Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital, is home to a thriving and evolving private higher‑education sector. In the past few years, its educational landscape has expanded significantly. Whether you’re a high school leaver, a professional looking for postgraduate study, or a parent exploring tuition options, here’s your thoroughly revised guide to the full list of private universities in Abuja, complete with addresses, key highlights, fees, and admission tips.
Table of Contents
1. African University of Science and Technology (AUST)
Location: Km 10, Airport Road, Galadimawa, Abuja FCT
Established: 2007 as a pan‑African research university under the Nelson Mandela Institution initiative.
Overview: Known for postgraduate research and STEM disciplines, AUST offers a rigorous academic environment focused on innovation and science-driven problem solving
Key Offerings: Postgraduate master’s and PhD programmes in Engineering, Mathematical Sciences, Applied Sciences, and Policy & Governance.
Fee Range: Estimated ₦1.5 m to ₦4 m per session, depending on the programme
Why It Stands Out: Ideal for postgraduate students seeking a research-intensive, Pan-African institution with international collaborations.
2. Baze University
Location: Plot 686 Jabi Airport Road Bypass, Kuchigoro, Jabi, Abuja FCT
Established: 2011 by Senator Yusuf Datti‑Baba Ahmed .
Overview: Offers British‑style curriculum across Law, Engineering, Computing & Applied Sciences, Management, Environmental Sciences, and Basic Medical Sciences.
Facilities: Modern administrative buildings, specialized faculties, and a teaching hospital under development.
Average Fees: ₦2.0 m to ₦3.3 m per session for most courses; up to ₦5.0 m for later years of MBBS programmes.
Why It Stands Out: Known for its modern infrastructure, reputable academics, and efforts to build an on‑campus teaching hospital.
3. Nile University of Nigeria
Location: Plot 681, Cadastral Zone C‑OO, Research & Institution Area, Jabi Airport Bypass, Abuja FCT.
Established: 2009; now part of Honoris United Universities Pan‑African network.
Overview: Offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across six faculties—including Arts & Social Sciences, Engineering, Law, Science, Management, and Health Sciences. Also runs a Centre for Lifelong Learning.
Fee Structure:
- Arts, Social Sciences, Management & Science: ₦2.4 m – ₦2.6 m
- Engineering & Law: ₦2.7 m – ₦3.75 m
- Medicine & Surgery: Up to ₦5.95 m per session
Additional charges for registration, acceptance, hostel, and meals may apply.
Why It Stands Out: Offers broad course options with industry‑grade facilities; known for excellence in Medicine and a strong scholarship programme .
4. Veritas University
Location: Bwari Area Council, Abuja FCT (campus since 2014).
Established: 2002 by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria; operational licence granted in 2007.
Overview: Known as the Catholic University of Nigeria, Veritas combines moral values with academics. Its faculties include Sciences, Management, Humanities, Social Sciences, Education, Engineering, and Law.
Fee Estimates: ₦400,000 to ₦600,000 per session, depending on discipline; additional one‑off charges for acceptance, development levies, and hostel.
Why It Stands Out: Ideal for students seeking faith‑based education, small class sizes, and an ethical learning environment.
5. Philomath University
Location: Sector Centre B, Kuje, Abuja FCT.
Established: 2021, making it one of the newest universities in Abuja.
Overview: Started with faculties in Law and Management & and Social Sciences. Named after Greek roots meaning “love of learning”,—it embodies a forward-thinking academic mission.
Estimated Tuition: ₦600,000 to ₦1.2 m per session.
Why It Stands Out: Low-cost option with fresh focus on emerging disciplines and student‑centred ethos.
6. European University of Nigeria
Location: Duboyi (Constitution Avenue), Central Business District, Abuja.
Established: 2005; built to deliver European‑standard education in Nigeria.
Overview: Offers courses in Arts, Management, Law, Science, Computing, and Humanities. Campus amenities include labs, a medical centre, a sports complex, a cafeteria and high‑speed libraries.
Fee Range: Generally ₦1.5 m to ₦3 m per session, depending on the programme.
Why It Stands Out: For aspirants seeking international curriculum delivery within Abuja.
7. Cosmopolitan University Abuja
Location: Abuja metropolitan vicinity (various undeclared campuses).
Established: Recently recognised private university (around 2023).
Overview: A multidisciplinary institution offering diverse programmes, still expanding its reputation and academic breadth.
Tuition Estimate: ₦1.5 m to ₦10 m per session, depending on course and services .
