based on student enrolment and the expenses associated with hosting each academic program.

Dr. Babatola emphasized the University’s commitment to attracting students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and ensuring affordability for all prospective students. He outlined several key considerations in determining fees, including:

• Operational and maintenance costs;
• Rental obligations;
• Staffing expenditures, including pension and pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) remittances;
• Provision of essential utilities and academic resources for teaching and research;
• Procurement of equipment; and
• Accreditation of courses.

The fees are spread over the cost implication without any intent to profit or raise extra charges outside the actual cost of running the Institution since the University has IGR and other fundraising sources such as endowment, church contributions, and donations from its sponsors.

Ensuring quality education at ACU through affordable fees

Dr. Babatola mentioned that ACU maintains a delicate balance between quality education and affordable fees, viewing the latter as essential for expanding student enrollment and optimizing the University’s resource utilization. He explained that:

Access to private university education helps bridge the gaps and the lacuna in service delivery in Nigeria’s public university system. Undoubtedly, ACU is poised to ensure a direct staff-student learning process that allows learners to be well taught and open to necessary guidance and mentoring not available in public Institutions.

Staff is to focus on the student’s well-being, mental capacities, and social conduct to achieve the Institution’s mandate of raising godly intellectuals. Similarly, the University is open to all students of faith and does not discriminate against any entrant, though it is compulsory or mandatory for all staff and students to comply with the University regulations.

Therefore, The need to open academic programs for robust engagement, continuous interaction, and collaborative effort suffice. For all hands to be on deck, the scale of preference is to satisfy the student’s needs and provide required services at an affordable rate.

ACU will do its best to ensure value for money at an affordable cost so as not to be priced out of the higher education market or perform below expectations in service delivery and provision of optimal services for staff, students, and other stakeholders in need of the University services.

The Registrar highlighted several factors contributing to ACU’s quality education, including:

• Creating a conducive learning environment.
• Implementing a comprehensive curriculum aligned with NUC academic standards.
• Ensuring essential infrastructure and support services.
• Emphasizing community engagement with a commitment to total quality management.
• Promoting knowledge advancement through research, practical teaching methods, skill development, and fostering balanced social interactions.

Financial support and scholarships at ACU

Dr. Babatola explained that scholarship opportunities and financial aid for students primarily come from two corporate bodies: the Josephus Foundation and the Folorunsho-Modupe Alakija Foundation.

According to him, others have come through individual patrons of the University such as

Chief Dr. Wole Olanipekun SAN, CFR, who supports postgraduate students, especially Anglican clergy pursuing degree programs; Dr. Mrs. F. Ajimobi (former Oyo State 1st Lady), who has sponsored undergraduates and students with disabilities; and Prof. Timothy Abiodun Adebayo (the current Vice-Chancellor), who sponsors bright, needy students pursuing various academic programs at the University.

Courses offered and tuition fees

The information provided by ACU outlines the courses available at the University along with the corresponding tuition fees for the 2024/2025 academic year. These fees (as shown below) are divided into three instalments:

• First Tranche: Paid in September before the resumption.
• Second Tranche: Paid in the first week of January (upon resumption).
• Third Tranche: Paid at the beginning of the second semester.

These instalment fees can vary, with law students paying as high as ₦863,500, while students studying peace and conflict resolution can pay as low as ₦96,750.

