Top 10 Best Private Universities In Nigeria, 2025

This guide provides a comprehensive ranking of the top 10 best private universities in Nigeria. We look at each university’s strengths, academic offerings, admission requirements, and facilities.

The information is drawn from credible sources, including national and international rankings, official university data, and recent developments in the Nigerian higher education sector.

What Are The Top 10 Best Private Universities In Nigeria?

Here are the top 10 best private universities in Nigeria, including their world ranking:

Nigeria Rank	University Name	Location	World Rank
1	Covenant University	Ota, Nigeria	191
2	Maryam Abacha American University	Hotoro, Kano	408
3	Afe Babalola University	Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria	483
4	Redeemer's University	Ede, Nigeria	519
5	Landmark University	Omu-Aran, Nigeria	554
6	Bowen University	Iwo, Nigeria	771
7	Babcock University	Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria	1,114
8	African University of Science & Technology	Abuja, Nigeria	1,472
9	Topfaith University	Makurdi, Nigeria	1,552
10	Pan Atlantic University	Lekki, Nigeria	1,636

1. Covenant University

Covenant University, located in Ota, Ogun State, is regarded as Nigeria’s top private university. Established in 2002 by the Living Faith Church Worldwide, it has consistently ranked No. 1 among private universities in Nigeria and is currently ranked 191st in the world (2025).

The university is fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and several professional bodies. It operates four colleges: Business and Social Sciences, Leadership and Development Studies, Engineering, and Science and Technology.

Popular programs include Computer Science, various Engineering fields, Architecture, Economics, Mass Communication, and International Relations.

Covenant offers both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, including Master’s, MPhil, and PhD. The academic calendar runs on a two-semester system: Harmattan (Sept–Jan) and Alpha (Feb–June).

However, admission is competitive. UTME candidates need a JAMB score above 180, five O’Level credits including English and Maths, and must pass a post-UTME screening.

Postgraduate applicants must have a relevant bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.0/5.0. Tuition ranges from ₦800,000 to ₦1.2 million for undergraduates, and ₦600,000 to ₦1 million for postgraduates. Fees cover accommodation, internet, medical care, labs, and utilities.

All students live on campus. The environment is clean, safe, and fully equipped with libraries, ICT centers, laboratories, and sports facilities. Discipline is strict, with a mandatory dress code and spiritual programs. Covenant boasts a 90% graduate employability rate within one year.

2. Maryam Abacha, American University Of Nigeria

Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), located in Hotoro, Kano State, is one of the fastest-growing private universities in Nigeria.

Established in 2021, MAAUN has already made a strong statement in the education sector with its American-style curriculum, innovative teaching, and global outlook.

Accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC), MAAUN is ranked the 2nd best private university in Nigeria by H-index and 408th globally.

The university offers different programs across faculties such as Health Sciences, Law, Computing, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences.

Admission requires a minimum UTME score of 160, but competitive courses like Medicine or Law may demand 180+. O’Level requirements include at least five credits, including English and Mathematics. Direct entry is accepted for qualified candidates.

Tuition ranges from ₦900,000 to ₦3,000,000 per session, depending on the program. Hostels cost ₦150,000 to ₦300,000 per session. Facilities include modern labs, digital libraries, sports complexes, and 24/7 campus security.

3. Afe Babalola University

Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), located in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, is ranked third as Nigeria’s top private university. The campus is beautiful and well-organized, featuring modern lecture halls, fully equipped science and engineering labs, libraries, ICT centers, and a 400-bed teaching hospital.

It’s also one of the safest campuses in the country, with 24/7 surveillance and dedicated security personnel. ABUAD is fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other professional bodies.

In 2025, it ranked 3rd among Nigerian private universities and 483rd globally by H-index. It offers programs across six major colleges

Law, Sciences, Engineering, Medicine and Health Sciences, Social and Management Sciences, and Agriculture. Its admission cut-off is generally 180, but more competitive courses like Law and Medicine require 200 or more.

Tuition fees vary by course, ranging from ₦850,000 to ₦3.5 million per session. Scholarships are available for brilliant and financially challenged students. With over 8,000 students, ABUAD continues to produce skilled graduates ready for today’s job market.

4. Redeemer’s University

Located in Ede, Osun State, Redeemer’s University is a top-tier private institution in Nigeria, founded in 2005. It is fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and has built a strong reputation for academic excellence and a lovely learning environment.

In 2025, Redeemer’s ranked 4th among private universities in Nigeria based on the H-index and 519th globally. It is strong in the Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, Law, Engineering, and Management Sciences.

For undergraduate admissions, students need a UTME score of 160–180, along with five O’Level credits, including English and Mathematics.

Direct entry candidates with A-levels, OND, or NCE are also accepted. Applicants must also pass the university’s Post-UTME.

