Cheapest Private Universities in Nigeria: Fees, Admission Requirements & Locations
Finding an affordable private university in Nigeria can make getting a university education much easier for students and their parents. Although private universities are generally more expensive than federal and state universities, some offer relatively affordable tuition, flexible payment options, scholarships, and a stable academic calendar.
If you are searching for the cheapest private universities in Nigeria, this guide will help you compare some of the more affordable options, understand their estimated school fees, locations, admission requirements, and the important things to check before applying.
Important: University fees can change from one academic session to another and may differ by course, level, accommodation, and other charges. Always confirm the latest fee schedule directly from your preferred university before making payment.
Cheapest Private Universities in Nigeria
There is no single university that is permanently the cheapest in Nigeria. The cost depends on the course you want to study and whether you include accommodation, registration, acceptance fees, medical charges, textbooks, and other expenses.
Some private universities that are commonly considered among the more affordable options include Obong University, Oduduwa University, Al-Hikmah University, Caritas University, Rhema University, Paul University, Fountain University, Tansian University, Wellspring University, and Renaissance University.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) maintains the official list of private universities in Nigeria, and its list continues to change as new institutions receive approval. Therefore, students should confirm the current status of any university before applying.
1. Obong University
Location: Obong Ntak, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State
Obong University is one of the private universities worth considering if affordability is your major concern. The university offers undergraduate programmes in areas such as business, social sciences, computer science, medical laboratory science, nursing and other disciplines.
For the 2026/2027 academic session, the university publishes programme-specific fees. For example, tuition is listed at ₦290,000 per year for some programmes such as Mass Communication and English & Literary Studies, while other charges are ₦160,000. Computer Science tuition is listed at ₦440,000, while Nursing Science is ₦590,000 before the additional charges.
This means students should not judge the cost of a university by tuition alone. The total amount payable is what matters.
Obong University also states that accommodation is optional and offers flexible payment arrangements and scholarship opportunities.
2. Oduduwa University
Location: Ipetumodu, Osun State
Oduduwa University, commonly called OUI, is another private university frequently considered by students looking for affordable university education in Nigeria.
The university is located in Ipetumodu, Osun State, and offers various undergraduate programmes.
Its official website states that the institution is fully licensed by the National Universities Commission.
Students interested in OUI should obtain the latest official fee schedule before applying because fees can vary according to programme and academic level.
3. Al-Hikmah University
Location: Ilorin, Kwara State
Al-Hikmah University is a private university located in Ilorin, Kwara State. It is another institution that often appears in discussions about affordable private universities in Nigeria.
The university offers programmes across different academic areas, making it an option for students who want a private university environment without automatically choosing one of the country’s most expensive institutions.
However, applicants should carefully distinguish between regular undergraduate fees and fees for special programmes. For example, information published on the university’s admission platform for its contact programme lists a separate tuition structure, showing why applicants should always check the exact programme they intend to study.
4. Caritas University
Location: Amorji-Nike, Enugu State
Caritas University is a private university in Enugu State. It is known for offering programmes in areas such as sciences, engineering, management and other disciplines.
Because course fees can differ considerably, students should contact the university or check its official admission information for the latest figures before making financial plans.
Caritas can be attractive to students who prefer studying in the southeastern part of Nigeria and are looking for a private university option.
5. Rhema University
Location: Aba, Abia State
Rhema University is located in Aba, Abia State. The university offers undergraduate programmes in several fields and can be considered by students searching for relatively affordable private universities in southeastern Nigeria.
The total cost of attending Rhema University should be calculated by combining tuition with other compulsory charges, accommodation, feeding, transportation and personal expenses.
6. Paul University
Location: Awka, Anambra State
Paul University is located in Awka, the capital of Anambra State. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and provides both UTME and Direct Entry admission routes.
For undergraduate admission, the university states that applicants can enter through UTME at 100 level or Direct Entry at 200 level. Its published undergraduate eligibility information includes a JAMB score of 150 or above and five O’Level credits, including English.
It is important to note that Paul University’s published fees vary significantly by programme. Its available fee information for the 2025/2026 session, for example, listed different totals for Nursing, other Health Sciences and Law.
Therefore, prospective students should not assume that every course costs the same amount.
7. Fountain University
Location: Osogbo, Osun State
Fountain University is another private university in Osun State that students may consider when comparing affordable private universities.
The university provides undergraduate education in several disciplines. As with other private universities, the amount you pay depends on the programme, level and additional university charges.
Students should request the current school-fee schedule before accepting admission.
