Ebonyi State — known as the “Salt of the Nation” — has grown its higher-education landscape significantly in recent years. The state now hosts six universities in total, spanning federal, state, and privately-owned institutions. If you’re a prospective jambite, parent, or transfer student researching the private universities in Ebonyi state and their fees, this guide gives you verified, up-to-date information to plan your admission and school fees with full clarity.
Here is the straight truth: as of the 2026/2027 session, only ONE NUC-accredited private university currently operates in Ebonyi State — Evangel University, Akaeze. Anyone claiming there are multiple private universities in Ebonyi state and their fees beyond that is either outdated or inaccurate. This article covers Evangel University in full, then maps nearby private universities in neighbouring states that Ebonyi-based candidates commonly consider for admission.
Ebonyi State Universities at a Glance
Before diving into private options, here’s a quick snapshot of every university operating in Ebonyi State as of 2026/2027. This context helps you understand where Evangel University sits in the broader landscape of private universities in Ebonyi state and their fees.
| Type | University | Location | Year Established |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal | Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI) | Ndufu-Alike | 2011 |
| Federal | David Nwese Omae Federal University of Medical Sciences | Abakaliki area | 2023 |
| State | Ebonyi State University (EBSU) | Abakaliki | 1999 |
| State | Ebonyi State University of ICT, Science and Technology | Oferekpe | 2025 |
| State | Ebonyi State University of Aeronautics & Aerospace Engineering | Ezza | 2025 |
| Private | Evangel University, Akaeze | Akaeze / Okpoto | 2012 |
Of the six universities in Ebonyi State, Evangel University stands alone as the NUC-accredited private option. State and federal universities dominate the landscape — a reality that shapes how Ebonyi candidates approach private-school admissions.
Evangel University, Akaeze: Full Overview
Evangel University is the only entry on the list of private universities in Ebonyi state and their fees, and it carries a strong profile despite its small footprint. Proprietorship sits with the Assemblies of God, Nigeria, a well-established Christian denomination. The NUC granted operational licence on 28 February 2012, and academic activities commenced on 17 November 2012 at the take-off campus in Okpoto, Km 48 Enugu-Abakaliki Expressway.
The university operates on the Christian mission principle of “total education for the liberation of the total man” — meaning academics integrate faith, ethics, leadership, and community service. While open to applicants from every background, Assemblies of God members (AG students) enjoy reduced school fees.
Key facts about Evangel University
- Location: Akaeze, Ebonyi State (Take-off campus at Okpoto)
- Ownership: Assemblies of God, Nigeria
- Year established: 2012
- NUC licence: Full provisional licence, 28 February 2012
- Colleges: College of Health Sciences, College of Science, College of Business Studies, School of General Studies
- Motto: “Education for the total man”
Evangel University School Fees 2026/2027 (Full Breakdown)
Now for the most searched question among candidates researching private universities in Ebonyi state and their fees — what does Evangel University actually charge? The school operates a two-tier fee structure: reduced fees for Assemblies of God (AG) members, and standard fees for non-AG students. Fees are also categorised by faculty — Health Sciences programmes cost more than non-Health programmes.
Non-Health Sciences programmes (per session)
| Student Category | First Semester | Second Semester | Session Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| AG Students | ₦192,000 | ₦130,000 | ₦322,000 |
| Non-AG Students | ₦210,000 | ₦140,000 | ₦350,000 |
Non-Health Sciences here covers programmes like Business Administration, Accounting, Economics, Computer Science, Mass Communication, Microbiology, Biochemistry, and other courses outside the health-sciences block.
Health Sciences programmes (per session)
| Student Category | Session Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AG Students | ₦361,800 | Approved College of Health Sciences rate |
| Non-AG Students | ₦400,000 | Approved College of Health Sciences rate |
Health Sciences programmes include Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Public Health, and related courses under the College of Health Sciences.
Additional first-year fees (fresh students only)
| Fee Type | Amount | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| Admission form | ₦2,000 | Fresh applicants only |
| Acceptance fee | ₦50,000 | Admitted first-year students |
| Accreditation fee | ₦30,000 | First-year (where applicable) |
| Medical screening & ID card | Variable | All fresh students |
Hostel accommodation is mandatory at Evangel University and bundled into the school fee, which is unusual compared to most Nigerian private universities where hostel is paid separately.
Why Ebonyi State Has Only One Private University
Several realities shape the current state of the list of private universities in Ebonyi State and their fees structure. Understanding these helps set realistic expectations:
- Ebonyi has historically prioritised state-funded tertiary expansion — three state universities were established in less than 30 years
- The state government’s heavy investment in public higher education reduces the immediate commercial case for private operators
- Private university licences from NUC require substantial capital — land, labs, hostels, and faculty — making entry costly
- Ebonyi’s central location gives students easy access to private universities in Enugu, Abia, Imo, and Cross River
- Most faith-based investors concentrate private universities in denser urban centres like Owerri, Enugu, and Port Harcourt
Accredited Courses at Evangel University
Evangel University runs a growing list of undergraduate programmes across four academic units. Programmes listed below reflect current accredited offerings as of 2026/2027:
College of Science
- Biochemistry, Microbiology, Computer Science, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics with Electronics
College of Business Studies
- Accounting, Business Administration, Banking and Finance, Economics
College of Health Sciences
- Nursing Science, Public Health, Medical Laboratory Science
School of Arts, Social Sciences and Education
- Mass Communication, Religious Studies, Sociology, Political Science, English and Literary Studies
Always confirm current accreditation status on the NUC website and on evangeluniversity.edu.ng before applying — programmes undergo periodic re-accreditation reviews.
