Getting accepted into federal universities can be frustrating yet an herculean process, reason why many Nigerian students are going for private universities even with the expensiveness.
In this article, i will be taking you through how to choose the best private universities based on national and international ranking.
Covenant University: Ranked No. 1 private university in Nigeria.
Establishment: established in 2002 by Living Faith Church Ota, Ogun State.
Tuition Fees: ₦900,000 – ₦1.2M
Academic Programs & Faculties: Engineering, Business, Sciences, Arts
Campus Facilities & Infrastructure: Ultra-modern facilities, hostels, libraries, research centers
Accreditation & Affiliations: NUC, AASU, IAU
Notable Achievements: Best ranked in research and innovation
Admission Requirements & Processes: UTME & Direct Entry required
Afe Babalola University: Ranked No. 5 private university.
Establishment: Founded by Afe Babalola, a legal luminary Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
Tuition Fees:₦800,000 – ₦2.5M
Academic Programs & Faculties: Law, Medicine, Engineering, Sciences
Campus Facilities & Infrastructure: Standardized hostels, medical school, sports complex
Accreditation & Affiliations: NUC, NBA, COREN
Notable Achievements:Home to one of Nigeria’s best law schools
Admission Requirements & Processes: UTME & Direct Entry required.
Babcock University: Among top 3 private universities
Establishment: Owned by Seventh-Day Adventist Church Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State
Tuition Fees:₦600,000 – ₦3M
Academic Programs & Faculties: Medicine, Social Sciences, Law, Tech
Campus Facilities & Infrastructure: Fully equipped hospitals, business school
Accreditation & Affiliations: NUC, Adventist Accrediting Association
Notable Achievements: Produced Nigeria’s first private university medical graduates
Admission Requirements & Processes: UTM, Post-UTME & Direct Entry required.
Nile University: One of the top Abuja universities
Establishment: Established by a Turkish educational group in 2009 Abuja (FCT)
Tuition Fees:₦2M – ₦5M
Academic Programs & Faculties: Engineering, Law, Business, Medicine
Campus Facilities & Infrastructure: Smart classrooms, libraries, hostels, medical center
Accreditation & Affiliations: NUC, CVC, international affiliations
Notable Achievements: Strong research and international collaborations
Admission Requirements & Processes: UTME, SAT, A-levels accepted.
American University of Nigeria: Best for American-style education
Establishment: Founded by former VP Atiku Abubakar Yola, Adamawa State
Tuition Fees:₦2M – ₦5M
Academic Programs & Faculties: IT, Business, Law, Development Studies
Campus Facilities & Infrastructure: Standard US-style campus, hostels, sports
Accreditation & Affiliations: NUC, US accreditation
Notable Achievements: International faculty & alumni in global firms
Admission Requirements & Processes: UTME, SAT, Direct Entry.
Pan-Atlantic University: Highly ranked for business programs Business
Establishment: Established by the Pan-Atlantic Foundation Lekki, Lagos State
Tuition Fees:₦2.5M – ₦4M
Academic Programs & Faculties: Media, Social Sciences
Campus Facilities & Infrastructure: Lagos Business School, modern infrastructure
Accreditation & Affiliations :NUC, CVC, Global business affiliations
Notable Achievements: Hosts Nigeria’s top business school (LBS)
Admission Requirements & Processes: UTME, A-levels.
Bowen University: Nigeria’s first Baptist-owned university
Establishment: Established by Nigerian Baptist Convention Iwo, Osun State
Tuition Fees:₦600,000 – ₦1.5M
Academic Programs & Faculties: Sciences, Social Sciences, Law
Campus Facilities & Infrastructure: Medical school research centers, modern hostels
Accreditation & Affiliations: NUC, Baptist Church affiliations
Notable Achievements: Notable for quality medical education
Admission Requirements & Processes: UTME & Direct Entry.
Ranking methodology
Academic Reputation & Quality:
Universities are ranked based on the quality of faculty and teaching staff, Research output and impact, Accreditation by NUC (National Universities Commission) and International affiliations and partnerships.
Research & Innovation
Universities are also ranked based on number of published research papers, Citations and impact factor of research, grants and funding for research projects and patents and technological innovations
3. Graduate Employability & Alumni Success
Employment rate of graduates, Influence and achievements of alumni, partnerships with top companies and industries and Internships and job placement programs can also be used to rank a university.
4. Campus Facilities & Infrastructure
A School can top the chart based on the quality of lecture halls, laboratories, and libraries, availability of modern learning technology (e-learning, digital resources), hostels, health facilities, and recreational centers and most importantly security and general campus environment
5. Accreditation & Global Recognition
Based on approval by NUC, COREN, ICAN, NBA, and other professional bodies and Membership in global university associations
6. Student Population & Diversity
Number of students enrolled, diversity of students (local and international) and Inclusivity and support for students with disabilities can be used to rank a university.
7. Community Impact & Social Responsibility
Contribution to local and national development, CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) projects and Involvement in community service and outreach programs
8. Internationalization & Partnerships
Student exchange programs, collaboration with foreign universities and global ranking and international accreditation.
Also read: 10 Nigerian Universities Offering Scholarships
Reasons to consider Private University Education in Nigeria?
Here are five solid reasons to consider a private university in Nigeria:
- No ASUU (Academic Staff Union of Universities) strikes, ensuring uninterrupted learning and timely graduation.
- More personalized attention from lecturers, better student-to-teacher ratio, and improved learning experience.
- Well-equipped libraries, modern labs, high-tech classrooms, and comfortable hostels.
- Many private universities enforce strict rules, curfews, and dress codes, promoting discipline and focus.
- Private universities often have better internship opportunities, entrepreneurship training, and links with industries.
Top FAQs About the Best Private Universities in Nigeria
Which private university is the best in Nigeria?
Based on academic excellence, facilities, and global recognition, the top-ranked private universities in Nigeria include Covenant University, Afe Babalola University, Babcock University, Nile University, and Bowen University.
Which private university in Nigeria has the best medical program?
Universities like Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Babcock University, Bowen University, and Igbinedion University, they have well-equipped teaching hospitals and accredited medical programs.
Are private universities in Nigeria worth the high tuition fees?
Yes 100%, because they offer a stable academic calendar, quality education, modern facilities, and better discipline, ensuring students graduate on time without disruptions from strikes.
Do private universities in Nigeria offer scholarships?
Yes Universities like Covenant University, Afe Babalola University, and Nile University.
Which private university has the most international recognition?
Covenant University
