The top 10 private universities in Nigeria and courses offered are here. Going to a top private university in Nigeria has its advantages and that’s why many people choose them over public universities.
One of the main reason is academic excellence. Private universities provide a better learning environment, smaller class size, modern facilities and access to up-to-date resources. This gives students more attention from lecturers which can improve their understanding and performance.
Another reason is the structure and organization of private universities. Unlike public universities, they hardly experience strike or delay that can disrupt academic calendar. So students can complete their programme on time which is a big advantage for those who want to graduate and start their career without delay.
Private universities also focus on extracurricular development. Many of them have programmes for leadership training, entrepreneurship and career development.
This gives students skills beyond academics, preparing them better for the job market. Also private universities have strong networks with international schools and organisations, providing opportunities for exchange programmes, internships and global exposure.
While private universities can be expensive, the benefits of consistent academic progress, access to modern resources and overall development make them worth it.
For those that can afford it, the structured education and opportunities provided by these institutions is worth the cost. See these universities in Nigeria below.
Top 10 Private Universities in Nigeria and Courses Offered
Private universities in Nigeria are known for their academic excellence, modern campuses and excellent faculty. These universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses to equip students with skills to succeed in today’s world. Here are the top 10 private universities in Nigeria and the courses they offer:
1. Covenant University – Ota, Ogun State
Covenant University is one of the top private universities in Nigeria, known for academic excellence and Christian values. Founded in 2002, it’s owned by the Living Faith Church. They offer programmes in business, social sciences, engineering and humanities.
Courses:
- Engineering: Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering
- Social Sciences: Economics, Political Science, International Relations
- Business: Business Administration, Accounting, Marketing
- Arts and Humanities: English Language, History, Philosophy
Covenant University is often rated as the best private university in Nigeria and is known for its quality education. The university has state-of-the-art lecture halls, libraries and modern sports complex. Many students of Covenant University go on to achieve great things in their career.
2. American University of Nigeria – Yola, Adamawa State
The American University of Nigeria (AUN) was founded in 2005 by Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria. It runs the American system of education and is perfect for students who want to study in a liberal arts environment. AUN offers programs in business, technology and international relations.
Courses:
- Business: Business Management, Marketing, Accounting
- International Relations: Global Studies, Diplomacy
- Science and Technology: Computer Science, Information Technology
- Arts: English, History, Political Science
The university has a modern campus with facilities such as libraries, sports complexes and a student center. AUN is known for its high academic standards and offers students opportunity to study abroad through exchange programs and partnerships with international universities.
3. Landmark University – Omu Aran, Kwara State
Landmark University was founded in 2011 by the Living Faith Church. Located in Omu Aran, Kwara State, Landmark is known for its innovative approach to education especially in agriculture, engineering and business. The university has a strong research focus and its graduates are well prepared for careers in Nigeria and internationally.
Courses:
- Agriculture: Agricultural Science, Agricultural Economics, Crop Production
- Engineering: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering
- Business: Business Administration, Marketing, Banking and Finance
- Social Sciences: Psychology, Sociology
Landmark University is known for its agricultural focus which aims to drive an agricultural revolution in Nigeria. The university has world class facilities and a conducive learning environment for students.
4. Babcock University – Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State
Founded in 1959 by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Babcock University is one of the oldest private universities in Nigeria. It has a good reputation especially for its health science programs and teaching hospital. Babcock offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Courses:
- Medicine: Medicine and Surgery, Nursing
- Health Sciences: Public Health, Medical Laboratory Science
- Business: Business Administration, Accounting, Marketing
- Social Sciences: Political Science, Psychology, Sociology
Babcock University is known for its high research output and quality healthcare education. It is one of the few private universities in Nigeria with a teaching hospital where students get hands on experience in medical practice.
5. Redeemer’s University – Ede, Osun State
Redeemer’s University was established in 2005 by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). One of the top private universities in Nigeria, Redeemer’s University focuses on academic excellence, character development and social responsibility. Redeemer’s University has a high graduate employment rate and strong research output.
