- Tertiary education in Nigeria is no longer what everyone can afford and it has become obvious in the fees that universities, especially the private ones, now charge
- TheRadar compiled a list of the 10 most expensive universities in the country
- They include Wigwe, Nile and Babcock, to name a few
In a developing country like Nigeria, attending expensive universities is a luxury that only a small per cent of the population can afford. These expensive universities have their standards and are equipped with ultramodern facilities for learning.
Also, the expensive universities are classified as classy and an avenue for the children of wealthy men in the country to meet and network.
TheRadar compiled the 10 most expensive universities in Nigeria based on tuition fees and other expenses, using the most recent academic session (2024/2025) charges.
10 most expensive universities in Nigeria
1. Wigwe University, Isiokpo, Rivers State
Wigwe University is a private university founded by the late Herbert Wigwe. It was launched in August 2024 and officially opened its doors to students on October 17, 2024. The tuition fee for the 2024/2025 academic session at Wigwe University differs based on faculties. For the College of Arts, the tuition fee is ₦9,600,000 per session; for the College of Engineering, it is ₦11,998,800; for the College of Management and Social Sciences, it is ₦11,998,800; for the College of Science and Computing ₦11,998,800. This is exclusive of other expenses such as accommodation, which is between ₦3,500,000 to ₦3,845,000 per session, depending on the desired accommodation plan.
2. Nile University, Abuja
It was established in 2009 to provide high-quality tertiary education. The Medicine and Surgery programme costs ₦5,950,000 per session, covering tuition only; accommodation is not included. Law costs ₦3,750,000 per session, Engineering, Architecture; Surveying is around ₦3,000,000, while other courses in the Faculty of Arts and Science are between ₦2,600,000 and ₦3,000,000.
3. Skyline University, Kano
Skyline University in Kano is the first private university in Kano, and was established in 2018. Tuition fee ranges from ₦4,103,500 to ₦5,103,750 per session.
4. Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) is a private research university established in 2009. Tuition fees range from ₦1,114,500 to ₦5,875,000 per session, depending on the course of study.
5. Baze University, Abuja
It is located in Abuja and was established in 2011. It is owned by Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed. Tuition fees range from N1,125,000 to N3,500,000 per semester depending on the course of study and can be paid in two instalments or a multi-instalment plan.
6. American University of Nigeria, Yola, Adamawa State
It is a private university in Yola, Adamawa state. It provides both undergraduate and postgraduate studies, and offers an American-style liberal arts higher education. Students pay between ₦2,442,000 and ₦3,511,200 per session, depending on the course of study. This excludes additional fees such as housing, feeding and miscellaneous expenses.
7. Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos
The origin of the school can be traced to Lagos Business School (LBS) which was established in 1991. It was approved by the federal government as a Pan-African University in 2002, and the LBS became its first school. It has campuses in Ajah and Ibeju-Lekki.
The tuition fee ranges from ₦2,872,815 to ₦3,867,360 depending on the course of study. They offer courses in Arts, Technology, Sciences and Management.
8. Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Edo State
Benson Idahosa University (BIU) is a private, Christian university in Benin City, Edo State. It was formerly known as Christian Faith University (CFU), and was renamed in the honour of Archbishop Benson Idahosa. The current president of Benson Idahosa University is Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Faith Emmanuel Benson Idahosa, who is the son of Archbishop Benson Idahosa.
Tuition fees for fresh students are between ₦642,000 and ₦5,520,000 depending on the course of study.
9. Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State
Covenant University is a faith-based private school founded on October 21, 2002 by Bishop David Oyedepo. It is located in Ota Ogun state. The institution is distinguished for being the best in Nigeria according to Times Higher Education (THE) ranking in 2025.
Tuition fees range from ₦1,210,375 to ₦1,456,000 per session depending on the area of discipline. The university also offers programs for international students, even though the tuition fee is more expensive for these students.
10. Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State
Babcock University is also a private christian university owned by Seventh-day Adventist church. Tuition fees range from ₦653,176 to ₦5,500,000 per session, depending on the department. This is excluding feeding and accommodation fees.
Ogun, Kwara, Enugu, 6 others to benefit from the 11 newly approved private universities
Meanwhile, TheRadar previously reported the states that benefited from the newly approved private universities by the federal government.
The states include Ogun, Edo, Lagos, Osun Akwa Ibom and Enugu. The establishment of these private universities was aimed at improving academic opportunities across Nigeria.
