Lagos — Nigeria’s commercial capital, fashion hub, and innovation centre — hosts the highest concentration of private universities in the entire country. If you’re researching the private universities in Lagos state and their fees, you’re looking at some of the most prestigious, ambitious, and premium-priced institutions anywhere in West Africa. This guide walks through every major NUC-accredited private university in Lagos, complete with 2026/2027 session fees and programme details.
From Pan-Atlantic University’s ₦6.3 million tuition for business-focused education to brand-new aviation schools launched in 2025, the landscape of private universities in Lagos state and their fees spans elite Lekki institutions, medical specialty schools, faith-based universities, and technology-focused campuses. Lagos gives candidates more variety than any other Nigerian state — but at a cost most public universities can’t match.
Lagos State Private Universities at a Glance
Here’s a quick snapshot of the major NUC-accredited private universities operating in Lagos as of 2026/2027, along with their specialities. Lagos also hosts two federal universities (UNILAG and NOUN) plus LASU and LASUSTECH on the state side — but this article focuses strictly on private options.
| University | Location | Year | Speciality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) | Ibeju-Lekki | 2002 | Business, Media, Technology |
| Caleb University | Imota, Lagos | 2007 | General / STEM / Law |
| Augustine University | Ilara, Epe | 2015 | Faith-based / Sciences |
| Anchor University | Ayobo, Lagos | 2014 | Sciences / Social Sciences / Humanities |
| Eko University of Medical & Health Sciences | Ijanikin, Lagos | 2017 | Medicine & Allied Health |
| James Hope University | Lekki | 2021 | Technology, Finance, Management |
| Nigerian University of Technology & Management | Apapa | 2023 | Technology & Management |
| Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics | Lagos | 2025 | Aviation / Aerospace |
| Unique Open University | Lagos | 2025 | Open & Distance Learning |
Lagos also hosts Trinity University (Ikeja), Maranatha University (Lekki), and several smaller faith-based institutions. The 2025 wave of NUC approvals brought three new entries — Isaac Balami University, Unique Open University, and others — making Lagos an even more crowded private-university market.
Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) — Ibeju-Lekki
Pan-Atlantic University sits at the premium end of the private universities in Lagos state and their fees. Founded in 2002 and evolved from the renowned Lagos Business School (1991), PAU is a private non-profit institution known for its business, media, and technology focus. Professor Enase Okonedo serves as the Vice-Chancellor — the first female VC in the institution’s history.
PAU 2025/2026 school fees (per session)
| Programme Category | Estimated Fee (₦/session) |
|---|---|
| Media and Communication programmes | 5,800,000 – 6,366,500 |
| Information Technology / Computing | 5,500,000 – 6,200,000 |
| Business / Accounting / Economics | 4,800,000 – 5,500,000 |
| Arts and Humanities | 4,157,000 – 4,800,000 |
| Engineering (select tracks) | 5,200,000 – 6,000,000 |
PAU’s fees range from ₦4.15 million to ₦6.37 million per session — making it one of the most expensive private universities in Nigeria. The institution compensates with a world-class Ibeju-Lekki campus, the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, strong industry connections through Lagos Business School, and consistently high EduRank placement.
Caleb University — Imota, Lagos
Caleb University is one of the more comprehensive options on the list of private universities in Lagos state and their fees. Located in Imota on the Lagos mainland outskirts, Caleb offers a wide range of programmes across Law, Business, Engineering, Sciences, Health Sciences, and Humanities at mid-range pricing.
