Private universities in Nigeria without JAMB: Top 15 list

Private universities in Nigeria without JAMB: Top 15 list

Private universities in Nigeria are now popular among students seeking a more personalized learning experience and rigorous academic structures. While JAMB is usually required, many private institutions offer admission without it. Among the top private universities in Nigeria without JAMB are Al-Hikmah University, Babcock University, and Caritas University. They provide alternative entry options.

Babcock University, Bowen University and Igbinedion University logos.
Babcock University, Madonna University and Igbinedion University. Photo: @Babcock University, @Bowen University, @Igbinedion University Okada (modified by author)
Source: Facebook

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • Many private universities in Nigeria offer admission without JAMB, providing alternative pathways like pre-degree, JUPEB, or direct entry.
  • Private universities in Nigeria without JAMB include Igbinedion University and Ajayi Crowther University.
  • These institutions offer flexible admission processes and are ideal for students seeking quality education with fewer entry barriers.

Top 15 private universities in Nigeria without JAMB

Private universities in Nigeria are a popular choice for students who want to avoid the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board assessment. While JAMB still remains the main path to enter university, some students prefer other options.

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Luckily, there are private higher learning institutions that allow students to get in without JAMB interventions. Here are some of the private universities in Nigeria without JAMB and their fees.

NoNameEstimated fee
1Babcock University ₦340,000
2Madonna University₦229,000 - ₦1.5 million
3 Igbinedion University₦500,000 - ₦800,000
4Bowen University₦84,000 - ₦1,185,000
5Pan-Atlantic University₦2,312,500 - ₦2,835,000
6Caleb University₦969,000 - ₦2,423,000
7Redeemer's University₦600,000 - ₦1,450,000
8Ajayi Crowther University₦162,000 - ₦782,000
9Al-Hikmah University₦176,550
10Caritas University₦147,500 - ₦900,000
11 African University of Science and Technology₦750,000 – ₦1,800,000
12Al-Qalam University₦157,375 - ₦270,500
13Crawford University₦498,000
14Turkish Nile University₦1,350,000 - ₦2,700,000
15Anchor University₦ 365,000

Private universities offer a good option for those who did not perform well in JAMB. They also help students who prefer other ways to enter higher education. These schools are known for academic excellence. Many can admit students without the usual JAMB process.

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We break down the list of private universities in Nigeria without JAMB, including their locations and contacts.

1. Babcock University (₦340,000)

Babcock University graduates and staff
Babcock University is among the best private universities in Nigeria without JAMB. Photo: @Premium Times Nigeria (modified by author)
Source: Twitter
  • Location: Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria
  • Email: info@babcock.edu.ng
  • Contact: +234 703 555 6536

Babcock University is a private Christian university in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. It is affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church and is part of the global Adventist education network.

The institution was established in 1959 as a training college. In 1999, the Nigerian Universities Commission accredited Babcock University as a full-fledged university. The institution has the following schools:

  • School of Computing and Engineering Sciences
  • School of Education And Humanities
  • School of Law And Security Studies
  • School of Management Sciences
  • School of Nursing Sciences
  • School of Public and Allied Health
  • School of Science And Technology
  • Veronica Adeleke School of Social Sciences
  • College Of Postgraduate Studies

2. Madonna University (₦229,000 - ₦1.5 million)

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  • Location: No 1 Madonna University Road, Ogene, Nigeria
  • Email: info@madonnauniversity.edu.ng
  • Contact: 08164658758

Madonna University is a private Catholic university in Nigeria. The institution was established in 1999 by Father Edeh. In 2004, the National Universities Commission accredited it. The university has three campuses: Elele, Okija, and Akpugo.