8. Tansian University
Location: Umunya, Anambra State
Tansian University is a private university in Anambra State. It provides a range of undergraduate programmes and may be suitable for students who want a private university in southeastern Nigeria.
Before choosing the university because of an advertised low fee, check whether the quoted amount covers tuition only or includes other charges.
9. Wellspring University
Location: Benin City, Edo State
Wellspring University is located in Benin City, Edo State. It offers undergraduate programmes across different academic disciplines.
For students in southern Nigeria, location can make a major difference in the overall cost of education. A university with slightly higher tuition may actually be cheaper for a student who lives nearby because the student may spend less on transport and accommodation.
10. Renaissance University
Location: Enugu State
Renaissance University is another private university in southeastern Nigeria that can be included when comparing lower-cost private university options.
As with all the universities on this list, applicants should compare the complete annual cost, rather than tuition alone.
Estimated Fees at Affordable Private Universities in Nigeria
Fees are not fixed across all private universities, and published figures can become outdated quickly. Some online lists have reported private university tuition ranging from below ₦200,000 to several million naira depending on the institution and programme. However, current official university information shows that programme-specific charges can be substantially different even within the same school.
For this reason, the following should be treated as a comparison guide rather than a final fee schedule:
| University | Location | General affordability |
|---|---|---|
| Obong University | Akwa Ibom | Relatively affordable |
| Oduduwa University | Osun | Relatively affordable |
| Al-Hikmah University | Kwara | Relatively affordable |
| Caritas University | Enugu | Relatively affordable |
| Rhema University | Abia | Relatively affordable |
| Paul University | Anambra | Relatively affordable |
| Fountain University | Osun | Relatively affordable |
| Tansian University | Anambra | Relatively affordable |
| Wellspring University | Edo | Relatively affordable |
| Renaissance University | Enugu | Relatively affordable |
Remember that Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Engineering, Medical Laboratory Science and other laboratory-intensive programmes can cost considerably more than many arts, education, management and social science programmes.
What Makes a Private University Cheap?
A university’s tuition fee is only one part of the total cost.
When comparing cheap private universities in Nigeria, consider these expenses:
Tuition
This is usually the biggest academic expense. Ask whether the quoted figure is tuition only or the total amount payable for the session.
Acceptance Fee
Many universities require newly admitted students to pay an acceptance fee before completing registration.
Accommodation
Hostel fees can significantly increase your yearly education budget. Some universities make accommodation compulsory for certain students, while others make it optional.
Registration and Other Charges
Students may have to pay for medical screening, examinations, ICT services, library services, development charges, identity cards, student association dues and other items.
Feeding
Food expenses can become a major part of your budget, particularly for students living on campus.
Transportation
A university close to your home may save you substantial money over four or five years.
Course-Specific Expenses
Courses involving laboratories, clinical training, professional examinations or specialised equipment may require additional payments.
The best university for your budget is therefore not necessarily the school with the lowest advertised tuition.
Admission Requirements for Private Universities in Nigeria
Admission requirements differ from one university and programme to another, but undergraduate applicants will generally need to satisfy certain basic conditions.
1. O’Level Requirements
Most degree programmes require relevant O’Level credits, usually from WAEC, NECO or an equivalent examination.
Many programmes require at least five credits, including English Language and other subjects relevant to the chosen course.
For example, Paul University states that applicants need five O’Level credits including English, while its undergraduate admission route accepts UTME and Direct Entry candidates.
2. JAMB UTME
Candidates seeking admission into 100-level university programmes normally participate in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination conducted by JAMB.
For the 2026 admission cycle, JAMB reported a minimum tolerable admission score of 150 for universities, although individual universities or programmes may set their own requirements. The minimum admission age remains 16.
A score of 150 therefore does not automatically guarantee admission.
3. Correct UTME Subject Combination
Your JAMB subject combination must match the requirements for your intended course.
For example, students applying for science-related programmes may need relevant science subjects, while applicants for social science or arts courses may have different requirements.
Always check the specific university and programme requirements before registering for JAMB or changing your institution.
4. Direct Entry
Students who already have qualifications such as ND, NCE, HND, A-Level or JUPEB may qualify for Direct Entry, depending on the university and programme.
Paul University, for example, accepts Direct Entry candidates with qualifications including A-Level, OND, NCE, HND or JUPEB for appropriate degree programmes.
5. Screening
Some private universities conduct screening or verification after application.
You may be asked to present your O’Level results, JAMB documents, birth certificate or declaration of age, passport photographs and other relevant documents.
