Nigeria’s National Universities Commission (NUC) is responsible for accrediting all degree-granting institutions.
As of mid-2025, there are 148 officially licensed private universities in the country.
These institutions go through intense checks to ensure their programs, facilities, and governance meet national standards, offering students viable alternatives to federal and state universities.
Which private universities have the longest history of accreditation?
Some of the earliest NUC-approved private universities include:
- Babcock University, Ogun (est. 1999)
- Covenant University, Ogun (2002–2007 era)
- Benson Idahosa University, Edo (2002)
- Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo (2005)
- Bells University of Technology, Ogun (2005)
These institutions have established solid reputations over time in teaching and research.
Are there private universities in all six geopolitical zones?
Yes. NUC-accredited private universities are spread across Nigeria. Recent approvals include:
- Miva Open University, Abuja (2023) – first fully online university
- African School of Economics, Abuja (2024)
- Khadija University, Jigawa (2014)
- Ritman University, Akwa Ibom (2015)
This geographical diversity gives students access to accredited private education nationwide.
Can students pursue postgraduate studies at private universities?
Yes. Out of over 70 accredited private universities, 18 are approved by NUC to offer postgraduate programs. These include:
- American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola
- Covenant University, Ogun
- Babcock University, Ogun
- Benson Idahosa University, Edo
- African University of Science & Technology, Abuja
This accreditation allows students to earn Master’s and doctoral degrees from respected private institutions.
How many new private universities received licences recently?
NUC continues to expand private higher education. In June 2023, licences were granted to 37 institutions, bringing the total to 147 at the time.
As of July 2025, the count stands at 148 accredited private universities .
Where can I find the official list of accredited private universities?
The definitive source is the NUC website, which lists all licensed institutions.
You can also refer to trusted publications by outlets like Punch, Legit, and Kashgain that periodically replicate the official list with additional information.
Do all private universities offer the same programs?
Not necessarily. Some focus on specific disciplines:
- Miva Open University specializes in online degrees: Computer Science, Cyber Security, Nursing, Accounting
- African School of Economics emphasizes arts, science, and economics
- Khadija University offers Medical Lab Science, Nursing, Software Engineering
Each university publishes its approved programme list on the NUC portal or university website.
How do I verify a private university’s accreditation?
To confirm a university’s legitimacy:
- Search the NUC official portal under “Private Universities”
- Ensure your chosen university appears in the current list
- Check for programme-level approval (undergraduate/postgraduate) on the NUC site
- Cross-verify via university websites and credible educational portals; beware of unlicensed or recently established scammers that mimic accredited names