This article provides the most up‑to‑date, comprehensive list of private universities in Nigeria approved by the NUC, including newly licensed institutions up to 2025. Whether you’re a prospective student, guardian, researcher, or educator, this guide covers everything you need to know.
The landscape of higher education in Nigeria has experienced robust growth over recent years, particularly in the private university sector. As public universities continue to struggle with funding, strikes, and unrestricted admissions, private universities have risen to meet the demand for quality tertiary education.
To operate legally and award degrees, all universities in Nigeria—federal, state, and private—must be licensed and accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC), the regulatory body for university education in the country.
What is the National Universities Commission (NUC)?
The National Universities Commission (NUC) is an agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria under the Ministry of Education. It is responsible for:
Approving the establishment and licensing of all universities in Nigeria.
Ensuring academic standards and quality control of university programmes.
Accrediting academic programmes to ensure they meet minimum standards.
Regulating university operations and preventing unlicensed institutions from issuing degrees.
Any institution wishing to operate as a university in Nigeria must obtain NUC approval before admitting students. Degrees from non-NUC-approved institutions are not recognized for employment, further study, or professional licensing. Despite ongoing review and moratorium periods from time to time, new private universities continue to be established and accredited by the NUC.
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Why Choose a Private University in Nigeria?
Private universities have become increasingly popular because they offer:
1. Stable Academic Calendars: Unlike many public universities in Nigeria that grapple with strikes and long academic delays, private universities typically maintain continuous academic sessions.
2. Smaller Class Sizes: Smaller populations allow for more personalized learning experiences and better access to lecturers.
3. Modern Facilities: Many private universities invest heavily in modern infrastructure, including classrooms, labs, ICT setups, and libraries.
4. International Partnerships: Some private universities collaborate with international institutions for curriculum development and exchange programmes.
5. Competitive Programmes: Programmes in technology, business, health sciences, and emerging fields often reflect global trends, enhancing student readiness for the workforce.
List of Private Universities in Nigeria Approved by NUC.
Below is an extensive list of private universities in Nigeria that are officially approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC). This list includes long‑established institutions and newer additions, all licensed to operate and award recognized degrees.
A – F
Achaievers University – Owo, Ondo State
Adeleke University – Ede, Osun State
Afe Babalola University – Ado‑Ekiti, Ekiti State
African University of Science and Technology – Abuja, FCT
Akor University of Communication – Benin City, Edo State
Al‑Ansar University – Maiduguri, Borno State
Al‑Hikmah University – Ilorin, Kwara State
Al‑Qalam University – Katsina, Katsina State
American Open University – Ogun State
American University of Nigeria – Yola, Adamawa State
Anchor University – Ayobo, Lagos State
Atione Verde University – Imo State
Augustine University – Ilara Epe, Lagos State
Ave Maria University – Nasarawa State
Atiba University – Oyo State
Arthur Jarvis University – Akpoyubo, Cross River State
Azone Verde University – Imo State
B – E
Babcock University – Ilishan‑Remo, Ogun State
Baze University – Abuja
Bells University of Technology – Ota, Ogun State
Benson Idahosa University – Benin City, Edo State
Bingham University – New Karu, Nasarawa State
Bowen University – Iwo, Osun State
Bridget University – Mbaise, Imo State
Caleb University – Lagos State
Caritas University – Enugu State
Chrisland University – Ogun State
Christopher University – Mowe, Ogun State
Claretian University of Nigeria – Nekede, Imo State
Clifford University – Owerrinta, Abia State
Covenant University – Ota, Ogun State
Crawford University – Igbesa, Ogun State
Crescent University – Abeokuta, Ogun State
F – L
Dominican University – Ibadan, Oyo State
Edwin Clark University – Kaigbodo, Delta State
Elizade University – Ilara‑Mokin, Ondo State
Fountain University – Osogbo, Osun State
Godfrey Okoye University – Enugu State
Greenfield University – Kaduna State
