By Opeyemi Quadri 
There are presently 159 privately-owned universities in Nigeria, following the takeover and conversion of NOK University, Kachia, Kaduna State (a private university) by the federal government into a Federal University. The owner of the institution was accused of using proceeds from government contracts to fund the university.
Table of Contents
The number would have been 160 if NOK had not been taken over, especially after the April 30, 2025 approval of licences for 11 more universities, two of which are faith-based.
Historical background
Universities in Nigeria were originally government-controlled — either owned by the federal government or state governments — until May 10, 1999, when the military government of Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar granted operating licences to three institutions: Igbinedion, Madonna, and Babcock. These were the first three private universities in Nigeria.
Interesting Facts
1) The private universities established in Nigeria between 1999 and 2002 were religious or faith-based institutions, with the exceptions of Igbinedion and Pan-Atlantic University.
2) The open-market approach to university establishment gave religious institutions and bodies in the country—many of which had previously issued diplomas in Theology and other related religious certificates—the opportunity to upgrade their campuses to university level and apply for operating licences.
3) The highest number of licences for private universities was issued between 2015 and 2023, during which 98 private universities were officially approved.
4) There was no establishment of a new private university in the year 2000, 2004, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2014, and 2020,
5) All private universities in Nigeria are owned by religious bodies, politicians, government contractors, or pastors/Islamic clerics.
6) President Muhammadu Buhari approved 87 privately-owned universities in Nigeria during his eight years tenure, making it the highest by a single administration since 1999 to date.
The Full List
| Universities | Founders | Established |
| Babcock University,Ilishan-Remo | Seventh Day Adventist | May 10, 1999 |
| Igbinedion University Okada | Chief Lucky Igbinedion | May 10, 1999 |
| Madonna University, Okija | Rev. Fr. Professor E.M.P Edeh (Catholic) | May 10, 1999 |
| Bowen University, Iwo | Nigerian Baptist Convention | July 17, 2001 |
| Covenant University Ota | Bishop David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church Worldwide | October 21, 2002 |
| Benson Idahosa University, Benin City | Archbishop Margret Idahosa of Church of God Mission | February 2002 |
| Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos | Pan-Atlantic University Foundation (PAUF) | February 12, 2022 |
| American University of Nigeria, Yola | Alh. Atiku Abubakar | 2003 |
| Al-Qalam University, Katsina | Katsina Islamic Foundation | January 2005 |
| Caritas University, Enugu | The Catholic Mission | 2005 |
| Crescent University | Islamic Mission for Africa | 2005 |
| Bells University of Technology, Otta | Chief Olusegun Obasanjo | June 9, 2005 |
| Redeemer’s University, Ede | Redeemed Christian Church of God | January 7, 2005 |
| Lead City University, Ibadan | Professor Jide Owoeye of Eduserve Consult | February 16, 2005 |
| Ajayi Crowther University, Ibadan | Anglican Communion of Nigeria | January 7, 2005 |
| Novena University, Ogume, Delta | Chuks Ochonogor of Prowess Management & Technical Services Limited | June 2005 |
| Bingham University, New Karu | Evangelical Church Wining All, ECWA | January 5, 2005 |
| Kwararafa University, Wukari | Wukari Federation | 2005 |
| Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin | Abdul Raheem Oladimeji | January 7, 2005 |
| Renaissance University, Enugu | Chinwe Family led by Mrs. Chinwe Ezeh | 2005 |
| Crawford University Igbesa | Apostolic Faith Church | 2005 |
| University of Mkar, Mkar | Church of Christ in Sudan among the Tivs, NKST | June 6, 2005 |
| Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji | Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide | March 6, 2006 |
| Obong University, Obong Ntak | Church of Christ Nigeria | May 2, 2007 |
| African University of Science and Technology, Abuja | Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) | 2007 |
| Achievers University, Owo | Hon. Bode Ayorinde | December 11, 2007 |
| Fountain University, Osogbo | NASFAT | May 17, 2007 |
| Tansian University, Umunya | Reverend Msgn John Bosco Akam | May 17, 2007 |
| Caleb University, Lagos | Dr Oladega Adebogun | May 17, 2007 |
