How much does it cost to study at a private university in Lagos in 2025/2026?
The answer depends on where you go. Lagos has over 10 NUC-approved private universities, and fees range from as low as ₦354,900 at Augustine University to as high as ₦6,519,750 at Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences — per session, depending on your programme. This guide lists every accredited private university in Lagos, what you will pay as a new or returning student, and where each campus is located.
Key Highlights
- Cheapest private university in Lagos: Augustine University — from ₦354,900 per session
- Most expensive: Eko University of Medical Sciences — up to ₦6,519,750 per session
- Premium tier (₦4m+): Pan-Atlantic University, EkoUNIMED, James Hope University
- Mid-range (₦500k–₦2.5m): Caleb University, Anchor University, Trinity University
- Budget tier (under ₦500k): Augustine University, Maranatha University
- All institutions listed are NUC-accredited
- Source: Multiple official portals and verified announcements, confirmed May 2026
About Private Universities in Lagos
Lagos State is the private university capital of Nigeria. As of 2025, the state hosts more NUC-licensed private universities than any other state in the country, with institutions spread across Lekki, Ikorodu, Ipaja, Epe, Ijanikin, Apapa, and Ibeju-Lekki. Unlike public universities in Lagos — UNILAG, LASUED, and LASUSTECH — private universities offer stable academic calendars, smaller class sizes, and on-campus residential options, typically at a significantly higher cost.
The institutions below are all fully licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC). None of them are provisional or awaiting full accreditation. If a university is not on this list, confirm its status at nuc.edu.ng before applying.
Full List of Private Universities in Lagos 2025/2026
Fee Summary by Institution
| University | Location | New Student Fees (per session) | Returning Student Fees | Acceptance Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) | Ibeju-Lekki | ₦4,504,096–₦6,422,900 | ₦3,568,944–₦6,366,500 | ₦250,000 |
| Eko University of Medical Sciences (EkoUNIMED) | Ijanikin | ₦5,519,750–₦6,519,750 | ₦5,519,750–₦6,519,750 | Included in total |
| Caleb University | Imota, Ikorodu | ₦500,000–₦2,423,000 | ₦450,000–₦2,365,000 | ₦125,000 |
| Anchor University (AUL) | Ayobo-Ipaja | ₦387,500–₦1,500,000 | ₦387,500–₦1,500,000 | Varies by faculty |
| Trinity University | Yaba/Ikeja area | From ₦746,000 | Varies by programme | Contact admissions |
| Maranatha University | Lekki / Okota | From ₦400,000 | Varies by programme | Contact admissions |
| Augustine University | Ilara, Epe | ₦354,900–₦869,031 | Varies by programme | Contact admissions |
| James Hope University | Lekki | Postgraduate only — fees up to ₦9,000,000 | Same structure | Contact admissions |
| Nigerian University of Technology and Management (NUTM) | Apapa | Contact institution | Contact institution | Contact institution |
| Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics | Lagos | Scholarship-based (2025 intake) | Contact institution | Contact institution |
Fees are per academic session (two semesters) unless otherwise stated. Always confirm directly on the institution’s official portal before making any payment. Fee structures are updated annually and subject to change.
Detailed Breakdown by University
1. Pan-Atlantic University (PAU)
Location: Km 52, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos Website: pau.edu.ng Established: 2002 (evolved from Lagos Business School, founded 1991) Type: Private, non-profit, NUC-accredited Programmes: Management Sciences, Media and Communication, Science and Technology, Postgraduate
Pan-Atlantic University is among the most prestigious and expensive private universities in Nigeria. It is owned by Opus Dei and known for its business-focused curriculum and strong industry connections through the Lagos Business School.
| Student Category | Fees per Session |
|---|---|
| New students (Freshers) | ₦4,504,096 – ₦6,422,900 |
| Returning students | ₦3,568,944 – ₦6,366,500 |
| Acceptance fee | ₦250,000 (non-refundable, counts toward first semester fees) |
Payment: Fees are programme-specific. Confirm exact figures on the official portal at pau.edu.ng. The ₦250,000 acceptance fee is paid on admission and forms part of the first semester charge.
2. Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences (EkoUNIMED)
Location: Ijanikin, Lagos State Website: ekounimed.edu.ng Established: 2017 Type: Private, specialist medical university, NUC-accredited Programmes: Medicine and Surgery, Nursing, Pharmacy, Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy, and related health sciences
EkoUNIMED is the only dedicated private medical university in Lagos State. Its fees are among the highest in the country, reflecting the cost of clinical infrastructure, laboratories, and health sciences training.
| Student Category | Fees per Session |
|---|---|
| New students (UTME, DE, Transfer) | ₦5,519,750 – ₦6,519,750 |
| Returning students | ₦5,519,750 – ₦6,519,750 |
Source: Official 2025/2026 fee schedule as reported by Legit.ng (October 2025). Students are advised to confirm directly on ekounimed.edu.ng before payment.
3. Caleb University
Location: Imota, Ikorodu, Lagos State Website: calebuniversity.edu.ng Established: 2007 Type: Private Christian university, NUC-accredited Programmes: Over 43 undergraduate programmes across 9 colleges, including Law, Engineering, Sciences, Social Sciences, and Management
Caleb University is one of the most established private universities in Lagos. Law is the most expensive programme, while Arts and Education sit at the lower end. The university held its 15th convocation in February 2026, graduating 1,924 students including 96 first-class honours recipients.
| Programme Category | New Students | Returning Students |
|---|---|---|
| Law | ₦2,423,000 | ₦2,365,000 |
| Sciences and Engineering | ₦969,000 – ₦1,500,000 | ₦924,000 – ₦1,450,000 |
| Social Sciences and Management | ₦500,000 – ₦969,000 | ₦450,000 – ₦924,000 |
| Arts and Education | From ₦500,000 | From ₦450,000 |
Acceptance fee: ₦125,000 (all fresh students, regardless of course) Payment: Online via the official portal, bank deposit, or POS at the bursary office Portal: calebuniversity.edu.ng
Source: Legit.ng (April 2026), Bloompath.com.ng. Confirm specific course fees on the official portal.
4. Anchor University Lagos (AUL)
Location: Ayobo Road, Ipaja, Lagos Website: aul.edu.ng Established: 2014 Type: Private faith-based university (Deeper Christian Life Ministry), NUC-accredited Programmes: Science, Law, Education, Social Sciences and Humanities, Environmental Science
Anchor University is a non-profit institution founded by Pastor William Kumuyi of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry. It enforces a strict Christian dress code on campus. The university does not typically offer instalment payment plans — fees are paid in full unless management makes special provisions.
| Faculty | New Students (per session) |
|---|---|
| Science and related | ₦387,500 – ₦900,000 |
| Law | Up to ₦1,500,000 |
| Education and Humanities | ₦387,500 – ₦600,000 |
| Social Sciences | ₦387,500 – ₦700,000 |
Discount: 10% off tuition for students whose parents are full-time staff, or families with two or more children in the university simultaneously. Late payment: Attracts extra charges and may result in exam ineligibility. Portal: aul.edu.ng
Source: mytertiarynews.org.ng (2025/2026 session). Confirm exact course fees on the official portal.
5. Augustine University
Location: Ilara, Epe, Lagos State Website: augustineuniversity.edu.ng Established: 2015 Type: Private Catholic university, NUC-accredited Programmes: Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across Sciences, Arts, Social Sciences, and Management
Augustine University is one of the more affordable private universities in Lagos State. Located in the quieter Epe corridor, it suits students who prefer a residential, low-distraction campus environment. International students pay in USD: $4,842.50–$5,798.25 for 100-level students.
| Student Category | Fees per Session |
|---|---|
| New students | ₦354,900 – ₦869,031 |
| International students (100L) | $4,842.50 – $5,798.25 |
| International students (200L+) | $4,967.50 – $5,887.50 |
Portal: augustineuniversity.edu.ng
Source: Legit.ng (December 2025). Verify programme-specific figures directly with the admissions office.
