Cheapest Private University in Nigeria

What is the Cheapest Private University in Nigeria 2026?

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Many candidates especially you reading this have plans to apply for a standard and cheap private university in Nigeria this 2026 which is why you’ve been searching to see the Cheapest Private University in Nigeria for the 2026/2027 academic year.

If this is your goal before finding yourself here, then you’re at the right place at the right time. Welcome to Education Updates (journali.com.ng).

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the fully verified list of all the current and the cheapest private university in Nigeria. All you will do for us is keep reading until you finish reading everything here. That’s the only way to get the full insight you need. 

What Are Private Universities?

These according to a layman understanding are the types of Universities that are owned and managed by an individual and not a government body. These types of Universities might be owned by a single private owner or a group of people coming together to own a university and categorising it under the private sector.

Are Private Universities In Nigeria Cheap?

This is actually a big question that demands a very honest answer. From our research, no private university is as cheap as Federal or State but not all the private universities is cost to attend, there are some that has relatively low fees and tuition and is good for someone looking at a cheap private owned institution.

What are the Factors that Determine the Cheapest Private Universities In Nigeria

To actually determine the cheapest private university in Nigeria, here are some factors to consider:

  1. Tuition fees
  2. Acceptance & Development fees
  3. Accommodation fees
  4. Location and cost of living
  5. Accreditation
  6. Payment Flexibility

What is the Cheapest Private University in Nigeria 2026?

Upon the fact that all Nigerian private universities are very cost, a research shows that the Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) is recognized as the cheapest private university in Nigeria for the 2026/2027 academic session.

This conclusion came from the observation of the fees for all private universities in Nigeria. To study in any private university in Nigeria, you should be aware that the general fees range from a minimum of N500,000 to a maximum of N4,000,000.

MAAUN is relatively the most affordable of them all, it is a low-cost private university and very budget friendly for all aspirants. 

Now let’s take a look at all the private universities in Nigeria and their school fees for more details on your research.

List of Private Universities In Nigeria and Their Fees 2026/2027

This section contains the details of all the private universities currently in Nigeria and their school fees well presented in a simple table.

