10 Cheapest Private Universities in Nigeria and Their School Fees (2026)

Looking for the cheapest private universities in Nigeria? Several private universities offer affordable degree programmes for students who want to pursue higher education without paying the high fees charged by some of the country’s more expensive institutions.

Although private universities generally cost more than public universities, some offer selected programmes at relatively affordable rates. Your total expenses will depend on your course, level of study, accommodation, acceptance fee and other compulsory charges.

In this article, we list 10 of the cheapest private universities in Nigeria, their locations, estimated school fees and important things to consider before applying.

List of 10 Cheapest Private Universities in Nigeria

The following are 10 private universities worth considering if you are looking for affordable school fees in Nigeria.

1. Western Delta University, Delta State
2. Al-Hikmah University, Kwara State
3. Paul University, Anambra State
4. Al-Qalam University, Katsina State
5. Tansian University, Anambra State
6. Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo State
7. Obong University, Akwa Ibom State
8. Fountain University, Osun State
9. Wellspring University, Edo State
10. Oduduwa University, Osun State

School fees differ by course and academic session. The figures mentioned below are indicative and may reflect different published schedules. Confirm the current fees directly with each university before making payment.

1. Western Delta University

Location: Oghara, Delta State

Western Delta University is one of the private universities to consider when looking for affordable higher education in Nigeria. The institution offers undergraduate programmes across several disciplines, including Arts, Social Sciences, Sciences and other professional fields.

Its published 2025/2026 fee schedule lists tuition starting at ₦70,000 for selected Arts programmes, with higher charges for other faculties. Accommodation and other compulsory charges are separate.

This makes Western Delta University particularly worth considering for students whose preferred courses fall within the lower tuition categories. Before applying, check the fees for your department and calculate your total annual expenses.

2. Al-Hikmah University

Location: Ilorin, Kwara State

Al-Hikmah University is a private Islamic university that admits students from different backgrounds. It offers programmes in areas such as Education, Management Sciences, Humanities, Natural and Applied Sciences, and Law.

Some programmes have historically been listed at relatively affordable rates compared with those of more expensive private universities. However, the institution’s 2026/2027 fee schedule shows that charges vary considerably by faculty, level and programme.

Students interested in Accounting, Computer Science, Education or other disciplines should request the exact fee breakdown for their intended course before applying.

3. Paul University

Location: Awka, Anambra State

Paul University is a private university in southeastern Nigeria. It offers undergraduate programmes in fields such as Management, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Humanities and Religious Studies.

The university is worth comparing if you want to study in Anambra State without automatically choosing a higher-priced private institution.

Some published estimates have placed tuition for selected programmes at approximately ₦190,000 or more. However, this should not be treated as a confirmed fee for every course in 2026/2027.

Prospective students should confirm the current tuition, acceptance fee, registration charges and available accommodation.

4. Al-Qalam University

Location: Katsina, Katsina State

Al-Qalam University is a private university in northern Nigeria. It offers programmes in Education, Humanities, Management and other academic fields.

The institution is worth considering for students who want to study in Katsina and are comparing the cost of private university education.

Some published estimates place selected programmes in the range of a few hundred thousand naira per session. Actual fees depend on the programme and the applicable academic session.

Before accepting an admission offer, request the official fee schedule and determine whether accommodation and other student charges are included.

5. Tansian University

Location: Umunya, Anambra State

Tansian University is another option for students seeking relatively affordable private university education in southeastern Nigeria. The institution offers undergraduate programmes across several academic disciplines.

Its fees vary according to the course and level of study. Some third-party estimates have placed selected programmes at comparatively low rates, although these figures should be confirmed with the university.

If you intend to study courses such as Accounting, Microbiology or other available programmes, ask the admissions office for the current departmental fees and admission requirements.

6. Ajayi Crowther University

Location: Oyo, Oyo State

Ajayi Crowther University is a private Christian university in Oyo State. It offers programmes across several faculties, including Humanities, Social Sciences, Management Sciences and Natural Sciences.