Hallmark University – Ijebu Itele, Ogun State
Hezekiah University – Umudi, Imo State
James Hope University – Lagos State
Jimoh Babalola University – Kwara State
Kings University – Ode‑Omu, Osun State
Kola Daisi University – Ibadan, Oyo State
Kwararafa University – Wukari, Taraba State
Legacy University – Okija, Anambra State
M – S
McPherson University – Seriki‑Sotayo, Ogun State
Micheal & Cecilia Ibru University – Delta State
Minaret University – Ikirun, Osun State
Miva Open University – Abuja (Online)
Monarch University – Iyesi‑Ota, Ogun State
Mountain Top University – Ogun State
Nile University of Nigeria – Abuja
Novena University – Ogume, Delta State
Obong University – Obong Ntak, Akwa Ibom State
Ojaja University – (Crownhill/Eiyenkorin)
Pan‑Atlantic University – Lagos State
Paul University – Awka, Anambra State
PAMO University of Medical Sciences – Port Harcourt
Precious Cornerstone University – Oyo State
R – Z
Redeemer’s University – Mowe, Ogun State
Renaissance University – Enugu State
Ritman University – Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State
Sam Maris University – Supare Akoko, Ondo State
Skyline University – Kano State
Spiritan University – Nneochi, Abia State
Summit University – Offa, Kwara State
Tansian University – Umunya, Anambra State
Tazkiyah University – Kaduna State
Tonnie Iredia University of Communication – Benin City, Edo State
University of Fortune – Igbotako, Ondo State
Veritas University – Abuja, FCT
Wellspring University – Evbuobanosa, Edo State
Wesley University of Science & Technology – Ondo State
Note: The NUC updates this list periodically, including provisional licences and newly approved institutions. Always verify specific programme accreditation directly on the NUC official website before applying.
How Private Universities Are Distributed Across Nigeria
Nigeria’s private universities are spread across all geopolitical zones to improve access to tertiary education:
- South‑West: States like Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ondo, Lagos, and Ekiti host several well‑known private universities.
- South‑East and South‑South: Anambra, Enugu, Delta, Akwa Ibom, and Imo have multiple institutions catering to their growing student populations.
- North‑Central: Abuja and its surrounding states have seen increased private university establishments.
- North‑East and North‑West: Emerging universities like Al‑Ansar University in Borno and Skyline University in Kano expand educational opportunities in these regions.
Types of Programmes Offered
Private universities in Nigeria typically offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in:
Social Sciences (Economics, Sociology, Political Science)
Engineering and Technology
Business Administration and Management
Law and Legal Studies
Computer Science and Information Technology
Health Sciences (Nursing, Public Health, Medicine)
Humanities and Languages
Natural and Applied Sciences
Many private institutions also offer specialized and emerging programmes tailored to modern labour market needs.
Admission and Accreditation
Admission into NUC‑approved private universities follows national procedures, often involving:
JAMB UTME registration and score
Direct entry for eligible candidates
Post‑UTME screenings by individual universities
Submission of O‑Level results (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB)
Because NUC approval guarantees recognition, certificates from these institutions are valid for employment, postgraduate studies, professional certifications, and foreign education purposes.
Recent Trends and Growth
There has been significant growth in private tertiary education in Nigeria due to:
- Increased demand for quality education.
- Frequent disruptions in public universities.
- The rising middle‑class ability to afford private education.
- Expansion of online and open university models like Miva Open University, licensed by the NUC for distance learners.
Despite occasional moratoriums on new university approvals, the trend remains upward due to the ongoing need for expanded access to higher learning.
Conclusion
The private university sector in Nigeria continues to play a crucial role in expanding access to quality higher education. With over 140 NUC‑approved private universities spread across the nation—and more being approved every year—students have a growing number of legitimate options to pursue quality degree programmes.
Before applying, always verify accreditation status for your specific programme on the official NUC portal, and ensure each university meets your academic and professional goals.
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