Best Private Universities in Nigeria

Nigeria, the country with the largest population in Africa, has a well-functioning education system accompanied by the flourishing private university sector. These universities provide a mix of academic competence, modern education facilities, and international reputation, which attracts them as a choice for students.

In this article, we will cover Nigeria’s most impressive private universities and why they have become a great option for academic qualifications, infrastructural development, and international reputation. This guide advises parents, educators, and students (as they are prospective) on making the most appropriate choices for studying in Nigeria.

The following universities have been ranked in their National, African, and World Rankings. They are ranked regarding academic performance, research output, graduate employability, and international collaborations. The infrastructural development, student satisfaction, and global partnerships have placed them at the following positions.

Top Best Private Universities in Nigeria 2024/2025

University	National Ranking	Africa Ranking	World Ranking
Covenant University	1	6th in Africa	801-1000 globally
Babcock University	2	N/A	N/A
Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)	3	N/A	N/A
American University of Nigeria (AUN)	4	N/A	N/A
Nile University	5	N/A	N/A
Pan-Atlantic University	6	N/A	N/A
Bowen University	7	50th in Africa	N/A
Redeemer’s University	8	35th in Africa	3,918th globally
Baze University	9	N/A	N/A
Igbinedion University	10	55th in Africa	N/A
Lead City University	11	N/A	N/A
Landmark University	12	40th in Africa	2,283rd globally
Elizade University	13	N/A	N/A
Ajayi Crowther University	14	N/A	N/A
Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU)	15	N/A	N/A
Chrisland University	16	N/A	N/A
Benson Idahosa University	17	N/A	N/A
Veritas University	18	N/A	N/A
Madonna University	19	N/A	N/A
Caleb University	20	N/A	N/A
Augustine University	21	N/A	N/A
Ave Maria University	22	N/A	N/A
Azman University	23	N/A	N/A
Bells University of Technology	24	N/A	N/A
Benson Idahosa University	25	N/A	N/A
Bingham University	26	N/A	N/A
Bowen University	27	50th in Africa	N/A
Caleb University	28	N/A	N/A
Caritas University	29	N/A	N/A
Chrisland University	30	N/A	N/A
Clifford University	31	N/A	N/A
Coal City University	32	N/A	N/A
Crawford University	33	N/A	N/A
Crescent University	34	N/A	N/A
Dominican University	35	N/A	N/A
Dominion University	36	N/A	N/A
Edwin Clark University	37	N/A	N/A
Eko University of Medical Sciences	38	N/A	N/A
Elizade University	39	N/A	N/A
Evangel University	40	N/A	N/A
Fountain University	41	N/A	N/A
Glorious Vision University	42	N/A	N/A
Godfrey Okoye University	43	N/A	N/A
Greenfield University	44	N/A	N/A
Gregory University	45	N/A	N/A
Hallmark University	46	N/A	N/A
Havilla University	47	N/A	N/A
Hezekiah University	48	N/A	N/A
Igbinedion University	49	55th in Africa	N/A
Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU)	50	N/A	N/A
Karl-Kumm University	51	N/A	N/A
Kings University	52	N/A	N/A
Kola Daisi University	53	N/A	N/A
Landmark University	54	40th in Africa	2,283rd globally
Lead City University	55	N/A	N/A
Legacy University	56	N/A	N/A
Madonna University	57	N/A	N/A
Mcpherson University	58	N/A	N/A
Micheal & Cecilia Ibru University	59	N/A	N/A
Mountain Top University	60	N/A	N/A
Mudiame University	61	N/A	N/A
Nigerian British University	62	N/A	N/A
Novena University	63	N/A	N/A

Note: The ranking above reveals how private universities in Nigeria perform and their accreditation status. It draws from trustworthy sources input from Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and findings from the National Universities Commission’s accreditation.
These rankings further mirror private institution offerings’ quality, impact, and diversity. Many have also risen to the top in there niche areas, emphasising student-centred learning, powerful industry partnerships, and modern research in many emerging fields.
The ranking will also depend on many other factors, like the scale of the institution, its funding, and its years of establishment. At the same time, certain private universities are at an edge since they are relatively new but have huge growth potential, while some of the older private universities are outstanding in terms of their performance record, alumni networking, and sound academic frameworks.
Universities.ng remains dedicated to offering accurate, transparent, and up-to-date information to assist in making well-informed decisions about higher education in Nigeria. However, When making decisions, prospective students should consider their priorities, including program fit, location, tuition costs, extracurricular opportunities, and future career goals. Directly engaging with the universities through their official websites and exploring accreditation details from the NUC can provide deeper insights.

Why Consider Private University Education in Nigeria?

The various educational institutions in the country have made the learning environment much more practical by introducing fresh curricula, forging collaborations with international counterparts, and maintaining good conduct.

Academic Strength: Private universities succeed in tailoring learning processes to students’ specific needs due to their small sizes and the use of qualified staff.

Highly Developed Facilities: The cutting-edge class’s laboratories, libraries, and resorts are the basis for holistically developed out-of-class situations.

International Accreditation: The private universities in Nigeria are achieving high ranks in Africa and globally, and their degrees are globally respected.

Customized Learning Setting: Thanks to small student-to-teacher ratios, students are given more individual mentoring and academic support.

Specialized Academic Calendar: Unlike many public universities, private universities have been found to have a progressive and yet un-stopped or break-less academic year, resulting in students graduating on time.

Features of Top-Ranked Universities

• Covenant University: Much known for its discipline and state-of-the-art research, Covenant University has maintained its position as the best private university in Nigeria.
• Afe Babalola University: Known for its excellent programmes in law and engineering fields, this university continues setting the benchmark.
• Babcock University: Leader in health education, especially in nursing and public health.
• Landmark University: Noted for strong agricultural sciences programs and community development.
• Bowen University: Offers a comprehensive range of programs focusing on entrepreneurial skills and leadership.
• Redeemer’s University: Recognized by its innovations in genomics research and robust academic programs.
• Nile University of Nigeria is renowned for its international partnerships and academic streams.
• Ajayi Crowther University: Provides quality education intertwined with a deep root of religional and academic values.
• Caleb University: Also modern in infrastructural buildup, technology-driven education, and excellent campus.
• Igbinedion University: The first private university with a number of accredited courses and the development of transnational partnerships.

Best Private Universities in Nigeria FAQ