Private university fees in Nigeria differ widely by programme, level, hostel option and session, and they change every year. This guide lists five private universities that are often named among the more affordable options, with the fee ranges reported for the 2025/2026 and 2026 sessions. Treat the numbers as estimates and confirm the current fee schedule with each university before you pay.
Why fee ranges differ between sources
Published lists give different figures for the same school because they use different sessions, programmes and what they count as fees. A medicine or engineering programme costs more than an arts programme. Some figures include accommodation and some do not. Always ask for the fee schedule for your course and level.
Five private universities often named as affordable
| University | Location | Reported yearly fee range (estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Oduduwa University | Osun State | About ₦250,000 to ₦700,000 |
| Adeleke University | Osun State | About ₦500,000 to ₦1,200,000 |
| Alhikmah (Al-Hikmah) University | Kwara State | Reported from about ₦100,000 up to above ₦1,000,000, depending on course |
| Wellspring University | Edo State | About ₦300,000 to ₦900,000 |
| Obong University | Akwa Ibom State | No current figure confirmed in the sources checked; ask the university |
Ranges above come from third-party fee lists for the 2025/2026 and 2026 sessions and are not official. Paul University, Ajayi Crowther University and Caritas University also appear in recent fee lists with ranges that start at a similar level.
1. Oduduwa University
Oduduwa University in Osun State is often listed as one of the lower-cost private options. Recent lists report fees from the low hundreds of thousands of naira per year for some courses, with higher fees for others. Ask for the fee per semester for your programme.
2. Adeleke University
Adeleke University, also in Osun State, was founded in 2011 and offers faculties including engineering, law and applied sciences. Reported fees start around the middle of the range in this list and rise for professional courses.
3. Alhikmah University
Alhikmah University has campuses in Ilorin and Igbaja, Kwara State. Its fees depend strongly on the course, so compare the exact programme.
4. Obong University
Obong University in Akwa Ibom State is one of the older private universities. Check its current fee schedule directly, because we could not confirm a current published figure.
5. Wellspring University
Wellspring University in Edo State is reported in recent lists with mid-range fees for most programmes.
How to choose an affordable private university
- Confirm that the university and your programme are approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
- Ask for the full fee schedule for your course, including tuition, hostel, levies and one-off charges.
- Ask about payment in instalments and any scholarships or discounts.
- Compare with public options and with the National Open University. See NOUN courses and fees.
If you are considering the UK instead
A UK degree costs more in total, but some students find the cost closer than they expect once they compare scholarships and university discounts. See affordable universities in the UK for Nigerian students and is a UK Master’s worth it?. Also read about the best private universities in Nigeria.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the cheapest private university in Nigeria?
It depends on the programme and session. Fees differ by source, so check each university’s current schedule.
Are private universities in Nigeria cheaper than UK universities?
Generally yes in total cost, though quality, programme and career goals matter too.
Can I pay private university fees in instalments?
Many universities allow instalments. Ask the bursary.
Plan your next step
If you are comparing Nigerian and UK study, NWC Education can compare costs with you. Start your application.