How much does it cost to study at a private university in Osun State in 2026/2027?
The answer ranges widely. Osun State has more private universities than any other state in Nigeria, 10 fully NUC-licensed institutions at last count, and fees go from as low as ₦133,500 at Redeemer’s University (for some programmes) to ₦3,800,000 at Bowen University for Medicine. This guide covers every accredited private university in Osun State, what you will pay as a new or returning student, where each campus is located, and the key things to know before you apply.
Key Highlights
- Total NUC-licensed private universities in Osun State: 10 (highest in Nigeria)
- Most affordable entry-level fees: Oduduwa University — from ₦185,000 per semester
- Most expensive: Bowen University (Medicine/Surgery) — up to ₦3,800,000 per session for freshers
- Only Islamic private university: Fountain University, Osogbo
- Highest-ranked: Redeemer’s University (#38 nationally on uniRank)
- Newest (just licensed 2025): Minaret University, Ikirun
- All institutions listed are NUC-accredited
- Source: Official portals, Legit.ng, MyTertiaryNews, verified fee schedules — confirmed May 2026
About Private Universities in Osun State
Osun State leads all 36 states in Nigeria for the number of fully operational private universities within its borders. That concentration is no accident. The state’s relatively affordable land, central position in the South West, and strong religious and philanthropic traditions — Baptist, CAC, RCCG, SDA, NASFAT — have made it the preferred location for faith-based institutions. Students from Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Ekiti, and Edo regularly cross state lines to study here.
All 10 institutions below are licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC). For programme-specific accreditation — which is separate from the institution’s licence — always verify on nuc.edu.ng before paying an acceptance fee.
Full List of Private Universities in Osun State 2026/2027
Fee Summary by Institution
| University | Location | New Student Fees (per session) | Returning Student Fees | Acceptance Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redeemer’s University (RUN) | Ede | ₦133,500 – ₦2,041,500 | Similar structure by level | ₦20,000 – ₦30,000 |
| Bowen University | Iwo | ₦700,000 – ₦3,800,000 | ₦600,000 – ₦3,200,000 | ₦60,000 |
| Adeleke University | Ede | ₦1,500,000 – ₦2,000,000+ | Varies by programme | Contact admissions |
| Fountain University | Osogbo | ₦390,000 – ₦935,000 | ₦290,000 – ₦1,309,000 | ₦60,000 |
| Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) | Ikeji-Arakeji | ₦450,000 – ₦800,000 | ₦400,000 – ₦750,000 | Contact admissions |
| Kings University | Ode Omu | Uniform across faculties (verify on portal) | Same structure | Contact admissions |
| Oduduwa University | Ipetumodu | ₦185,000 – ₦245,000 per semester | ₦170,000 – ₦195,000 per semester | ₦50,000 |
| Westland University | Iwo | Contact institution | Contact institution | Contact institution |
| Mercy Medical University | Iwo | Contact institution | Contact institution | Contact institution |
| Minaret University | Ikirun | Newly licensed — contact institution | — | — |
Fees are per academic session (two semesters) unless otherwise stated. Oduduwa University fees are quoted per semester. Always confirm directly on each institution’s official portal before making any payment.
Detailed Breakdown by University
1. Redeemer’s University (RUN)
Location: Along Ibadan-Oshogbo Road, Ede, Osun State Website: run.edu.ng Established: 2005 Owner: Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Type: Private Christian university, NUC-accredited National ranking: #38 (uniRank) — highest-ranked private university in Osun State Programmes: 54 departments across Sciences, Engineering, Law, Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Management, and Postgraduate
Redeemer’s University is the most academically reputable private institution in Osun State and consistently ranks among the top private universities in Nigeria. The fee schedule is among the most detailed in the country — publicly released for all 54 departments and all levels from 100L to final year. Fee instalment plans are officially available.
| Faculty / Programme | New Students (100L) | Returning Students (range) |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Science | ₦1,696,300 | ₦1,478,750 – ₦1,906,300 |
| Medical Laboratory Science | ₦1,389,500 | ₦1,324,000 – ₦1,391,000 |
| Anatomy / Biochemistry | ₦926,000 – ₦928,000 | ₦911,000 – ₦939,500 |
| Engineering / Computing | Higher-end range | Varies by level |
| Law | Mid-to-high range | Varies by level |
| Arts and Social Sciences | ₦133,500 – ₦600,000 | Varies by level |
Acceptance fee: ₦20,000 – ₦30,000 (all new students) Hostel: ₦130,000 (4-bedded room) to ₦150,000 (3-bedded room) per session Payment plan: 3 instalments — 40% before first semester resumption, 20% before first semester exams, 40% before second semester resumption Portal: run.edu.ng
Source: Official fee schedule published by Redeemer’s University management (January 2026), confirmed by Legit.ng.
