Private university fees in Nigeria soar to N11.99m, putting degrees out of reach
Private university tuition fees in Nigeria have jumped sharply for the 2025/2026 academic year, ranging from about N525,000 to N11.99 million per session according to the National Universities Commission. The jump follows persistent inflation and foreign‑exchange volatility that have pushed costs beyond the reach of an average Nigerian family. Medicine, Law and Engineering remain the most expensive programmes, with schools such as Wigwe University (N9.6 m–N11.99 m), American University of Nigeria (N2.44 m–N3.51 m) and Nile University of Nigeria (N2.8 m–N6.5 m) posting the highest rates. Many families now face tough choices: either stretch already tight budgets, seek merit‑based scholarships (Wigwe offers 30‑60 % discounts based on JAMB scores), consider more affordable public universities, or explore overseas study options known as “Japa”. In addition to tuition, students must budget for accommodation and feeding—e.g., Babcock University charges N952,000–N1.428 m for meals and N397,712–N564,180 for housing per session. Prospective students should verify the latest fee schedules on university websites, factor in extra living costs, and apply early for any available financial aid before the 2026/2027 admission cycle begins after JAMB results are released.