Best Federal and Private Universities in Nigeria: 2025 Ranking and Fees

Discover the top 10 federal and private universities in Nigeria in 2025. Learn their tuition fees, admission standards, and why they rank among the best for Nigerian students.

 

Choosing the right university in Nigeria is one of the most important decisions for students and parents alike. Whether you’re aiming for academic excellence, affordability, or global recognition, knowing the best federal and private universities in Nigeria (2025) can guide your decision.

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This post breaks down the latest university rankings in Nigeria, compares tuition fees, and gives you insights into what makes each school stand out.

 

Top 5 Federal Universities in Nigeria (2025)

 

Federal universities are owned and funded by the Nigerian government, making them more affordable than private universities. Here are the best-performing federal universities in 2025:

 

1. University of Ibadan (UI) – Oyo State

 

Ranking: #1 Federal University in Nigeria

 

Tuition Fee: ₦30,000 – ₦50,000 per session

 

Why UI? Nigeria’s oldest university, renowned for research and postgraduate studies. Consistently ranks high in West Africa.

 

 

2. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – Osun State

 

Ranking: #2

 

Tuition Fee: ₦45,000 – ₦80,000 per session

 

Why OAU? Known for its rich history, academic culture, and beautiful campus environment.

 

3. University of Lagos (UNILAG) – Lagos State

 

Ranking: #3

 

Tuition Fee: ₦60,000 – ₦125,000 per session (based on faculty)

 

Why UNILAG? Located in Nigeria’s commercial hub, offers great networking and internship opportunities.

 

4. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) – Zaria, Kaduna State

 

Ranking: #4

 

Tuition Fee: ₦30,000 – ₦60,000

 

Why ABU? Offers the widest range of academic disciplines in Nigeria with strong emphasis on science and agriculture.

 

5. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – Enugu State

 

Ranking: #5

 

Tuition Fee: ₦40,000 – ₦70,000

 

Why UNN? Known for academic excellence in the arts and humanities.

 

Top 5 Private Universities in Nigeria (2025)

 

Private universities are known for better infrastructure, smaller class sizes, and uninterrupted academic calendars. Here are the top choices:

1. Covenant University – Ota, Ogun State

 

Ranking: #1 Private University in Nigeria

 

Tuition Fee: ₦900,000 – ₦1.2 million per session

 

Why Covenant? Ranked among Africa’s top universities for entrepreneurship, tech innovation, and leadership training.

 

 

2. Babcock University – Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State

 

Ranking: #2

 

Tuition Fee: ₦780,000 – ₦1.5 million

 

Why Babcock? Strong programs in health sciences, law, and management. Also known for its discipline and moral values.

 

 

 

3. Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) – Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State

 

Ranking: #3

 

Tuition Fee: ₦850,000 – ₦2 million

 

Why ABUAD? Exceptional infrastructure and academic innovation. One of the fastest-growing universities in Africa.

 

 

4. Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) – Lagos

 

Ranking: #4

 

Tuition Fee: ₦2.5 million – ₦3 million

 

Why PAU? Home to the prestigious Lagos Business School; ideal for students pursuing business, communication, and media studies.

 

 

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5. Bowen University – Iwo, Osun State

 

Ranking: #5

 

Tuition Fee: ₦600,000 – ₦1 million

 

Why Bowen? Offers a wide range of accredited courses with a strong focus on quality education and discipline.

 

Key Considerations When Choosing a University

 

Accreditation Status: Always check with NUC (National Universities Commission).

 

Program Availability: Ensure your desired course is offered and accredited.

 

Cost of Living: Consider the affordability of the city the school is located in.

 

Career Opportunities: Schools in commercial hubs like Lagos or Abuja often offer better internship access.

 

Religious or Moral Values: Especially for private universities with strong faith-based systems.

 

 

Nigeria boasts several high-quality universities—both federal and private. While federal schools offer affordability, private institutions provide a faster academic calendar and modern facilities.

 

Whether you’re looking to study law, medicine, engineering, or digital technology, the right school is out there. Use this 2025 ranking and fee breakdown to guide your decision wisely.