List of Private Universities in Nigeria (2026 Updated and NUC Approved)

Nigeria has one of the fastest-growing private university sectors in Africa. As of 2026, there are over 160 NUC-approved private universities offering stable academic calendars, modern facilities, and competitive programs across medicine, engineering, business, law, and technology.

This guide provides a clean, student-friendly, and complete list of private universities in Nigeria, grouped for easy browsing. All institutions listed here are licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Top and Well-Known Private Universities in Nigeria

These universities are widely recognized for academic quality, facilities, graduate outcomes, and national rankings.

• Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State
• Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Ado-Ekiti
• Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo
• Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos
• Redeemer’s University, Ede
• Igbinedion University, Okada
• Bells University of Technology, Ota
• Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin
• Baze University, Abuja
• American University of Nigeria, Yola

These schools frequently rank among the top 10 to top 20 private universities in Nigeria.

Complete List of Private Universities in Nigeria

Below is the full and updated list, ordered roughly by year of establishment so users can easily track older and newer universities.

Private Universities Established Between 1999 and 2005

• Babcock University, Ogun State (1999)
• Igbinedion University, Edo State (1999)
• Madonna University, Anambra State (1999)
• Bowen University, Osun State (2001)
• Benson Idahosa University, Edo State (2002)
• Covenant University, Ogun State (2002)
• Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos State (2002)
• American University of Nigeria, Adamawa State (2003)
• Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo State (2005)
• Al-Hikmah University, Kwara State (2005)
• Al-Qalam University, Katsina State (2005)
• Bells University of Technology, Ogun State (2005)
• Bingham University, Nasarawa State (2005)
• Caritas University, Enugu State (2005)
• Crawford University, Ogun State (2005)
• Crescent University, Ogun State (2005)
• Lead City University, Oyo State (2005)
• Redeemer’s University, Osun State (2005)
• Renaissance University, Enugu State (2005)

Private Universities Established Between 2006 and 2014

• Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State (2006)
• Achievers University, Ondo State (2007)
• Caleb University, Lagos State (2007)
• Fountain University, Osun State (2007)
• African University of Science and Technology, Abuja (2007)
• Salem University, Kogi State (2007)
• Tansian University, Anambra State (2007)
• Veritas University, Abuja (2007)
• Wesley University, Ondo State (2007)
• Afe Babalola University, Ekiti State (2009)
• Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu State (2009)
• Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja (2009)
• Oduduwa University, Osun State (2009)

Private Universities Established Between 2015 and 2020

• Augustine University, Lagos State (2015)
• Chrisland University, Ogun State (2015)
• Edwin Clark University, Delta State (2015)
• Hallmark University, Ogun State (2015)
• Kings University, Osun State (2015)
• Mountain Top University, Ogun State (2015)
• Summit University, Kwara State (2015)
• Anchor University, Lagos State (2016)
• Dominican University, Oyo State (2016)
• Coal City University, Enugu State (2016)
• Clifford University, Abia State (2016)
• PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Rivers State (2017)
• Precious Cornerstone University, Oyo State (2017)
• Skyline University, Kano State (2018)
• Greenfield University, Kaduna State (2019)
• Dominion University, Oyo State (2019)
• Trinity University, Ogun State (2019)

Newly Approved and Emerging Private Universities (2021 to 2025)

This group reflects Nigeria’s rapidly expanding private education sector.

• Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Kano (2021)
• Capital City University, Kano State (2021)
• James Hope University, Lagos State (2021)
• Mewar International University, Nasarawa State (2021)
• Philomath University, Abuja (2021)
• Khadija University, Jigawa State (2021)
• Anan University, Plateau State (2021)
• North Eastern University, Gombe (2022)
• Nigerian British University, Abia State (2022)
• Rayhaan University, Kebbi State (2023)
• Wigwe University, Rivers State (2023)
• Miva Open University, Abuja (2023)
• Lighthouse University, Edo State (2024)
• New City University, Ogun State (2025)
• Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics, Lagos State (2025)
• Unique Open University, Lagos State (2025)

Private Universities in Lagos State

Lagos has the highest concentration of private universities in Nigeria.

• Pan-Atlantic University
• Caleb University
• Augustine University
• Anchor University
• Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences
• James Hope University
• Nigerian University of Technology and Management
• Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics
• Unique Open University

Students can explore private universities in Lagos by fees, courses, and location depending on budget and career goals.

FAQs

How many private universities are there in Nigeria?

Nigeria has over 160 NUC-approved private universities, with new approvals almost every year.

What is the top private university in Nigeria?

Covenant University is often ranked as the top private university in Nigeria, followed closely by ABUAD and Babcock University.

Are private universities in Nigeria approved by NUC?

Yes. All universities listed in this guide are licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Which private universities are best for medicine?

Popular choices include ABUAD, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences, and AUN.

Final Note

This page is regularly updated to reflect newly licensed private universities in Nigeria. Bookmark it or share with students searching for admission, transfer options, or school comparisons.