| Salem University, Lokoja | Fountain Faith Church | 2007 |
| Wesley University Ondo | Methodist Church of Nigeria | May 17, 2007 |
| Western Delta University, Oghara Delta State | Urhobo Advancement Foundation (UAF) with huge financial support of Chief James Ibori | 2007 |
| Veritas University, Abuja | Catholic Church in Nigeria | May 2007 |
| Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu-Nike, Enugu State | Catholic Diocese of Enugu | November 3, 2009 |
| Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State | Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) | 2009 |
| Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja | Honoris United Universities | 2009 |
| Paul University, Awka, Anambra State | Anglican Communion, Eastern Nigeria | 2009 |
| Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu – Osun State | Dr Rahmon Adedoyin | November 3, 2009 |
| Rhema University, Obeama-Asa, Rivers State | Living Word Ministries International Covenant Union/Bro. Emma Okorie | 2009 |
| Wellspring University, Evbuobanosa, Edo State | Management Science Centre/Pastor Ituah Ighodalo | 2009 |
| Baze University | Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed | March 7, 2011 |
| Adeleke University, Ede, Osun | Chief Adedeji Adeleke | March 7, 2011 |
| Landmark University, Omu-Aran | Bishop David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church Worldwide | March 21, 2011 |
| Glorious Vision University, Ogwa, Edo State | The Apostolic Faith Church | March 7, 2011 |
| Evangel University, Akaeze | Assemblies of God Church | February 28, 2012 |
| Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State | Chief Ade Ojo of Elizade Motors | February 28, 2012 |
| Gregory University, Uturu | Prof. Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe (Catholic) | February 2012 |
| Southwestern University, Oku Owa | Engr. Babatunde Odufuwa | February 2012 |
| Mcpherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ajebo, Ogun State | Four Square Church | February 28, 2012 |
| Hezekiah University, Umudi | Rev. Prof. Daddy Hezekiah of the Living Christ Mission | May 29, 2015 |
| Hallmark University, Ijebi Itele, Ogun | Vivian Fowler Trust Foundation | 2015 |
| Augustine University | Lagos Catholic Archdiocese | March 5, 2015 |
| Micheal & Cecilia Ibru University | Micheal Ibru & Cecilia Ibru | 2015 |
| Chrisland University | Dr. (Mrs) Winifred Awosika | September 17, 2015 |
| Kings University, Ode Omu | Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo of Kingsway International Christian Centre | March 4, 2015 |
| Edwin Clark University, Kaigbodo, Delta State | Chief Edwin Clark | May 11, 2015 |
| Christopher University Mowe, Ogun State | Chief Christopher Ikechi Eze | 2015 |
| Mountain Top University | Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries | 2015 |
| Summit University, Offa, Kwara | Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (AUD) | March 5, 2015 |
| Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom | Sen. Emmanuel Ibok Essien | March 5, 2015 |
| Kola Daisi University Ibadan, Oyo State | Chief Kola Daisi | November 2016 |
| Dominican University Ibadan Oyo State | Catholic | November 22, 2016 |
| Anchor University Ayobo Lagos State | Pastor William Folorunsho Kumuyi of Deeper Christian Life Ministry | September 2014 |
| Arthur Javis University Akpoyubo Cross river State | Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong | November 2016 |
| Legacy University, Okija Anambra State | Dr. Leonard Nkameme | 2016 |
| Ojaja University Eiyenkorin, Kwara State (formerly Crown Hill University) | Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II (Ooni of Ife) | 2016 |
| Clifford University Owerrinta Abia State | Seventh Day Adventist | November 2, 2016 |
| Coal City University Enugu State | Rev. Fr. Prof. Stan Anih | 2016 |
| Spiritan University, Nneochi Abia State | Catholic | December 6, 2017 |
| Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences Ijanikin, Lagos | Dr. Hammed Ayodele Ibraheem | 2017 |
| PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt, Rivers State | Dr. Peter Odili | 2017 |
| Precious Cornerstone University, Oyo | Sword of The Spirit Ministries | December 6, 2017 |
| Atiba University Oyo | Dr. James Ojebode | 2017 |
| Skyline University, Kano | Mr. Kamal Puri | May 2018 |
| Dominion University Ibadan, Oyo State | Bishop Taiwo Adelakun | 2019 |
| Greenfield University, Kaduna | Engr. Simon Nwakacha | February 5, 2019 |
| Westland University Iwo, Osun State | Engr. Wole Adepoju | 2019 |
