Nigeria has many prestigious private universities, but affordability is a major concern for both students and parents. As education costs rise, many people look for cheapest private universities in Nigeria that offer good quality at lower fees, because cheap doesn’t really equal less-value.
This guide will show you the most affordable private universities in Nigeria that also provides quality education. Armed to the teeth with this, you can make an informed decision, for your academic pursuits.
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How To Find Cheapest Private Universities In Nigeria
Choosing the Affordable university in Nigeria is about more than just low fees. There are other things to consider and such includes:
Tuition Fees: Considering the economic realities of the nation, verified cheapest universities in Nigeria, yearly tuition fees now ranges from ₦400,000 to ₦4,000,000. Depending on the course of study. Remember I said yearly. not per semester. So take a chill pill, put on your seat belt and lets move.
Quality of Education: I’m sure you don’t want to risk wasting money and time in a school only to find out later that the institution isn’t even accredited.
So, you must verify beforehand the accreditation standings of the Nigeria cheap University you intend to go to. This could be done by checking with the National Universities Commission. https://www.nuc.edu.ng/nigerian-univerisities/private-univeristies/(NUC).
Facilities: Find out if the University’s Libraries, labs, and digital tools are available for improved learning.
Programs Offered: What’s the need if the University doesn’t offer your choice of course of study? You need to figure this out before you proceed.
Location: you may want to find out early enough where the university is located and whether it’s convenient for you to attend.
Scholarships & Payment Plans: Some universities may offer financial aid and installment options. You can explore that to your advantage.
Taking into consideration these factors will help you find an affordable university that still offer quality education.
13 Most Affordable and Cheapest Private Universities in Nigeria right now:
Below are the 13 cheapest private universities In Nigeria including their locations and tuition costs. The information provided here are well researched and prepared. So you can make informed decisions right away.
1. Maduka University: (Ekwegbe Enugu Nigeria).
First on our list of the cheapest private universities in Nigeria that offers a robust educational programs is the prestigious Maduka University.
The university is a private institution located in Ekwegbe, along the Nsukka-Enugu new road in Enugu State, Nigeria. This great institution of learning was founded in 2020 by Chief Dr. Samuel Maduka Onyishi.
Maduka University is built to world class standards and equipped with any modern labs, and educational technologies for advanced learning you can ever think of.
The school of high learning is dedicated to providing high-quality education with a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship. Yes. The core mission here is to raise leaders and entrepreneurial titans.
I can confidently tell you that If you graduate from maduka University, you would become an employer of labor. You won’t look for Job. Rather you would create businesses that employs others.
Maduka University offers a world-class learning environment designed to foster innovation and practical skills.
If you are looking for the cheapest private university in Nigeria that provides highest quality of education, Maduka University is the right institution for you. Studying there is an experience you won’t forget in a life time.
What’s the Tuition:? As of the 2024/2025 academic session, tuition fees ranges between ₦650,000 – ₦3,100,000. Per year. However it varies by program.
For instance, courses in the School of Computing, such as Computer Science, Cyber Security, and Software Engineering, are priced at ₦690,000 per academic year.
The School of Business and Social Sciences offers programs like Accounting, Economics, Mass Communication, International Relations, and Transport Management, each with a tuition fee of ₦650,000 per year.
Medical programs, such as Medicine and Surgery, have a tuition fee of ₦3,100,000 per year. Additional fees include ₦80,000 for hostel accommodation and ₦20,000 for healthcare services.
What I’m telling you today is that Maduka University is affordable but committed to nurturing entrepreneurial skills and academic excellence.
They provides students with the tools and environment necessary for success in their chosen fields. Give them a shot and you will be glad, you did.
2. Caleb University: Imota, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Caleb University is one the cheapest private universities in Nigeria that offers robust educational programs for students. It is located in Imota, Lagos State, Nigeria. It was established in 2007 by Dr. Ola Adebogun.
As of the 2024/2025 academic session, tuition fees for new undergraduate students range between ₦969,000 and ₦2,423,000 per year, depending on the chosen program. Returning students pay between ₦924,000 and ₦2,365,000 annually.
The university also provides on-campus accommodation, with hostel fees starting at ₦125,000 per semester.
Caleb University offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across disciplines such as sciences, arts, social sciences, and management. It offers a flexible payment plans and scholarships.
Here’s how to apply for and win scholarships as a student in 2025
3. Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) (Osun State)
Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) is another cheapest private university located in Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, Nigeria. It was established in 2006 by the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Worldwide.
Tution: As of the 2024/2025 academic session, the tuition fees varies, depending on program. For example, the total fees for Nursing students amount to ₦1,956,500 per academic year, while Non-Science programs have total fees of ₦905,500 per year.
JABU offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across different disciplines, including Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, Humanities, Law, Management Sciences, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences,
4. Crawford University (Igbesa, Ogun State).
Crawford University is a private Christian institution located in Ogun State, Nigeria was stablished in 2005 by the Apostolic Faith Mission, the university is also considered one of the cheapest private universities in Nigeria as they offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.