2. Bowen University
Location: Iwo, Osun State Website: bowen.edu.ng Established: 17 July 2001 Owner: Nigerian Baptist Convention Type: Private Baptist Christian university, NUC-accredited Programmes: Sciences, Engineering, Health Sciences (including Medicine and Surgery), Law, Management, Social Sciences, Arts
Bowen University is the first Baptist university in Nigeria and one of the oldest private universities in Osun State. Its Medicine and Surgery programme commands some of the highest fees among private universities in the South West. The university publishes a detailed level-by-level fee schedule on bowen.edu.ng.
| Student Level / Programme | Fees per Session |
|---|---|
| 100-Level freshers (non-medical) | ₦700,000 – ₦1,200,000 |
| 100-Level freshers (Medicine/Surgery) | Up to ₦3,800,000 |
| Returning students (non-medical) | ₦600,000 – ₦1,150,000 |
| Returning students (Medicine/clinical) | ₦3,200,000+ |
Acceptance fee: ₦60,000 (all new students) Accommodation: ₦200,000 – ₦410,000 per session depending on room type Other fees: ₦84,000 – ₦145,000 per session (entrepreneurship levy, internet access, health care, caution fee) BUPAF levy: ₦20,000 (new students), ₦10,000 (returning students) — Bowen University Parents Association Forum, mandatory first semester Payment plan: Instalment options available — confirm current schedule on bowen.edu.ng
Source: Official Bowen University fee portal (bowen.edu.ng), confirmed October 2025.
3. Adeleke University
Location: Ede, Osun State Website: adelekeuniversity.edu.ng Established: 2011 Owner: Springtime Development Foundation (founded by Dr. Adedeji Adeleke) Type: Private Seventh-day Adventist-affiliated university, NUC-accredited National ranking: #66 (uniRank) Programmes: Law, Engineering, Health Sciences, Management Sciences, Arts, Social Sciences, Sciences
Adeleke University was founded by Dr. Adedeji Adeleke — father of music star Davido — and is grounded in Seventh-day Adventist educational philosophy. It is ranked #66 nationally and is particularly known for Health Sciences and Law. Payment must be made through the official university portal or by bank draft; no other payment method is accepted.
| Faculty / Programme | Approximate Fees per Session |
|---|---|
| Arts and Social Sciences | ~₦1,597,770 |
| Mass Communication | ~₦1,684,570 |
| Health Sciences (Nursing etc.) | Higher — verify on portal |
| Law | Higher — verify on portal |
| Sciences and Engineering | Mid-range — verify on portal |
Payment: Official portal only (adelekeuniversity.edu.ng) or bank draft from any CBN-licensed bank. No cash or informal payment channels. Portal: adelekeuniversity.edu.ng/tuition-fees
Source: Legit.ng (December 2025), Jobzilla.ng. Confirm exact course-level figures on the official portal.
4. Fountain University
Location: Oke-Osun, Agric Settlement Road, Osogbo, Osun State Website: fuo.edu.ng Established: 2007 Owner: Nasrul-Lahi-Il-Fatih Society (NASFAT) Type: Private Islamic university, NUC-accredited National ranking: #73 (uniRank) Programmes: Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Public Health, Law, Mass Communication, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Arabic and Islamic Studies, Social Sciences, Management, Education
Fountain University is Nigeria’s leading private Islamic university, owned by NASFAT and located in Osogbo. Students of Arabic and Islamic Studies benefit from a dedicated scholarship programme. The campus sits near the famous Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove. The 2025/2026 fee schedule was officially confirmed by management.
| Programme | New Students (100L) | Returning Students (200L–500L) |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Science | ₦935,000+ | ₦1,028,500 – ₦1,309,000 |
| Medical Laboratory Science | Higher range | ₦1,058,500 – ₦1,142,000 |
| Law | ₦935,000 | ₦968,000 – ₦1,122,000 |
| Mass Communication | ₦630,800 | ₦582,400 – ₦630,800 |
| Computer Science / ICT | ₦610,800 | ₦562,400 – ₦610,800 |
| Other Sciences and Management | ₦390,000 – ₦580,800 | ₦290,000 – ₦532,400 |
| Arabic and Islamic Studies | ₦390,000 | ₦290,000 |
Acceptance fee: ₦60,000 (undergraduate new students); ₦100,000 (postgraduate) Payment: Via the official portal at portal.fuo.edu.ng Note: Nursing fees increase significantly by level — returning 200L students pay more than freshers in some cases due to clinical training costs.