COURSES	100 L & 200 L freshers	200 L returning students	300 L	400 L	500 L
History and International Studies	667,000	640,000	683,400	685,400
Religious Studies/Theology	417,000	399,000	399,000	389,000
English	567,000	487,000	487,000	487,000
Performing Arts & Music	482,000	462,000	452,000	452,000
Accounting and Business Administration	867,000	682,400	702,400	697,400
Banking and Finance	767,000	487,000	487,000	487,000
Entrepreneurship Studies & Industrial Relations and Personal Management	617,000	587,000	587,000	587,000
Economics	817,000	682,400	702,400	697,400
Political Science	617,000	587,000	587,000	587,000
Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution	417,000	387,000	387,000	387,000
Mass Communication	817,000	682,400	702,400	697,400
Microbiology, Computer Science and ICT option	881,000	723,400	732,400	727,400
Physics, Mathematics and Statistics	531,000	487,000	487,000	487,000
Biochemistry	881,000	723,400	727,400	722,400
Industrial Chemistry	531,000	493,000	487,000	487,000
Geology	921,00	759,900	767,400	762,400
Law	1,727,000	1,287,000	1,287,000	1,287,000	1,287,000
Education	417,000	437,000	447,000	447,000
Library and Information Science	467,000	437,000	447,000	447,000
Mechanical, Computer, Electrical & Civil Engineering	931,000	787,000	787,000	787,000	787,000
Architecture	867,000	582,000	582,000	582,000	582,000
Estate Management	667,000	537,000	537,000	537,000	537,000
Surveying and Geo-Informatics	667,000	637,000	637,000	637,000
Agricultural Economics Extension & Crop & Animal Science	481,000	437,000	437,000	437,000
Medical Laboratory Sciences & Radiography & Radiation Science	1,221,240	1,183,040	1,327,240	1,177,240
Environmental Health Science	631,000	611,000	611,000	611,000
Nursing Science	1,452,000	1,413,800	1,413,800	1,413,800
Students of Other Programmes	45,000

Which are the private universities with the cheapest school fees in Nigeria?

Below are some of the most affordable private universities in Nigeria that enrol local and international students, have exchange study programs abroad, and can also give you scholarships if you meet the qualifications:

• Ajayi Crowther University (ACU)
• Obong University
• Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu (OUI)
• Renaissance University (RNU)
• Wellspring University
• Caritas University

How much is the average school fees of private universities in Nigeria?

The average school fees of private universities in Nigeria range from N150,000 to N700,000, depending on the course.

How many private universities are in Nigeria?

Nigeria has 258 universities; 148 private universities, 60 state universities, and 50 federal universities.

Which African country has the cheapest university fees?

Nigeria is among the African countries with the cheapest universities in the world. Some private and federal universities charge tuition fees way below $100 per session.

Which country has the most universities in Africa?

Nigeria has the highest number of universities and other higher-learning institutions in Africa.

Which are the cheapest private universities in Nigeria to apply for medicine

Some of the cheapest universities in Nigeria to apply for medicine include Bingham University, Bowen University and Madonna University. These universities also have some of the best medical programmes in the country.

Which private university has the lowest fees in Nigeria?

According to our list, the university with the lowest fees in Nigeria is Ajayi Crowther University in Oyo State, Nigeria.

How much is the cheapest private university in Nigeria?

The cheapest university, Ajayi Crowther University, has an average fee of N162,000 to N782,000.

Which university has the most students in Nigeria?

The National Open University is the largest Nigerian university by student population size. The school has over half a million students.

Which Nigerian university is among the best in the world?

University of Lagos (UNILAG), University of Ibadan (UI), and Covenant University are among the 1,000 top universities in the world.

Which federal university is the cheapest in Nigeria?

Some of the cheapest federal universities in Nigeria include the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUA).

What is the most expensive university in Nigeria?

The Nile University is the most expensive private university in Nigeria. In 2019, the institute charged N2.4 million (around $5,800) average annual tuition fee for bachelor’s programs.

How much does it cost to establish a private university in Nigeria?

Establishing a private university in Nigeria is quite costly, as registering with the National Universities Commission alone, could set you back N25 million. Other important costs include land acquisition, infrastructure development, and hiring of staff and faculties. However, the NUC has placed a moratorium on the establishment of new Universities for one year as of February 2025.

The cheapest private universities in Nigeria also offer quality education just like the rest. The Nigerian Universities Commission authorizes such institutions to operate in the country since not everyone can afford expensive schools.

Legit.ng also shared educative details about the NYSC registration guidelines, requirements, documents, and how to use their portal.

Undergraduates are now allowed to proceed to NYSC after graduation. Most graduates attend their one-year mandatory NYSC program after completing their bachelor’s degree studies.

Source: Legit.ng