Welcome to our comprehensive guide on private universities in Abuja, where we delve into their rich history and the diverse range of courses they offer. Explore the top private institutions shaping the minds of tomorrow’s leaders.
Abuja, Nigeria’s bustling capital city, is not just a center of government but also a hub for education. Alongside prestigious public universities, a vibrant network of private universities has emerged in recent decades, offering diverse academic programs and a unique learning experience.
Abuja, the bustling capital city of Nigeria, is not only a political and economic hub but also a burgeoning center for higher education. While government-owned institutions have long been the cornerstone of education in the country, the rise of private universities has brought diversity and innovation to the educational landscape. In this article, we delve into the history and offerings of private universities in Abuja, shedding light on their contributions to the academic sphere.
In each of the of the university below, you can study courses that were hitherto only studied in abroad, at a cheaper rate and in a conducive environment.
Discover a selection of the leading private universities in Abuja, each with its unique history and commitment to academic excellence:
1. Nile University of Nigeria

Established in 2009, Nile University of Nigeria stands as one of the foremost private institutions in Abuja. It was founded by the renowned educationist and philanthropist, Dr. H. I. Adamu. With a commitment to providing quality education, Nile University offers a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines including Engineering, Natural and Applied Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts, Management Sciences, and Law. The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a faculty comprising experienced professionals and scholars.
2. Baze University

Baze University, located in Abuja, was established in 2011 by Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed. The institution prides itself on its conducive learning environment and commitment to academic excellence. Baze University offers programs in fields such as Law, Engineering, Environmental Management, Social and Management Sciences, Computing and Applied Sciences, and Basic Medical Sciences. With a focus on research and innovation, the university equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in their chosen fields.
Baze University is a distinctive quality-based educational institution making a difference in the Nation’s history through the positive impact of its service and graduates output. Baze delivers quality by having experienced international staff, superb teaching equipment, overseas external examiners, and first-rate buildings to guarantee standards. Baze aims to provide university education to British standards in Nigeria at about half the cost of sending a student to study abroad Currently, no Nigerian university is rated in the top 5,000 in the world. Many Nigerians thus feel compelled to send their sons and daughters to be educated abroad, at substantial cost (at least $28,000 per year for tuition, travel and living expenses). Baze delivers the same quality of education and living at about $14,000 (N2.2 m) – and, at a critical stage of their lives, students will be staying closer to their families.
3. Veritas University

Veritas University, Abuja, is a Catholic institution established in 2002 by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria. Rooted in the Catholic tradition, the university is dedicated to providing holistic education that fosters intellectual, moral, and spiritual growth. Veritas University offers undergraduate programs in disciplines such as Arts, Natural Sciences, Management Sciences, and Social Sciences. The institution emphasizes character formation and values-driven education, preparing students to become responsible leaders and global citizens.
4. African University of Science and Technology (AUST)

African University of Science and Technology, located in Abuja, was established in 2007 by the Nelson Mandela Institution (NMI). AUST is a pan-African institution dedicated to addressing the continent’s developmental challenges through education, research, and innovation. The university offers postgraduate programs in fields such as Materials Science and Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Pure and Applied Mathematics, Theoretical and Applied Physics, and Computer Science. AUST collaborates with renowned institutions worldwide to provide students with opportunities for interdisciplinary learning and research.
5. Philomath University, Abuja

Philomath University is envisioned to stimulate students with deep appetite and hunger to learn seamlessly, but achieving excellence and top-class performance. The University is driven by a passion for education with excellence and with unbridled zeal to cause scientific, technological, and industrial revolution uniquely in the world and development in Africa, especially in Nigeria.
The name Philomath is derived from two Greek words; “PHILOS” meaning “Passion” and “MATH” meaning “learning”. Philomath, therefore means Passion for Learning.
The University was licenced by the National Universities Commission (NUC) on 8th April 2021 and the University started with two faculties, namely: Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, and Faculty of Law for the 2021/2022 Academic Session. Today, we are expanding with an additional campus in Maitama and two new faculties, namely Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Faculty of Computing Sciences.
The vision of the University is to be internationally recognized as a University with global perspective that educates leaders who will fashion a more humane and just world through teaching, learning, transformational scholarship and dynamic leadership while the mission is to promote learning by offering undergraduate, postgraduate and professional students, the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as persons and professionals; to distinguish itself as a diverse socially responsible learning community of high-quality scholarship and academic rigor and to draw from the intellectual and economic resources of the rich Nigerian cultures
The University aimed at engaging her core values of Team Work for Wealth Creation and Innovation through Commitment to Excellence and Passion for Productivity.
6. Bingham University

In a bid to contribute its quota to the Nigerian University space fueled by the ruins of public universities in the Nation, Bingham University located in Karu, 26 kilometres away from the Federal Capital city of Nigeria, Abuja was founded in 2005 by the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA). The founders had as a goal, the revitalization of the golden age of high quality and morally sound mission education up to the tertiary level. ECWA leaders and academics of ECWA extraction saw the need to establish a University that will provide a secular education anchored on sound moral values as provided for by the Christian faith. Recognizing the importance of the technological revolution of the 19th and 20th centuries, Bingham University is determined to build a technology-driven institution of the 21st century.
As a means of promoting self-reliance among graduates, the University focuses on entrepreneurial backed education. The University currently runs a total of 64 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes spread across 12 faculties.
7. Cosmopolitan University, Abuja
Cosmopolitan University is a pioneering institution approved by the Federal Executive Council on May 16th, 2023. The university provides a student-centered learning experience that is both innovative and of international standard. With a focus on research, education, and active engagement with industry and society, we aim to expand knowledge and prepare graduates to make a positive impact in their careers, environment, and communities.
Cosmopolitan University, embraces technology-driven learning, recognizing the transformative power it holds in today’s world.
8. European University, Abuja
Located in Abuja, the vision of the European University of Nigeria is to be a foremost globally- recognized institution, raising competent individuals capable of responding to the economic and technological needs of society and the environment. The mission of the European University of Nigeria is to provide sound entrepreneurial and technological knowledge and professional training aimed at addressing the social, economic and technological needs and problems of society within the context of global needs and sustainable development.
Why Choose from the Best Private Universities in Abuja?
Private universities in Abuja offer a unique opportunity for students to excel in their academic pursuits and develop essential skills for future success. Here are a few compelling reasons to consider studying at a private institution:
- Personalized Attention: With smaller class sizes, students receive individualized attention from professors, fostering a conducive learning environment.
- Industry Connections: Private universities often have strong ties with industry leaders, providing students with internship opportunities and valuable industry insights.
- Innovative Curriculum: Private institutions frequently update their curricula to align with industry trends, ensuring students are equipped with relevant knowledge and skills.
- Global Perspective: Many private universities offer international exchange programs, allowing students to broaden their horizons and gain a global perspective on their chosen field.
- Holistic Development: Beyond academics, private universities focus on the holistic development of students, nurturing their talents and shaping them into well-rounded individuals.