Nigeria’s private university landscape has expanded rapidly over the years, offering students top-tier education, world-class facilities, and prestigious affiliations. While public universities remain more affordable, private institutions often come with a hefty price tag, reflecting their commitment to premium learning experiences, modern infrastructure, and global standards.
If you’re curious about the most expensive universities in Nigeria in 2025, here’s a comprehensive breakdown, starting from the priciest.
Most Expensive Universities in Nigeria
1. Wigwe University, Rivers State
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Tuition: ₦12 million per session
Officially Nigeria’s most expensive university, Wigwe University is a luxury educational institution founded by the late Herbert Wigwe, former CEO of Access Bank. Located in Isiokpo, Rivers State, the university aims to match Ivy League standards, both in academics and student lifestyle.
With a tuition of ₦12 million per session, Wigwe University offers state-of-the-art facilities, international faculty, and a curriculum tailored for global leadership and entrepreneurship.
2. Nile University, Abuja
Tuition: ₦2.7 million – ₦5.9 million per session
Nile University is a fast-rising private institution in Nigeria’s capital city. Known for its strong focus on engineering, medical sciences, and business, tuition fees vary by faculty. Courses in medicine and related fields top the chart at ₦5.9 million. Nile University also boasts a high level of international collaboration and modern academic resources.
3. Lead City University, Ibadan
Tuition: ₦2.5 million – ₦5.5 million per session
Located in Ibadan, Lead City University offers a wide range of courses in social sciences, arts, and medical sciences. With quality facilities and a drive for academic excellence, it ranks high among the costliest universities in the country.
4. Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD)
Tuition: ₦1 million – ₦5.9 million per session
Founded by legal luminary Aare Afe Babalola, ABUAD has established itself as a leading private university in Nigeria. From its impressive architectural design to its top-ranked College of Medicine and Law, tuition can go as high as ₦5.9 million depending on the course.
5. Bowen University, Iwo
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Tuition: ₦1.5 million – ₦2.2 million per session
Owned by the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Bowen University remains one of the most consistent and reputable private institutions in the country. Offering a mix of moral and academic instruction, it’s especially popular among students in health sciences, social sciences, and management courses.
6. Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos
Tuition: ₦2 million – ₦4.4 million per session
Formerly known as the Lagos Business School (LBS), Pan-Atlantic University is famed for its business and communications programs. With strong ties to multinational companies and industries, the institution provides a business-focused environment that prepares students for global leadership.
7. Benson Idahosa University, Benin City
Tuition: ₦1.2 million – ₦3.7 million per session
Founded by the renowned Archbishop Benson Idahosa, this university is rooted in Christian values and academic discipline. Depending on the course of study, tuition can vary widely, with medicine and law among the most expensive.
8. Baze University, Abuja
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Tuition: ₦2.7 million – ₦5 million per session
Known for its impressive campus and rigorous academic system, Baze University in Abuja ranks among the best private universities in Nigeria. The institution is highly favored by politicians, expatriates, and business moguls who seek elite education for their children.
9. American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola
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Tuition: ₦2.4 million – ₦3.5 million per session
AUN is modeled after the American education system and was founded by former Nigerian Vice President, Atiku Abubakar. The university focuses on liberal arts and technology, offering a unique experience that integrates entrepreneurship and global awareness.
10. Babcock University, Ogun State
Tuition: ₦700,000 – ₦1.5 million per session
Though it’s last on this list, Babcock is one of the pioneers of private university education in Nigeria. Owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, it combines Christian education with academic rigor. Its tuition varies by program, with courses in law, medicine, and accounting being among the most expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Most Expensive Universities in Nigeria
1. Which university is the most expensive in Nigeria?
As of 2025, Wigwe University in Rivers State is the most expensive university in Nigeria, with tuition fees of up to ₦12 million per session.
2. Why are private universities in Nigeria so expensive?
Private universities in Nigeria invest heavily in modern infrastructure, foreign faculty, quality accommodations, and international partnerships. Their fees also reflect the lack of government subsidies which public institutions enjoy.
3. Are expensive universities in Nigeria worth the cost?
It depends on the student’s academic goals and the program offered. These universities often provide better facilities, smaller class sizes, more personalized attention, and better networking opportunities compared to public universities.
4. Do these universities offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes, some private universities like Afe Babalola University, Nile University, and Pan-Atlantic University offer merit-based scholarships or need-based financial aid, though they are competitive and limited.
5. Are there medical schools in these expensive universities?
Yes. Universities like Nile University, Afe Babalola University, Benson Idahosa, and Babcock offer medical programs and these are often
Final Thoughts
Choosing a university isn’t just about affordability, it’s also about the value you gain from the education, exposure, and experience. While these institutions come with high tuition fees, many parents and students consider them worthy investments for a future filled with global opportunities.
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