The finest private universities in Lagos State are owned by organizations, religious institutions, and individuals and are dispersed throughout the state.
Pan Atlantic University, Anchor University, Caleb University, Augustine University, and EkoUNIMED are among these institutions of higher education.
To elucidate the methodology behind compiling this enumeration of preeminent private universities in Lagos, various criteria were assessed.
These encompass metrics such as research and academic achievements, citation counts, alumni success, accolades, historical standing, postgraduate employment, and global perspective.
Additionally, the positioning of these universities on international university rankings compiled by esteemed and influential evaluators was considered. In light of this, the following is a compilation of the most prestigious private universities in Lagos, accompanied by an explanation of their superior status.
List of Best Private Universities in Lagos, and what are their tuition costs?
1. Lagos Pan-Atlantic University
- Established 2002
- Location: Lekki, Lagos State.
- The average fee per session is 3 million.
In 1991, when it was founded, the Pan-African University (PAU) was formerly referred to as the Lagos Business School (LBS). Later, in 2002, it was elevated to university status, with LBS serving as its inaugural institution.
The university has an extensive history of fostering the growth of individuals in a variety of disciplines via, among other things, conferences, certification programs, degrees, and post-graduate courses.
The School of Science and Technology (SST), the School of Management and Social Sciences (SMSS), and the School of Media and Communication (SMC) comprise its undergraduate programs.
The Postgraduate Diploma Program, Master’s Programs, and Doctoral Programs comprise the Postgraduate Programs.
It has continued to observe Global Entrepreneurship Week since its inaugural observance in 2011 as an indication of its commitment to excellence.
Pan-Atlantic University has established longstanding partnerships with numerous organizations and individuals in order to advance excellence for the institution, its student body, the academic community, and Nigeria.
A collaboration between the organization and the Department of the International Finance Corporation of the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) is underway, with the mutual objective of delivering a SME Toolkit to Nigeria.
Eminent individuals have delivered speeches at the university covering a wide range of subjects. They consist of British Prime Minister David Cameron in 2011; Nestlé Nigeria Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager Victoria Uwadoka in 2020; and Morayo Afolabi-Brown, a television host renowned for her viewpoint, Your View.
The institution has achieved the fortyth rank among the preeminent universities in Nigeria. It has also maintained its position on the Financial Times’ list of the top global institutions. It was one of only four African institutions to be included in the FT’s ranking, which was published in London in 2017.
Additionally, it has been bestowed with the Community Vote for Entrepreneurial University (Africa) Award, Filex Award for Innovation, and ranked fifth in the Entrepreneurial University (Africa) Awards. Furthermore, numerous studies conducted at the institution have garnered citations and been published in reputable journals and venues, including Research Gate.
Costs associated with attending school differ depending on the academic year, the specific institution, and the courses offered. The annual tuition for 100-level undergraduates varies from 2.7 million to 3.8 million, whereas postgraduate students pay between 1.8 million and 8 million.
Similar to numerous private universities in Lagos and Nigeria, Pan Atlantic University implements a tuition sliding scale to facilitate convenient payment. Students have the option of paying for a session in its entirety or in installments over the course of several semesters.
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Prominent alumni of the renowned Pan-African University include Olalekan Sipasi, a farmer and entrepreneur, Kemi Lala Akinkpoju, a television presenter and filmmaker Chude Jideonwo, and Gbemi Olateru Olagbegi.
List of Best Private Universities in Lagos, and what are their tuition costs?
2. Anchor University, Ayobo Lagos
- Established in 2014, NUC-approved in 2016.
- Location: Ayobo-Ipaja Lagos State Nigeria
Average Fees: 650,000
Anchor University is under the ownership of Deeper Life Church, and Pastor William Kumuyi serves as its chancellor. It has received NUC accreditation and is among the top private universities in Lagos.
While the university was established in 2014, NUC approval did not come until 2016. At the outset, only three faculties offered an extensive array of courses. Later, however, an additional one was added, bringing the total to four.
Faculty of Law, Faculty of Science and Science Education, Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, and Faculty of Humanities comprise these faculties.