6. Trinity University
Location: Lagos (Yaba/Ikeja area) Website: trinityuniversityng.edu.ng Established: 2019 Type: Private university, NUC-accredited Programmes: Varies; known for consistent academic results
Trinity University is a newer private institution in Lagos. Published figures place fees from ₦746,000 annually for some programmes. Contact the admissions office for a full programme-by-programme breakdown.
7. Maranatha University
Location: Two campuses — Okota and Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State Website: maranathaun.edu.ng Established: Recent (provisional licence issued) Type: Private university, NUC-accredited
Maranatha University is among the most affordable private universities in Lagos, with reported fees from ₦400,000. It has campuses in both the mainland (Okota) and island corridor (Ibeju-Lekki). Full programme details and the official fee schedule are available through the institution directly.
8. James Hope University
Location: Twin Lakes Estate, Lekki, Lagos State Website: jhu.edu.ng Established: 2021 Type: Private postgraduate university, NUC-accredited
James Hope University is exclusively a postgraduate institution. It does not admit undergraduate students. Fees can reach ₦9,000,000 depending on the programme, making it one of the most expensive postgraduate institutions in Nigeria. If you are an undergraduate student, this is not the right institution for you.
9. Nigerian University of Technology and Management (NUTM)
Location: Apapa, Lagos Website: nutm.edu.ng Type: Private university, NUC-accredited Focus: Technology and Management
NUTM combines technology and management education with a strong practical curriculum. Fee details are best obtained directly from the institution’s portal at nutm.edu.ng.
10. Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management
Location: Lagos State Established: 2025 (licensed April 2025) Type: Private university, NUC-accredited
This is one of Nigeria’s newest private universities, established through the Isaac Balami Foundation. It launched a tuition-free aviation scholarship programme in February 2025 covering select aviation training and certification courses. Confirm current admission and fee status directly with the institution.
How Private University Fees in Lagos Compare
| Fee Tier | Universities | Annual Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Budget (under ₦500k) | Augustine University, Maranatha University | ₦354,900 – ₦490,000 |
| Mid-range (₦500k – ₦2.5m) | Caleb University, Anchor University, Trinity University | ₦500,000 – ₦2,423,000 |
| Premium (₦4m+) | Pan-Atlantic University, EkoUNIMED, James Hope University | ₦4,504,096 – ₦9,000,000 |
Same four-year investment across the tiers:
- Budget tier: ₦1.4m – ₦2m total
- Mid-range: ₦2m – ₦9.7m total
- Premium: ₦16m – ₦36m total
The higher-fee institutions offer smaller class sizes, stronger industry networks, on-campus accommodation, and better-resourced laboratories. Whether that premium is worth it depends on your programme, career path, and financial position.
How to Choose the Right Private University in Lagos
Before applying, consider these factors:
JAMB cut-off: Most private universities in Lagos accept a minimum JAMB score of 140–160. Some, like PAU, may require higher scores for competitive programmes.
Programme accreditation: NUC licenses the university, but individual programmes require separate accreditation. Confirm that your specific course of interest is approved before paying an acceptance fee. Check on nuc.edu.ng.
Campus location: Lagos traffic is a significant quality-of-life factor. Ibeju-Lekki (PAU) and Epe (Augustine) are far from the mainland. Ayobo (Anchor), Imota (Caleb), and Apapa (NUTM) are more accessible from different parts of the city.
Payment policy: Anchor University requires full payment upfront. Caleb University allows instalments. Confirm the policy for your chosen institution before accepting an offer.
Residential options: Most private universities in Lagos offer on-campus accommodation. Hostel fees are separate from tuition and vary by room type and campus.
Frequently Asked Questions — Private Universities in Lagos
How many private universities are in Lagos?
As of 2025, Lagos State has at least 10 fully NUC-licensed private universities, more than any other state in Nigeria. These include Pan-Atlantic University, Caleb University, Augustine University, Anchor University, Eko University of Medical Sciences, Maranatha University, Trinity University, James Hope University, NUTM, and Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics. Additional institutions with provisional licences may also be operating.
What is the cheapest private university in Lagos?