Source: Official Fountain University 2025/2026 fee schedule (babsreporting.com PDF, September 2025). Confirmed by fuo.edu.ng official website notice.
5. Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU)
Location: Ipo Arakeji and Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State Website: jabu.edu.ng Established: 2004 Owner: Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Worldwide Type: Private Christian university, NUC-accredited National ranking: #98 (uniRank) — described as Nigeria’s first entrepreneurial university Programmes: Agricultural Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Humanities, Law, Management Sciences, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Nursing, Medicine
JABU is considered one of the more affordable private universities in Nigeria relative to its peer group. It enforces a strict Christian dress code. The tuition fee varies by faculty — Law is the most expensive, while Arts sits at the lower end.
| Faculty | Approximate Fees per Session |
|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities | From ₦450,000 |
| Social and Management Sciences | ₦450,000 – ₦600,000 |
| Natural Sciences | ₦450,000 – ₦600,000 |
| Nursing Science | ₦600,000 – ₦800,000 |
| Medicine and Surgery | ₦700,000 – ₦1,000,000+ |
| Law | ₦700,000 – ₦1,000,000 |
Total (with all levies including ICT, endowment, lodging): typically ₦500,000 – ₦1,000,000 depending on faculty Dress code: Strictly enforced — Christian modest dressing for all students Portal: jabu.edu.ng
Source: o3schools.com (2025/2026 session data), cmfanskills.com.ng (December 2025). Confirm exact course fees on the official portal before payment.
6. Oduduwa University
Location: Ipetumodu, Ife North LGA, Osun State (6km from Ile-Ife on the Ife-Ibadan expressway) Website: oduduwauniversity.edu.ng Established: 3 November 2009 (licence no. 38) Owner: Chief Ramon Adedoyin Type: Private university, NUC-accredited Campus: Approximately 100 hectares; accessible from Oyo, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, and Lagos Programmes: Sciences, Social Sciences, Engineering, Management Sciences, Mass Communication
Oduduwa University is one of the most affordable private universities in Osun State. Fees are quoted per semester, not per session. The school provides staggered payment options and scholarship awards covering 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of fees for qualifying students.
| Programme | New Students (per semester) | Returning Students (per semester) |
|---|---|---|
| Economics, Accounting, Mass Comm, Business Admin, Computer Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology | ₦245,000 | ₦195,000 |
| Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical), Banking and Finance | ₦195,000 | ₦170,000 |
| Other programmes | ₦185,000 | ₦170,000 |
Per full session (two semesters): approximately ₦370,000 – ₦490,000 for new students Acceptance fee: ₦50,000 (separate teller; non-refundable within two weeks of offer) Scholarships: Forms collected free from the Registrar’s Office; covers 25–100% of fees Payment: Online via student portal, Remita, or bank transfer
Source: Legit.ng (January 2026), Scholarlearn.com.ng. Confirm figures on oduduwauniversity.edu.ng.
7. Kings University
Location: Ode Omu, Osun State Website: kingsuniversity.edu.ng Established: 2015 (commenced operations February 2016) Owner: King’s Ministries Trust (Kingsway International Christian Centre — KICC, London) Type: Private Christian university, NUC-accredited National ranking: #133 (uniRank) Programmes: Sciences, Management, Social Sciences, and related disciplines
Kings University is unique among Osun private universities in that it charges a uniform tuition fee across all faculties — every student pays the same tuition regardless of course. The 2025/2026 management increased fees by 10% from the previous session. Full payment is required before admission is confirmed.
Policy: Admission is not granted until school fees are fully paid by newly admitted students. Portal: kingsuniversity.edu.ng
Confirm the current uniform fee amount directly on the official portal — exact figures from the portal were not publicly republished at the time of this update.
