Oyo State hosts the University of Ibadan — Nigeria’s oldest university — and for decades, that single institution shaped the state’s entire educational identity. But the private-university landscape in Oyo has quietly grown into one of Nigeria’s most diverse. For jambites and parents researching the private universities in Oyo state and their fees, this guide delivers a complete, verified picture across 6+ NUC-accredited private universities currently operating in Ibadan and Oyo Town.
From Ajayi Crowther University’s Anglican heritage to Lead City’s medical school and Koladaisi’s modern Ibadan campus, the landscape of private universities in Oyo state and their fees spans faith-based institutions, medical universities, and open-learning models. Tuition ranges from ₦200,000 per session at the affordable end to over ₦6.5 million for Medicine — giving candidates real options across every price tier.
Oyo State Private Universities at a Glance
Here’s a quick snapshot of every NUC-accredited private university operating in Oyo State as of 2026/2027. Oyo also hosts the University of Ibadan (federal), LAUTECH (state), Tech-U Ibadan, and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education — but this article focuses strictly on private options.
| University | Location | Year Established | Orientation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajayi Crowther University (ACU) | Oyo Town | 2005 | Anglican / Faith-based |
| Lead City University (LCU) | Ibadan | 2005 | Secular / Comprehensive |
| Koladaisi University | Ibadan | 2016 | Secular / Technology-focused |
| Precious Cornerstone University | Ibadan | 2017 | Pentecostal / Faith-based |
| Atiba University | Oyo Town | 2017 | Secular / Comprehensive |
| Dominion University | Ibadan | 2019 | Faith-based |
| West Midlands Open University | Ibadan | 2021+ | Open & Distance Learning |
Ibadan concentrates the most private universities in Oyo — five are based in the city, while Ajayi Crowther and Atiba sit in historic Oyo Town. This geographic spread gives candidates real choice between the commercial vibrancy of Ibadan and the quieter academic atmosphere of Oyo Town.
Ajayi Crowther University (ACU) — Oyo Town
Ajayi Crowther University sits at the historic end of the list of private universities in Oyo state and their fees. Owned by the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), ACU traces its roots back to an 1853 CMS Training Institution in Abeokuta and was formally established as a university in 2005 on the grounds of the former St. Andrews College, Oyo. This heritage makes ACU one of Nigeria’s oldest continuously-operating educational sites.
ACU fees 2025/2026 (per session)
| Programme | Fee (₦/session) |
|---|---|
| Medicine & Surgery (MBBS) — new programme | 3,500,000 – 4,500,000 |
| Nursing Science (100 level) | 1,457,800 |
| Nursing Science (300/400 level) | 1,563,800 |
| Nursing Science (500 level) | 1,600,000 |
| Clinical Supplementation Fee (Nursing) | 200,000 |
| Law (100 level) | 2,001,000 |
| Medical Laboratory Science / Radiography | 1,200,000 – 1,500,000 |
| Business / Accounting / Economics / Computer Science | 800,000 – 1,200,000 |
| Agriculture | 200,000 |
| Christian Religious Studies | 200,000 |
| Other Arts & Humanities programmes | 500,000 – 900,000 |
ACU recently launched Nursing (approved 2022) and is developing its College of Medicine. The university offers flexible installment payment plans to accommodate the financial needs of students across all programmes.
Lead City University (LCU) — Ibadan
Lead City University is arguably the most ambitious private university in Oyo State. Founded in 2005 at No. 1 Oba Otudeko Road, Toll Gate Area Ibadan, LCU has expanded dramatically into medical education — now offering Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Nursing alongside traditional programmes. The private universities in Oyo state and their fees at LCU spans one of the widest ranges of any Nigerian private university.