The university is an option for students looking for private university education in southwestern Nigeria. Its fees vary significantly between programmes, with some courses costing less than specialised professional programmes.

When comparing Ajayi Crowther University with other institutions, consider the complete cost of studying for an academic session rather than tuition alone. Ask about payment deadlines and whether instalment arrangements are available.

7. Obong University

Location: Obong Ntak, Akwa Ibom State

Obong University is a private university in Akwa Ibom State that offers undergraduate programmes in different disciplines.

Students looking for a private institution in the South-South region can include it in their affordability comparison. Selected programmes have been reported at fees below those of some premium private universities, although current costs depend on the course.

Before applying, confirm the latest tuition and other charges. You should also factor in transportation, feeding and accommodation if you will be living away from home.

8. Fountain University

Location: Osogbo, Osun State

Fountain University is a private university in Osogbo, Osun State. It offers programmes in areas such as Management, Computing, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences and Islamic Studies.

Some selected programmes have been reported to start at approximately ₦319,000 in tuition, although fees vary by course and academic session.

Fountain University may be suitable for students who want to study in Osun State while comparing relatively affordable private university options. Confirm the latest departmental fees and whether additional charges apply to new students.

9. Wellspring University

Location: Benin City, Edo State

Wellspring University is a private university in Edo State offering undergraduate programmes in fields such as Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Science, Economics and other disciplines.

Some published 2026/2027 figures place tuition for selected programmes at approximately ₦533,000 and above. Accommodation and other compulsory charges may increase the total cost.

Students considering Wellspring University should obtain the fee schedule for their specific course. This will help them determine whether the institution fits their budget before beginning the admission process.

10. Oduduwa University

Location: Ipetumodu, Osun State

Oduduwa University is a private university in Osun State offering programmes across several academic disciplines. It is another institution to consider when comparing private university fees in southwestern Nigeria.

Published estimates for selected programmes have varied, so applicants should not assume that one general fee applies to every department.

If you are interested in courses such as Business Administration, Computer Science or other available programmes, confirm the current tuition, acceptance fee and additional expenses directly with the university.

How to Choose the Cheapest Private University in Nigeria

Before choosing a university based on its advertised school fees, consider these important factors:

• Total school fees: Include tuition, acceptance fees, registration, accommodation and other compulsory charges.
• Course availability: Confirm that your preferred course is offered and that you meet the admission requirements.
• Accreditation: Verify that the institution and your intended programme have the necessary regulatory approvals.
• Location: Consider transportation, feeding and living expenses.
• Payment options: Find out whether fees can be paid in instalments and check the applicable deadlines.

A university with the lowest tuition may not necessarily be the cheapest once all other expenses are included.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which is the cheapest private university in Nigeria?

Western Delta University is among the institutions with particularly low published tuition for selected programmes. However, the cheapest option for you will depend on your course and the current academic session.

2. Can I attend a private university with ₦300,000?

It may be possible to cover tuition for selected programmes at certain institutions. However, acceptance fees, accommodation and other expenses may require a larger budget.

3. Which private university is affordable for Computer Science?

Compare the current Computer Science fees at Western Delta University, Paul University, Tansian University and other institutions offering the course. Do not rely on general university fees because departmental charges can differ.

4. Do private universities allow instalment payments?

Some private universities offer instalment payment arrangements, but the terms vary. Confirm the policy with your chosen institution before making financial plans.

Conclusion

There are several private universities in Nigeria worth considering if you want an affordable university education. Western Delta University, Al-Hikmah University, Paul University, Al-Qalam University and Tansian University are among the options to compare.

Before applying, confirm the current school fees for your intended course, check accreditation and calculate your complete budget. This will help you choose a university that fits your financial situation without compromising your educational goals.

Important: The fee figures in this article are indicative, not a verified ranking of the cheapest universities for every programme in the 2026/2027 academic session.