8. Westland University
Location: Iwo, Osun State Website: westlanduniversity.edu.ng Type: Private university, NUC-accredited National ranking: #121 (uniRank) Programmes: Management Sciences and related technical courses
Westland University is a newer institution in Iwo. Limited public fee data is available at this time. Prospective students should contact the admissions office directly or visit the official portal for the 2025/2026 fee schedule.
9. Mercy Medical University
Location: Iwo, Osun State Type: Private university, NUC-accredited Focus: Medical and health sciences
Mercy Medical University is one of the newer private universities in Osun State. Confirm current admission and fee status directly with the institution before applying.
10. Minaret University
Location: Ikirun, Osun State Established: 2025 (operational licence granted April 30, 2025) Type: Private university, NUC-accredited (provisional licence)
Minaret University received its provisional NUC licence in April 2025, making it the newest private university in Osun State. It has not yet published a full public fee schedule. Prospective students should contact the institution directly for admission and fee information.
How Fees Compare Across Osun Private Universities
| Fee Tier | Universities | Approximate Range per Session |
|---|---|---|
| Budget (under ₦500k) | Oduduwa University, JABU (non-professional) | ₦370,000 – ₦490,000 |
| Mid-range (₦500k – ₦1.5m) | Redeemer’s (many programmes), Fountain University, JABU | ₦500,000 – ₦1,500,000 |
| High (₦1.5m – ₦3m) | Adeleke University, Bowen (non-medical), RUN (professional) | ₦1,500,000 – ₦3,000,000 |
| Premium (₦3m+) | Bowen University (Medicine/Surgery) | ₦3,200,000 – ₦3,800,000 |
The same programme costs very different amounts across institutions. Nursing at Fountain University runs from ₦935,000 for freshers; at Redeemer’s, a nursing student in their second year can pay close to ₦1.9 million. These differences reflect clinical infrastructure, teaching hospital access, and overall institutional investment.
How to Choose the Right Private University in Osun State
Budget first: Oduduwa University and JABU offer the widest access for students on tighter budgets. Redeemer’s and Bowen are premium-quality institutions but require significant financial planning.
Programme accreditation: The NUC licences the institution, but the relevant professional bodies — NMC for Nursing, MDCN for Medicine, NBA for Law — accredit the specific programme. Confirm both before paying acceptance fees.
Location and accessibility: Ede (Redeemer’s, Adeleke) sits on the Ibadan-Oshogbo corridor and is highly accessible. Ikeji-Arakeji (JABU) is more remote — a deliberate choice for a distraction-free campus environment. Ipetumodu (Oduduwa) is 6km from Ile-Ife.
Faith environment: Most private universities in Osun State are faith-based. JABU and Kings University enforce strict Christian dress codes. Fountain University is Islamic-oriented. Redeemer’s (RCCG) and Bowen (Baptist) also have faith expectations, though typically less restrictive on dress.
Payment flexibility: Redeemer’s officially allows three-instalment payments. Bowen offers structured instalment plans at 100 Level. Oduduwa allows staggered payment. Kings University requires full payment before admission is confirmed.
How to Pay Fees at Private Universities in Osun State
The process is broadly similar across institutions:
Step 1: Generate your invoice Log in to your student portal using your JAMB registration number (new students) or matric number (returning students). Navigate to Finance or School Fees and select the 2026/2027 session.
Step 2: Choose your payment method Most institutions accept online card payment (Visa, Mastercard, Verve) via Remita or Paystack, bank transfer, or bank draft. Oduduwa requires online portal or bank transfer specifically. Adeleke University requires portal payment or bank draft only — no other method is accepted.
Step 3: Confirm and download your receipt After payment, return to the portal, confirm the payment status, and download or print your receipt. This document is required for course registration, hostel allocation, and exam clearance.
Step 4: Pay your acceptance fee separately (new students) Most universities require the acceptance fee on a separate teller or transaction from main school fees. Pay it first — at Oduduwa, failure to pay the acceptance fee within two weeks of receiving your offer can result in the admission being revoked.
⚠️ Never pay school fees into an account that is not listed on the official portal of your institution. Fraudulent payment links circulate on social media every admission season. When in doubt, call the bursary office directly.
Frequently Asked Questions — Private Universities in Osun State
How many private universities are in Osun State?
As of 2025, Osun State has 10 NUC-licensed private universities: Redeemer’s University, Bowen University, Adeleke University, Fountain University, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Kings University, Oduduwa University, Westland University, Mercy Medical University, and Minaret University (licensed April 2025). This is the highest concentration of private universities in any single state in Nigeria.
