Private Universities In Abuja: Full List, School Fees, Courses, Cut-Off Marks And Admission Requirements

If you are searching for private universities in Abuja, you have several institutions to choose from. The Federal Capital Territory has a mixture of established private universities and newer institutions offering undergraduate programmes in areas such as Medicine, Nursing, Law, Engineering, Computer Science, Business and the social sciences.

However, finding the right university is about more than knowing its name. You also need to consider the course you want to study, school fees, admission requirements, JAMB score, accommodation, location and the accreditation status of your programme.

This guide provides a current private universities in Abuja and the FCT, what prospective students should check before applying, and where to verify important admission information.

Full List Of Private Universities In Abuja

The National Universities Commission (NUC) Nigerian University System directory currently lists the following private universities in the FCT.

The NUC directory identifies these institutions as private universities in the FCT. It also distinguishes them from federal universities such as the University of Abuja and the National Open University of Nigeria.

Important note: School fees, accommodation charges, courses and admission requirements can change from one academic session to another. Always confirm the latest information from the university before making payment.

Veritas University

Veritas University is a private university in Abuja established in 2006. It offers programmes across several academic areas, including health sciences, law, social sciences, management, humanities, computing and other disciplines.

For the 2025/2026 admission information published by the university, the minimum UTME score was 170 for many programmes, while some professional programmes had higher requirements. The university listed 250 for Medicine and Law, 210 for Nursing and 200 for Pharmacy.

The university also publishes its fees and other charges through its official website. Because charges can vary by programme, applicants should check the current fee schedule instead of relying on an old figure.

African University Of Science And Technology (AUST)

The African University of Science and Technology is a private university in Abuja established in 2007. It is particularly associated with science, technology, engineering and related academic fields.

Students interested in AUST should check the current programme list, admission requirements and fee schedule directly from the university before applying.

Nile University Of Nigeria

Nile University of Nigeria is one of the established private universities in Abuja and was founded in 2009.

The university offers programmes across areas such as health sciences, computing, engineering, law, management, social sciences and other disciplines.

For the 2026/2027 academic session, Nile University’s official website lists Medicine and Surgery at ₦3,575,000 per semester or ₦7,150,000 per session. Other programmes have different fees.

Nile also provides on-campus accommodation. Its published 2026/2027 accommodation information lists a base hostel fee of ₦1,250,000, with other services such as laundry and meals treated separately.

For admission, Nile states that candidates seeking undergraduate admission must meet its O’Level requirements and complete the applicable screening process. For the 2026/2027 session, its published screening information says applicants should have selected Nile as their first choice and have the required O’Level credits.

Baze University

Baze University is a private university in Abuja established in 2011.

The university offers programmes in several areas, including Medicine, Engineering, Computing, Law, Management and other disciplines.

Also Read: List Of Private Universities In Ibadan And Their School Fees (2026/2027 Updated)

Baze’s official admission information indicates that undergraduate applicants must have the required O’Level credits, including the applicable WAEC, NECO or NABTEB requirements.

Accommodation is also available. Baze’s student handbook gives an estimated average hostel accommodation cost of ₦500,000 per academic session, although students should confirm the current charge before budgeting because accommodation fees can change.

Philomath University

Philomath University is located in Kuje, Abuja, and was established in 2021 according to the NUC directory.

Students considering the university should check its current undergraduate programmes, admission requirements, tuition fees and accommodation arrangements before applying.

European University Of Nigeria

European University of Nigeria is a private university in Abuja established in 2022.

As with other relatively new universities, prospective students should pay attention to the exact programme they want to study. Check the university’s current programme list and verify the programme’s regulatory status before making payment.

Canadian University Of Nigeria

Canadian University of Nigeria is listed by the NUC as a private university in Abuja established in 2023.

Applicants should check the university’s current admission portal for available courses, entry requirements, tuition and accommodation information.

Miva Open University

Miva Open University is a private open university located in Abuja and established in 2023.

Unlike a conventional campus-based university, an open university operates with a different learning model. Students should therefore understand how lectures, examinations, assessments and student support work before applying.

Cosmopolitan University

Cosmopolitan University is a private university in Abuja established in 2023.

