List of Some Affordable Private Universities in Nigeria

List of Some Affordable Private Universities in Nigeria 1. Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu, Osun State Oduduwa University is frequently mentioned among the more affordable private universities in Nigeria. Estimated school fees: Approximately ₦250,000 to ₦700,000 or more per session, depending on the programme and applicable charges. Popular courses include: Accounting Banking and Finance Business Administration Economics Political Science International Relations Public Administration Mass Communication Computer Science Information Technology Biochemistry Microbiology Architecture Estate Management Quantity Surveying Engineering programmes Oduduwa University may be attractive to students looking for a private university in the South-West without the multimillion-naira tuition associated with some premium private institutions. 2. Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State Al-Hikmah University is another institution frequently considered by students searching for affordable private university education. Estimated fees: Some programmes may fall within the lower private-university fee range, while professional and specialised courses can cost significantly more. Courses include programmes in areas such as: Accounting Banking and Finance Business Administration Economics Political Science Sociology Mass Communication Computer Science Cyber Security Software Engineering Education Islamic Studies Law Nursing and health-related programmes, subject to current approvals and admission availability Students should check the current fee schedule for their specific course before applying. 3. Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Oyo State Ajayi Crowther University is a faith-based private university offering programmes across several faculties. Estimated school fees: Fees vary significantly by course. Some lower-cost programmes have historically been priced more affordably than professional programmes. Popular courses include: Accounting Business Administration Economics Political Science International Relations Mass Communication English History Religious Studies Computer Science Engineering Architecture Law Students should remember that accommodation and additional university charges may increase the total cost of attendance. 4. Caritas University, Enugu State Caritas University is another private institution often considered by students looking for relatively affordable university education in South-East Nigeria. Popular courses include: Accounting Banking and Finance Business Administration Economics Political Science Public Administration Mass Communication Computer Science Biochemistry Microbiology Chemical Engineering Computer Engineering Electrical and Electronics Engineering Estimated fees: The total amount varies by programme and academic session. Candidates should obtain the current official fee schedule before making a financial commitment. 5. Paul University, Awka, Anambra State Paul University is a private university in Anambra State that may appeal to students looking for a smaller university environment. Courses may include: Accounting Business Administration Economics Political Science Public Administration Sociology English History Religious Studies Computer Science Biochemistry Microbiology School fees vary according to programme and level. Students should confirm the current 2026/2027 fee structure directly from the university. 6. Obong University, Akwa Ibom State Obong University is another institution worth considering when searching for relatively affordable private universities. Courses include programmes in areas such as: Accounting Business Administration Economics Political Science Sociology International Relations Public Administration Mass Communication Computer Science Biochemistry Microbiology Students should confirm current tuition, accommodation and other compulsory charges before applying. 7. Wellspring University, Benin City, Edo State Wellspring University offers programmes in business, social sciences, computing and other fields. Estimated fees: Approximately within the mid-range private university category, depending on the programme. Popular courses include: Accounting Business Administration Economics Mass Communication International Relations Computer Science Software Engineering Information Technology Cyber Security Candidates looking for technology-related programmes may consider the university, but should compare the complete cost of attendance before making a decision. 8. Mountain Top University, Ogun State Mountain Top University is a faith-based private institution located in Ogun State. Popular courses include: Accounting Business Administration Economics Finance Mass Communication English Music Computer Science Cyber Security Software Engineering Biochemistry Microbiology Fees depend on the programme and level of study. 9. McPherson University, Ogun State McPherson University offers programmes across several academic disciplines. Popular courses include: Accounting Business Administration Economics International Relations Mass Communication Computer Science Cyber Security Software Engineering Biochemistry Microbiology The university may be considered by students comparing private university options in Ogun State. 10. Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State Joseph Ayo Babalola University, popularly known as JABU, offers a broad range of undergraduate programmes. Courses include: Accounting Business Administration Economics Mass Communication Political Science International Relations Computer Science Architecture Estate Management Engineering programmes Law Fees vary considerably depending on the course. 11. Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State Adeleke University offers programmes across several disciplines and may be considered by students looking for private university alternatives in South-West Nigeria. Popular courses include: Accounting Business Administration Economics Political Science Public Administration Mass Communication Computer Science Software Engineering Engineering Public Health Nursing Science Law Health sciences, engineering and professional programmes generally cost more than arts and social science programmes. 12. Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State Lead City University offers a wide range of undergraduate programmes. Courses include: Accounting Business Administration Economics Mass Communication International Relations Politics and International Relations Computer Science Software Engineering Cyber Security Nursing Science Public Health Law Education programmes The cost varies widely by programme, so students should not assume that every course falls within the university's lowest advertised fee range. 13. Khadija University, Majia, Jigawa State Khadija University is another option for students searching for relatively affordable private universities, particularly in northern Nigeria. Programmes are offered across areas including: Management and Social Sciences Science Computing Basic Medical Sciences Fees vary by faculty, and students should confirm the latest payable amount before applying. 14. Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Kano Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria has publicly positioned itself as an affordable private university. The university offers programmes across several areas, including: Computing Social and Management Sciences Health Sciences Other approved academic disciplines Candidates should confirm the exact current fee for their intended programme because tuition and other compulsory charges may differ. Cheapest Private Universities in Nigeria: Estimated Comparison UniversityLocationIndicative Fee Position Oduduwa University Osun State Among lower-cost options for selected courses Al-Hikmah University Kwara State Affordable for some programmes Ajayi Crowther University Oyo State Varies widely by programme Caritas University Enugu State Relatively affordable for selected courses Paul University Anambra State Lower-cost option to investigate Obong University Akwa Ibom State Relatively affordable Khadija University Jigawa State Competitive fees for selected faculties Wellspring University Edo State Mid-range Mountain Top University Ogun State Mid-range McPherson University Ogun State Mid-range JABU Osun State Varies by course Adeleke University Osun State Mid-range; professional courses cost more Lead City University Oyo State Wide variation by programme MAAUN Kano State Markets itself as an affordable option Important: This table is for comparison and guidance. It is not an official fee schedule. Are Private Universities Now as Cheap as Federal or State Universities? In most cases, no . Federal universities generally receive government funding, while private universities depend heavily on tuition and internally generated revenue. However, the gap is no longer always as wide as many people assume. When comparing universities, students should calculate the total cost of attendance , not tuition alone. For example, a student in a public university may have to pay for: School fees Off-campus accommodation Transportation Electricity Internet Security Feeding Academic materials Repeated travel Other living expenses Some private universities provide on-campus accommodation and a more structured academic environment. Therefore, the total difference in cost may sometimes be smaller than the tuition figure initially suggests. Cheapest Courses to Study in Private Universities in Nigeria If affordability is your main concern, the following programmes are often less expensive than Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Law and Engineering: English History Religious Studies Political Science Sociology Public Administration Economics Accounting Business Administration Marketing International Relations Education courses Some basic science programmes However, fees vary from one university to another. Most Expensive Courses in Nigerian Private Universities The following courses are generally among the most expensive: Medicine and Surgery Dentistry Pharmacy Nursing Science Medical Laboratory Science Physiotherapy Law Engineering Architecture Radiography and other specialised health programmes The higher cost is often connected to laboratories, professional accreditation requirements, clinical training, equipment and specialised facilities. General Admission Requirements for Private Universities in Nigeria Although requirements differ between institutions, most private universities require candidates to have: UTME Admission A valid JAMB UTME result The required JAMB subject combination At least five relevant O'Level credit passes English Language and Mathematics where required Relevant compulsory subjects for the chosen course Participation in the university's admission screening process Direct Entry Admission Direct Entry applicants may be considered with qualifications such as: ND NCE HND IJMB JUPEB GCE A-Level Other recognised qualifications The exact requirement depends on the university and course. Can I Enter a Private University Without Choosing It in JAMB? In many cases, a candidate who did not initially choose a particular private university may still be able to apply. However, the candidate may be required to complete a JAMB Change of Institution and make the university the appropriate choice before the admission can be processed through JAMB CAPS. Never pay anyone who promises to give you a university admission outside the approved admission process. Can I Gain Admission Into a Private University With a Low JAMB Score? Some private universities may accept candidates with relatively lower UTME scores, subject to the minimum requirements applicable to the institution and programme. However, highly competitive courses such as: Medicine and Surgery Nursing Science Pharmacy Law Medical Laboratory Science may require stronger academic performance. A low JAMB score does not automatically mean the end of your admission journey. The important thing is to identify universities and courses for which you are genuinely eligible. Before Paying Any Private University: Check These 8 Things Before accepting admission or paying fees, confirm: That the university is officially recognised. That your chosen course is approved and appropriately accredited. The complete school fee—not just tuition. Accommodation charges. Acceptance fee. Laboratory and departmental charges. Whether instalment payment is allowed. The university's refund policy. Do not send money to personal bank accounts claiming to represent a university. Which Affordable Private University Is Best for You? There is no single cheapest or best private university for every student. Your decision should depend on: Your preferred course Your total budget Location Accreditation status Accommodation Academic calendar Facilities Security Distance from home Admission requirements A university that is cheap for Accounting may be expensive for Nursing. Another university may have low tuition but higher accommodation and compulsory charges. Always compare the total amount you will pay for the entire academic session . OGB Admission Hub Advice to Students and Parents Do not give up on university admission simply because you believe every private university costs millions of naira. There are lower-cost options, but you must research carefully. Before applying: Confirm the latest school fees. Check whether your course is available. Confirm the course's accreditation status. Check your JAMB and O'Level eligibility. Calculate accommodation and living expenses. Compare at least three universities. Apply only through legitimate channels. Frequently Asked Questions What is the cheapest private university in Nigeria? There is no permanent answer because fees change and differ by course. Oduduwa University, Al-Hikmah University and several other institutions are frequently listed among lower-cost private university options for selected programmes. Can I attend a private university with ₦500,000 per year? It may be possible for selected programmes at some institutions, but students must confirm whether the amount includes tuition, accommodation and other compulsory charges. Which private universities accept low JAMB scores? Admission requirements vary by institution and programme. Some private universities may consider candidates with scores around the applicable minimum threshold, but competitive courses generally require stronger results. Are private universities accredited by NUC? Private universities must be licensed by the appropriate Nigerian authorities. However, students should also check the accreditation status of the specific course they want to study. Can private universities admit students without JAMB? For regular undergraduate admission into Nigerian universities, candidates should follow the approved JAMB admission process. Be careful of anyone promising unrecognised admission outside the proper system. Final Thoughts The cost of private university education in Nigeria varies enormously. While some universities charge several million naira per session, others provide more affordable options, particularly for arts, social sciences, management and selected science programmes. The best strategy is not simply to search for the cheapest private university in Nigeria . Instead, search for the most affordable accredited university offering your preferred course within your family's total budget . OGB Admission Hub will continue to update this page as universities release their official 2026/2027 school fees and admission information. Need Help Choosing a University? Use OGB Admission Hub to explore admission information, practise CBT questions, calculate your admission chances and stay informed about Post-UTME forms, school fees, cut-off marks and admission updates across Nigeria. Website: www.OGBAdmissionHub.com