Kogi State — the “Confluence State” where the Rivers Niger and Benue meet — sits at a strategic middle ground of Nigeria. Its capital Lokoja lies just two hours from Abuja, making it a surprisingly convenient location for higher education. For jambites and parents researching the private universities in Kogi state and their fees, this guide delivers a complete, verified picture of what’s available, what each school costs, and how to apply.
Here’s the headline: Kogi State hosts TWO NUC-accredited private universities — Salem University (Lokoja) and Al-Bayan University (Ankpa). The landscape of private universities in Kogi state and their fees spans one established Christian institution with seventeen years of history and one brand-new Islamic university licensed in 2024 — giving candidates across different faith backgrounds accessible options within the state.
Kogi State Private Universities at a Glance
Before diving into each school individually, here’s a quick snapshot of every NUC-accredited private university operating in Kogi State as of 2026/2027. Both schools sit within easy reach of Abuja, making Kogi an attractive option for candidates from across North-Central Nigeria:
| University | Location | Year | Founding Orientation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salem University | Lokoja (Lokoja-Ajaokuta Road) | 2007 | Christian / Leadership-focused |
| Al-Bayan University | Ankpa, Kogi State | 2024 | Islamic / Community-focused |
Kogi also hosts Federal University Lokoja (FUL), three state universities (Prince Abubakar Audu University, CUSTECH Osara, Kogi State University Kabba), plus several polytechnics and colleges of education — making the state a genuine North-Central education hub. But when candidates specifically ask about private universities in Kogi state and their fees, Salem and Al-Bayan are the only accredited answers.
Salem University, Lokoja: The Established Leader
Salem University is the senior institution on the list of private universities in Kogi state and their fees. Founded in 2007 by Archbishop Sam Amaga, President of Salem International Christian Centre, the university has spent nearly two decades building itself into one of North-Central Nigeria’s most recognised private universities. Its mission centres on “transformational leadership” — every student undergoes mandatory leadership training alongside regular academics.
Key facts about Salem University
- Location: Lokoja-Ajaokuta Road, Lokoja, Kogi State
- Founded: 2007 (NUC-accredited)
- Proprietor: Archbishop Sam Amaga / Salem International Christian Centre
- Campus: Walled, secured community with internal safety infrastructure
- Colleges: Natural & Applied Sciences, Management Sciences, Arts & Social Sciences, Law, ICT/Computer Science, plus newly launched College of Medicine
- Proximity: Just 2 hours from Abuja — easy parental access
- Signature feature: Mandatory Global Leadership Diploma for all graduates
Salem University school fees 2025/2026 (per session)
| Programme | Estimated Fee (₦/session) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) | 2,500,000 – 4,000,000 | Newly launched College of Medicine |
| Law (LL.B) | 650,000 – 800,000 | Competitive programme |
| Computer Science | 582,000 | High-demand programme |
| Information Technology | 550,000 – 600,000 | Strong ICT focus |
| Engineering (select tracks) | 580,000 – 700,000 | Telecomm, Electrical |
| Nursing Science | 700,000 – 900,000 | Health sciences programme |
| Business / Accounting / Economics | 450,000 – 580,000 | Management Sciences |
| Arts, Social Sciences, Mass Comm. | 350,000 – 500,000 | Most affordable tier |
| Agriculture | 400,000 – 550,000 | — |
| Geology | 450,000 – 600,000 | Lokoja’s geological advantage |
Salem’s published fees range from ₦160,000 (basic programmes) up to ₦691,000 for most undergraduate courses, with Medicine at the top end. Installment payment is permitted for most programmes. Additional charges apply for acceptance (first-year only), accommodation (standard or executive ₦60,000 extra), energy, internet, and entrepreneurship studies (₦30,000).
Al-Bayan University, Ankpa: The Newcomer
Al-Bayan University is the newest entry on any list of private universities in Kogi state and their fees. Licensed by the NUC in 2024, it’s based in Ankpa — a commercial town in Kogi East. The university brings Islamic-values education to the state and complements Salem’s Christian orientation, giving Kogi candidates options across religious traditions.
Key facts about Al-Bayan University
- Location: Ankpa, Kogi State (eastern Kogi)
- Founded: 2024 (NUC-licensed)
- Affiliation: Islamic-values orientation
- Programmes: Post-UTME, Direct Entry, Pre-Degree, JUPEB, IJMB, Master’s and PhD pathways
- Website: admission.aua.edu.ng
- Status: Brand-new institution — programme accreditation actively expanding
Al-Bayan University estimated fees 2025/2026
| Programme Category | Estimated Fee (₦/session) |
|---|---|
| Arts & Islamic Studies | 250,000 – 320,000 |
| Social & Management Sciences | 280,000 – 380,000 |
| Natural & Applied Sciences | 320,000 – 420,000 |
| Education & Humanities | 250,000 – 350,000 |
| ICT-related programmes | 350,000 – 450,000 |
Al-Bayan’s fee range of ₦250,000–₦450,000 per session positions it as the more affordable of the two private universities in Kogi State. Because it’s a new institution, candidates should confirm exact fees and programme accreditation directly with the university’s admission office before paying any money.
Quick Comparison: Salem vs Al-Bayan
Here’s a side-by-side snapshot of the private universities in Kogi state and their fees to help candidates weigh their options quickly:
| Feature | Salem University | Al-Bayan University |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2007 | 2024 |
| Location | Lokoja | Ankpa |
| Faith orientation | Christian | Islamic |
| Fee range | ₦160,000 – ₦4,000,000 | ₦250,000 – ₦450,000 |
| Medicine offered | Yes (newly launched) | Not currently |
| Law offered | Yes | Not currently |
| JAMB cut-off | 140 – 180 (programme-dependent) | 140 (most programmes) |
| Accreditation maturity | Established (17+ years) | New (less than 2 years) |
Why Consider Kogi for Private University Admission?
