List of Private Universities in Nigeria

Private universities play a vital role in Nigeria’s higher education system, offering alternative pathways for students seeking quality academic experiences, often with better facilities, lower student-to-lecturer ratios, and specialized programs. These institutions are owned by individuals, religious bodies, or corporate organizations and are licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to operate in Nigeria.

As of today, there are over 100 NUC-approved private universities spread across the country.
Below, we provide a detailed and updated list, along with helpful information to guide students and parents.

Full List of Private Universities in Nigeria

Below is a list of NUC-approved private universities in Nigeria. The list includes the university name, year of establishment, and official website for further inquiries.

1. Achievers University, Owo (Est. 2007) - https://www.achievers.edu.ng

2. Adeleke University, Ede (Est. 2011) - https://www.adelekeuniversity.edu.ng

3. Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti - Ekiti State (Est. 2009) - https://www.abuad.edu.ng

4. Ajayi Crowther University, Ibadan (Est. 2005) - https://www.acu.edu.ng

5. Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin (Est. 2005) - https://www.alhikmah.edu.ng

6. Al-Qalam University, Katsina (Est. 2005) - https://www.auk.edu.ng

7. American University of Nigeria, Yola (Est. 2003) - https://www.aun.edu.ng

8. Augustine University (Est. 2015) - https://www.augustineuniversity.edu.ng/

9. Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo (Est. 1999) - https://www.babcock.edu.ng

10. Baze University (Est. 2011) - https://www.bazeuniversity.edu.ng

11. Bells University of Technology, Otta (Est. 2005) - https://www.bellsuniversity.edu.ng/

12. Benson Idahosa University, Benin City (Est. 2002) - https://www.biu.edu.ng/

13. Bingham University, New Karu (Est. 2005) - https://www.binghamuni.edu.ng

14. Bowen University, Iwo (Est. 2001) - https://www.bowen.edu.ng

15. Caleb University, Lagos (Est. 2007) - https://www.calebuniversity.edu.ng

16. Caritas University, Enugu (Est. 2005) - https://www.caritasuni.edu.ng/

17. Chrisland University (Est. 2015) - https://www.chrislanduniversity.edu.ng

18. Covenant University, Ota (Est. 2002) - https://www.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/

19. Crawford University, Igbesa (Est. 2005) - https://www.crawforduniversity.edu.ng

20. Crescent University (Est. 2005) - https://www.crescent-university.edu.ng

21. Edwin Clark University, Kaigbodo (Est. 2015) - https://www.edwinclarkuniversity.edu.ng/

22. Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin (Est. 2012) - https://www.elizadeuniversity.edu.ng

23. Evangel University, Akaeze (Est. 2012) - https://www.evangeluniversity.edu.ng

24. Fountain University, Oshogbo (Est. 2007) - https://www.fuo.edu.ng

25. Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu-Nike - Enugu State (Est. 2009) - https://www.gouni.edu.ng

26. Gregory University, Uturu (Est. 2012) - https://www.gregoryuniversity.com

27. Hallmark University, Ijebu Itele, Ogun (Est. 2015) - https://www.hallmark.edu.ng

28. Hezekiah University, Umudi (Est. 2015) - https://hezekiah.edu.ng/

29. African University of Science and Technology, Abuja (Est. 2007) - http://aust.edu.ng/

30. Igbinedion University, Okada (Est. 1999) - https://www.iuokada.edu.ng

31. Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji (Est. 2006) - https://www.jabu.edu.ng

32. Kings University, Ode Omu (Est. 2015) - https://www.kingsuniversity.edu.ng/

33. Kwararafa University, Wukari (Est. 2005) - https://www.kwararafauniversity.edu.ng

34. Landmark University, Omu-Aran (Est. 2011) - https://www.lmu.edu.ng

35. Lead City University, Ibadan (Est. 2005) - https://www.lcu.edu.ng

36. Madonna University, Okija (Est. 1999) - https://www.madonnauniversity.edu.ng

37. Mcpherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ajebo (Est. 2012) - https://www.mcu.edu.ng

38. Micheal & Cecilia Ibru University (Est. 2015) - https://mciu.edu.ng/

39. Mountain Top University (Est. 2015) - https://www.mtu.edu.ng

40. Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja (Est. 2009) - https://www.nileuniversity.edu.ng/

