Education is often described as the greatest investment anyone can make, but in Nigeria, this investment sometimes comes with a hefty price tag. While many Nigerian universities are known for their affordability, others stand out for their exclusivity and the premium fees they command. These institutions promise state-of-the-art facilities, internationally recognised degrees, and a lifestyle that rivals global standards. For families willing to pay the cost, these universities offer a pathway to success and prestige. Yet, their high tuition fees often spark debates about accessibility, social class, and the true value of education. Here are some of the most expensive universities in Nigeria.
Wigwe University
Although very new, Wigwe University located in Isiokpo, Rivers State, tops the list. The tuition fee is about N12m, including accommodation fees.
Nile University
Nile University is considered ad Abuja’s most expensive Universities. The most expensive programme, Medicine and Surgery, costs N5.95m, excluding accommodation.
Lead City University
Located in Ibadan Oyo State, LCU is one of the most expensive Universities in Nigeria. Their MBBS Medicine and Surgery programme, according to the school’s website, costs N5.5m per session.
Afe Babalola University
This is another expensive University in the country. It was founded by Nigeria’s foremost legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN). First-year students of Medicine are to pay N4,567,500 while final-year students will pay a total of N5,586,000, excluding accommodation and other payments.
Igbinedion University
This university is considered as Nigeria’s first private university. It is located at Okada in Edo State. Students can pay as much as 4 million naira for tuition.
Pan-Atlantic University
Located in Lagos Nigeria, the university charges between N3.9m to N4.4m for its most expensive programme, B.Eng Mechatronics.
Bowen University
This is another university in Nigeria that is expensive. It is located in Iwo, Osun State. Yhe Medicine and Surgery (pre-clinical) programme, costs around N3.8m. Although this school allow fees to be paid in instalment, 70 per cent payment of school fees is expected to be paid at the commencement of the session while the balance of 30 per cent is expected to be paid at the commencement of the second semester.
Benson Idahosa University
Located in Benin City, Edo State, its Medicine and Surgery programme costs between N3.3m and N3.5m per session. This school was formerly known as Christian Faith University.
American University of Nigeria
American University of Nigeria charges N3.511m as its highest fee for its undergraduate engineering students. This school is owned by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, in Yola and is located in the capital of his home state of Adamawa, North-East Nigeria.
Redeemer’s University
It is a private university in Ede, Osun State. The school prides itself as one of the most cost-effective, top private universities in Nigeria. The most expensive programme, which is their undergraduate Law programme, costs N1.447m followed by their Bachelor in Nursing programme which costs N1.1m per session.
Babcock University
Owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nigeria, Babcock University is located at Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State. The most expensive programme, which is the LL.B in Law programme, costs N1,539,990, according to the school’s website. This excludes feeding which costs N523,600 (two-meal option) or 785,400 (three-meal option).
Ajayi Crowther University
Founded in 2005, is a private faith-based university located in Oyo State, Nigeria. Its Law programme costs N1.7m while its Nursing programme costs N1.4m
Caleb University
Located in Imota, Lagos, is a private university that is also one of the most expensive in the country. The highest fee, paid by law undergraduates, costs N1.4m, according to the fee tracker available on its website. This excludes matriculation fees, ICT and global certification, and parents forum which cost N65,000 in total.
Covenant University
Convenant University is located at Otta, Ogun State. It is affiliated with Living Faith Church Worldwide. Most of the university’s programmes range between N1.1m to N3m, according to the university’s website. This includes feeding but excludes accommodation.
Joseph Ayo Babalola University
Joseph Ayo Babalola University is a private Nigerian university located in Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, Nigeria, established in 2004 by the Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide. The most expensive programmes are the BSc Nursing, Medical Laboratory Technology, and Law programmes which cost between N1.3m and N1.5m each per session.