Tuition fees range from ₦600,000 to ₦900,000 per session, depending on the program. Accommodation costs between ₦120,000 and ₦200,000. Other charges include a ₦50,000 acceptance fee.

Fees are payable in installments, though full payment is required before exams. Campus life is vibrant. First-year students must live on campus, with several hostel options available. Facilities include modern libraries, science and ICT labs, sports courts, and 24/7 security.

5. Landmark University

Established in 2011 by Dr. David Oyedepo under the Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel), Landmark University is one of Nigeria’s top private universities.

Landmark houses several colleges, including Agricultural Sciences, Engineering, Business and Social Sciences, and Pure and Applied Sciences.

Popular courses include Agricultural Economics, Mechanical Engineering, Accounting, Computer Science, and Microbiology. The school is fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

For admission, applicants need a minimum JAMB score of 180, five credit passes in relevant O’Level subjects, and must complete the university’s post-UTME screening.

Tuition fees range between ₦600,000 and ₦800,000 per session, depending on the course. This includes accommodation and basic services, though feeding is not covered.

Landmark University has modern hostels, digital libraries, science labs, sports facilities, and a health center. With its focus on agriculture, leadership, and discipline, Landmark ranks 5th among private universities in Nigeria and 554th globally.

6. Bowen University

Bowen University is a top private Christian university located in Iwo, Osun State. Fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other relevant bodies, Boweno offers a list of programs across several faculties, such as Law, Agriculture, Computing, Medicine, Nursing, and Humanities.

Admission into Bowen requires at least five O-Level credits, including English and Mathematics. The general JAMB cut-off mark is 160, but competitive programs like Medicine and Law often require 180 to 220. The university also offers direct entry admission for qualified candidates with A-level or diploma results.

Tuition fees range from ₦600,000 to ₦3,000,000 depending on the course. Medicine, Nursing, and Law are among the highest. Hostel accommodation is compulsory and costs between ₦120,000 and ₦200,000 per session.

7. Babcock University

Babcock University is one of the best private institutions in Nigeria. Babcock ranks 7th among private universities in Nigeria by H-index, with a global ranking of 1,114.

It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across several schools, including Law, Medicine, Engineering, Management, Nursing, Public Health, and more.

Popular courses include Medicine & Surgery, Law, Nursing, Computer Science, Business Administration, and Mass Communication.

Admission requires a minimum JAMB score of 180, while Medicine, Law, and Nursing may demand 200–220. O’Level results must include at least five credits, including English and Mathematics. Direct Entry is accepted, and Post-UTME screening is mandatory.

Tuition ranges from ₦600,000 to ₦2,000,000 per session, depending on the course. Accommodation costs ₦150,000–₦250,000. Other charges apply. Flexible payment plans are available.

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8. African University Of Science & Technology

The African University of Science & Technology (AUST) is one of Nigeria’s top private postgraduate institutions, located in Abuja. It operates as a private, non-profit university focused on science, technology, and engineering research.

Ranked 8th nationally by H-index and 1,472nd globally in 2025, AUST stands out for its academic excellence, with only postgraduate programs, Master’s, PhD, and Postdoctoral, across STEM fields like Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Aerospace Sciences.

Applicants must hold at least a Second Class Upper in a relevant field for Master’s programs, or a Master’s degree for PhDs.

Tuition ranges from $4,000 to $7,000 per year. Additional costs include registration, accommodation ($700–$1,200), and service fees.

Scholarships are available, especially for women in STEM and high-performing African students, with funding from global bodies like the World Bank and the African Development Bank.

9. Topfaith University

Topfaith University is quietly rated in Nigeria’s private education sector, and it is ranked 9th among private universities in Nigeria and 1,552nd globally based on H-index and research impact.

The university offers accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties, including Sciences, Social Sciences, Management, Arts, and Engineering.

All programs are approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Admission is open to UTME/JAMB candidates with a general cut-off mark of 140, although not all courses.

Applicants must also have at least five credit passes in relevant O-Level subjects. Post-UTME screening or interviews may apply. Direct entry is also available for qualified candidates with A-levels, OND, or NCE.

10. Pan Atlantic University

Pan-Atlantic University (PAU is also rated as one of Nigeria’s top private universities. PAU is accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and ranked 10th among Nigerian private universities by H-index.

PAU houses three main schools:

School of Management and Social Sciences (SMSS)
School of Media and Communication (SMC)
School of Science and Technology (SST)

Popular courses include Business Administration, Economics, Mass Communication, Computer Science, and Data Science.

It also offers respected postgraduate programs like an MBA and an MSc in Media and Communication. Admission requires a UTME score of at least 220, with higher marks for competitive courses.

Candidates also need five O-level credits, including English and Mathematics. Tuition ranges between ₦2,000,000 and ₦2,500,000 per session. Accommodation costs ₦250,000–₦350,000. Scholarships, both merit-based and need-based, are available.