41. Novena University, Ogume (Est. 2005) - https://www.novenauniversity.edu.ng

42. Obong University, Obong Ntak (Est. 2007) - https://www.obonguniversity.net

43. Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu - Osun State (Est. 2009) - https://www.oduduwauniversity.edu.ng

44. Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos (Est. 2002) - https://www.pau.edu.ng

45. Paul University, Awka - Anambra State (Est. 2009) - https://www.pauluniversity.edu.ng

46. Redeemer's University, Ede (Est. 2005) - https://www.run.edu.ng

47. Renaissance University, Enugu (Est. 2005) - https://www.rnu.edu.ng

48. Rhema University, Obeama-Asa - Rivers State (Est. 2009) - https://www.rhemauniversity.edu.ng

49. Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom (Est. 2015) - https://www.ritmanuniversity.edu.ng

50. Salem University, Lokoja (Est. 2007) - https://www.salemuniversity.edu.ng

51. Glorious Vision University, Ogwa, Edo State (Est. 2011) - https://www.sau.edu.ng

52. Southwestern University, Oku Owa (Est. 2012) - https://www.southwesternuniversity.edu.ng

53. Summit University, Offa (Est. 2015) - https://www.summituniversity.edu.ng

54. Tansian University, Umunya (Est. 2007) - https://tansianuniversity.edu.ng/

55. University of Mkar, Mkar (Est. 2005) - https://www.unimkar.edu.ng

56. Veritas University, Abuja (Est. 2007) - https://www.veritas.edu.ng

57. Wellspring University, Evbuobanosa - Edo State (Est. 2009) - https://www.wellspringuniversity.net

58. Wesley University Ondo (Est. 2007) - https://www.wesleyuni.edu.ng

59. Western Delta University, Oghara Delta State (Est. 2007) - https://wdu.edu.ng

60. Christopher University Mowe (Est. 2015) - https://www.christopheruniversity.edu.ng/

61. Kola Daisi University Ibadan, Oyo State (Est. 2016) - https://www.koladaisiuniversity.edu.ng/

62. Anchor University, Ayobo, Lagos State (Est. 2016) - https://www.aul.edu.ng/

63. Dominican University, Ibadan, Oyo State (Est. 2016) - https://www.dui.edu.ng/

64. Legacy University, Okija, Anambra State (Est. 2016) - https://www.legacyuniversity.edu.ng/

65. Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo, Cross River State (Est. 2016) - https://www.arthurjarvisuniversity.edu.ng/

66. Ojaja University, Eyenkorin, Kwara State (Est. 2016) - https://www.crownhilluniversity.edu.ng/

67. Coal City University, Enugu State (Est. 2016) - https://www.ccu.edu.ng/

68. Clifford University, Owerrinta, Abia State (Est. 2016) - https://www.clifforduni.edu.ng/

69. Spiritan University, Nneochi, Abia State (Est. 2017) - https://www.spiritanuniversity.edu.ng

70. Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan, Oyo State (Est. 2017) - https://www.pcu.edu.ng

71. PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt, Rivers State (Est. 2017) - https://www.pums.edu.ng

72. Atiba University, Oyo, Oyo State (Est. 2017)

73. Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences, Ijanikin, Lagos (Est. 2017) - https://www.ekounivmed.edu.ng