Admission Requirements for Evangel University
To gain admission into Evangel University, candidates must satisfy both JAMB and Evangel’s internal requirements:
- Sit the JAMB UTME and select Evangel University as either first or second choice
- Score the Evangel departmental cut-off (typically 140–180, depending on programme)
- Hold five O’Level credits including English and Mathematics (one or two sittings) from WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB
- Meet specific subject requirements per programme (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics for Nursing)
- Complete the Evangel University post-UTME screening
- Participate in the admission interview organised by the Registrar’s office
Direct Entry candidates with A-Levels, OND, HND, NCE, IJMB, or JUPEB can apply into 200 level subject to meeting the UTME equivalency requirements.
Nearby Alternatives: Private Universities Around Ebonyi State
If you want private-university options beyond Ebonyi, several NUC-accredited private institutions sit within a 2-to-4-hour drive. Many Ebonyi candidates apply to these when comparing the list of private universities in Ebonyi state and their fees with nearby options. Fees below are session-level estimates and change each year.
| Private University | State | Estimated Annual Fees (₦) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renaissance University, Ugbawka | Enugu | 450,000 – 900,000 | ~1 hour |
| Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu-Nike | Enugu | 500,000 – 1,100,000 | ~1.5 hours |
| Coal City University, Enugu | Enugu | 400,000 – 900,000 | ~1.5 hours |
| Gregory University, Uturu | Abia | 600,000 – 1,200,000 | ~2 hours |
| Clifford University, Owerrinta | Abia | 500,000 – 1,000,000 | ~2.5 hours |
| Madonna University, Okija | Anambra | 600,000 – 1,500,000 | ~3 hours |
| Tansian University, Umunya | Anambra | 400,000 – 900,000 | ~3 hours |
| Hensard University, Toru-Orua | Bayelsa | Check portal | ~4+ hours |
Fees here are indicative only — health sciences, engineering, and law programmes typically sit at the higher end of each range. Always confirm the exact figure on the target university’s official portal before applying.
Reasons to Pick Evangel University
Even though it sits alone on the list of private universities in Ebonyi State and their fees, Evangel University competes strongly against bigger private institutions in other states:
- Affordable fees — Evangel ranks among the lowest-priced accredited private universities in southeast Nigeria
- AG membership discount makes it even cheaper for Assemblies of God youth
- Small class sizes allow personalised attention from lecturers
- Christian-values curriculum appeals to faith-focused families
- Hostel accommodation included in the main school fee
- Close proximity to home for Ebonyi-based students — reduced transportation costs
- Growing accreditation — College of Health Sciences added recently, expanding Nursing and Public Health options
Scam Alert: Verify Before You Pay
Every admission season, fraudsters exploit confusion around the private universities in Ebonyi state and their fees to target anxious candidates. Protect yourself from these common schemes:
- Fake “private universities in Ebonyi” that don’t exist — always verify on nuc.edu.ng
- Agents promising admission for cash — NUC and Evangel University never sell admission
- Fake acceptance letters on WhatsApp — always cross-check directly with the registrar’s office
- “Admission consultants” charging ₦200,000+ — apply directly through JAMB CAPS and the official university portal for free
- Impersonation accounts on social media — only trust verified handles and the domain evangeluniversity.edu.ng
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many private universities are in Ebonyi State in 2026? Only one. Evangel University, Akaeze, is currently the sole NUC-accredited entry on any list of private universities in Ebonyi state and their fees for the 2026/2027 session.
2. What are the fees at Evangel University? For 2025/2026 (the most recent published schedule), AG students pay ₦322,000/session for non-health courses and ₦361,800 for health sciences. Non-AG students pay ₦350,000 and ₦400,000 respectively. Expect slight upward adjustments for 2026/2027.
3. Does Evangel University offer Medicine and Surgery? No. Evangel University’s College of Health Sciences currently offers Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, and Public Health. Medicine and Surgery is not among its accredited programmes. Candidates seeking MBBS should apply to federal or state universities.
4. Can non-Christians attend Evangel University? Yes. Evangel University admits students from every religious background. However, the university maintains Christian values in its curriculum, code of conduct, and chapel attendance requirements. Only the AG discount is restricted to Assemblies of God members.
5. Is hostel accommodation mandatory at Evangel University? Yes. All undergraduate students are required to live in on-campus hostels. The hostel fee is already included in the main school fees, which simplifies budgeting — a notable advantage when comparing private universities in Ebonyi state and their fees against schools in other states where hostel is billed separately.
6. What JAMB score do I need for Evangel University? Evangel University accepts candidates with JAMB scores of 140 and above, depending on the programme. Nursing and health-science courses usually require higher scores (160+), while arts and business programmes accept from 140.
7. Does Evangel University accept Direct Entry students? Yes. Candidates with A-Levels, OND, HND, NCE, IJMB, or JUPEB results can apply through JAMB Direct Entry and enter at 200 level. Specific admission requirements vary by programme.
8. Are there plans for more private universities in Ebonyi? NUC periodically grants new private-university licences across Nigeria. While no additional Ebonyi private university has been announced as of early 2026, the list of private universities in Ebonyi state and their fees may expand over time. Always check nuc.edu.ng for the latest.
Final Thoughts
The honest story of private universities in Ebonyi state and their fees in 2026/2027 starts and ends with one institution — Evangel University, Akaeze. For Ebonyi candidates and parents, the choice is simple: apply to Evangel if a local, affordable, faith-based private education appeals, or widen your search to private universities in neighbouring states if you need options the Assemblies of God school doesn’t currently offer.
Plan your budget with verified figures, not agent promises. Check the NUC website before transferring any money. Evangel University remains an accredited, affordable option, and the evolving landscape of private universities in Ebonyi state and their fees could expand in coming years as NUC approves more licences.