By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
As Nigeria faces rising inflation, the effects are being felt across many sectors, including higher education.
Private universities, known for their quality education and top-notch facilities, have had to raise their tuition fees to keep up with the increasing costs of running their institutions.
For students and parents, it’s important to understand the financial commitment required to attend these schools, especially since tuition fees for some programs now exceed N5 million annually.
The country’s inflation has driven up the cost of everyday goods and services, putting pressure on families and businesses alike.
This economic strain has extended to the education sector, particularly at private universities, where tuition fees are rising to reflect the increased operational costs.
Universities offering specialized programs in fields like Medicine, Law, and Engineering are seeing some of the largest fee hikes.
As a result, many families are feeling the financial burden of sending a child to a private university, as schools adjust their fees to cope with challenges such as higher energy costs, the devaluation of the Naira, and inflation.
Despite these rising costs, Nigeria’s private universities continue to attract students with promises of a consistent delivery of education and modern facilities.
However, the growing tuition fees at some of the country’s top institutions are making them among the most expensive in the region.
This article will explore the most expensive private universities in Nigeria for the 2024/2025 academic year, looking at tuition fees for various programs and highlighting the financial considerations prospective students and their families must keep in mind.
7. Covenant University
Covenant University, situated in Ota, Ogun State, is one of Nigeria’s leading private Christian universities.
Known for its emphasis on academic excellence, the university’s tuition fees are relatively high, especially when considering the comprehensive nature of its fee structure, which includes accommodation and other services.
Tuition Fee:
The tuition fees for most undergraduate programs range from N937,500 to N1,002,500 per session. This fee covers not only tuition but also accommodation, meals, health insurance, and other student services, making it one of the more all-inclusive (and costly) private universities in Nigeria.
6. Babcock University
Babcock University in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, is known for its affiliation with the Seventh-Day Adventist Church and its high academic standards.
The university offers a broad range of programs, including Medicine, Law, and Business, with fees that reflect the quality of education and facilities provided.
Tuition Fee:
For the Medicine & Surgery program, students pay N4,600,000 per year. Law students pay N2,214,677.50 annually, while other programs such as Accounting have lower fees, starting at N1,286,283.70 for the first year and reducing to N1,022,866.35 for subsequent years.
5. American University of Nigeria (AUN)
The American University of Nigeria, located in Yola, Adamawa State, is known for offering an American-style liberal arts education. As one of the most expensive private universities in the country, AUN’s tuition fees are aligned with its international standards of education.
Tuition Fee:
AUN’s standard tuition for a 15-credit course load is N1,221,000 per semester, totalling N2,442,000 annually. For specialized programs such as Law, Engineering, Nursing, and Public Health, the fees increase to N1,755,600 per semester.
4. Bowen University
Bowen University, located in Iwo, Osun State, offers a range of undergraduate programs in various disciplines. While some programs are more affordable, its medical and law programs are among the most expensive in the country.
Tuition Fee:
The annual tuition for Medicine & Surgery is N4,600,000, while Law students pay N2,214,677.50 per session. Other programs, such as Accounting, Biochemistry, and Chemistry, have lower tuition fees, ranging from N880,900 to N1,326,486.50 per year.
3. Lead City University
Located in Ibadan, Oyo State, Lead City University offers several high-cost programs in fields like Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Nursing. These programs, along with the university’s modern facilities, contribute to its high tuition fees.
Tuition Fee:
The tuition fees for Lead University’s medical and health science programs are among the highest in the country. For Medicine, the annual tuition is N5,525,000. Pharmacy and Nursing students pay N3,025,000 per year, while Dentistry costs N2,525,000 annually.
2. Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)
Afe Babalola University, located in Ado-Ekiti, is one of the most expensive private universities in Nigeria, especially for its medical and health-related programs.
The institution’s fees reflect the quality and scope of education provided, particularly in the fields of Medicine and Dentistry.
Tuition Fee:
The tuition for Medicine and Surgery at Afe Babalola University starts at N4,670,000 for the first year, with subsequent years costing N5,555,000 per session. ,
For other programs like Dentistry, the fees range from N3,318,000 to N4,170,000 annually, depending on the level of study.
1. Nile University of Nigeria
Nile University, located in Abuja, is renowned for its diverse programs and high tuition fees.
The institution offers programs across several fields, including Medicine, Engineering, Law, and more.
The high cost of education at Nile University reflects the quality of its facilities, faculty, and resources available to students.
Tuition Fee:
The tuition fees at Nile University vary based on the program, with Medicine being the most expensive. For Medicine & Surgery, students pay N5,950,000 per session (N2,975,000 per semester).
For other programs, such as Law and Engineering, the tuition fees range from N2,900,000 to N3,000,000 annually, depending on the specific course of study.
Note: The 2024/2025 academic year has seen a noticeable increase in the tuition fees at private universities across Nigeria, particularly for programs in Medicine, Engineering, and Law.
Institutions like Nile University, Afe Babalola University, and Babcock University lead the pack with tuition fees that can exceed N5 million annually, especially for medical courses.
While these universities offer world-class education and advanced facilities, they come at a steep cost.
Students seeking a premium education will find these institutions to be top-tier, but for those on a budget, more affordable options may be worth considering at other private universities across the country.
Nairametrics