74. Skyline University, Kano (Est. 2018) - https://www.sun.edu.ng

75. Greenfield University, Kaduna (Est. 2019) - https://www.gfu.edu.ng

76. Dominion University, Ibadan, Oyo State (Est. 2019) - https://www.dominionuniversity.edu.ng/

77. Trinity University, Ogun State (Est. 2019) - https://www.trinityuniversity.edu.ng/

78. Westland University, Iwo, Osun State (Est. 2019)

79. Topfaith University, Mkpatak, Akwa Ibom State (Est. 2021)

80. Thomas Adewumi University, Oko-Irese, Kwara State (Est. 2021) - https://www.tau.edu.ng/

81. Maranatha University, Lagos (Est. 2021)

82. Ave Maria University, Piyanko, Nasarawa State (Est. 2021)

83. Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kano State (Est. 2021)

84. Mudiame University, Irrua, Edo State (Est. 2021)

85. Havilla University, Nde-Ikom, Cross River State (Est. 2021) - https://havillauniversity.edu.ng/

86. Claretian University of Nigeria, Nekede, Imo State (Est. 2021)

87. NOK University, Kachia, Kaduna State (Est. 2021)

88. Karl-Kumm University, Vom, Plateau State (Est. 2021)

89. James Hope University, Lagos, Lagos State (Est. 2021)

90. Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Kano State (Est. 2021) - https://www.maaun.edu.ng/

91. Capital City University, Kano State (Est. 2021) - https://www.ccuk.edu.ng/

92. Ahman Pategi University, Kwara State (Est. 2021)

93. University of Offa, Kwara State (Est. 2021)

94. Mewar International University, Masaka, Nasarawa State (Est. 2021) - https://www.miu.edu.ng/

95. Edusoko University, Bida, Niger State (Est. 2021)

96. Philomath University, Kuje, Abuja (Est. 2021)

97. Khadija University, Majia, Jigawa State (Est. 2021)

98. Anan University, Kwall, Plateau State (Est. 2021)

99. North Eastern University, Gombe (Est. 2022) - https://pru.edu.ng/

100. Al-Ansar University, Maiduguri, Borno State (Est. 2022)

101. Margaret Lawrence University, Umunede, Delta State (Est. 2022)

102. Khalifa Isiyaku Rabiu University, Kano (Est. 2022)

103. Sports University, Idumuje, Ugboko, Delta State (Est. 2022)

104. Baba Ahmed University, Kano State (Est. 2022)

105. Saisa University of Medical Sciences and Technology, Sokoto State (Est. 2022)

106. Nigerian British University, Asa, Abia State (Est. 2022)

107. Peter University, Achina-Onneh Anambra State (Est. 2022)

108. Newgate University, Minna, Niger State (Est. 2022)

109. European University of Nigeria, Duboyi, FCT (Est. 2022)

110. NorthWest University Sokoto State (Est. 2022) - https://nwus.edu.ng/

111. Rayhaan University, Kebbi (Est. 2023)

112. Muhammad Kamalud University, Kwara (Est. 2023)

113. Sam Maris University, Ondo (Est. 2023)

114. Aletheia University, Ago-Iwoye Ogun State (Est. 2023)

115. Lux Mundi University Umuahia, Abia State (Est. 2023)

116. Maduka University, Ekwegbe, Enugu State (Est. 2023)

117. PeaceLand University, Enugu State (Est. 2023)

118. Amadeus University, Amizi, Abia State (Est. 2023)

119. Vision University, Ikogbo, Ogun State (Est. 2023)

120. Azman University, Kano State (Est. 2023)

121. Huda University, Gusau, Zamafara State (Est. 2023)

122. Franco British International University, Kaduna State (Est. 2023) - https://fbiu.edu.ng/

123. Canadian University of Nigeria, Abuja (Est. 2023)

124. Gerar University of Medical Science Imope Ijebu, Ogun State (Est. 2023)

125. British Canadian University, Obufu Cross River State (Est. 2023)

126. Hensard University, Toru-Orua, Sagbama, Bayelsa State (Est. 2023)

127. Amaj University, Kwali, Abuja (Est. 2023)

128. Phoenix University, Agwada, Nasarawa State (Est. 2023)

129. Wigwe University, Isiokpo Rivers State (Est. 2023)

130. Hillside University of Science and Technology, Okemisi, Ekiti State (Est. 2023) - https://www.hust.edu.ng

131. University on the Niger, Umunya, Anambra state (Est. 2023)

132. Elrazi Medical University Yargaya University, Kano State (Est. 2023)

133. Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti, Ekiti State (Est. 2023)

