Top 10 Cheapest Private Universities In Nigeria 2023 (Most Affordable)

The Cheapest private universities in Nigeria represent a very good option for students who want to avoid the incessant strikes associated with the Nigerian university system, but who also want to avoid the ridiculously high fees associated with the private universities in the country.

The sake of clarity, let it be known that most private universities in Nigeria are built for profit, and so it is quite natural to expect that their fees will be quite high. Therefore even those institutions that are listed as affordable today are probably only trying to promote their schools with low fees.

Cheapest Private Universities In Nigeria

1. Alhikmah University 

Fess: N103,000 – N600,000

Alhikmah University is a private university currently operating two campuses; Ilorin and Igbaja, Kwara State. The university came into existence in 2005 after receiving its Operating License on the 7th of January 2005. Alhikmah University is one of the most affordable private universities that have been accredited by the Nigerian University Commission (NUC).

Some of the faculties available at this university include; Faculty of Natural & Applied Sciences, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Management Sciences, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, etc.

2. Oduduwa University

Fees: N170,000 – N197,000

Oduduwa University is located at Ipetumodu, Osun State, Nigeria. This university has been in existence since 2009 when it gained approval. The university is located in a sub urban environment, but is well secured, and serene. The environment can help students concentrate on their school work, rather than be distracted by the noise of city life.

This is a good option for those looking to get a high quality of education without necessarily spending so much money. Their fees range between N170,000 and N197,000, and even food and accommodation are relatively cheap compared to what is obtainable in places like Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

This institution is rising in popularity; it is expected to become one of the top institutions in the country quite soon. Some of the courses at this institution include; Banking & Finance, Business Administration, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electronic/Electrical Engineering and so on.

3. Ajayi Crowther University

Fees: N162,000 – N782,000

Ajayi Crowther University is located Oyo State, Nigeria. It is named in honour of Samuel Ajayi Crowther who was enslaved as a young boy, and sent to Europe to live in servitude. He returned to Nigeria as a clergyman; the first African Bishop of West Africa who translated the bible into the Yoruba Language.

The university was founded by the Anglican Church, and has been in existence since 2005. Some of the faculties available at this institution include; Faculty of Natural Science, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Social Science, Faculty of Education, and the Faculty of Management Science.

Please note that while Ajayi Crowther University was established in 2005, it traces its history as far back as 1868, before the government of Nigeria took over ownership of all schools.

4. Obong University

Fees: N180,000 – N200,000

Obong University is located in Obong Ntak, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It has been in existence since 1997, although it was initially known as the African College of Management in 1997.

Obong University is one of the oldest private higher institutions of learning in Nigeria. The campus is sub urban, and the environment is secure, furthermore there is a high standard of moral inculcation at the institution; students are taught to behave decently at all times.

Obong University is affordable because it is funded by the Churches of Christ, and its sponsoring congregation is the Rivergate Church of Christ in Madison, Tennessee.

Some of the courses available at this university include; Accounting, Economics, Marketing, International Relations, Business Administration, Mass Communication, Public Administration, Sociology, Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, and Political Science.

5. Lead University

Fees: N200,500 – N550,00

Lead University is located in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. It has been in existence since 2005 when the Nigerian University Commission (NUC) gave their approval. Lead University operates a sub urban campus; although the university campus is designed to mirror a metropolitan city.

Courses available at Lead University include; Civil Engineering, English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Telecomms Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Medicine, Nursing Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Public Administration, Radiography.

As one can see from the above; this university offers a diverse range of courses, including very specific sciences which one could find difficult to come by in the country.

6. Crescent University

Fees: N283,000 – N1,000,000

Crescent University is a private university located at Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. The university was established in 2005. The university is still one of the cheapest private universities in Nigeria; fees range from N283,000 to N1,000,000 whereas private universities charge up to N10,000,000.

Crescent University is located in a sub urban environment; just on the outskirts of Abeokuta, in Ogun State. The university is safe and secure, and places a high priority on moral education, being an Islamic Institution.

Some of the following colleges are available at the university; The Bola Ajibola College of Law, The College of Natural and Applied Sciences, The College of Environmental Sciences, The College of Information and Communication Technology, and The College of Arts, Social and Management Sciences.

There are about 24,000 students who are currently studying at the institution, showing that it is well established, and may soon become a very important institution.

7. Rhema University

Fees: N152,000 – N464,000

Rhema University is one of the youngest universities in this list; it was established in 2009, and graduated its first set of students in 2014. It is located in Aba in Abia State, Nigeria. This is a Christian University; it was established by the Living Word Ministries International.

It has an equity agreement with an international research institution, showing that it is clearly geared towards research. Some of the available courses at the university include; Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences and Computer Science.

The university maintains a radio station as well as a farm, and other facilities.

8. Adeleke University

Fees: N273,000 – N450,000‎

Adeleke University was founded in 2011. It is located in Ede, in Osun State, Nigeria. The University is a Christian institution, affiliated with the Seventh Day Adventist Church, and set to raise young men and women in excellence and good character. The University is owned by famous Nigerian businessman Deji Adeleke who serves as its president.

Some of the courses offered by the university include; Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, and Faculty of Science.

9. Babcock University

Fees: N288,000 – N560,000

Babcock is one of the most popular private universities in Nigeria, but it also ranks among the most affordable. This university was established in 1999, but traces its history back to 1959, when it was a Seminary of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. The University is still affiliated to the church, and has grown in stature and prestige. It receives funding from the church, which is why fees are so low.

Some of the faculties available at the university include; School of Social Sciences, School of Computing & Engineering Sciences, School of Public & Applied Health, School of Nursing, School of Law & Security Studies, School of Science & Technology.

10. Fountain University

Fees: N341,000

Fountain University was established in 2007. It is located at Osun, Osogbo, Nigeria. This is an Islamic university, the learning, as well as the environment are all tailored towards the Islamic way of doing things. This is a very affordable university; the fees are capped at N341,000 per year.

Fountain University is a very safe and morally upright environment; it is a top pick for students who want academic excellence but do not want to pick up the negative influences that are prevalent in today’s world, particularly among the school age children in the country.

Reasons Why Private Universities May Be A Good Option

No strikes: private universities do not go on strike, and strikes are one of the biggest setbacks facing the education sector in Nigeria today. Private universities therefore represent the biggest chance of graduating on time, and meeting up with ones’ life goals.

No UTME Requirements: Most accredited private institutions can offer admission without JAMB or UTME because they have pre degree courses that can serve as bridges; therefore helping students bypass this hindrance.

Care for students: Private universities are reported to take better care of their students than public schools. This is one reason why parents love of to send their children to private schools; to ensure that their children are safe and sound.

Related:

• Top 20 Best State Universities in Nigeria { NUC Ranking }
• List of Maritime Schools in Nigeria and Maritime University of Nigeria
• PROBLEMS OF WOMEN EDUCATION IN NIGERIA AND SOLUTIONS

Closing

Above are the cheapest private schools in Nigeria; they are spread throughout the country, meaning that there are plenty of options available in several locations across the country for intending students to choose from. Therefore, one can look at any of the institutions highlighted above, and then choose based on what course he is interested in studying, and also based on his budget.