What is the cheapest private university in Osun State?
Oduduwa University in Ipetumodu currently has the lowest published fees among established private universities in Osun State — ₦185,000 to ₦245,000 per semester (₦370,000–₦490,000 per session) depending on the programme. Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) is also among the most affordable, with non-professional programmes starting from around ₦450,000 per session including levies.
What is the most expensive private university in Osun State?
For undergraduate programmes, Bowen University’s Medicine and Surgery programme is the most expensive in Osun State, with fees reaching ₦3,800,000 per session for 100-level students. Adeleke University and Redeemer’s University also charge significantly for nursing and health sciences — Redeemer’s Nursing runs to ₦1,696,300 at 100 level.
Which private university in Osun State is best for medicine?
Bowen University has one of the most established Medicine and Surgery programmes among private universities in the South West, with a functioning teaching hospital. Redeemer’s University also offers strong health sciences programmes including Nursing and Medical Laboratory Science. Confirm NUC and MDCN accreditation status for Medical programmes before applying.
Is Redeemer’s University the best private university in Osun State?
By national ranking, yes. Redeemer’s University is ranked #38 nationally on uniRank, the highest of any private university in Osun State, and has consistently appeared in lists of the top private universities in Nigeria. Bowen University (#53) and JABU (#98) follow closely.
Can I pay private university fees in instalments in Osun State?
It depends on the institution. Redeemer’s University officially supports a three-instalment plan (40%–20%–40%). Bowen University also allows structured instalment payments. Oduduwa University permits staggered payment. Kings University requires full payment before admission is confirmed. Always confirm the current policy with your specific institution before the session begins.
Is Fountain University open to non-Muslims?
Yes. Fountain University is owned by NASFAT, a Muslim organisation, but it is open to students of all faiths. The university does, however, maintain an Islamic-oriented campus culture, including dress expectations. Students should review the student code of conduct on fuo.edu.ng before applying.
What is the JAMB cut-off for private universities in Osun State?
Most private universities in Osun State accept a minimum JAMB score of 140–160. Competitive programmes — Law, Medicine, Nursing — typically require 180–200. Redeemer’s University and Bowen University generally set higher standards for admission into their most sought-after programmes. Confirm the specific cut-off for your course directly on each university’s admission portal.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Private university education in Osun State does not have to be out of reach. Several funding options are available:
- Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND): A federal student loan programme open to students in NUC-accredited institutions. Visit nelfund.gov.ng to check eligibility and apply. This is the most accessible funding option for students at any of the 10 Osun private universities.
- Oduduwa University scholarships: The university officially offers scholarships covering 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of fees. Collect a free scholarship application form from the Registrar’s Office.
- Fountain University — Arabic and Islamic Studies scholarship: Students in the Arabic and Islamic Studies programme benefit from a dedicated scholarship covering part of their fees. Contact the university directly.
- Redeemer’s University financial aid: The university acknowledges significant financial aid opportunities. Contact the Student Affairs office directly.
- MTN Foundation Scholarship and Dangote Foundation: Both are open to students at accredited Nigerian universities. Apply independently through each foundation’s official channels.
- State government bursaries: Osun State and other state governments operate bursary schemes for indigenes studying at accredited institutions. Contact your state’s Ministry of Education or Scholarship Board for details.
Final Thoughts
Private universities in Osun State offer something for nearly every student profile in 2026/2027, from Oduduwa University at under ₦500,000 per session, all the way to Bowen University’s Medicine programme at ₦3.8 million. The right choice depends on your programme, budget, preferred campus culture, and how far you are willing to travel.
Before paying any fee or acceptance charge, confirm the latest figures directly on the official portal of your chosen institution. Fee structures are updated at the start of each session and occasionally mid-session. If you have questions about a specific institution or course not covered in detail here, drop it in the comments — this guide is updated regularly.
Source: Fee information in this guide is compiled from official institutional portals, Legit.ng (2026–2027 season), MyTertiaryNews, Backtoschool.com.ng, and the official Fountain University 2026/2027 fee schedule (September 2025). The Redeemer’s University fee schedule is sourced from the official document released by management (January 2026). Bowen University fees are sourced from the official bowen.edu.ng portal. Figures are verified to the best of our ability as of May 2026.
⚠️ 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.