134. Shanahan University Onitsha, Anambra State (Est. 2023)

135. The Duke Medical University, Calabar, Cross River State (Est. 2023)

136. Mercy Medical University, Iwo, Ogun State (Est. 2023)

137. Cosmopolitan University Abuja (Est. 2023)

138. Miva Open University, Abuja FCT (Est. 2023) - https://miva.university/

139. Iconic Open University, Sokoto State (Est. 2023)

140. West Midlands Open University, Ibadan, Oyo State (Est. 2023)

141. Al-Muhibbah Open University, Abuja (Est. 2023)

142. El-Amin University, Minna, Niger State (Est. 2023)

143. College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna State (Est. 2023)

144. Jewel University, Gombe state (Est. 2023)

145. Prime University, Kuje, FCT Abuja (Est. 2023)

146. Nigerian University of Technology and Management, Apapa, Lagos State (Est. 2023)

147. Al-Bayan University, Ankpa, Kogi State (Est. 2023)

148. Lighthouse University, Evbobanosa, Edo State (Est. 2024)

149. African University of Economics, FCT, Abuja (Est. 2024)

150. New City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State (Est. 2025)

151. University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State (Est. 2025)

152. Eranova University, Abuja (Est. 2025)

153. Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun State (Est. 2025)

154. Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Ogba, Ganmo, Ilorin, Kwara State (Est. 2025)

155. Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State (Est. 2025)

156. Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara State (Est. 2025)

157. Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State (Est. 2025)

158. Tonine Iredia University of Communication, Benin City, Edo State (Est. 2025)

159. Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos State (Est. 2025)

160. Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo, Enugu State (Est. 2025)

Purpose of this List

This list aims to:

• Help students, parents, and guardians explore all accredited private universities in Nigeria.
• Provide quick access to each university’s official website.
• Display the year of establishment for context.
• Encourage informed decisions when applying for admission or researching academic options.

How to Choose the Right Private University

When selecting a private university, consider the following:

1. Accreditation status – Ensure the university and its programs are NUC-approved.
2. Course offerings – Choose institutions that specialize or have strong programs in your intended field.
3. Tuition fees – Compare costs and what the fee covers (e.g., accommodation, materials).
4. Facilities – Labs, libraries, technology, sports, etc.
5. Student life and discipline – Some institutions have strict codes of conduct and faith-based rules.
6. Alumni reputation – Research the quality of graduates and their employability.

Why Attend a Private University in Nigeria?

• Faster academic calendar (less likelihood of strikes)
• Smaller class sizes and more personalized learning
• Access to modern infrastructure and technologies
• Strong moral/disciplinary systems (especially in faith-based schools)
• International partnerships and exchange programs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Are private universities better than public ones?
A: Not necessarily better, but they often offer more stable academic calendars and smaller class sizes.

Q2: Are private universities accredited by NUC?
A: Yes, all private universities listed here are NUC-approved and legally allowed to operate.

Q3: Which private university is the cheapest in Nigeria?
A: Tuition fees vary, but institutions like Al-Hikmah and Fountain University are among the more affordable.

Q4: Can I use JAMB to gain admission into private universities?
A: Yes. Most private universities require JAMB UTME scores, though some offer direct entry or foundation programs.

Private universities in Nigeria have grown significantly in quality and quantity over the past two decades. Whether you're seeking a faith-based institution, one with international affiliations, or a school with a strong focus on entrepreneurship, there are numerous options available. Always ensure to verify the university’s accreditation status and offerings before applying.