| Trinity University Ogun State | Board of Governors led by Pastor (Engr.) A.B. Kolade | 2019 |
| Havilla University, Nde-Ikom, Cross River State | Evang. Jones Ojong Tangban | February, 2021 |
| Claretian University of Nigeria, Nekede, Imo State | St. Anthony Mary Claret | February, 2021 |
| Mewar International University, Masaka, Nasarawa State | Dr. Ashok Kumar Gadiya | February, 2021 |
| Topfaith University, Mkpatak, Akwa Ibom State | Dr. Emmanuel Thomas Abraham | February, 2021 |
| Mudiame University, Irrua, Edo State | Prof. Sunny Eromosele Eboh | February, 2021 |
| Ave Maria University, Piyanko, Nasarawa State | Mrs. Eucharia Onah | February, 2021 |
| Thomas Adewumi University, Oko-Irese, Kwara State | Engr. (Dr.) Johnson Adewumi | February, 2021 |
| Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kano State | Sen. Sulaiman Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila | February, 2021 |
| Karl-Kumm University, Vom, Plateau State | Church of Christ in National (COCIN) | February, 2021 |
| Maranatha University, Lagos | Rev. Chukwuemeka Ngubo of The Living Word Revival Assembly | February, 2021 |
| Capital City University, Kano State | Al-Bukhari Group | February, 2021 |
| Ahman Pategi University, Kwara State | Hon. Aliyu Bahago Ahman-Pategi | February, 2021 |
| Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Kano State | Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo | February, 2021 |
| University of Offa, Kwara State | Chief Rasaq Omoniyi Oyewale | February, 2021 |
| James Hope University, Lagos, Lagos State | Jim Ovia | February 3, 2021 |
| Anan University, Kwall, Plateau State | The Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) | February, 2021 |
| Edusoko University, Bida, Niger State | Multi-Gold International Ltd | February 2021 |
| Philomath University, Kuje, Abuja | Collins A. Aimuan Esq. | February, 2021 |
| Khadija University, Majia, Jigawa State | Alhaji Musa Adamu Majia | February, 2021 |
| Baba Ahmed University, Kano State | Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed | May12, 2022 |
| North Eastern University, Gombe | Dr. Sani Jauro | May 2022 |
| Sports University, Idumuje, Ugboko, Delta State | Senator Prince Ned Nwoko | May 2022 |
| Al-Ansar University, Maiduguri, Borno | Dr. Mohammed Kyari Dikwa | May 12, 2022 |
| Khalifa Isiyaku Rabiu University, Kano | Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu | 2022 |
| Margaret Lawrence University, Umunede, Delta State | Mr. Paul U. Odili | 2022 |
| Newgate University, MInna, Niger State | Alh. Hassan Nuhu | 2022 |
| Nigerian British University, Asa, Abia State | Dr. Chukwuemeka Umeoji | 2022 |
| European University of Nigeria, Duboyi, FCT | Prince Evang Nicholas Ukachukwu | 2022 |
| Saisa University of Medical Sciences and Technology, Sokoto State | Sokoto State Government | 2022 |
| NorthWest University Sokoto State | Senator (Dr.) Aliyu Magatakada Wamakko | 2022 |
| Peter University, Achina-Onneh Anambra State | Catholic dioceses of Awka and Ekwulobia | 2022 |
| Lux Mundi University Umuahia, Abia State | Prof. Gabriel Okenwa | 2023 |
| PeaceLand University, Enugu State | Mama Pia | 2023 |
| Rayhaan University, Kebbi | Abubakar Malami (SAN) | 2023 |
| Maduka University, Ekwegbe, Enugu State | Samuel Maduka Onyishi | 2023 |
| Sam Maris University, Ondo | Mr. Samuel Tomi Ologunorisa, (SAN) | 2023 |
| Amadeus University, Amizi, Abia State | Dr. Godwin Nwabunka | 2023 |
| Muhammad Kamalud University Kwara | Ansarul-Islam Society of Nigeria | 2023 |
| Azman University, Kano State | Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina | May 15, 2023 |
| Vision University, Ikogbo, Ogun State | Dr. Ngozi Okafor | May 15, 2023 |
| Aletheia University, Ago-Iwoye Ogun State | Major General Sansadeen Adebanjo Awosanya (Rtd.) | May 15, 2023 |
| Huda University, Gusau, Zamafara State | Khalid Alhammudy | May 15, 2023 |
| Hensard University, Toru-Orua, Sagbama, Bayelsa State | Henry Seriake Dickson (former governor of Bayelsa) | May 15, 2023 |
| Canadian University of Nigeria, Abuja | Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo | May 15, 2023 |
| British Canadian University, Obufu Cross River State | Princess Yemisi Kudehinbu | May 15, 2023 |
| Gerar University of Medical Science Imope Ijebu, Ogun State | Dr. Taiwo Afolabi | May 15, 2023 |
| Franco British International University, Kaduna State | Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo | May 15, 2023 |
| University on the Niger, Umunya, Anambra state | The Diocese on the Niger | May 15, 2023 |