Private UniversitySchool Fees
Achievers University, Owo₦300,000 – ₦5,900,000
Adeleke University, Ede (AUE)₦1,500,000 – ₦3,000,000
Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti – Ekiti State (ABUAD)₦1.2 million – ₦2.2 million
African University of Science & Technology, Abuja₦750,000 – ₦1,500,000
Ajayi Crowther University, Ibadan (ACU)₦150,000 – ₦700,000
Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin (AU)₦343,000 – ₦1,678,600
Al-Qalam University, Katsina₦200,000 – ₦500,000
American University of Nigeria, Yola (AUN)₦1,221,000 – ₦2,442,000
Augustine UniversityN600,000 – N800,000
Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo₦813,000 – ₦2,000,000
Baze University₦2,250,000 – ₦5,000,000
Bells University of Technology, Otta (BELLSTECH)₦360,000 – ₦453,750
Benson Idahosa University, Benin City₦650,000 – ₦2,500,000
Bingham University, New Karu₦380,000 – ₦2,900,000
Bowen University, Iwo₦585,900 – ₦4.6 million
Caleb University, Lagos₦400,000 – ₦500,000
Caritas University, Enugu₦220,000 – ₦390,000
Chrisland University₦1,150,000 – ₦1,995,000
Covenant University Ota₦1.7 million – ₦2 million
Crawford University Igbesa₦408,000 – ₦600,000
Crescent University₦300,000 – ₦1.6 million
Edwin Clark University, Kaigbodo (ECU)₦200,000 – ₦500,000
Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin₦1,020,000 – ₦2,460,000
Evangel University, Akaeze₦200,000 – ₦350,000
Fountain Unveristy, Oshogbo₦1.5 million – ₦3.8 million
Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu-Nike – Enugu State₦500,000 – ₦1,000,000
Gregory University, Uturu₦500,000 – ₦1,500,000
Hallmark University, Ijebi Itele, Ogun₦600,000 – ₦700,000
Hezekiah University, Umudi₦320,000 – ₦650,000
Igbinedion University Okada (IUOKADA)₦500,000 – ₦800,000
Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji (JABU)₦500,000 – ₦1,600,000
Kings University, Ode Omu₦400,000 – ₦500,000
Kwararafa University, Wukari₦230,000 – ₦280,000
Landmark University, Omu-Aran.₦596,500 – ₦691,500
Lead City University, Ibadan₦775,000 – ₦3,500,000
Madonna University, Okija₦229,000 – ₦1.5 million
Mcpherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ajebo₦400,000 – ₦1,000,000
Micheal & Cecilia Ibru University₦700,000 – ₦950,000
Mountain Top University (MTU)₦400,000 – ₦850,000
Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja (NUN)₦2,500,000 – ₦6,500,000
Novena University, Ogume₦2.35 million
Obong University, Obong Ntak₦350,000 – ₦500,000
Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu – Osun State₦250,000 – ₦350,000
Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos (PAU)₦4 million
Paul University, Awka – Anambra State (PUA)₦100,000 – ₦400,000
Redeemer’s University, Ede₦600,000 – ₦1,400,000
Renaissance University, Enugu₦700,000
Rhema University, Obeama-Asa – Rivers State₦400,000 – ₦500,000
Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom₦300,000 – ₦500,000
Salem University, Lokoja (SUL)₦350,000 – ₦2.2 million
Glorious Vision University, Ogwa, Edo State.₦250,000 – ₦600,000
Southwestern University, Oku Owa₦550,000 – ₦630,000
Summit University, Offa₦615,000 – ₦703,000
Tansian University, Umunya₦350,000 – ₦800,000
University of Mkar, Mkar (UMM)₦436,000 – ₦466,000
Veritas University, Abuja₦1.4 million – ₦2.5 million
Wellspring University, Evbuobanosa – Edo State₦574,000 – ₦651,000
Wesley University Ondo₦350,000 – ₦550,000
Western Delta University, Oghara Delta State₦300,000 – ₦400,000
Christopher University Mowe₦168,000 – ₦2,500,000
Kola Daisi University Ibadan, Oyo State₦786,400 – ₦1.89 million
Anchor University Ayobo Lagos State (AUL)₦507,500 – ₦1.29 million
Dominican University Ibadan Oyo State (DU)₦725,550 – ₦1,000,000
Legacy University, Okija Anambra State₦149,000
Arthur Javis University Akpoyubo Cross river State₦350,000 – ₦500,000
Ojaja University Eiyenkorin, Kwara Statecoming soon
Coal City University Enugu State₦198,350 – ₦784,250
Clifford University Owerrinta Abia State₦650,000 – ₦1,200,000
Spiritan University, Nneochi Abia State₦120,000 – ₦400,000
Precious Cornerstone University, Oyo₦957,000
PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Portharcourt (PUMS)₦3,000,000 – ₦4,000,000
Atiba University Oyo₦700,000 – ₦1,500,000
Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences Ijanikin, Lagoscoming soon
Skyline University, Kano (SUN)₦ 4,103,500 – ₦ 5,103,750
Greenfield University, Kadunacoming soon
Dominion University Ibadan, Oyo State₦638,000 – ₦743,000
Trinity University Ogun State₦400,000 – ₦800,000
Westland University Iwo, Osun State₦1 million – ₦1.1 million
Topfaith University, Mkpatak, Akwa Ibom State₦1.35 million – ₦3.1 million
Thomas Adewumi University, Oko-Irese, Kwara State (TAU)₦400,000 – ₦4,200,000
Maranathan University, Mgbidi, Imo State₦400,000 – ₦1,000,000
Ave Maria University, Piyanko, Nasarawa State₦1,050,000 – ₦1,150,000
Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kano State₦217,000 – ₦577,000
Mudiame University, Irrua, Edo Statecoming soon
Havilla University, Nde-Ikom, Cross River Statecoming soon
Claretian University of Nigeria, Nekede, Imo Statecoming soon