LCU fees 2025/2026 (per session)
| Programme Category | Fee (₦/session) |
|---|---|
| Medicine | 6,525,000 |
| Pharmacy | 3,575,000 |
| Nursing Science | 3,575,000 |
| Dentistry | 2,575,000 |
| Law | 2,575,000 |
| Medical Laboratory Science / Software Engineering | 1,575,000 |
| Civil / Mechanical / Electrical Engineering | 925,000 |
| Physiotherapy / Public Health / Anatomy | 925,000 |
| Accounting / Business Admin / Estate Management | 675,000 – 925,000 |
| Arts / Social Sciences / Fine Arts / Performing Arts | 675,000 |
| Education (Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Yoruba, etc.) | 475,000 |
| Religious Studies (cheapest programme) | 350,000 – 475,000 |
LCU’s structure supports both full-time and part-time students — uniquely accommodating working professionals. Fees range from ₦350,000 at the most affordable end to ₦6.5M for Medicine, making LCU one of the most versatile private universities for a wide budget range.
Other Oyo Private Universities: Koladaisi, Atiba & More
Beyond the two legacy schools, newer entrants have expanded the private universities in Oyo state and their fees market significantly:
Koladaisi University, Ibadan (2016)
Located at Km 18, Ibadan-Oyo Express Road, Koladaisi University offers Sciences, Business, and ICT programmes. Fees typically range ₦500,000 – ₦1,500,000 per session. The campus benefits from modern facilities and a focus on technology-integrated learning.
Precious Cornerstone University (PCU), Ibadan (2017)
Founded by Pastor Francis Wale Oke of Sword of the Spirit Ministries, PCU blends Christian values with academic rigour. Programmes cover Sciences, Management, Arts, and Education at fee ranges of ₦450,000 – ₦1,200,000 per session.
Atiba University, Oyo Town (2017)
Atiba University opened its doors in December 2017 with a mission focused on knowledge-driven national development. Offering Medicine, Nursing, Sciences, and Management programmes, its fees range ₦500,000 – ₦3,500,000 per session depending on programme.
Dominion University, Ibadan (2019)
A newer faith-based institution focused on business, ICT, and arts programmes. Fees typically range ₦500,000 – ₦1,200,000 per session.
West Midlands Open University, Ibadan
An open and distance-learning focused institution — ideal for working adults. Programmes and fees are structured for flexible, modular enrollment starting from around ₦250,000 per session for lower-tier courses.
Fee Tier Comparison: Where Does Your Budget Fit?
Here’s a consolidated view of private universities in Oyo state and their fees organised by price tier, helping you quickly identify realistic options:
| Price Tier | Universities | Typical Fee Range (₦/session) |
|---|---|---|
| Premium (Medicine/Pharmacy) | LCU Medicine/Pharmacy, ACU Medicine | 2,500,000 – 6,525,000 |
| Upper-Mid (Law/Nursing) | LCU Law, ACU Nursing, Atiba Medicine | 1,457,800 – 2,575,000 |
| Mid (Engineering/Business) | LCU Engineering, ACU Business, Koladaisi ICT | 500,000 – 1,500,000 |
| Affordable (Arts/Education) | ACU Agriculture, LCU Education, CRS programmes | 200,000 – 675,000 |
Agriculture and Christian Religious Studies at ACU (both ₦200,000/session) rank among the cheapest programmes offered by any accredited Nigerian private university — a real advantage for candidates with tight budgets. At the top end, Lead City Medicine at ₦6.5M sits among Nigeria’s premium medical-school fees.