Postgraduate courses, professional certificates, and degrees are all provided by the institution. The institution has established partnerships with Nigerian and international academic organizations over time in an effort to enhance its academic standing.
Collaborations with Anderson University in South Carolina are among these. This is to provide both universities with opportunities for professional, academic, and research growth.
Additionally, the educational institution has amassed a respectable number of accomplishments since its inception.
Three students of the institution won the Science and Technology Research Competition for tertiary institutions, which was organized by the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC), in March 2023.
In regard to the tuition at Anchor University, distinct fees are established for each academic program. As of the publication of this report, the basic tuition for pupils at the 100-level varies from ₦219 000 to ₦840,000, contingent upon the specific curriculum.
These expenses are in addition to registration, examination, and medical screening fees.
The cumulative cost for Nigerian students is approximately ₦387,500 to ₦1.2 million, while for international students it is approximately $3,000 USD.
List of Best Private Universities in Lagos, and what are their tuition costs?
3. Caleb University
- Established in 2007 and situated in Imota, Lagos State, Nigeria
- Average fees: 400,000
Caleb University Lagos (CUL) is a prestigious private institution in Lagos that has consistently maintained a position among the ten most desirable private universities in Nigeria, according to the institution’s website.
Numerous reputable evaluations place it at the 52nd rank among Nigerian universities. Establishing in Lagos State, it is among the first private universities to confer degrees; it has grown steadily and progressively in its educational prowess.
As of the present moment, the institution, which was founded in 2007, comprises six faculties offering a total of twenty-seven undergraduate programs and nine postgraduate programs.
Tuition at Caleb University may be paid on a sessionly or semesterly basis. The minimum tuition fee for a semester is ₦200,000, with per-session fees exceeding ₦400,000. Tuition at the institution differs according to program and level of study.
4. Augustine University
- Established in 2008 (NUC-approved in 2015)
- Location: Igbonla Epe, Lagos.
- ₦400,000 (on average) in fees per session
Augustine University, founded in 2008 and granted NUC approval in 2015 under the motto “Pro Scientia Et Moribus” (Latin for “For Learning and Characterism”), was established with the intention of educating students to be champions in both education and character.
Despite its location in Ilara-Epe, Epe Local Government Area, Lagos State, the educational institution attracts pupils from various regions throughout the nation.
The Faculty of Humanities, Management, and Social Sciences (FAHUMSS), the Faculty of Science (FACUS), the Faculty of Engineering (FACE), and the Faculty of Basic Medical and Health Sciences (FABMEHS) comprise the approximately four faculties at Augustine University.
In addition, a multitude of postgraduate programs are available, including the Post Graduate Diploma (PGD), Master of Science (M.Sc.), and Ph.D. In pursuit of academic excellence and growth, the institution provides a variety of certified and professional courses, ICAN being among them.
The educational institution has been bestowed with commendations and accolades. This encompasses the African Youth Initiative, which bestowed the Beacon of Hope for Africa Development upon the Vice Chancellor of the institution in recognition of his contribution to the school’s advancement and the advancement of young people in general.
List of Best Private Universities in Lagos, and what are their tuition costs?
The cost of fundamental tuition at St. Augustine University varies between ₦200,000 and ₦816,000, contingent upon factors such as academic standing, program of study, and level. Nevertheless, supplementary fees may apply for lodging, medical examination, and levy, among other things. Consequently, each session incurs a total cost ranging from ₦800,000 to ₦1.4 million.
5. EKOUNIMED, Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences.
Established in 2017 at Badagry Exp, Ojo, Lagos
- The average session fee is one million.
The inaugural privately owned medical university in Nigeria and West Africa is Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences.
It was founded by Dr. Ibraheem Hameed in 2017 and provides Medicine and Surgery, Anatomy, Medical Biochemistry, Pharmacology, and Physiology, among other programs.
One hundred newly admitted students to the medical university are required to pay a total of 3,017,500 in school fees (basic fee and other session charges). As of the time of this report, the fee for 200 direct entry and returning students from levels 200 to 600 is still under review.
Conversely, similar to other Nigerian universities, the tuition fees for returning students will be reduced in comparison to those for new students.