NOK University, Kachia, Kaduna Statecoming soon
Karl-Kumm University, Vom, Plateau Statecoming soon
James Hope University, Lagos, Lagos Statecoming soon
Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Kano State₦1.47 million – ₦5.6 million
Capital City University, Kano State (CCUK)₦1,690,500 – ₦1,956,500
Ahman Pategi University, Kwara State₦280,000 – ₦800,000
University of Offa, Kwara Statecoming soon
Mewar International University, Masaka, Nasarawa Statecoming soon
Edusoko University, Bida, Niger State₦150,000 – ₦600,000
Philomath University, Kuje, Abuja₦1.48 million – ₦4.8 million
Khadija University, Majia, Jigawa State₦438,000 – ₦698,000
Anan University, Kwall, Plateau Statecoming soon
North Eastern University, Gombecoming soon
Al-Ansar University, Maiduguri, Borno₦669,600 – ₦933,600
Private UniversitySchool Fees
Margaret Lawrence University, Umunede, Delta State₦1,600,000 – ₦3,300,000
Khalifa Isiyaku Rabiu University, Kano₦1,100,000 – ₦1,500,000
Sports University, Idumuje, Ugboko, Delta Statecoming soon
Baba Ahmed University, Kano State₦706,860
Saisa University of Medical Sciences and Technology, Sokoto Statecoming soon
Nigerian British University, Asa, Abia Statecoming soon
Peter University, Achina-Onneh Anambra Statecoming soon
Newgate University, MInna, Niger State.coming soon
European University of Nigeria, Duboyi, FCTcoming soon
NorthWest University Sokoto Statecoming soon
Rayhaan University, Kebbicoming soon
Muhammad Kamalud University Kwaracoming soon
Sam Maris University, Ondocoming soon
Aletheia University, Ago-Iwoye Ogun Statecoming soon
Lux Mundi University Umuahia, Abia Statecoming soon
Maduka University, Ekwegbe, Enugu Statecoming soon
PeaceLand University, Enugu Statecoming soon
Amadeus University, Amizi, Abia State₦800,000 – ₦1,200,000
Vision University, Ikogbo, Ogun State₦610,000 – ₦750,000
Azman University, Kano State₦1.1 million – ₦1.8 million
Huda University, Gusau, Zamafara Statecoming soon
Franco British International University, Kaduna State₦900,000
Canadian University of Nigeria, Abuja₦1,250,000 – ₦1,300,000
Gerar University of Medical Science Imope Ijebu, Ogun State.₦2.5 million – ₦5 million
British Canadian University, Obufu Cross River State₦1,315,000 – ₦1,415,500
Hensard University, Toru-Orua, Sagbama, Bayelsa State₦20 million – ₦32 million
Amaj University, Kwali, Abujacoming soon
Phoenix University, Agwada, Nasarawa State₦236,000 – ₦270,000
Wigwe University, Isiokpo Rivers State₦9.6 million – ₦11.9 million
Hillside University of Science and Technology, Okemisi, Ekiti State₦1,773,750
University on the Niger, Umunya, Anambra statecoming soon
Elrazi Medical University Yargaya University, Kano State₦856,000 – ₦2,080,000
Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti, Ekiti State₦810,000 – ₦1,385,000
Shanahan University Onitsha, Anambra State₦350,000 – ₦800,000
The Duke Medical University, Calabar, Cross River Statecoming soon
Mercy Medical University, Iwo, Ogun State₦300,000 – ₦3,000,000
Cosmopolitan University Abuja₦2,500,000 – ₦3,125,000
Miva Open University, Abuja FCT₦280,000 – ₦320,000
Iconic Open University, Sokoto State.coming soon
West Midlands Open University, Ibadan, Oyo Statecoming soon
Al-Muhibbah Open University, Abuja₦250,000 – ₦450,000
El-Amin University, Minna, Niger State₦725,000 – ₦893,750
College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna Statecoming soon
Jewel University, Gombe state₦340,000.00
Prime University, Kuje, FCT Abuja₦1,500,000 – ₦3,000,000
Nigerian University of Technology and Management, Apapa, Lagos Statecoming soon
Al-Bayan University, Ankpa, Kogi State₦2,250,000 – ₦5,000,000
Lighthouse University, Evbobanosa, Edo State₦300,000 – ₦600,000
African University of Economics, FCT, Abujacoming soon
New City University, Ayetoro, Ogun Statecoming soon
University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State₦500,000 – ₦1,000,000
Eranova University, Abujacoming soon
Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun State₦800,000 – ₦850,000
Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Ogba, Ganmo, Ilorin, Kwara State₦250,000 – ₦400,000
Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State₦100,000 – ₦150,000
Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara State₦190,000 – ₦380,000
Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota, Ogun Statecoming soon
Tonine Iredia University of Communication, Benin City, Edo Statecoming soon
Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos Statecoming soon
Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo, Enugu Statecoming soon
Tazkiyah University, Kaduna, Kaduna Statecoming soon
Leadership University, Abuja, FCTcoming soon
Jimoh Babalola University, Ilorin, Kwara Statecoming soon
Bridget University Mbaise, Okirika-Nweke, Imo Statecoming soon
Greenland University, Jalingo, Taraba Statecoming soon
JEFAP University, Suleja, Niger Statecoming soon
Azione Verde University, Amaigbo, Imo Statecoming soon
Unique Open University, Ojo, Lagos Statecoming soon
American Open University, Abeokuta, Ogun Statecoming soon