Why Oyo State is a Smart Private University Destination
Several factors make Oyo a strategic choice when evaluating private universities in Oyo state and their fees:
- Academic heritage — Ibadan is Nigeria’s oldest university town, giving Oyo private schools a built-in scholarly culture
- Lower cost of living — Ibadan rent, food, and transport cost significantly less than Lagos or Abuja
- Strategic location — 1.5 hours from Lagos by road, easy access to Nigeria’s commercial capital for internships
- Security — Ibadan and Oyo Town remain among Nigeria’s safer urban centres
- Diverse programme depth — Medicine, Law, Engineering, Arts all available across the 7 schools
- Cultural immersion — Ibadan offers authentic Yoruba heritage, museums, markets, and intellectual community
Admission Requirements for Oyo Private Universities
Every entry on the list of private universities in Oyo state and their fees follows a similar admission pathway:
- Register for JAMB UTME and list your target Oyo private university as first or second choice
- Meet the JAMB cut-off (140 minimum; 200+ for Medicine at ACU and LCU)
- Hold five O’Level credits including English and Mathematics (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB — one sitting for Medicine/Pharmacy)
- Meet subject-combination requirements (Biology, Chemistry, Physics for Medicine; Literature, Government for Law)
- Complete the university’s post-UTME screening exercise
- 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: Guard Your Admission
The heavy search volume around the private universities in Oyo state and their fees creates opportunities for fraudsters. Stay alert:
- Apply only through official portals — acu.edu.ng, lcu.edu.ng, koladaisiuniversity.edu.ng, and similar verified domains
- Reject “admission agents” charging ₦100,000+ to “secure” your slot — all schools admit through JAMB CAPS and their own post-UTME
- Verify any WhatsApp contact against the university’s official website
- Never pay school fees into personal accounts — Oyo private universities all publish institutional bank details
- Cross-check any new private university’s accreditation on nuc.edu.ng before paying a kobo
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many private universities are in Oyo State in 2026? Oyo State hosts 6–7 NUC-accredited private universities. The complete list of private universities in Oyo state and their fees covers: Ajayi Crowther University (Oyo Town), Lead City University, Koladaisi University, Precious Cornerstone University, Atiba University, Dominion University, and West Midlands Open University.
2. Which is the cheapest private university in Oyo? Ajayi Crowther University. Its Agriculture and Christian Religious Studies programmes start at ₦200,000 per session — among the most affordable rates at any NUC-accredited Nigerian private university. Lead City’s Religious Studies programme is similarly priced.
3. Which Oyo private university offers Medicine? Lead City University currently offers Medicine at ₦6.5M per session, and Ajayi Crowther University runs a College of Medicine programme at ₦3.5M–₦4.5M. Both hold MDCN and NUC accreditation for the MBBS programme.
4. Is Lead City University better than Ajayi Crowther? They serve different needs. Within the comparison of private universities in Oyo state and their fees, LCU offers broader programme depth (Medicine, Engineering, Law under one roof) and accepts part-time/working students. ACU provides Anglican values-based education with stable academics and lower fees for non-health programmes. Choose based on programme fit and budget.
5. What is the JAMB cut-off for Oyo private universities? Most Oyo private universities accept JAMB scores from 140 for general programmes. Medicine at ACU and LCU requires 200+. Law typically needs 180+. Nursing Science requires 180+ at both ACU and LCU.
6. Can I do part-time degree at any Oyo private university? Yes. Lead City University is particularly known for accommodating both part-time and full-time students, making it a strong choice for working professionals. West Midlands Open University specialises in open/distance learning.
7. Do Oyo private universities accept Direct Entry? Yes. All the private universities in Oyo state and their fees listed here accept Direct Entry candidates with A-Levels, OND, HND, NCE, IJMB, or JUPEB into 200 level.
8. Are scholarships available at Oyo private universities? Yes, most offer merit-based scholarships for top JAMB scorers. ACU, LCU, and Atiba publish scholarship details on their official websites. Installment payment plans are also widely available to ease financial pressure on families.
Final Thoughts
The full picture of private universities in Oyo state and their fees in 2026/2027 reflects Oyo’s position as one of Nigeria’s most diverse private-university markets. From the historic Anglican heritage of ACU to Lead City’s medical-school expansion and the newer technology-focused campuses at Koladaisi and Dominion, candidates get real choice across faith orientations, programme depth, and price tiers.
Pick the school that matches your programme target, budget, and career aspirations — not just the biggest name. For Medicine, target LCU or ACU. For affordable quality, ACU Agriculture or LCU Education courses. For working adults, LCU part-time or West Midlands Open. The evolving private universities in Oyo state and their fees market continues expanding, so verify all details on official portals and apply through JAMB CAPS for UTME admission.