Courses:
- Science: Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Physics
- Engineering: Computer Science, Electrical Engineering
- Social Sciences: Sociology, Economics
- Arts: English Language, History
Redeemer’s University has a good academic profile especially in science and engineering. The university has modern facilities including well equipped laboratories and sports facilities to help students develop academically and socially.
6. Afe Babalola University – Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
Afe Babalola University was established in 2009 by Afe Babalola a renowned Nigerian lawyer with the vision to create a university that will provide quality education and produce graduates that will excel in their careers. Afe Babalola University is famous for its programmes in law and medicine but also offers courses in other fields.
Courses:
- Law: Law, International Law, Business Law
- Medicine: Medicine and Surgery, Nursing
- Social Sciences: Psychology, Sociology
- Engineering: Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering
At Afe Babalola University students can choose from a range of programmes based on their interest and career goals. The Law department offers Law, International Law and Business Law programmes that prepares students for legal careers in different areas. The Medicine department trains aspiring doctors through Medicine and Surgery while Nursing programmes prepares students for healthcare career. In the Social Sciences students can study Psychology and Sociology to understand human behaviour and society. The Engineering department offers Computer Engineering and Civil Engineering programmes that equips students for roles in technology and infrastructure.
Afe Babalola University is famous for its academic excellence and producing graduates. The university provides its students with the resources and platform to succeed and be a force to be reckoned with in their chosen career. Whether you want to study law, medicine, social sciences or engineering Afe Babalola University is the place for your academic and professional development.
7. Joseph Ayo Babalola University – Ikeji Arakeji, Osun State
Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) was established by the Christ Apostolic Church in 2006. JABU is famous for entrepreneurship and producing graduates that are business ready.
Courses:
- Business: Business Administration, Accounting, Marketing
- Engineering: Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
- Law: Law, International Relations
- Arts: English, History, Political Science
JABU is known for its strong entrepreneurship programmes and producing graduates that can create their own businesses and succeed in various sectors.
8. Lagos Business School – Pan-Atlantic University – Lagos
Lagos Business School (LBS) is a part of Pan-Atlantic University and one of the best business schools in Nigeria. It was established in 1991 and offers international recognised business programmes. LBS is a leading institution for executive education and management programmes.
Courses:
- Business Administration: Business Management, Marketing, Accounting
- Entrepreneurship: Startup Management, Business Development
- Finance: Banking, Investment Management
LBS offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in business related fields. Its reputation for academic excellence and strong corporate connections makes it a favourite for students pursuing a career in business.
9. Godfrey Okoye University – Enugu State
Godfrey Okoye University located in Enugu State is a Catholic university established in 2009. The university produces graduates that are not only academically sound but also spiritually grounded. It offers a wide range of courses, especially in arts and social sciences.
Courses:
- Arts and Humanities: English, History, Philosophy
- Business: Business Administration, Accounting, Marketing
- Social Sciences: Sociology, Political Science, Psychology
Godfrey Okoye University is known for producing well rounded graduates that can impact the society positively.
10. Bowen University – Iwo, Osun State
Bowen University was founded by the Nigerian Baptist Convention in 2001 and is one of the top private universities in Nigeria. It offers a wide range of courses and is known for academic excellence and moral development.
Courses:
- Law: Law, International Relations
- Business: Business Administration, Marketing, Accounting
- Health Sciences: Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science
- Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Bowen University is renowned for its standards and continues to produce graduates who are industry ready.
Conclusion
Nigeria has some of the best private universities in Africa offering a wide range of programmes to prepare students for the global world. Whether you’re interested in engineering, business, law or health sciences, the top 10 private universities in Nigeria offers high quality education that is recognized nationally and internationally. Each university has a unique learning environment with modern facilities, excellent staff and opportunities for personal and academic growth.
Choosing a university is a big decision so make sure you weigh the programmes and institutions that best suits your academic and career goals. With this guide, you’re now ready to go.