Augustine University in Epe, Lagos, is currently the most affordable fully operational private university in Lagos State, with fees ranging from ₦354,900 to ₦869,031 per session depending on the programme. Maranatha University is also cited as affordable, with fees reported from ₦400,000. Both are NUC-accredited.
What is the most expensive private university in Lagos?
Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences (EkoUNIMED) charges the highest tuition for undergraduate students, with 2025/2026 fees ranging from ₦5,519,750 to ₦6,519,750 per session. Pan-Atlantic University is the most expensive for non-medical programmes, at ₦4,504,096–₦6,422,900 for new students. For postgraduate students, James Hope University can reach ₦9,000,000.
Which private university in Lagos is best for medicine?
Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences (EkoUNIMED) in Ijanikin is the only private university in Lagos State dedicated exclusively to medicine and health sciences. It offers Medicine and Surgery, Nursing, Pharmacy, and related programmes. It is NUC-accredited and is the top choice for health sciences students specifically seeking a Lagos-based institution.
Can I get a scholarship at a private university in Lagos?
Several options exist. The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) at nelfund.gov.ng provides student loans for accredited private university students. Anchor University offers a 10% tuition discount for eligible families. Isaac Balami University launched a tuition-free scholarship for aviation courses in 2025. Individual universities may also offer merit-based bursaries — contact each school’s Student Affairs office directly.
Do private universities in Lagos accept JAMB?
Yes. All NUC-accredited private universities in Lagos require a valid JAMB UTME score for undergraduate admission. Most accept a minimum score of 140–160, though competitive programmes at institutions like PAU may require higher scores. Direct Entry (DE) admission is also available at most institutions for candidates with relevant A-Level or OND qualifications.
Is Babcock University in Lagos?
No. Babcock University is located in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State — not Lagos State. It frequently appears on Lagos-related searches due to its proximity to Lagos, but it is technically in Ogun State. Similarly, Covenant University is in Ota, Ogun State, not Lagos.
Which private university in Lagos has the best business programme?
Pan-Atlantic University is widely regarded as the strongest for business education in Lagos. It houses the Lagos Business School (LBS), which consistently ranks among the top business schools in Africa. NUTM in Apapa also focuses specifically on technology and management education.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
If the fees at private universities in Lagos are beyond your current budget, consider these options before ruling out private education:
- Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND): A federal student loan programme available to students in NUC-accredited institutions. Visit nelfund.gov.ng to check eligibility and apply.
- Institution-based discounts: Anchor University offers 10% off tuition for qualifying families. Ask the admissions office at your chosen school if any merit scholarships or sibling discounts apply.
- Isaac Balami Aviation Scholarship: The Isaac Balami Foundation launched a tuition-free aviation training programme in 2025 for select courses at the new Isaac Balami University.
- MTN Foundation Scholarship and Dangote Foundation: Both are open to students in accredited Nigerian universities. Apply independently through each foundation’s official channels.
- State bursaries: Lagos State and several other states operate bursary schemes for indigenes studying at accredited institutions. Contact your state Ministry of Education for details.
Final Thoughts
Private universities in Lagos offer a wide range of options in 2025/2026 — from Augustine University’s fees starting at ₦354,900 for students on a tighter budget, to Pan-Atlantic University and EkoUNIMED at the premium end. The right choice depends on your programme, budget, location preference, and long-term career goals.
Before paying any fees or acceptance charges, confirm the latest figures directly on the official portal of your chosen institution. Fee structures change annually and occasionally mid-session. If you have questions about a specific university not fully covered here, drop it in the comments — we update this guide regularly.
Source: Fee information in this guide is compiled from official institutional portals, Legit.ng (October–December 2025), mytertiarynews.org.ng (2025/2026 session data), and NUC licensing records as updated through April 2025. Figures are verified to the best of our ability as of May 2026. Where exact 2025/2026 figures were unavailable from official sources, this guide notes it clearly rather than estimate.
⚠️ Disclaimer: School fees are subject to change by each institution at any time. Always verify on the official portal of your chosen university before making any payment. CampusNinja is not affiliated with any of the institutions listed and cannot be held responsible for fee changes made after our last update date.