How to Apply to a Cheap Private University in Nigeria
The application process is usually straightforward, but applicants should avoid rushing into payment.
Step 1: Choose Your Course
Decide what you want to study before choosing a university.
Do not choose a school only because it has low fees. Make sure the institution offers your desired programme.
Step 2: Confirm Accreditation
Check the university and programme with the National Universities Commission and the university itself.
The NUC publishes a list of private universities in Nigeria, which is an important starting point when checking institutional status.
Step 3: Check Current Admission Requirements
Confirm the required JAMB score, O’Level subjects, Direct Entry qualifications and any programme-specific conditions.
Step 4: Compare Total Fees
Request a complete fee schedule.
Ask specifically about tuition, acceptance fees, accommodation, medical charges, registration, examination fees, ICT fees and other compulsory payments.
Step 5: Apply Through the Official Channel
Use the university’s official website or approved admission portal.
Do not give money to individuals who promise to “secure” admission for you.
For example, Paul University publicly warns applicants about people asking for payment to secure admission.
Step 6: Confirm Your Admission
After receiving an offer, follow the university’s instructions and, where applicable, check and accept the admission through the JAMB CAPS system.
Obong University, for example, instructs applicants to check their JAMB CAPS status and accept an admission offer before proceeding with its screening and documentation process.
Cheapest Private Universities in Nigeria by Region
Your location can help you reduce the overall cost of university education.
Southwest Nigeria
Students can consider private universities in states such as Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo and Kwara. Options include Oduduwa University, Fountain University and other institutions.
Southeast Nigeria
Students looking for affordable private universities in the Southeast can investigate institutions such as Caritas University, Paul University, Rhema University, Tansian University and Renaissance University.
South-South Nigeria
Obong University in Akwa Ibom is one option for students in the South-South region.
North-Central Nigeria
Students can compare private universities in Kwara, Niger, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory.
Northern Nigeria
There are also private universities in states including Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto and other northern locations. The NUC’s current private-university directory is the best place to verify which institutions are officially listed.
How to Choose the Best Affordable Private University
The cheapest university is not automatically the best university for you.
Before making a decision, consider these factors:
Accreditation: Confirm that the university and your intended programme have the appropriate approval.
Course availability: Make sure your preferred course is offered.
Total cost: Calculate tuition, accommodation, feeding, transportation and other charges.
Location: A university closer to home may reduce your living expenses.
Academic environment: Consider class sizes, facilities, libraries, laboratories and learning resources.
Academic calendar: Ask about the university’s academic schedule and graduation timelines.
Scholarships: Find out whether the school offers merit-based or need-based financial support.
Payment plans: Some institutions allow students to pay fees in instalments. Obong University, for example, advertises flexible payment plans for students.
Are Cheap Private Universities in Nigeria Good?
Yes, an affordable private university can provide a good education, but affordability alone does not determine academic quality.
Students should investigate the university’s accreditation, programme availability, teaching staff, facilities, student support, graduate outcomes and general reputation.
The NUC has continued to approve new private universities, but newer institutions may have different levels of facilities and operational maturity. In July 2026, for example, the NUC announced provisional licences for two additional private universities and explained that new institutions are subject to monitoring during their probationary period.
This is why students should look beyond advertisements and verify important information before paying fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest private university in Nigeria?
There is no permanent single answer because fees change by academic session and programme. Obong University, Oduduwa University, Al-Hikmah University, Caritas University, Rhema University and other institutions are commonly considered when comparing affordable private universities.
How much is the cheapest private university in Nigeria?
Some private universities have relatively low tuition for selected programmes, while others charge much more. Current official figures show that even within one university, fees can vary substantially by course. Obong University’s 2026/2027 fee schedule, for example, lists different tuition amounts for different programmes.
Can I attend a private university without JAMB?
Some alternative programmes may have different entry routes, but students seeking normal undergraduate admission should carefully check the university’s approved admission pathway. Some institutions also offer Direct Entry or foundation programmes such as JUPEB.
What JAMB score is required for private universities?
For the 2026 admission cycle, JAMB announced a minimum tolerable university admission score of 150. However, individual institutions and programmes may have additional requirements.
Which private university has the lowest school fees in Nigeria?
The answer depends on the programme and the academic session. A university may have low tuition for one course but higher fees for Nursing, Medicine, Engineering or other specialised programmes.
Do private universities accept Direct Entry?
Many private universities accept Direct Entry candidates, but the exact qualifications depend on the institution and course. Applicants should confirm the requirements directly with their chosen university.