There are millions of people seeking higher and further formal education in the world and Nigeria in particular but the government alone cannot satisfy the needs of the growing population. Private universities are increasing an option, which is why we compiled this list of private universities in Nigeria to aid your search for a suitable institution for your academic needs.
In today’s world, higher education is not just a plus to one’s intelligence quotient but also his general societal status. Better job opportunities, more influence amongst peers, flexibility, and adaptability to diverse habitat are part of the multiple advantages of acquiring a higher learning degree. In Nigeria, inexplicably, it seems to be that one if one has not attained that educational height – university – his formal education was not complete. Hence, there is a huge demand for higher education in the country.
In some cases, there are people who have the resources and the mental faculty to succeed at the university, yet are limited by not knowing which school to apply to or which schools offer the courses they are interested in learning. Such people may end up not going for the course they truly desire and settle for something else, or worse still abandon going to the university altogether.
Due to the high demand for university education and, in a bid to relieve the pressure on public universities, the Federal Government ratified a policy to enable private institutions to obtain licenses to operate higher institutions of learning. This was to bridge the gap between demand and supply in the education sector, which will consequently lead to an upward curve in the economy and government.
There are over one hundred higher learning institutions in Nigeria today. However, we have provided you with a list of seventy-nine private universities in Nigeria, their names, location, and courses they offer.
Our list of private universities in Nigeria is arranged alphabetically to make it easier to search by name. You can also use the outline links to click on particular universities if you don’t want to go through the entire list.
1. Achievers University
Achievers University was founded in 2007, the year it also commenced its academic activities. The university is owned by Mr Bode Ayorinde. It is located at KM 1 ldasen/Uteh Road, Owo in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Its operating license was suspended in July 2012 but was later restored after it implemented recommendations by the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC).
Courses offered at Achievers University
Below is a list of courses offered at the school:
Accounting
Biochemistry
Biomedical Engineering
Botany
Business Administration
Chemistry
Computer Engineering
Computer Science and Information Technology
Criminology and Security Studies
ECONOMICS
Electrical/Electronics Engineering
Geology
Industrial Chemistry
International Relations
Law
Mass Communications
Mathematics
Mechatronics Engineering
Medical Laboratory Science
Microbiology
Nursing/Nursing Science
Physics
Physics with Electronics
Political Science
Public Administration
Sociology
Statistics
Telecommunications Engineering
Zoology
2. Adeleke University
Adeleke University was established in 2011 by Chief Adedeji Adeleke (the father of Davido, award-winning Nigerian musician). Adeleke University is a philanthropic organisation that helps needy students to acquire higher learning. It is located at Ede, Osun State.
Adeleke University academic division
Faculty of Arts
Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences
Faculty of Business and Social Sciences
Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Science
3. Admiralty University
The Admiralty University of Nigeria is a private institution established by the Nigerian Navy. The University is located near Ibusa in Delta State. It was inaugurated in 2019. The university has four academic divisions
Admiralty University faculties
Faculty of sciences
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Faculty of Management Sciences.
Faculty of Entrepreneurship
4. Afe Babalola University
Next on our list of private universities in Nigeria is Afe Babalola University. The institution was founded by the lawyer and philanthropist, Afe Babalola, in 2009. ABUAD, as it is called, offers academic programs in six Colleges: Sciences, Law, Engineering, Social and Management Sciences, Medicine and Health Sciences, and Postgraduate Studies.
Pre-degree and degree foundation programs are run in all the above-listed Colleges.
For Afe Babalola University for more information
5. African University of Science & Technology
With the idea of taking technical education to the highest standard by the Nelson Mandela Institute, in 2007. The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), a postgraduate university was established.
Programs offered by the African University of Science & Technology
Computer Science and Management of Information Technology
Material Science and Engineering
Petroleum Engineering
Pure and Applied Mathematics,
Space and Aerospace Sciences
Engineering
Applied Social Sciences
6. Ajayi Crowther University
Ajayi Crowther University (ACU) is located in Oyo Town, Oyo State. Founded in 2005 in Oyo, ACU was established by the Supra Diocesan Board (West) of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
Ajayi Crowther University Faculties
Faculty of Natural Science
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Social Science
Faculty of Management Science
Faculty of Humanities
Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Education
7. Al-Hikmah University
Al-Hikmah University began its academic activities during the 2005/2006 academic session with 70 students.
It is an Islamic school situated in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. The AbdulRaheem Oladimeji Islamic Foundation AROIF based in Nigeria and World Assembly of Muslim Youths WAMY based in Jeddah founded the university in 2005.