Prospective students should check the current university website for available programmes, fees, admission requirements and application procedures.

Also Read: Private Universities In Lagos: Full List, Fees, Courses And Admission Requirements

Amaj University

Amaj University is listed by the NUC as a private university in Abuja and was established in 2023.

Applicants should verify the latest course list and admission requirements for their intended programme before applying.

Prime University

Prime University is a private university in Abuja established in 2023. It appears in the NUC’s current Nigerian University System directory.

Students should check the current official admission information for its available courses, fees and application requirements.

Al-Muhibbah Open University

Al-Muhibbah Open University is a private open university in Abuja established in 2023.

Students interested in flexible learning should compare its study structure, programme availability and fees with conventional private universities before making a decision.

African School Of Economics

The African School of Economics is listed by the NUC as a private university in the FCT and was established in 2024.

Because it is a relatively new institution, students should carefully check the programmes currently available and the requirements for their preferred course.

Eranova University

Eranova University is located in Mabushi, Abuja, and is listed by the NUC as a private university established in 2025.

Applicants should verify current programme availability, fees and admission requirements directly from the institution.

Leadership University

Leadership University is a private university in Abuja established in 2025. The NUC included it among newly approved private universities.

As a newer institution, applicants should confirm the specific courses available for their admission year before applying.

City University, Abuja

City University, Abuja is listed in the NUC’s current directory as a private university established in 2026.

Students considering the university should verify the current undergraduate programmes, admission requirements, fees and accommodation information before applying.

Ummah University Of Nigeria

Ummah University of Nigeria is also listed by the NUC as a private university in Abuja, with 2026 given as its establishment year.

Because it is a newer institution, applicants should check the latest official information before making an admission decision.

Courses Offered By Private Universities In Abuja

The courses available depend on the university. Common fields across private universities in Abuja include:

• Medicine and Surgery
• Nursing
• Pharmacy
• Medical Laboratory Science
• Human Anatomy
• Human Physiology
• Public Health
• Law
• Computer Science
• Software Engineering
• Cybersecurity
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Accounting
• Business Administration
• Economics
• Mass Communication
• Political Science
• International Relations
• Education
• Architecture
• Quantity Surveying
• Other science, technology, management and humanities programmes

However, this should not be treated as a course list for every university. A university may offer one programme while another does not. Always check the institution’s current course list before applying.

Private Universities In Abuja Offering Medicine

Students looking for Medicine should pay particular attention to the university and programme rather than simply searching for a university with “health sciences.”

For example, Nile University currently lists MBBS Medicine and Surgery as a six-year programme, with a published 2026/2027 fee of ₦7,150,000 per session.

Veritas University also publishes Medicine admission requirements and listed a 250 UTME threshold for Medicine in its 2025/2026 admission information.

Because Medicine is a professionally regulated programme, prospective students should verify the programme’s current accreditation status before enrolling.

Private Universities In Abuja Offering Nursing

Nursing is another popular choice among prospective university students.

Veritas University, for example, listed Nursing with a 210 UTME threshold in its 2025/2026 admission announcement.

However, admission requirements and available programmes can change. If Nursing is your preferred course, check the current programme information from each university before applying.

Private Universities In Abuja Offering Law

Law is available at some private universities in Abuja. Veritas University, for example, lists Law among its programmes and published a 250 UTME threshold for the 2025/2026 session.

Applicants should check the current university requirements and programme accreditation before paying any admission-related fee.

Private Universities In Abuja Offering Engineering

Students interested in Engineering can consider institutions with engineering programmes, including universities such as AUST, Nile University and Baze University.

The exact branches of Engineering differ between universities. These may include fields such as Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Computer Engineering.

Always confirm the exact course title and current programme status before applying.

What Is The JAMB Cut-Off Mark For Private Universities In Abuja?

There is no single JAMB cut-off mark that applies to every private university in Abuja.

JAMB itself explains that there is no uniform national UTME score used as the cut-off for all universities. Institutions determine their own admission thresholds within the applicable admission framework.