Cheapest Private Universities in Nigeria by Faculty / Course

Different private universities are cheaper depending on the faculty or course of study. Below is a general breakdown based on common fee structures in 2026:

Arts & Humanities:

  1. Oduduwa University (Osun)
  2. Clifford University (Abia) and 
  3. Paul University (Anambra) are known for relatively low fees for arts-related courses.

Social Sciences:

  1. Renaissance University (Enugu)
  2. Al-Hikmah University (Kwara), and 
  3. Southwestern University (Osun) offer affordable programmes like Economics, Political Science, and Sociology.

Management Sciences:

Courses like Accounting and Business Administration are cheaper in 

  1. Oduduwa University
  2. Al-Hikmah University, and 
  3. Crawford University compared to many other private institutions.

Sciences:

  1. Achievers University (Ondo) and 
  2. Clifford University are among the more affordable options for science-based courses.

Cheapest Private Universities in Nigeria With Flexible Payment Plans

Some private universities allow students to spread payment across semesters, making them more affordable:

  • Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin – Allows installment payment for many programmes
  • Baba Ahmed University – allows payment by installment
  • Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu – Flexible payment structure
  • Renaissance University, Enugu – Semester-based payment option
  • Clifford University, Owerrinta – Payment plans for selected students

This flexibility reduces the financial pressure on parents and guardians.

Cheapest Private Universities in Nigeria With Hostel Accommodation

Affordable accommodation is a big plus when choosing a cheap private university.

Private universities with relatively low hostel fees include:

  1. Oduduwa University
  2. Al-Hikmah University
  3. Achievers University
  4. Renaissance University

On-campus hostels help students cut transportation costs and enjoy better security and power supply.

Cheapest Private Universities in Nigeria Without JAMB Stress

Many cheap private universities accept low JAMB scores or alternative admission routes:

  1. Oduduwa University – Accepts low JAMB scores and Direct Entry
  2. Clifford University – Offers JUPEB and DE routes
  3. Southwestern University – Minimal JAMB competition
  4. Paul University – Direct Entry and foundation programmes available

This makes private universities a lifesaver for candidates who didn’t score high in UTME.

Cheapest Private Universities in Nigeria for Science, Arts & Social Sciences

Based on discipline:

  • Arts: Oduduwa University, Paul University
  • Social Sciences: Renaissance University, Al-Hikmah University
  • Sciences: Achievers University, Clifford University

Students are advised to check course-specific fees, as science programmes are usually more expensive.

How Much Does It Cost to Study in a Private University in Nigeria in 2026?

As of 2026, estimated fees in cheap private universities are:

  • Arts & Social Sciences: ₦250,000 – ₦500,000 per session
  • Management Sciences: ₦350,000 – ₦700,000 per session
  • Sciences: ₦450,000 – ₦900,000 per session

Fresh students may pay additional charges such as acceptance and development fees.

Admission Requirements for Cheap Private Universities in Nigeria

Most cheap private universities share similar requirements:

  • Five O’Level credits including English and Mathematics
  • JAMB UTME result (low cut-off accepted)
  • Direct Entry qualification for DE applicants
  • Completed online application and screening

Universities like Al-Hikmah and Oduduwa may also conduct simple interviews.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Attending a Low-Cost Private University in Nigeria 2026

Advantages:

  • Affordable school fees
  • No ASUU strikes
  • Stable academic calendar
  • Smaller class sizes

Disadvantages:

  • Limited facilities in some schools
  • Fewer professional courses
  • Less national recognition than top-tier private universities

Is Attending the Cheapest Private University in Nigeria Worth It?

Yes, especially for students who value:

  • Quick graduation
  • Affordable education
  • Academic stability

However, it is important to confirm NUC accreditation and availability of your preferred course before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which is the cheapest private university in Nigeria in 2026?

Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Oduduwa University and Al-Hikmah University are often ranked among the cheapest based on tuition fees.

2. Are cheap private universities approved by NUC?

Yes, all universities listed here are NUC-recognised.

3. Can private universities be cheaper than state universities?

In some cases, yes—especially when strikes and extra costs are considered.

Conclusion

Choosing the cheapest private university in Nigeria in 2026 depends on tuition fees, course of study, payment flexibility, and accommodation costs. Universities like Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Oduduwa University, Al-Hikmah University, Renaissance University, Achievers University, and Clifford University continue to stand out as affordable options for Nigerian students.

While low fees are important, students should also consider accreditation, learning environment, and long-term career goals. A cheap private university can still provide quality education, stable academics, and a faster route to graduation when chosen wisely.

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