The university currently has several Faculties which are run across two campuses – Ilorin and Igbaja.
Al-Hikmah University Faculties
Faculty of Education
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Natural & Applied Sciences
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Faculty of Management Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
8. Al-Qalam University
Founded in 2005, it was formerly named Katsina University, (KUK). Al-Qalam University, Katsina (AUK) was the first private Islamic institution in Nigeria.
Al-Qalam University Schools and Colleges
Social and Management Sciences
Natural and Applied Sciences
Education
Humanities
Post Graduate Studies
School of Basic and Remedial Studies
9. American University of Nigeria
Located at 98 Lamido Zubairu Way, Wuro Hausa 640101, Yola, and established in 2004 by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, AUN was the first university in Subsaharan Africa that offers the American style of higher education programs at all levels. It was formerly called the ABTI American University of Nigeria and it is accredited by the NUC. AUN is regarded as one of the best private universities in Nigeria.
Courses offered at the American University of Nigeria
Accountancy / Accounting
Communication And Wireless Technology
Computer Science
Conservation Biology
Biology
Economics
English Language and Literature
Finance
Information System
Information Technology
International and Comparative
Politics
Literature in English
English
Management
Management Information System
Information System Mass Communication
Natural and Environmental Science
Petroleum Chemistry
Chemistry
Software Engineering
Engineering
Telecommunication and Wireless Technology
For more information, you can visit the university website.
10. Anchor University
Anchor University is a private university owned by the Deeper Christian Life Ministry.
The university is located at Ayobo, Ipaja, Lagos State and was established in 2014. It operates under three accredited faculties.
Anchor University faculties
Faculty of Humanities
Faculty of Science and Science Education
Faculty of Social and Management Sciences
11. Arthur Javis University
Arthur Javis University is located in Akpabuyo, Calabar, Cross River State in Nigeria.
The university was established in 2016. Its tuition fees range between the range of NGN 300,000 and NGN 800,000. The institution has four academic divisions.
Arthur Javis University faculties
Faculty of Natural and applied sciences
Faculty of Humanities, Social and Management Sciences.
Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences
Faculty of Law
12. Atiba University
Atiba University was established in 2017. The private institution is located in Oyo state.
Courses offered at Atiba University
Accounting
Banking and Finance
Biochemistry
Biology
Business Administration
Chemistry
Computer Science
Criminology And Security Studies
Economics
English Language
Mathematics
Medical Laboratory Science
Microbiology
Nursing/Nursing Science
Physics
Political Science
Sociology
Zoology
13. Augustine University
Augustine University (AUI) is situated at Ilara, Epe Town in Lagos State. It is a Catholic-owned institution, approved in 2015 by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Courses offered at the Augustine University
Accounting
Biological Science(s)
Biology
Business Administration
Chemistry
Computer Science
Economics
English Language
Mathematics
Microbiology
Philosophy
Physics
Religious Studies
14. Babcock University
Owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nigeria, Babcock University was established in 1999. It is located at Ilishan-Remo in between Ibadan and Lagos.
Babcock University added a postgraduate school and a medical school 2010 and 2012 respectively. The latest additions are the music and educational foundation departments to the School of Education & Humanities.
Babcock University Schools and Colleges
School of Agriculture & Industrial Technology.
Babcock Business School.
College of Health & Medical Sciences.
School of Basic & Applied Science (formerly Science & Technology).
School of Computing &Engineering Sciences.
School of Education and Humanities.
School of Law & Security Studies.
School of Nursing.
School of Public & Applied Health.
School of Postgraduate Studies
15. Baze University
Base University is a private university located in Abuja. Founded by Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed in 2011, the institution has a unique education system, based on British standards. Thus its tuition fees are quite expensive. Its main campus is at Jabi Airport Road. It strives to be one of the best private universities in Nigeria.
Courses offered at the Baze University
Computer Science
Information Technology
Management and Information Science
Petroleum Chemistry
Accounting
Banking and Finance
Economics
Management
Mass Communication
Marketing
Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Telecommunication Engineering
International Law and Jurisprudence
Public and Private Law
Business Law
Human Anatomy, and
Human Physiology
Architecture
Building
Estate Management
Urban and Regional Planning
Quantity Survey
16. Bells University of Technology
Also known as Bellstech, this was the first private university of technology established in Nigeria. The university was established in 2004 and began admission of students in the 2005/2006 academic session.