| Phoenix University, Agwada, Nasarawa State | Senator Abdullahi Adamu (former governor of Nasarawa) | May 15, 2023 |
| Hillside University of Science and Technology, Okemisi, Ekiti State | Mr. Joseph Laoye Jaiyeola | May 15, 2023 |
| Amaj University, Kwali, Abuja | Attahiru Bafarawa (former governor of Sokoto) | May 15, 2023 |
| Elrazi Medical University Yargaya University, Kano State | Elrazi University in Sudan and Queen’s Science Academy (Kano) | May 15, 2023 |
| Wigwe University, Isiokpo Rivers State | Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe | May 15, 2023 |
| Mercy Medical University, Iwo | May 15, 2023 | |
| Shanahan University Onitsha, Anambra State | The Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha | May 15, 2023 |
| The Duke Medical University, Calabar, Cross River State | Donald Duke (former governor of Cross River) | May 15, May 2023 |
| Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti, Ekiti State | May 15, 2023 | |
| Miva Open University, Abuja FCT | Sim Shagaya of uLesson Group | May 15, 2023 |
| Cosmopolitan University Abuja | Prof. Ibrahim Katampe | May 15, 2023 |
| Al-Muhibbah Open University, Abuja | Dr. Aisha Bala Muhammed | May 15, 2023 |
| West Midlands Open University, Ibadan, Oyo State | Oba Murtala Adebayo Akande | May 15, 2023 |
| El-Amin University, Minna, Niger State | Mrs Maryam Babangida | May 15, 2023 |
| Iconic Open University, Sokoto State | Dr. Anas Sanusi Gusau | May 15, 2023 |
| Jewel University, Gombe state | May 15, 2023 | |
| College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna State | Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) | May 15, 2023 |
| Al-Bayan University, Ankpa, Kogi State | Dr. Sani Harun | May 15, 2023 |
| Prime University, Kuje, FCT Abuja | Capital Science Academy (CSA);Nigeria-Ghana International College (NGIC);Al-Noor International Academy (AIA) | May 15, 2023 |
| Nigerian University of Technology and Management, Apapa, Lagos State | Dr. Babs Omotowa | May 15, 2023 |
| African University of Economics, FCT, Abuja | Professor Leonard Wantchekon | February 22, 2024 |
| Lighthouse University, Evbobanosa, Edo State | Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude of Gospel Light International Ministries | February 22, 2024 |
| Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State | April 30, 2025 | |
| Eranova University, Abuja | April 30, 2025 | |
| Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State | Bishop Tom Samson of Christ Royal Church | April 30, 2025 |
| Minaret International University, Ikirun, Osun State | Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria | April 30, 2025 |
| New City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State | Mr Akin Akingbesote | April 30, 2025 |
| Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Ogba, Ganmo, Ilorin, Kwara State | Alhaji Abdulrazaq Abubakar Toyin | April 30, 2025 |
| Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara State | Chief Rasaq Omoniyi Oyewale | April 30, 2025 |
| University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State | Senator Jimoh Ibrahim | April 30, 2025 |
| Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin City, Edo State | Prof. Tonnie Iredia | April 30, 2025 |
| Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo, Enugu State | Kevin Eze | April 30, 2025 |
| Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos State | Engr. Isaac Balami | April 30, 2025 |
Operating Licenses Per Year
For the rest of 1999, after the democratic transition on May 29, no other private university was licensed, and none was also approved in 2000. In 2001, the only private university granted a licence was Bowen University, Iwo.
In 2002, Benson Idahosa University (Benin City), Covenant University (Ota), and Pan-Atlantic University (Lagos) received licences under the Olusegun Obasanjo administration. In 2003, the only private university licensed was the American University of Nigeria, Yola, founded by then Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Below is the number of operating licences issued to private universities per year (from 1999 to date):
- 1999: 3
- 2000: None
- 2001: 1
- 2002: 3
- 2003: 1
- 2004: None
- 2005: 14
- 2006: 1
- 2007: 10
- 2008: None
- 2009: 7
- 2010: None
- 2011: 4
- 2012: 5
- 2013: None
- 2014: None
- 2015: 11
- 2016: 8
- 2017: 5
- 2018: 1
- 2019: 4
- 2020: None
- 2021: 20
- 2022: 12
- 2023: 37
- 2024: 2
- 2025: 11
References
- National Universities Commission (NUC). Retreived May 4, 2025
Analysis
- By Opeyemi Quadri
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