Caleb University estimated fees 2025/2026
| Programme | Estimated Fee (₦/session) |
|---|---|
| Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) — pending accreditation | 3,500,000 – 4,500,000 |
| Law (LL.B) | 1,800,000 – 2,200,000 |
| Nursing Science | 1,500,000 – 1,800,000 |
| Engineering | 1,400,000 – 1,800,000 |
| Business / Accounting / Economics | 900,000 – 1,200,000 |
| Mass Communication / Arts | 700,000 – 1,000,000 |
Augustine University, Anchor University & Peers
Several mid-range private universities in Lagos target candidates looking for strong faith-based education without the Pan-Atlantic price tag. Here’s a combined overview of fees for these institutions:
| University | Location | Fee Range (₦/session) | Orientation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Augustine University | Ilara, Epe | 354,900 – 869,031 | Catholic / Faith-based |
| Anchor University | Ayobo | 400,000 – 900,000 | Christian / Deeper Life Church |
| Trinity University | Ikeja | 746,000 – 1,200,000 | Christian |
| Maranatha University | Lekki | 700,000 – 1,500,000 | Innovation & entrepreneurship |
Augustine University (founded by the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos) stands out as one of the most affordable accredited private universities in Lagos — fees start around ₦354,900 per session. Anchor University (backed by Deeper Life Christian Ministry) delivers Christian-values education at similar pricing. These two offer the most accessible entry points for families wanting a Lagos private-university experience on a mid-range budget.
Specialty Schools: Eko UNIMED, James Hope & New Entrants
Beyond the traditional multi-faculty institutions, Lagos also hosts specialised private universities that form a distinctive subset of the private universities in Lagos state and their fees. These schools focus deeply on specific sectors.
Eko University of Medical & Health Sciences (EkoUNIMED)
Based in Ijanikin, Lagos, EkoUNIMED specialises exclusively in Medicine and Allied Health Sciences. The 2025/2026 fee schedule runs from ₦5,519,750 to ₦6,519,750 — reflecting the high cost of running medical programmes. The school is officially licensed by MDCN (Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria).
James Hope University, Lekki
Launched in 2021 by banker Dr. Jim Ovia, James Hope brings world-class facilities and a forward-looking curriculum focused on technology, finance, and management. Fees typically range from ₦3,000,000 to ₦5,000,000 per session, targeting students aiming for international-standard programmes.
Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics (2025)
Newly licensed in April 2025, this specialised aviation university began a tuition-free aviation scholarship programme in February 2025 through the Isaac Balami Foundation. Ideal for candidates targeting pilot training, aeronautical engineering, and aviation management.
Nigerian University of Technology and Management (NUTM)
Located in Apapa, NUTM combines technology and management education. The school targets graduate-level professionals but also runs undergraduate tracks. Fees typically run ₦2,000,000 – ₦4,000,000 per session.
Lagos Private University Fees: Full Comparison Snapshot
Here’s a consolidated view of private universities in Lagos state and their fees across the Lagos private-university market, organised by price tier:
| Price Tier | Universities | Typical Fee Range (₦/session) |
|---|---|---|
| Premium tier | Pan-Atlantic, Eko UNIMED, James Hope | 3,000,000 – 6,519,750 |
| Mid-high tier | Caleb University, NUTM | 1,200,000 – 3,500,000 |
| Mid tier | Trinity, Maranatha | 700,000 – 1,500,000 |
| Affordable tier | Augustine, Anchor | 354,900 – 900,000 |
Augustine and Anchor at the affordable tier give families a private-education entry point starting under ₦400,000 per session. At the top end, Eko UNIMED and Pan-Atlantic represent the premium ceiling. Most students land in the ₦800,000–₦2,000,000 range depending on programme choice.
