Top 5 Affordable Private Universities in Nigeria (With Fees and Links)

Private universities do not all cost the same. Some run high, others sit in a comfortable middle ground. I picked five private schools that are consistently cited as relatively affordable when you compare programme fees, levies, and transparency. 

For each school I explain what the numbers mean, what the invoice usually includes, and where to confirm the details.

1. Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji (JABU) 

What you’ll pay
JABU publishes programme-by-programme fees in a downloadable schedule. For 2024/2025 their breakdown shows typical totals like: Non-science programmes from about ₦505,500 per session, while science, law, nursing, and some clinical programmes can hit between ₦975,500 and ₦1,706,500 depending on level and extras. Freshers pay acceptance and endowment levies on top of tuition. These figures are itemised in their official Programme Fees PDF and the programme fees pages. jabu.edu.ng+1

What that really means for students
JABU is easy to budget for when you pick a non-lab course. If you need labs, studios, or clinical placements expect the bill to climb. The school is good about publishing the PDFs so parents can compare exact totals by faculty before committing.

Where to confirm
JABU official programme fees page and the 2024/2025 Programme Fees PDF. jabu.edu.ng+1

2. Lead City University, Ibadan 

What you’ll pay
Lead City lists course fees openly on its site. Typical numbers for the 2025/2026 cycle show lower bands for Social Sciences and Business at around ₦430,000 to ₦510,000 per session, mid bands for some sciences and tech at ₦675,000 to ₦925,000, and much higher for Medicine and some clinical programmes (Medicine listed in some sources above ₦6,000,000).

The university’s course pages list per-programme fees so readers can see exact figures for their chosen degree. lcu.edu.ng+1

What that really means for students
If you want a private university but need to keep costs down, Lead City’s arts, education, and some social science programmes are a solid match. Just avoid Medicine or specialized clinical courses if you are budget conscious. Freshers pay additional one-time charges that raise the first term total.

Where to confirm
Lead City’s official fees pages and the all-courses / new students fees sections. lcu.edu.ng+1

3. Crescent University, Abeokuta 

What you’ll pay
Crescent University publishes a formal fee structure for the session with line items for tuition, amenities, service fees, and one-time charges. Typical full session totals vary by programme, but many undergraduate programmes fall in the moderate band, and professional courses like Law or Nursing attract higher totals and practical fees. The university pages include the fee schedule and notes on payment splits. Crescent University -+1

What that really means for students
Crescent is good if you want predictable billing. They show year and programme breakdowns and often allow semester payments so families can spread the cost. Hostel costs are extra and vary by facility.

Where to confirm
Crescent’s official Fee Structure pages and the Fee Structure for international/NRI variants where applicable. Crescent University -+1

4. University of Mkar (UMM), Mkar 

What you’ll pay
University of Mkar lists session totals that are generally lower than many private universities, but fees differ by programme and student origin. Published schedules and news pages show sample session totals such as roughly ₦462,000 for some programmes and higher for certain faculties. The school runs a transparent payment portal and posts admission lists and fee schedules. Mediangr+1

What that really means for students
UMM can be one of the most budget friendly private options for Nigerian students. Still, science and professional courses carry their own “other charges.” Always pull the UMM approved fees schedule for the exact course you want.

Where to confirm
UMM official admissions and fee pages or the university’s approved undergraduate fee document. umm.edu.ng+1

5. Landmark University, Omu-Aran 

What you’ll pay
Landmark publishes payment protocols and session fee guidance. Recent school fee summaries put many undergraduate programmes in the mid band, typically around ₦525,000 to ₦675,000 per session for non-clinical courses, with clinical and nursing programmes reaching higher ranges in some reports. The university’s official payment protocol PDF outlines how the levies are paid each semester. Scholarlearn.com.ng+1

What that really means for students
Landmark aims for a structured, industry-linked model that keeps some tuition components efficient. If you pick agri-tech or general sciences you often get a good balance between cost and infrastructure. Nursing and other clinical courses may push the total up.

Where to confirm
Landmark’s official site and the payment protocol document. lmu.edu.ng+1

Quick comparison snapshot

What to read carefully on every fees page

1. Is this the tuition only or tuition plus mandatory levies? Many schools show “tuition” and “other fees” separately. Confirm the total.
2. Freshers often pay acceptance fees and endowment levies that returning students do not. That first invoice is usually the largest.
3. Lab, clinical placement, and studio fees are almost always extra. If your course uses a lab or hospital, budget more.
4. Hostel fees are rarely included in the tuition number. Ask whether the school forces on-campus residence.
5. Check payment timelines. Some schools require big upfront percentages before resumption.

Final thought — affordable is not the same as best fit

Choosing a low-cost school is sensible, but balance price with course accreditation and graduate outcomes. Ask: Will this programme be accredited next session? Do graduates get jobs? What are practical training opportunities? If the answers are weak, the cheap option can cost more later.