Bells University of Technology colleges and departments
Physics with Electronics
Applied Mathematics & Statistics
Industrial Chemistry
Biochemistry
Chemistry
Microbiology
Aquaculture & Fisheries Mgt
Marine Biology
Food Science with Business Mgt
Food Technology
Biotechnology
Nutrition and Dietetics
Computer Science and Technology
Information Technology
Business Administration with an option in (Business Computing, Human Resources Management, International Business, and Marketing)
Project management
Accounting
Banking and finance
Economics
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical/Electronics Engineering
Mechatronics Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Telecommunications Engineering
17. Benson Idahosa University
Formerly named Christian Faith, the institution was renamed in honour of the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa.
Benson Idahosa University (BIU) is a private, Christian university established in 2002.
Benson Idahosa University faculties
Faculty of Art and Education
Faculty of Agriculture
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Science
Faculty of Social and Mgt. Sciences
Faculty of Engineering
School of Postgraduate Studies
18. Bingham University
With its campus on the outskirts of Abuja, New Karu, Nasarawa, it was granted a charter by NUC in 2005 and began lectures in 2006. Bingham University was established by the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) as a Conventional University. It is one of the six private universities in the north and the only one established by a Christian organisation.
Courses offered at Bingham University
Business Administration
Economics
Mass Communication
Biochemistry
Microbiology
English
Medicine and Surgery (MBBS)
Sociology
Political Science
Computer Science
Accounting
Mathematics and Statistics
Physics
Chemistry
Anatomy
Physiology
Law
19. Bowen University
Located at Iwo in Osun State, Nigeria, Bowen University is a private institution established in 2001. The institution is owned and operated by the Nigerian Baptist Convention. It was the first Baptist University in Africa.
Bowen UniversityFaculties
Administration
Science & Technology
Basic Medical Sciences
Basic Clinical Sciences
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Health Sciences
Environmental Sciences
Social Sciences
Law
Education
Arts
20. Caleb University
Caleb University is a private university located in Imota, Lagos, Nigeria. Caleb University. The institution was the first bachelors’ degree-awarding private university in Lagos State. It was founded in 2007.
Courses offered at Caleb University
Accounting
Business Administration
Economics
International Relations
Mass Communication
Philosophy
English & Literary Studies
Psychology
Political Science
Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
Public Administration
Taxation
Criminology & Security Studies
Banking & Finance
Microbiology & Industrial Biotechnology
Plant Sciences & Biotechnology
Zoology & Aquaculture
Biochemistry
Chemistry
Industrial Chemistry
Mathematics
Computer Science
Environmental Management & Toxicology
Statistics
Physics
Physics with Computational Modeling
Physics with Electronics
Architecture
Estate Management
Building
Quantity Surveying
21. Caritas University
Caritas University was approved in 2004. The private institution was officially opened in 2005 by the Federal Minister for Education, Prof. Fabian Osuji. It is located in Nike, Enugu State.
Courses offered at Caritas University
Environmental Sciences
Architecture
Estate Management
Urban and Regional Planning
Natural Science
Biochemistry
Computer Science
Industrial Chemistry
Mathematics with Statistics
Microbiology
Chemical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical/Electronic Engineering
Management Science
Accounting
Banking and Finance
Business Administration
Industrial Relations and Personnel Management
Marketing
Public Administration
Social Science
Economics
Mass Communication
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
22. Chrisland University
In 2015, Chrisland University was established and is located in Abeokuta, Ogun State Nigeria. It currently has 210 students spread and 47 faculty members.
Courses offered at Chrisland University
Accounting
Banking and Finance
Biochemistry
Biology
Business Administration
Chemistry
Computer Science
Criminology And Security Studies
Economics
English Language
History and International Studies
Industrial Chemistry
International Relations
Literature in English
Mass Communication
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
23. Christopher University
Christopher University is located in Mowe, Ogun State Nigeria. The institution was founded in 2015.
Courses offered at Christopher University
Accounting
Banking and Finance
Business Administration
Economics
English Language
History and Diplomatic Studies
International Relations
Literature In English
Marketing
Mass Communication
Political Science
Psychology
24. Clifford University
Clifford University is a private Christian co-educational institution owned and operated by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Nigeria.
The university is located in Ihie, Abia State, Nigeria. It was founded in 2016. The university has four academic divisions.
Clifford University faculties
Faculty of sciences
Faculty of Humanities
Faculty of Social and Management Sciences.
Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences
25. Coal City University
Coal City University is located in the city of Enugu, Enugu State. The university, established in 2016, has two campuses in the state. It operates three academic divisions.
Coal City University faculties
Faculty of Natural and applied sciences
Faculty of Arts, Social, and Management Sciences.
