Private universities now play a significant role in Nigeria’s higher education system, offering an alternative to public institutions often disrupted by strikes, underfunding, and overcrowding. But this alternative comes at a high cost, making it inaccessible to many Nigerians.

Behind these institutions are individuals and organisations who have invested heavily in private education, shaping not just campuses, but also the direction of tertiary learning in the country.

Here are 10 most expensive private universities in Nigeria and their owners.

Wigwe University

Wigwe University, located in Isiokpo, Rivers State, was founded by the late Dr. Herbert Wigwe, former CEO of Access Bank. Although Dr. Wigwe died in a helicopter crash in early 2024 before the university officially opened, the institution began operations later that year. Licensed by the National Universities Commission in June 2023, the university admitted its first set of over 200 students in October 2024. It offers programmes across six colleges, including Engineering, Allied Health, and Arts. With tuition ranging from N9.6 million to nearly N12 million and accommodation fees reaching over N3.8 million, Wigwe University is currently Nigeria’s most expensive private university.

Babcock University

Babcock University is a private institution owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nigeria and forms part of the global Adventist education network. Established in 1959 as the Adventist College of West Africa, it became a university in 1999 and was among the first private universities licensed by the National Universities Commission. Located in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, the university is governed by Chairperson Bassey Effiong Okon Udoh, with Professor Ademola S. Tayo serving as President. Tuition varies by program, with medicine and surgery costing between N5.5 million and N7 million per session, law at N2 million, and other programs ranging from N800,000 to N1.5 million. Accommodation fees range from N300,000 to N600,000, depending on the hostel type.

Nile University of Nigeria

Nile University of Nigeria is owned by Honoris United Universities, a pan-African higher education network backed by Actis Capital. The university was fully acquired by the group in July 2020 as part of its expansion into West Africa. Honoris, which operates across 10 countries, is led by CEO Dr. Jonathan Louw, a medical doctor and former CEO of both the South African National Blood Service and Adcock Ingram. Nile University was established in 2009 and operates from a 113-hectare campus in Abuja. Tuition fees vary by program: Medicine and Surgery costs ?6.5 million per session, Law is N4.25 million, and other programs range from N2.8 million to N3.5 million annually.

Pan-Atlantic University

Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), a private non-profit institution in Lagos State, originated from the Lagos Business School, which began executive education in 1991. Officially licensed as a university in 2002, it launched undergraduate programs in 2004. The university draws inspiration from the teachings of St. Josemaría Escrivá, founder of Opus Dei, emphasising work as a form of service and personal growth. PAU operates two campuses—its main undergraduate campus in Ibeju-Lekki and a postgraduate campus in Ajah that houses the Lagos Business School. The institution is governed by a council chaired by Henry Odein Ajumogobia, SAN, OFR. Tuition for the 2024/2025 academic year ranges from N4.1 million to N6.3 million, depending on the course of study.

Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD)

Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) was founded in 2009 by Aare Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and renowned advocate for educational reform. Established as a private, non-profit institution, the university was built on its permanent site in Ado-Ekiti within eight months, a feat recognised by the National Universities Commission (NUC). It began with 101 students and has since expanded to over 8,000, offering programs across six colleges. In 2022, it launched the ABUAD Business School in Ibadan, following the upgrade of its international study centre. Tuition for Medicine and Surgery begins at N4.67 million and increases to N5.55 million in subsequent years. Other programs range from ?1.1 million to ?3.7 million per session.

Lead City University

Lead City University (LCU) is a private institution located in Ibadan, Oyo State, and was officially licensed in 2005. It was founded by Professor Jide Owoeye, a seasoned academic and the founder of Eduserve Consult, who also serves as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council. Known for its strong emphasis on academic excellence and entrepreneurship, the university offers a wide range of programs, including Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Dentistry. Programs in the health sciences attract some of the highest tuition fees at LCU—Medicine costs N5.525 million annually, while Pharmacy and Nursing are N3.025 million each, and Dentistry is N2.525 million per year. Originally proposed as City University, the name was changed to Lead City University to avoid confusion with other institutions.

Bowen University

Bowen University is a private Christian institution located in Iwo, Osun State, and was officially established in 2001 by the Nigerian Baptist Convention. It is named after Reverend Thomas Jefferson Bowen, the American missionary who pioneered Baptist mission work in Nigeria. The university blends academic learning with Christian values and is governed by a council under the leadership of Rev Dr. Israel A. Akanji, President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention and Visitor to the university. Bowen offers a variety of programs across disciplines. Medicine costs N4.6 million per year, Law is N2.2 million, while other programs range from N880,900 to N1.3 million per session.

American University of Nigeria (AUN)

The American University of Nigeria (AUN) is a private, non-profit university located in Yola, Adamawa State. It was founded in 2003 by Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former Vice President, with a vision to create Africa’s first Development University. AUN offers an American-style liberal arts education and operates from a 2,500-acre campus donated by the late Lamido of Adamawa. Accredited by the National Universities Commission, the university offers a range of programs across disciplines. Tuition for a standard 15-credit course load is N1.221 million per semester, while specialised programs like Law, Engineering, Nursing, and Public Health cost N1.755 million per semester. Governance is managed by a diverse Board of Trustees, including Dr. Margee Ensign, Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, and Chief Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr.

Redeemer’s University

Redeemer’s University is a private Christian university located in Ede, Osun State, and owned by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). It was founded by Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of RCCG and a respected academic with a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics. Adeboye also serves as the Visitor to the university. RUN began operations in 2005 at a temporary site in Mowe before moving to its permanent campus in 2014. The university emphasises spiritual discipline, academic excellence, and a drug- and cult-free environment. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across faculties such as Law, Natural Sciences, Humanities, and Basic Medical Sciences. Tuition for Law students ranges from N1.14 million to N2.09 million per session, while students in the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences pay between N846,500 and N1.63 million.

Covenant University

Covenant University (CU) is a private Christian institution located in Ota, Ogun State, and was officially licensed in 2002 by the National Universities Commission (NUC). It was founded by Bishop David Oyedepo, the presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel), who serves as the Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Regents. CU is known for its commitment to academic rigour, spiritual discipline, and leadership development, offering programs across four colleges. Undergraduate tuition ranges from N1,507,650 to N1,704,300 per session, depending on the course of study. The university operates from a single campus in Canaanland, Ota, and maintains affiliations with international bodies such as the Association of African Universities and the Association of Commonwealth Universities. (BusinessDay)