Private universities in Nigeria are often associated with high tuition fees, but some institutions offer more affordable options without compromising on quality. For students and parents seeking cost-effective private universities, here are the cheapest private universities in Nigeria for 2025, along with their tuition fees and other essential details.

1. Oduduwa University Ipetumodu (OUI)

• Location: Ipetumodu, Osun State
• Year Established: 2009
• Tuition Fee Range: ₦98,000 – ₦195,000 per session
• Courses Offered: Sciences, Engineering, Management, Social Sciences, Arts
• Additional Fees: Accommodation, acceptance fee, and administrative charges

Oduduwa University Ipetumodu (OUI) is one of the most budget-friendly private universities in Nigeria, making quality education accessible to students with financial constraints. The university is known for its flexible payment plans, allowing students to pay in installments. It offers various courses across multiple faculties and has modern learning facilities to enhance students’ academic experience.

OUI’s commitment to academic excellence, affordability, and student support makes it a preferred option for those looking for an inexpensive yet quality-driven private university.

2. Ajayi Crowther University (ACU)

• Location: Oyo State
• Year Established: 2005
• Tuition Fee Range: ₦600,000 – ₦700,000 per session
• Courses Offered: Law, Humanities, Social Sciences, Management Sciences, Natural Sciences
• Additional Fees: Accommodation, acceptance fee, and other mandatory charges

Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), owned by the Anglican Church, is one of the most affordable faith-based private universities in Nigeria. The institution is renowned for its strong moral and academic foundation, offering degree programs in various disciplines.

With a serene learning environment and well-equipped facilities, ACU provides students with an excellent education while emphasizing discipline, character-building, and professional development. The university’s relatively low tuition compared to other faith-based institutions makes it a popular choice among students seeking quality education at a reduced cost.

3. Al-Hikmah University

• Location: Ilorin, Kwara State
• Year Established: 2005
• Tuition Fee Range: ₦146,000 – ₦856,000 per session
• Courses Offered: Law, Humanities, Natural Sciences, Education, Management Sciences
• Additional Fees: Hostel fees, medical fees, and development charges

Al-Hikmah University is a faith-based private university that combines Islamic values with modern education. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in disciplines such as law, education, management sciences, and natural sciences.

The university is known for its affordable tuition fees and scholarship opportunities for outstanding students. Al-Hikmah University provides a conducive academic environment with well-equipped lecture halls, research facilities, and digital libraries.

For Muslim students seeking an institution that upholds Islamic principles while providing quality education, Al-Hikmah University is a strong option.

4. Igbinedion University

• Location: Okada, Edo State
• Year Established: 1999
• Tuition Fee Range: ₦320,000 – ₦460,000 per session
• Courses Offered: Medicine, Engineering, Law, Management, Natural Sciences
• Additional Fees: Acceptance fee, accommodation, laboratory fees

Igbinedion University is Nigeria’s first private university, established in 1999. It has since maintained its reputation for academic excellence, particularly in medicine, law, and engineering.

Despite being one of the older private universities, Igbinedion has kept its tuition fees relatively low compared to other elite private institutions. The university provides students with state-of-the-art facilities, highly qualified lecturers, and strong industry connections for career opportunities.

Students who want to study in a well-established institution without paying exorbitant fees may find Igbinedion University a good option.

5. Adeleke University

• Location: Ede, Osun State
• Year Established: 2011
• Tuition Fee Range: ₦273,000 – ₦450,000 per session
• Courses Offered: Engineering, Sciences, Management, Humanities, Social Sciences
• Additional Fees: Accommodation and other administrative costs

Adeleke University, founded by businessman Adedeji Adeleke, offers one of the lowest tuition fees among private universities in Nigeria. It provides various courses across disciplines and has modern learning facilities to support student success.

The university is known for its strict discipline and academic rigor. It also offers financial aid programs and scholarships to help students from low-income backgrounds access quality education.

Adeleke University’s commitment to academic excellence and affordability makes it an attractive choice for students seeking quality education at a moderate cost.

6. Rhema University

• Location: Aba, Abia State
• Year Established: 2009
• Tuition Fee Range: ₦313,000 – ₦450,000 per session
• Courses Offered: Social Sciences, Management, Humanities, Natural Sciences
• Additional Fees: Hostel fees, laboratory fees, medical charges

Rhema University, a Christian faith-based institution, offers students a blend of academic and spiritual training. The university is focused on providing a strong foundation in business, management, and the social sciences while keeping tuition fees affordable.

The institution prides itself on having a conducive learning environment with excellent student support services. Rhema University is an excellent choice for students seeking a faith-based education with reasonable tuition fees.

7. Fountain University

• Location: Osogbo, Osun State
• Year Established: 2007
• Tuition Fee Range: ₦350,000 – ₦450,000 per session
• Courses Offered: Management, Social Sciences, Sciences, Arts
• Additional Fees: Accommodation, exam fees, ICT charges

Fountain University is an Islamic faith-based university known for its academic excellence and emphasis on moral discipline. The university provides undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various fields and is committed to developing well-rounded graduates.

With relatively low tuition fees compared to other private institutions, Fountain University remains a top choice for students looking for an affordable, faith-driven education.

8. Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU)

• Location: Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State
• Year Established: 2006
• Tuition Fee Range: ₦400,000 – ₦500,000 per session
• Courses Offered: Agriculture, Management, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences
• Additional Fees: Hostel fees, acceptance fees, medical charges

Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) is Nigeria’s first entrepreneurial university, focusing on equipping students with both academic knowledge and business skills. It offers affordable tuition fees and scholarship opportunities to help students ease financial burdens.

JABU is well-equipped with modern laboratories, digital libraries, and experienced lecturers, making it an excellent choice for students seeking an affordable and career-oriented private university education.

9. Caritas University

• Location: Enugu State
• Year Established: 2005
• Tuition Fee Range: ₦250,000 – ₦450,000 per session
• Courses Offered: Engineering, Management, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences
• Additional Fees: Hostel accommodation and administrative charges

Caritas University, owned by the Catholic Church, offers students an excellent academic environment with strict moral discipline. The university is known for its emphasis on research and innovation, and it continues to provide quality education at relatively low tuition fees.

With a focus on discipline and integrity, Caritas University is a good option for students seeking a faith-based education at an affordable cost.

10. Wellspring University

• Location: Benin City, Edo State
• Year Established: 2009
• Tuition Fee Range: ₦250,000 – ₦500,000 per session
• Courses Offered: Computer Science, Business, Management, Natural Sciences
• Additional Fees: Accommodation, lab fees, medical fees

Wellspring University is known for its focus on business, entrepreneurship, and technology-related courses. The university offers financial aid and scholarships to deserving students to make education more accessible.

With its affordable tuition fees and strong academic foundation, Wellspring University is an attractive option for students looking for an inexpensive private university education.

Conclusion

For students looking to study in a private university without the financial burden of high tuition fees, these universities offer the most affordable options in Nigeria. Each of these institutions provides a balance between affordability and quality education, ensuring that students receive value for their investment.

Before making a final decision, prospective students should check each university’s official website for updated tuition fees, scholarship opportunities, and additional expenses that may apply.