Madonna University is one of the private medical schools in Nigeria without JAMB that is affordable for students. It has several faculties, including:

  • Faculty of Law
  • Faculty of Health Sciences
  • Faculty of Management Sciences
  • Faculty of Social Sciences
  • Faculty of Engineering

3. Igbinedion University (₦500,000 - ₦800,000)

  • Location: Benin City, Edo, Nigeria
  • Email: admissions@iuokada.edu.ng
  • Contact: +2347032924219

Igbinedion University was established on 10 May 1999 by Sir Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion CFR. It is renowned for providing high-quality education and academic excellence. The Igbinedion University offers courses from the following categories:

  • Post Graduate School
  • Centre for Distance Learning
  • College of Arts and Social Sciences
  • College of Business and Management Studies
  • College of Engineering
  • College of Health Sciences
  • College of Applied Sciences and Computing
  • College of Pharmacy
  • College of Law

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4. Bowen University (₦84,000 - ₦1,185,000)

Bowen University graduation.
Bowen University is a Christian university in Nigeria. Photo: @tribune (modified by author)
Source: Facebook
  • Location: Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria
  • Email: info@bowen.edu.ng
  • Contact: 09030644224

Bowen University is a private Christian university in Nigeria affiliated with the Nigerian Baptist Convention. The Nigerian Baptist Convention established the university in 2001 on 1,300 acres of land.

Prospective students often wonder if Bowen University requires JAMB. The university offers students the option of either joining through JAMB or direct admission. It offers a wide range of academic programs through its various faculties:

  • Faculty of Health Science
  • Faculty of Agriculture
  • Faculty of Education
  • Faculty of Management and Social Science
  • Faculty of Humanities
  • Faculty of Law

5. Pan-Atlantic University (₦2,312,500 - ₦2,835,000)

  • Location: Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria
  • Email: admissions@pau.edu.ng
  • Contact: +234 816 482 0228, +234 708 864 1465

Pan-Atlantic University is a private, non-profit educational institution in Lekki, Lagos State. The Nigerian Universities Commission accredited the institution in 2002. It is among the private universities in Lagos without JAMB. The Pan-Atlantic University offers a range of programs through its various schools:

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  • Lagos Business School
  • School of Media and Communication
  • School of Management and Social Sciences
  • School of Science and Technology

6. Caleb University (₦969,000 - ₦2,423,000)

  • Location: Ikorodu, Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Rd, Imota, Nigeria
  • Email: help@caleb.university
  • Contact: +234 701 217 1188

Caleb University is a private Christian university in Imota, Lagos State, Nigeria. It was accredited by NUC in 2001 and ranked among Nigeria's top-most sought-after private universities. Caleb University offers a range of programs through its various schools:

  • College of Environmental Sciences and Management
  • College of Pure and Applied Sciences
  • College of Arts, Social and Management Sciences
  • College of Education
  • College of Law
  • College of Postgraduate Studies

7. Redeemer's University (₦600,000 - ₦1,450,000)

Redeemer University on graduation day
Redeemer University is among the private universities in Nigeria without JAMB. Photo: @Redeemer's University - Official (modified by author)
Source: Facebook
  • Location: Akoda, Ede Rd, Ede 232101, Osun, Nigeria
  • Email: adms@mirror.run.edu.ng
  • Contact: 0700 700 8000, 0807 300 4715

Redeemer's University is a private institution in Ede, Osun State, Nigeria. It was founded in 2005 and is owned by the Redeemed Christian Church of God. The university is located along the Ibadan-Osogbo Road.

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It is often ranked among the top 10 private universities in Nigeria without JAMB. Redeemer's University offers a range of programs through its various schools:

  • Accounting
  • Law
  • Management
  • Performing Arts
  • Physics with Electronics
  • Political Science
  • Environmental & Analytical Chemistry
  • Genomics of Infectious Disease
  • History & International Relations
  • Microbiology

8. Ajayi Crowther University (₦162,000 - ₦782,000)

  • Location: Oyo, Oyo State, Nigeria
  • Email: registrar@acu.edu.ng
  • Contact: 0814 592 0637

Ajayi Crowther University is located in Oyo State. It was established in 2005 and has been raising God-fearing scholars since then. The university offers diverse undergraduate programmes. It is also ranked among the top 20 private universities in Nigeria without JAMB. Ajayi Crowther University provides a range of programs through its various schools:

