For many Nigerian families, the choice of a university is as emotional as it is practical. Parents want the best education for their children, yet rising concerns about ASUU strike, overcrowded lecture halls, prolonged strikes, and dwindling infrastructure in public universities have pushed many to consider private alternatives. Still, conversations about private universities in Nigeria are often clouded by misinformation and stereotypes. Some people dismiss them as “for the rich only,” while others question the quality of their education. Unfortunately, these myths continue to discourage some families and students from seeing private universities for what they truly are: viable, competitive, and in many cases, transformative institutions that fill the gaps left by the public sector.
In a country where the National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved about 159 private universities as of 2025, the debate is no longer whether they are part of Nigeria’s educational landscape, but how they are shaping it. To appreciate their role fully, it is important to separate myth from reality. Below are some of the most common misconceptions about private universities in Nigeria and the truths that challenge them.
Myth 1: Private universities are only for the children of the wealthy
The most persistent myth is that private universities cater exclusively to Nigeria’s elite. Yes, tuition in private universities is higher than in federal and state institutions, but this does not mean they are accessible only to billionaires. Many private universities offer scholarships, flexible payment plans, and financial aid to ease the burden on families. For instance, Covenant University, Babcock University, and Afe Babalola University have scholarship schemes for outstanding students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In reality, middle-class families, often civil servants, business owners, and professionals make up a significant proportion of students in private universities. Parents are increasingly willing to make sacrifices, not for luxury, but for stability, quality teaching, and guaranteed graduation timelines free from strike disruptions.
Myth 2: They don’t produce employable graduates
Critics often claim that private university graduates lack the grit or competence to thrive in the real world. Yet evidence suggests otherwise. A survey by Stutern (2022) ranked Covenant University graduates as the most employable in Nigeria, ahead of many federal universities. Employers frequently praise private university alumni for their discipline, communication skills, and exposure to soft skills training.
Private institutions are intentional about employability: smaller class sizes allow for more practical learning, students are often required to take entrepreneurship courses, and some universities even mandate internships as graduation requirements. Rather than being unemployable, private university graduates are often better positioned for the labour market.
Myth 3: Private universities are “miracle centres” for degrees
There is a misconception that private universities compromise academic standards by making it easier for students to graduate with top grades. This view ignores the rigorous accreditation processes by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and professional bodies like COREN (for engineering) or the Council of Legal Education (for law).
In fact, many private universities are stricter in enforcing discipline, attendance, and academic integrity. For example, students in institutions like Bowen University and Redeemer’s University must adhere to codes of conduct that go beyond what is typically enforced in public universities. Far from being “miracle centres,” these institutions often demand higher accountability from both students and staff.
Myth 4: They lack global recognition
Another myth is that certificates from Nigerian private universities are not respected abroad. The truth is that many graduates from these institutions have gained admission into prestigious postgraduate programmes across the world, including in the UK, US, and Canada. Covenant University, for instance, is ranked by Times Higher Education (2023) as one of the top universities in Nigeria and Africa.
Private universities often integrate international partnerships, research collaborations, and exchange programmes. Some even invite visiting professors from abroad, ensuring that students are exposed to global best practices. Their recognition is not just national, it is increasingly global.
Myth 5: Private universities are religious camps, not real universities
It is true that many private universities in Nigeria are founded by religious organisations, but this does not mean they are glorified mission houses. While faith and discipline are integral to their ethos, academics remain the core of their mission. Students study accredited programmes in medicine, engineering, law, business, social sciences, and more. The religious foundation often provides moral guidance, structure, and discipline which are qualities employers find valuable. But students are not shielded from the realities of academic rigour or the need to compete with peers globally. These are universities in every sense of the word, with lecture halls, laboratories, research centres, and libraries backed by faith-based values.
Myth 6: They do not have strong research output
A common criticism is that private universities are only teaching-focused, not research-driven. While public universities historically dominate research in Nigeria, private universities are increasingly making their mark. For example, Covenant University has consistently ranked among the top three Nigerian universities in Scopus-indexed research output, outpacing many state-owned institutions.
Private universities are investing in research labs, conferences, and publications, and are beginning to attract international grants. The difference lies in scale, not in intent. Over time, as funding and partnerships grow, private universities are likely to rival and in some cases surpass, the research footprint of public universities.
Myth 7: They offer no social or networking advantages
Some believe that private universities, due to their size, deny students the broad social exposure found in larger public universities. While it is true that the student populations are smaller, this can be an advantage. Students develop close-knit relationships, stronger alumni networks, and more personalised mentoring from lecturers. Networking in private universities is not only social but also professional. Many graduates build life-long business and career partnerships with classmates. With alumni spread across Nigeria’s corporate and entrepreneurial spaces, private university graduates are anything but socially disadvantaged.
Myth 8: Private universities don’t prepare students for “real life” challenges
Some critics argue that private university graduates are “pampered” and not exposed to the toughness of public schools. But this assumption overlooks the unique challenges and discipline that private university students face. Strict dress codes, punctuality, academic rigour, and sometimes even curfews, instil values of accountability and order.
Moreover, their structured environment ensures students finish their studies within four or five years, a discipline in time management that public university graduates often envy due to frequent strike disruptions. Real life requires resilience and adaptability, and private universities are not exempt from training students in these values.
Myth 9: The Quality of Education Is Lower Than in Public Universities
Another persistent belief is that private universities do not measure up academically. The reality is that most are subject to the same regulations and accreditation processes as public universities under the NUC. Many private universities actually outperform their public counterparts in terms of modern facilities, smaller class sizes, and teaching resources. For instance, Covenant University, Babcock University, and Afe Babalola University consistently rank among the top universities in Nigeria in various global and local rankings. Quality is determined not by ownership but by governance, investment, and accountability.
Myth 10: Students in Private Universities Are Spoilt and Lazy
There is a stereotype that private university students do not cook and live in luxury, spend their days partying, and lack the discipline of their public-school peers. This is an oversimplification at best, and a damaging falsehood at worst. While the environment in private universities may be more structured and comfortable, strict disciplinary policies are enforced. Many private institutions integrate moral and character development into their curricula, with some emphasising community service, spiritual growth, and leadership training. Students are encouraged and sometimes required to participate in real-world projects, internships, and skill-based learning, which hardly paints a picture of laziness.
