Amid the frequent strikes that affect public universities in Nigeria, private universities have become the best option for higher education. These institutions offer stable academic calendars, quality education, modern facilities, and a student-focused learning approach. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best private university in Nigeria, each with its unique advantages.
Whether it’s Covenant University’s innovative learning programs or Babcock University’s emphasis on moral values, these schools provide diverse educational experiences. Join us as we explore the best private universities in Nigeria, where you can expect reliable education and a commitment to excellence.
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1. Redeemer’s University Nigeria
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Redeemer’s University Nigeria holds the top spot as the best private university in Nigeria in 2023. This school is led by General Overseer Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. This great university was established in 2005 in Ede, Osun State, and has produced over 7,000 graduates.
Additionally, this school ranked as the second-best university in the country in 2021. Redeemer’s University has made significant contributions to genomics research, including accurate Ebola diagnosis in Sierra Leone and Nigeria during the 2014 Ebola outbreak. They have many faculties covering various fields including:
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Built Environment Studies
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Law and more.
Overall, the institution continues to excel in education and research in Nigeria.
2. Covenant University
Covenant University, ranked is the second-best private university in Nigeria on this list. This university is a Christian institution in Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, and was established on October 21, 2002. Here are some of the faculties in this university:
- College of Engineering
- The College of Management and Social Sciences
- College of Leadership and Development Studies
- The College of Science and Technology
Covenant University is affiliated with the Living Faith Church Worldwide International and is led by Chancellor David Oyedepo, one of Nigeria’s wealthiest pastors.
The university is also famous for its attractive campus and conducive learning environment and is currently headed by Vice-Chancellor Professor Abiodun Humphrey Adebayo.
3. Babcock University
Babcock University is the third-best private university in Nigeria. This school is a Christian institution owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church of Nigeria.
Established in April 1999 in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, it is named after David C. Babcock an American missionary who led the work of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nigeria.
Notable personalities, including musician Davido, actor Olumide Oworu, and Oyo State House of Assembly Speaker Debo Ogundoyin, are products of this university.
Babcock University encompasses nine faculties with various departments, spanning fields such as Medicine, Computing and Engineering Sciences, Education and Humanities, and more.
4. Afe Babalola University
Afe Babalola University is one of the best private universities in Nigeria and was founded by Nigerian lawyer Afe Babalola in 2009.
This great citadel of learning is at Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State and features a well-equipped teaching hospital. This contributes to its high standing among private Nigerian universities. Additionally, it is ranked as the sixth-best overall university in Nigeria.
ABU aspires to lead educational reform by offering excellence in academics, character, sports, and vocational development. Also, this university encompasses six faculties, including Sciences, Law, Engineering, Social and Management Sciences, Medicine and Health Sciences, and Agriculture.
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5. American University of Nigeria
The American University of Nigeria is the fifth-best private university in Nigeria. The former Nigerian Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, established this university in Yola in 2004.
It stands as Sub-Saharan Africa’s first American university, previously known as ABTI.
AUN aims to become a leading center of learning and research in Nigeria, Africa, and globally. It holds the 22nd rank among the best Nigerian universities and has five faculties.
They include Art and Sciences, Business and Entrepreneurship, Law, Engineering, and Information Technology and Communications.
6. Landmark University
Landmark University holds the sixth position among the top ten best private universities in Nigeria.
The World Mission Agency (WMA) leads this private Christian institution, which is affiliated with the Living Faith Church.
This university is among the top private universities because it focuses on training students to become problem solvers, leaders, and agents of positive change.
The university has four colleges that offer different courses including Agriculture, Engineering, Science, and Business.
7. Bowen University
Bowen University is the seventh-best private university in Nigeria. The Nigerian Baptist Convention owns this prestigious university. Bowen was founded in 2001 but had its early beginnings in 1954. It’s located in Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria, and is famous as the first Baptist university in Africa.
Additionally, Bowen University has seven different colleges that offer various courses. These include Agriculture, Engineering and science, Social and Management Science, Law, Computing and Communication Studies, Health Sciences, Liberal Studies, and Environmental Science.
8. Joseph Ayo Babalola University
Joseph Ayo Babalola University is the eighth-best university among Nigeria’s top ten private universities. This school is located between Ipo Arakeji and Ikeji-Arakeji in Osun State, Nigeria. The Christ Apostolic Church established this university in 2004 and named it after the church’s spiritual leader Joseph Ayo Babalola.
JABU stands as Nigeria’s first entrepreneurial university that focuses on instilling moral values and godliness. It also builds selfless leadership, positive work attitudes, mutual understanding, and love among diverse ethnic and religious groups.
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9. Igbinedion University
Igbinedion University is the 9th top private university in Nigeria on our list. It’s been around since 1999 and was the first of its kind in the country. This university aims to provide excellent education, research, and opportunities for everyone, without discrimination. Igbinedion University aims to help students grow, succeed, and contribute to society.
Over the years, the university has graduated more than 10,000 students from different faculties. They have seven faculties that offer many courses, including Pharmacy, Engineering, Arts and Social Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences, Business and Management Studies, Law, and Health Sciences.
10. Bells University of Technology
Bells University of Technology formerly known as Bellstec ranks as the tenth-best private university in Nigeria. It was created in 2004 as Nigeria’s first private university of technology. This school is located in Ogun State and received its operating license on June 9, 2005.
Additionally, the Bells University of Technology has admitted over 1,999 students since its inception in 2005. It comprises four colleges specializing in Natural and Applied Sciences, Management Sciences, Engineering, and Environmental Sciences.