  • Law
  • Humanities
  • Natural sciences
  • Social science
  • Agriculture
  • Basic Medical Sciences
  • Communication and Media Studies
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Studies

9. Al-Hikmah University (₦176,550)

Al-Hikmah University graduates
Al-Hikmah University is a private Muslim university in Nigeria. Photo: @Al-Hikmah University (modified by author)
Source: Facebook
  • Location: Adewole housing estate, Adeta Rd, Ilorin 240281, Kwara, Nigeria
  • Email: registrar@alhikmah.edu.ng
  • Contact: +234 703 275 4666, +234 805 544 6634

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Al-Hikmah University is a Muslim university. If you are looking for an affordable Muslim university, this is a good option. The school started in 2005 with only 70 students. Today, it has over 7,000 students. It is also known as a university without JAMB in Nigeria. Al-Hikmah University offers a range of programs through its various schools:

  • Faculty of Education
  • Faculty of Law
  • Faculty of Agriculture
  • Faculty of Natural Science
  • Faculty of Humanities and Social Science

10. Caritas University (₦147,500 - ₦90,000)

  • Location: Amorji-Nike, Enugu State, Nigeria
  • Email: info@caritasuni.edu.ng
  • Contact: +234 806 358 9115

Caritas University was authorized as a private university on 16 December 2004. On 31 January 2005, Prof Fabian Osuji, the Federal Minister for Education at the time, officially opened the university.

Caritas University is located in Moji-Nike, Enugu State. Known for its affordability, it is often listed among the cheap private universities in Nigeria without JAMB. The university offers a range of programs through its various schools.

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  • Engineering
  • Allied Medical Science
  • Management and social sciences
  • Natural sciences

11. African University of Science and Technology (₦750,000 – ₦1,800,000)

  • Location: Km 10 Umaru Musa Yar'Adua Road, Galadimawa, Galadima 900107, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
  • Email: admission@aust.edu.ng
  • Contact: +234 704 204 9702

The African University of Science and Technology was founded in 2007. It was established as part of a pan-African system created by the Nelson Mandela Institution. The university is one of the private universities in Abuja without JAMB. It is also ranked among the top 30 private universities in Nigeria.

The university offers a range of programs through its various schools:

  • Computing and Information Technology
  • Administration, Business and Management Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Science Education

12. Al-Qalam University (₦157,375 - ₦270,500)

Al-Qalam University conferring degrees
Al-Qalam University is among the top private Islamic universities in Nigeria. Photo: @Katsina City News (modified by author)
Source: Facebook
  • Location: Dutsinma Road, Katsina 820102, Katsina, Nigeria
  • Email: info@auk.edu.ng

Al-Qalam University is a private Islamic university located in Katsina, Nigeria. The institution was established in 2005 and is the second private Islamic institution in Nigeria. The Al-Qalam University offers a range of programs through its various schools:

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  • Arts And Humanities
  • Education
  • Sciences
  • Social Sciences

13. Crawford University - ₦498,000

  • Location: Lusada, Igbesa, Ogun State, Nigeria
  • Email: info@crawforduniversity.edu.ng
  • Contact: +234 806 529 6600/ +234 802 730 2089/ +234 802 300 3436

Rev. Paul Akazue founded Crawford University in 2005. It is recognized as the most affordable private university in Ogun State and is affiliated with the Apostolic Faith Mission church. Crawford University emphasizes godliness, intellectual growth, integrity, community service, and entrepreneurship.

The university offers a range of programs through its various schools:

  • Accountancy
  • Actuarial Science
  • Agriculture
  • Animal Production and Fisheries
  • Banking and Finance
  • Biochemistry
  • Business Administration

14. Nile University of Nigeria (₦1,350,000 - ₦2,700,000)

  • Location: Jabi Airport Bypass, Abuja State, Nigeria
  • Email: info@nileuniversity.edu.ng
  • Contact: +234 806 735 0919/ +234 805 489 2616/ +234 916 985 3402

Nile University of Nigeria (NUN), previously the Nigerian Turkish Nile University (NTNU), was established in Nigeria in 2009. It has branches in over ten African countries. The university is known for its strong academic team. Each faculty is staffed with reputable academics focused on research and education.

