In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the number of private universities in Nigeria.
Currently, private universities make up around 45% of the total approved universities in the country.
With so many options available, how can one determine which are the best?
In this blog post, we will rank the top private universities in Nigeria for 2024, based on our extensive research.
It’s an important decision that every student should thoroughly research.
Whether you are a Nigerian or international student considering undergraduate or postgraduate programs, keep reading to discover the 10 top-rated private universities in Nigeria.
We will evaluate these universities to help you make the right choice.
Top 10 Ranked Private Universities in Nigeria
Here are the private universities with their latest ranking in Nigeria (based on 2024 Webometrics rankings):
| School | Ranking(Nigeria) | Address | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covenant University | #2 | KM 10, Idiroko Road, Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | www.covenantuniversity.edu.ng |
| American University of Nigeria | #30 | 98 Lamido Zubairu Way, Wuro Hausa 640101, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria. | www.aun.edu.ng |
| Afe Babalola University | #15 | Ado-Ekiti, KM 8.5 Afe Babalola Way, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria | www.abuad.edu.ng |
| Landmark University | #9 | KM 4 Ipetu Road, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria | www.lmu.edu.ng |
| Redeemer’s University | #21 | Ede, Off Gbongan-Oshogbo Road, Osun State, Nigeria. | www.run.edu.ng |
| Babcock University | #12 | Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. | www.babcock.edu.ng |
| Nile University of Nigeria | #26 | Plot 681, Cadastral Zone C-OO, Research & Institution Area, Jabi Airport Bypass, Abuja, Nigeria. | www.nileuniversity.edu.ng |
| Caleb University | #38 | KM 15 Ikorodu-Itoikin Road, Imota, Lagos State, Nigeria | www.calebuniversity.edu.ng |
| Bells University of Technology | #51 | KM 8, Idiroko Road, Benja Village, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | www.bellsuniversity.edu.ng |
| Pan-Atlantic University | #50 | KM 52, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, Nigeria | www.pau.edu.ng |
Top 10 best private universities in nigeria
Covenant University
First on our list, Covenant University is arguably the best private university in Nigeria and one of the top universities in the country.
Covenant University is a private Christian institution owned and managed by Living Faith Church Worldwide. It was established in 2002.
It is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, the Association of African Universities, and the National Universities Commission.
it is the first Nigerian university to be ranked among the Top 400–501 universities globally.
American University of Nigeria
Second on our list is the American University of Nigeria (AUN). AUN is a privately-owned university, commonly known for its American-style liberal arts education.
It was founded in 2003 by former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
The American University of Nigeria is fully accredited and recognized by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and currently has more than 90 academic staff members.
It is recognized as the first American-style university in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Afe Babalola University
Afe Babalola University commonly referred to as ABUAD is a private university located in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state, Nigeria.
It was founded in 2009 by Afe Babalola a renowned lawyer and philanthropist in Nigeria.
This university offer more than 40 undergraduate courses in six colleges
Afe Babalola University is famous for its strong law and medical programs, it has advanced facilities and a high graduate employment rate.
Landmark University
Landmark University is a private Christian university affiliated with the Living Faith Church Worldwide and located in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria.
Dr. David Oyedepo serves as the Chancellor of the university and is also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Landmark University has four colleges offering more than 25 accredited courses.
The university specializes in agriculture and technology.
Redeemer’s University
Redeemer’s University is a private university located in Ede, Osun State, Nigeria.
It was established in 2005 by the Redeemed Christian Church of God Headed by Pastor Enoch Adeboye, a PhD holder in applied mathematics.
Redeemer’s University is fully accredited and recognized by National Universities Commission NUC.
It offers more than 25 courses across 8 facilities.
Babcock University
Babcock University is a private Christian university owned and managed by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nigeria.
It is located in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.
Established in 1999, Babcock University was named after American missionary David C. Babcock, who pioneered the work of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nigeria in 1914.
As one of the oldest private universities in Nigeria, Babcock is well-known for its medical and business schools and offers a wide range of programs.
In 2017, the university graduated its first set of students from the Ben Carson School of Medicine.
Nile University of Nigeria
Nile University of Nigeria is a private Interdisciplinary University established in 2009.
It is located in Abuja, Nigeria. Nuke University is a member of the Honoris United Universities Network and has been fully accredited by the National Universities Commission NUC.
Nile University offers more than 30 courses currently across 8 facilities.
Pan-Atlantic University
Pan-Atlantic University is a private, non-profit university located in Lekki, Lagos State.
The university began as a business school named Lagos Business School, established in 1991.
In 2002, it transitioned into Pan-African University, with Lagos Business School (LBS) as its first school.
In 2013, the university changed its name from Pan-African University to Pan-Atlantic University, retaining the acronym “PAU.”
Pan-Atlantic University is known for its strong focus on business and entrepreneurship.
It has strong relationships with international companies and boasts a high employment rate for its graduates.
Bells University of Technology
Bells University of Technology commonly known as Bellstech is the first private university of technology in Nigeria.
It was established in 2004, and began full academic activities in 2005.
Bells University of Technology was founded by Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo.
The school primary focus is on Technology and engineering.
Caleb University
Caleb University is a private university located in imota, Lagos State, Nigeria.
It was established in 2007 and has been accredited and recognized by National Universities Commission NUC.
Caleb University is known for its serene learning environment and state-of-the-art facilities, making it one of the fast-growing private universities in Nigeria.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s private universities have risen to prominence, offering top-quality education, with good modern and standard learning facilities anf equipments.
Private Universities in Nigeria are known for their speedy academic calendar as they aren’t involved in any form of strike.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s private universities have gained prominence by offering top-quality education, modern facilities, and well-equipped learning environments.
They are also known for their fast-paced academic calendar, as they not involved in any form of strike, ensuring timely graduation for students.