Why Lagos Dominates Nigeria’s Private University Market
Several factors explain the sheer scale of private universities in Lagos state and their fees compared to any other state:
- Economic gravity — Lagos hosts Nigeria’s banks, multinationals, fintechs, media houses, and major employers who recruit heavily from local institutions
- Affluent market — Lagos families form the largest concentration of private-school tuition payers in Nigeria
- Infrastructure — stable power supply, faster internet, and better road networks support university operations
- Alumni networks — studying in Lagos plugs you into the tightest professional circles in West Africa
- Internship density — more companies in Lagos mean better SIWES and graduate-trainee opportunities
- Regulatory proximity — easier NUC interactions and faster licensing cycles for Lagos-based proprietors
Admission Requirements for Lagos Private Universities
While each institution has specific requirements, the core admission pathway across private universities in Lagos state and their fees structures stays consistent:
- Register for JAMB UTME and list your target Lagos private university as first or second choice
- Meet the institution’s JAMB cut-off (140 minimum for most, 200+ for Pan-Atlantic, Eko UNIMED, and competitive programmes)
- Hold five O’Level credits including English and Mathematics (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB)
- Meet subject-specific requirements per programme (Biology/Chemistry/Physics for Medicine; Literature/Government for Law)
- Complete the internal post-UTME screening — most Lagos private universities require it
- Submit supporting documents (birth certificate, state of origin, passport photographs)
- Pay the acceptance fee within the stated window and complete registration
- Direct Entry candidates with A-Levels, OND, HND, NCE, IJMB, or JUPEB can enter at 200 level
Scam Alert: Lagos-Specific Risks
Because Lagos dominates searches for the private universities in Lagos state and their fees, fraudsters run aggressive admission scams. Protect yourself with these precautions:
- Apply only through official portals — PAU (pau.edu.ng), Caleb (calebuniversity.edu.ng), Augustine (augustineuniversity.edu.ng), and similar verified domains
- Reject “admissions agents” charging ₦100,000+ to “secure” your slot — all schools admit through JAMB CAPS and direct post-UTME
- Verify any WhatsApp communication against the university’s official contact page
- Never pay school fees into personal accounts — Lagos private universities all publish institutional bank details
- Beware of fake “Lagos private universities” on social media — always cross-check accreditation on nuc.edu.ng
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many private universities are in Lagos State in 2026? Lagos hosts more than 10 NUC-accredited private universities — more than any other Nigerian state. Key names include Pan-Atlantic University, Caleb University, Augustine University, Anchor University, Eko UNIMED, James Hope University, Trinity University, Maranatha University, NUTM, Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics, and Unique Open University.
2. Which is the most expensive private university in Lagos? Pan-Atlantic University leads on tuition with fees ranging from ₦4.15M to ₦6.37M per session. Eko UNIMED follows closely at ₦5.5M to ₦6.5M for medical programmes. Both sit at the premium end of the Lagos market.
3. What is the cheapest Lagos private university? Augustine University in Ilara, Epe ranks among the most affordable — fees start around ₦354,900 per session for some programmes. Anchor University in Ayobo is similarly accessible. These offer the most affordable entries on the list of private universities in Lagos state and their fees.
4. Can I study Medicine in a Lagos private university? Yes. Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences (Ijanikin) specialises entirely in Medicine and Allied Health. Caleb University also offers health-science programmes. Expect fees of ₦3.5M–₦6.5M per session for MBBS.
5. Which Lagos private university has the best ranking? Pan-Atlantic University consistently ranks among the top 5 private universities in Nigeria on EduRank, Webometrics, and similar platforms. Among private universities in Lagos state and their fees comparisons, PAU leads on ranking while James Hope University is a newer entrant building a strong reputation for technology and finance education.
6. Do Lagos private universities accept Direct Entry? Yes. Most Lagos private universities accept Direct Entry candidates with A-Levels, OND, HND, NCE, IJMB, or JUPEB. Direct Entry candidates typically pay the same fees as 100-level UTME entrants — Pan-Atlantic explicitly confirms this policy.
7. Do any Lagos private universities offer scholarships? Yes. Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics runs a tuition-free aviation scholarship programme (launched 2025). Several other universities offer merit-based scholarships for top JAMB scorers — always check the scholarship page on each university’s official website.
8. Are new private universities opening in Lagos? Yes. The landscape of private universities in Lagos state and their fees continues to grow — three new ones (Isaac Balami, Unique Open University, and Eranova) received NUC licences in 2025. More approvals are expected in coming sessions.
Final Thoughts
The full picture of private universities in Lagos state and their fees in 2026/2027 reflects Lagos’s position as Nigeria’s education commercial capital. From affordable faith-based options at Augustine and Anchor (under ₦900,000) to premium business-education at Pan-Atlantic (up to ₦6.37M), Lagos delivers the widest range of private-university choices in the country.
Pick the school that fits your budget, programme target, and career aspirations — not just the biggest name. For Medicine, target Eko UNIMED or Caleb. For business and media, Pan-Atlantic. For affordable Christian education, Augustine or Anchor. The evolving private universities in Lagos state and their fees market keeps expanding, so verify all details on official portals and apply through JAMB CAPS for UTME admission.