Faculty of Education
26. Covenant University
Since inception in 2002, Covenant University has grown to become one of the leading universities in Nigeria based on rankings from various organisations, scholarly citations from reputable journals, and JAMB statistics. So, it’s regarded by many to be among the best private universities in Nigeria.
Covenant University colleges
Business and Social Sciences (CBSS)
Leadership Development Studies (CLDS)
College of Engineering (COE)
College of Science and Technology (CST)
Covenant University also offers some postgraduate programmes.
27. Crawford University
Paul Akazue, who was the former Overseer of Apostolic Faith Mission, in 2005 established Crawford University. It is a private institution located in Igbesa, Ogun State.
It runs its various courses through its colleges.
Crawford University colleges
College of Natural & Applied Sciences
College of Business & Social Sciences
School of Part-Time Studies
Postgraduate College
28. Crescent University
The establishment of Crescent University, Abeokuta was recommended in 2002, by the Educational Board of the Islamic Mission for Africa (IMA). In 2005, the NUC approved the university, which commenced its academic program the same year.
Crescent University colleges
College of Law
College of Environmental Sciences
College of Information and Communication Technology
College of Natural and Applied Sciences and
College of Arts, Social and Management Sciences
29. Crown-Hill university
Crown-Hill university is located at Ballah Road, Eiyenkorin, Ilorin, Kwara State. The private institution was established in 2016. The fees range between NGN 300,000 and NGN 400,000.
Courses offered at Crown-Hill University
Accounting
Banking and Finance
Biochemistry
Biology
Business Administration
Chemistry
Computer Science
Economics
English Language
French
History And Diplomatic Studies
Mass Communication
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
30. Dominican University
The Dominican University Ibadan, Nigeria is owned by the Order of Preachers, popularly called the Dominican Order.
Dominican University was founded by Spanish Priest Dominic de Guzman in 1216. However, Dominican University Ibadan, Nigeria was the first in the African continent. Dominican University Ibadan operates two faculties.
Dominican University faculties
Faculty of Sciences
Faculty of Humanities, Social and Management Sciences.
31. Dominion University
Dominion University is a private institution that is located at Ibadan, Oyo state.
The university was founded in the year 2019. The fees range between NGN430, 000 and NGN 450,000, depending on the course of study.
However, the school has made it quite easy for students to pay their fees as there are plans to help students pay by instalments.
Dominion University faculties
Computing and Applied Sciences
Social and Management Sciences
32. Edwin Clark University
Founded and established by Chief Edwin K. Clark in May 2015, the institution is a privately-owned university located in Kiagbodo, Delta State, Nigeria. ECU was approved by the Federal Executive Council of Nigeria the same year. Courses offered at the university are spread across its faculties.
Edwin Clark University faculties
Faculty of Agricultural Sciences
Faculty of Humanities, Social and Management Sciences
Faculty of Sciences
Faculty of Law
33. Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences
This medical private institution was founded by Chief (Dr.) Hammed Ayodele Ibraheem, MD in 2017. It is located along Badagry Expressway, Ojo, Lagos state.
The school was inaugurated in 2019.
Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences faculties
Faculty of Clinical Sciences
Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences
Faculty of Sciences
34. Elizade University
Elizade University (E. U) is located in Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State. It is a private institution founded by Micheal Ade Ojo in 2013.
It runs courses in several departments through the university’s faculties.
Elizade University faculties
Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Social and Management Sciences
Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Humanities
35. Evangel University
Situated in Akaeze, Ebonyi State, Evangel University Akaeze (EUZ) is a private university owned by the Assemblies of God Christian Association. Licensed in February 2012, the institution commenced academic activities on 27 November 2012 for the 2012/2013 academic session. EUA has five colleges and one school.
Evangel University colleges and school
College of Management Sciences
College of Health Sciences
College of Science
College of Arts
College of Social Sciences
School of General Studies
36. Fountain University
In 2007 the Nasrul-lahi-li Fatih (NASFAT) Society founded Fountain University. Thus, the institution is a privately owned Islamic faith-based institution. It is located in Oke Osun State, after the Osun Osogbo sacred grove in Osogbo, Nigeria. Fountain University has two colleges.
Fountain University colleges
College of Natural and Applied Sciences
College of Management and Social Sciences
However, the Colleges of Art, Engineering and Education are in the works.
37. Godfrey Okoye University
GO University was the first university-owned by a Catholic Diocese in Africa. It was established by the Very Reverend Father Professor Dr Christian Anieke in 2009 in Emene, Enugu, Enugu State. The institution received its operational license from the NUC in 2009. The University has five faculties.