Tuition: As of the academic session, tuition fees for full-time undergraduate students range from ₦400,000 and above. per session. As usual depending on the chosen program.
5. Lead City University (LCU) (Ibadan, Oyo State).
Lead City University is another cheapest private Universities in Nigeria. It is located at Toll Gate Area, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
The school was established in 2005, and offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Tuition: fees ranges between. ₦325,000 to ₦5,525,000, per academic year. This is largely dependent on your course of study. So always visit the official wwbsite to check current details about the course you want to take.
6. Elizade University (Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, Nigeria.)
Elizade University, situated in Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, Nigeria, was founded in 2012 by Chief Michael Ade Ojo.
The university have many undergraduate and postgraduate programs including Engineering, Law, Social Sciences, etc.
Tuition: The fees vary depending on the program. undergraduate fees range from ₦750,000 to ₦1,650,000 per session, excluding feeding and personal expenses. As, such, it is one of the very cheapest private universities in Nigeria.
7. Rhema University: (Aba, Abia State)
Rhema University is a private Christian university in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria.
It was established in 2009 by the Living Word International Ministries. The school focuses on practical learning and cost-effective education
Tuition Fee: Rhema, as one of the cheapest private universities in Nigeria has tuition fee as at the time of this publication around ₦465,000. However, this may vary depending on the Course of study.
Popular Courses Programs: Business, Education, Natural Sciences.
8. Wellspring University (Benine City Edo State)
The school another cheap but good private institution located at Irhirhi Road, off Airport Road by ADP Junction, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
They have undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.
Tuition fees ranges from ₦533,000 to ₦1,395,000 and this is determined by program and the students level.
9. Benson Idahosa University (BIU) (Benin City, Edo State).
Benson Idahosa University (BIU) is a private Christian school in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
The prestigious school was established in February 2002. The main campus is located at University Way, off Upper Adesuwa Road, Government Reservation Area (GRA), Benin City.
Tuition fees is from ₦436,000 to ₦4,100,000. And of course, it differs by course programs.
10. Dominican University (Ibadan).
Dominican University Ibadan once again another interesting private institution located at Samonda, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
It was stablished in 2016, it offers various undergraduate programs including Business, Computer Sciences, Philosophy, etc.
Tuition fees ranges from ₦195,000 to ₦264,450 per semester, depending on your choice of program and doesn’t include other necessary bills.
11. Veritas University: (Abuja Nigeria)
Veritas University is one of the cheapest private universities In Nigeria located in the Bwari Area Council of Abuja, Nigeria.
It was founded in March 2002 by the Catholic Church in Nigeria and began admitting students precisely in October 2008 at its initial campus in Obehie, Abia State. In 2014, the university moved to its permanent site in Abuja, where it is situated today.
The veritas university offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across multiple faculties, including Natural and Applied Sciences, Management Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, Education, Engineering, and Law.
Tuition: As of the 2024/2025 academic session, tuition fees at Veritas University range between ₦415,000 – ₦2,359,000. This fee might vary for Students pursuing Medicine and Surgery and other highend essential programs.
12. Caritas University (Enugu).
This prestigious University is a private Catholic university located in Amorji-Nike, Enugu State, Nigeria.
It was established in 2005 by the Congregation of the Sisters of Jesus the Saviour, the university is known to be committed to academic excellence, moral discipline, and service to society.
Caritas offers undergraduate programs across various disciplines, including engineering, natural sciences, management, and social sciences.
Tuition: ₦230,000 – ₦400,000 per session.
Popular Courses: Business, Computer Science, Social Sciences.
13. Nile University of Nigeria
This is a private institution located at Plot 681, Cadastral Zone C-OO, Research & Institution Area, Jabi Airport Bypass, Abuja, Nigeria.
Nile was well established in 2009, and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. This school isn’t that cheap per se, but it worth every one kobo you spend on schooling there. As such, it worth our mention.
Tuition fees range between ₦1,300,000 to ₦1,500,000 per semester.
How to Enroll: Step-by-Step Guide
Finding the cheapest universities in Nigeria is just the beginning. There is still a lot of work left to do. However, below is a structured steps you can follow to apply:
1. Research Thoroughly:
Visit university websites and check accreditation.
Compare tuition fees and courses.
Read student reviews and expert opinions.
2. Prepare Required Documents:
Academic transcripts, certificates, and
Personal statement or motivation letter
Recommendation letters (if needed)
3. Check Admission Requirements:
Review UTME/post-UTME scores needed
Note deadlines and payment schedules
Attend open days or webinars.
4. Apply Online or In-Person:
Fill out application forms accurately
Attach necessary documents
Follow up with the admissions office.
5. Plan Your Finances:
Check scholarships and installment plans
Calculate other expenses like books, transport, and accommodation.
6. Complete Registration:
Pay required fees on time
Attend orientation programs.
Conclusion:
Attending a private university in Nigeria doesn’t have to cost an arm. Many institutions offer affordable tuition while maintaining high academic standards.
Properly checking out on the ones listed here can give you a good head-start in finding the best, yet cheapest private universities in Nigeria that suits your budget and career goals.
I will see you at the top. Keep winning!