For example, Veritas University published different thresholds for different programmes: 170 for many courses, 200 for Pharmacy, 210 for Nursing, and 250 for Medicine and Law for its 2025/2026 admission exercise.

Therefore, if you want to know whether your JAMB score is enough, check the requirement for your university and your exact course.

General Admission Requirements

Although requirements vary, undergraduate applicants will commonly need:

• The required UTME result where applicable.
• Relevant O’Level credits in WAEC, NECO, NABTEB or an accepted equivalent.
• English Language and other required subjects for the chosen course.
• The university’s screening or application process.
• Additional requirements for certain professional programmes.
• Direct Entry qualifications where applying through Direct Entry.

For example, Baze University states that undergraduate applicants should have at least five relevant O’Level credits, while Nile University also requires the relevant O’Level credits for its undergraduate screening.

Are Private Universities In Abuja NUC Approved?

The institutions listed in the NUC’s Nigerian University System directory are recognised within the Nigerian university system. The current NUC directory identifies the Abuja private universities and their ownership.

However, there is an important distinction between university recognition and programme accreditation.

A university may be recognised while individual programmes have different accreditation statuses. NUC’s accreditation database, for example, publishes programme-specific results and currently shows different accreditation statuses for programmes at Veritas University.

Therefore, if you are applying for Medicine, Nursing, Law, Pharmacy, Engineering or another regulated course, verify the specific programme, not just the university.

Hostel And Accommodation

Accommodation varies considerably between private universities.

Some universities operate campus hostels, while others may provide different accommodation arrangements.

Nile University currently publishes a 2026/2027 accommodation base fee of ₦1,250,000.

Baze University’s student handbook gives an estimated average hostel accommodation fee of ₦500,000 per academic session, although applicants should confirm the latest figure before budgeting.

For other universities, it is safer to check the latest official accommodation information rather than quoting an old figure.

How To Apply To A Private University In Abuja

The application process normally involves several steps.

First, decide on your preferred university and course. Then check the institution’s official admission requirements.

Next, create an account on the university’s official admission portal and complete the application form. Depending on the institution, you may need to provide your JAMB details, O’Level results, passport photograph and other documents.

After submitting the application, follow the university’s instructions for screening, interview or verification.

For example, Veritas asks applicants to complete its online application and provide documents such as a JAMB result slip, O’Level result and other supporting documents.

Do not pay an individual claiming to be an admission agent unless you have independently verified that the payment channel is authorised by the university.

Most Affordable Private Universities In Abuja

It is difficult to name one university as the permanently cheapest because fees change from year to year and differ substantially by programme.

A better way to compare affordability is to calculate the total annual cost, including:

• Tuition
• Acceptance charges
• Registration
• Accommodation
• Feeding
• Medical charges
• Departmental or faculty charges
• Books and learning materials
• Transportation

A university with lower tuition may not necessarily be cheaper after accommodation and other compulsory charges are included.

Best Private Universities In Abuja

There is no single private university that is objectively the best for every student.

For a student interested in Medicine, the important factors include the medical programme, facilities, clinical training and accreditation.

For Engineering, facilities, programme quality and professional recognition matter.

For Law, students should consider the programme’s approval and the overall academic environment.

For students working with a limited budget, the total cost of attendance becomes especially important.

Therefore, instead of choosing a university because it is called the “best,” compare it based on the course you want to study, your budget, location, accommodation and programme status.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

How Many Private Universities Are In Abuja?

The current NUC Nigerian University System directory lists 17 private universities in the FCT.

Which Private University Is The Cheapest In Abuja?

There is no permanent cheapest private university because fees vary by institution, course and academic session. Compare the complete cost of attendance rather than tuition alone.

What Is The Minimum JAMB Score For Private Universities In Abuja?

There is no single JAMB cut-off mark for every private university. Individual universities and programmes can have different thresholds.

Are Private Universities In Abuja Recognised By NUC?

The universities listed in the NUC’s current Nigerian University System directory are recognised as institutions within the Nigerian university system. However, students should separately check the accreditation status of their intended programme.

Do Private Universities In Abuja Accept JAMB?

Admission procedures vary. Prospective students should check the specific university’s current requirements and follow the applicable JAMB and institutional admission process.