Several realities make Kogi State a genuinely smart choice when evaluating the private universities in Kogi state and their fees:
- Strategic location — Lokoja sits just 2 hours from Abuja, giving easy parental access
- Middle-ground pricing — Kogi privates cost less than Lagos or Ogun privates like Covenant or ABUAD
- Security — both Lokoja and Ankpa remain among the more stable Nigerian cities
- Confluence hub — Kogi connects North-Central, South-East, and South-West Nigeria, drawing students from multiple regions
- Less competitive admission — JAMB cut-offs are lower than flagship federal universities
- Faith-aligned education — both Christian and Islamic options cater to diverse family preferences
Admission Requirements for Kogi Private Universities
Both entries on the list of private universities in Kogi state and their fees follow standard Nigerian admission procedures with a few institution-specific twists. The general requirements are:
- Register for JAMB UTME and list Salem University or Al-Bayan University as first or second choice
- Meet the JAMB cut-off (140 minimum; 180+ for Salem’s Medicine, Law)
- Hold five O’Level credits including English and Mathematics (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB — one sitting for Law/Medicine at Salem)
- Meet subject-combination requirements per programme (Biology/Chemistry/Physics for Nursing and Medicine; Economics/Government for Law)
- Complete the internal post-UTME screening process
- Accept the admission offer and pay the acceptance fee within the stated window
- Direct Entry candidates with A-Levels, OND, HND, NCE, IJMB, or JUPEB can enter at 200 level
Both schools also offer pre-degree and remedial programmes for candidates who miss the direct UTME cut-off — a practical fallback that preserves the admission year.
Why Salem University Stands Out
Salem carries several genuine advantages that explain its position as Kogi’s most established private university:
- Global Leadership Diploma — every graduate leaves with certified leadership training, a CV booster employers notice
- Newly launched College of Medicine — opens MBBS and health-science pathways not available at Al-Bayan
- Law programme with strong track record
- Strategic Lokoja location — combines Abuja proximity with lower-cost living
- Stable academic calendar — no ASUU strikes or public-sector disruptions
- Walled, secured campus offers peace of mind for parents
- Installment payment accepted for most programmes, easing the financial load
Scam Alert: Protect Your Admission
Because searches for private universities in Kogi state and their fees attract heavy traffic online, fraudsters target anxious candidates. Stay sharp with these precautions:
- Only apply through official portals — salemuniversity.edu.ng and admission.aua.edu.ng
- Reject “admission helpers” charging ₦50,000+ to “process” your application — both schools admit through JAMB CAPS and their own portals
- Be suspicious of WhatsApp contacts claiming to be “admissions officers” — verify on official websites or call the Registrar directly
- Never pay school fees into personal bank accounts — both schools publish official institutional accounts
- Check NUC accreditation of your specific programme on nuc.edu.ng before enrolling, especially at Al-Bayan (newer institution)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many private universities are in Kogi State in 2026? Two. The full list of private universities in Kogi state and their fees covers Salem University (Lokoja, 2007) and Al-Bayan University (Ankpa, 2024).
2. Which is cheaper — Salem or Al-Bayan? Al-Bayan University is generally cheaper, with fees between ₦250,000–₦450,000 per session. Salem University’s range is ₦160,000 for some basic programmes up to ₦691,000 for most undergraduate courses, with Medicine at ₦2.5M–₦4M. For affordable non-medicine programmes, Al-Bayan wins on price.
3. Does Salem University offer Medicine? Yes. Salem University recently launched its College of Medicine, offering the MBBS programme. It’s the only Kogi private university currently offering Medicine and Surgery.
4. Can non-Christians attend Salem University? Yes. Salem admits students from every background, though Christian values shape the curriculum and campus ethos. This is why the list of private universities in Kogi state and their fees includes both Christian (Salem) and Islamic (Al-Bayan) options — so families can pick the faith-environment fit.
5. Is Al-Bayan University fully accredited? Al-Bayan holds NUC operational licence granted in 2024. Individual programme accreditations are actively being processed. Always verify the specific course accreditation on nuc.edu.ng before applying.
6. What JAMB score do I need for Salem University? Salem accepts JAMB scores from 140 for many programmes, though Medicine requires 220+ and Law typically requires 180+. Competitive ICT and Business programmes usually need 160–180.
7. Do both universities accept Direct Entry? Yes. Both Salem and Al-Bayan accept Direct Entry candidates with A-Levels, OND, HND, NCE, IJMB, or JUPEB. Salem also runs an internal pre-degree/foundation programme useful for candidates who missed the Law or Medicine cut-off.
8. Will more private universities open in Kogi soon? Possibly. NUC regularly grants new private-university licences across Nigeria. As the list of private universities in Kogi state and their fees keeps evolving, always check nuc.edu.ng for the latest approvals.
Final Thoughts
The complete picture of private universities in Kogi state and their fees in 2026/2027 gives candidates real choice — the established, globally-minded Salem University for those drawn to Christian-values education and leadership formation, or the newer, affordable Al-Bayan University for those seeking Islamic-values learning at a lower price point.
Both schools benefit from Kogi’s strategic Confluence location — two hours from Abuja, accessible from North-Central, South-East, and South-West Nigeria. Before applying, verify fees and programme accreditation on official portals, and apply through JAMB CAPS for UTME admission. The evolving private universities in Kogi state and their fees landscape may expand further, but for now, these two options deliver accessible private-university pathways worth careful consideration.