Why It Stands Out: Option for those exploring newer universities with growing course offerings.
8. Bingham University (Nasarawa State)
Location: Kodope, along Abuja–Keffi Express Way (~25 km from central Abuja)
Established: 2005 by ECWA; eastern Nigeria’s major private faith‑based institution.
Overview: Provides courses in Medicine, Management, Sciences, Social Sciences, and Education. Though outside the FCT, its proximity makes it relevant to Abuja-based students.
Fees: ₦460,000 to ₦2,800,000 depending on programme level.
Why It Stands Out: Affordable, faith‑based education within easy commuting distance of Abuja.
9. Miva Open University
Location: Online‑only, licensed in Abuja by uLesson (established March 2023).
Overview: Nigeria’s first fully licensed private online university. Offers fully flexible programmes in IT, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Public Health, Business Management, Public Policy, and more.
Tuition: Extremely affordable—approx. ₦100,000 to ₦300,000 per year. Postgraduate degrees also available.
Why It Stands Out: Convenient and cost‑effective; perfect for working professionals and remote learners.
10. African School of Economics Nigeria (ASE Nigeria)
Location: Plot 1095, Oladipo Diya Street, Gudu District, Abuja.
Established: Licensed February 2024. First class of students enrolled with support from AUDA‑NEPAD and Renewed Hope Initiative.
Overview: Offers undergraduate programmes in Arts & Sciences, Public Administration, Engineering, Environment & Energy Studies. Began with 200 scholarship students.
Tuition: Not widely published yet; likely in the moderate to premium range due to scholarship partnerships and private funding.
Why It Stands Out: High‑impact, developmental aim, scholarship‑driven model with Pan-African mandate.
Summary Table
| University | Location (within Abuja) | Fee Range (per session) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| African University of Science & Technology | Galadimawa | ₦1.5 m–₦4 m | Research‑focused, postgraduate excellence |
| Baze University | Jabi | ₦2.0 m–₦5.0 m | British curriculum, upcoming teaching hospital |
| Nile University of Nigeria | Jabi Airport Bypass | ₦2.4 m–₦5.95 m | Broad courses, strong medicine and engineering |
| Veritas University | Bwari | ₦0.4 m–₦0.6 m | Faith‑based, ethical grounded tertiary education |
| Philomath University | Kuje | ₦0.6 m–₦1.2 m | New, focused on Law & Management, affordable |
| European University of Nigeria | Central Business District | ₦1.5 m–₦3.0 m | European standards, modern facilities |
| Cosmopolitan University Abuja | Abuja vicinity | ₦1.5 m–₦10 m | Newly accredited, expanding programme |
| Bingham University (Nasarawa) | ~25 km from Abuja | ₦0.46 m–₦2.8 m | Faith‑based, nearby commuter option |
| Miva Open University | Online (Abuja‑based licence) | ₦0.1 m–₦0.3 m per year | Flexible online degrees, ultra‑affordable |
| African School of Economics Nigeria | Gudu District | Not published | Developmental institution with scholarships |
How Many Private Universities Are There in Abuja?
As of mid‑2025, Abuja has at least six accredited private universities located within the Federal Capital Territory: AUST, Baze, Nile, Veritas, Philomath, and European University. Including those just outside the FCT boundary (Bingham), plus licensed institutions like Miva and ASE, the broader count approaches ten.
What to Consider Before Applying
- Accreditation: Confirm that the institution is fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
- Faculty & Programmes: Choose based on desired fields—Medicine & Engineering attract premium fees, while Humanities often cost less.
- Learning Mode: Consider campus vs. online models—the latter may offer flexibility and savings.
- Hidden Costs: Check acceptance fees, caution deposits, library and development levies, hostel and feeding charges.
- Location & Commute: Some universities within or near Abuja (like Bingham) may require daily travel.
Admission Tips
- For undergraduate entry, make sure your JAMB score meets the cut-off point (usually around 160 for many private universities).
- Have five O‑level credits (WAEC/NECO) including English and Mathematics, at least at credit level.
- Most universities will require a post‑UTME screening. Visit the official university website to apply and track your application.
- For postgraduate or professional programmes, check documentation requirements (transcripts, letters, etc.) and application deadlines.
Conclusion
Whether you’re seeking cutting‑edge STEM research at AUST, practical law or management education at Philomath or European University, faith‑based learning at Veritas or Bingham, or the flexibility of online programmes like Miva and ASE Nigeria, this full list of private universities in Abuja equips you with the knowledge to compare and make an informed choice.
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