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NUN is often listed among the top 50 private universities in Nigeria. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across different faculties, such as:

  • Arts & Social Sciences
  • Management Sciences
  • Engineering, Natural & Applied Sciences
  • Law

15. Anchor University (₦ 365,000)

Graduates of Anchor University in Nigeria
Anchor University is among the popular private universities in Nigeria that do not require JAMB. Photo: @Anchor University, Lagos (modified by author)
Source: Facebook
  • Location: Ipaja Ayobo, Lagos, Nigeria
  • Email: info@aul.edu.ng
  • Contact: +234-815-1951-950/+234-906-1223-042

Anchor University is a private Christian university in Lagos, Nigeria. It was established in 2016 by the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, a well-known denomination founded by Pastor William F. Kumuyi.

The university was created to offer quality education based on strong moral and spiritual values. It is often ranked top among the renowned private universities in Nigeria without JAMB. Anchor University offers a variety of undergraduate programs across several faculties, including:

  • Faculty of Pure, Applied and Health Sciences
  • Faculty of Humanities, Social and Management Science
  • Faculty of Environmental Science
  • Faculty of Law

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Can I enter university in Nigeria without JAMB?

Yes, you can enter a university in Nigeria without JAMB, but usually through alternative admission routes. These options are mostly available at private universities, some state universities, and through special programs.

Which is the cheapest private university in Nigeria?

The cheapest private university in Nigeria as of now is generally considered to be Al-Hikmah University, followed closely by others like Oduduwa University and Ajayi Crowther University. These institutions offer affordable tuition, flexible payment options, and quality education.

Can you join Veritas University without JAMB?

Yes, joining Veritas University without JAMB through specific alternative admission routes is possible. Some admission options are pre-degree programs, direct entry, and transfer students.

Do private universities require JAMB?

Private universities in Nigeria generally require candidates to take the JAMB examination as part of the admission process for undergraduate programs. However, some private universities offer alternative pathways for admission without requiring JAMB.

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List of federal universities without JAMB

Most federal universities in Nigeria require the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination as the standard entry route. However, some federal institutions offer alternative admission routes that may allow students to gain admission without JAMB, such as:

  • National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
  • University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) – Part-Time/Distance Learning
  • Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) – Distance Learning Centre
  • Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – Centre for Distance Learning
  • University of Ibadan (UI) – Distance Learning Centre
  • University of Lagos (UNILAG) – DLI Program
National Open University of Nigeria and University of Ibadan logos.
There are several federal universities that do not require JAMB. Photo: @OUN News and Updates, @University of Ibadan Port Harcourt Study Centre (modified by author)
Source: Facebook

Polys that offer admission without JAMB

Here is a list of polytechnics in Nigeria that offer admission without JAMB, especially through part-time, evening, ND/NCE, or certificate programs. These options are helpful for students who do not want to or did not pass JAMB.

  • Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH)
  • Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH)
  • Federal Polytechnic Nekede
  • Federal Polytechnic Ilaro
  • Kaduna Polytechnic (KADPOLY)
  • Auchi Polytechnic
  • Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo
  • The Polytechnic Ibadan
  • Osun State Polytechnic, Iree
  • Ibadan City Polytechnic

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Which university in Nigeria gives admission easily?

If you are looking for a university in Nigeria that gives admission easily, especially with fewer hurdles or flexible requirements, this list will help. It includes both private and public institutions known for easier admission processes.

  • National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
  • Lead City University, Ibadan
  • Ajayi Crowther University
  • Igbinedion University, Okada
  • Baze University, Abuja
  • Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu
  • Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin
  • Wellspring University, Benin City
  • Madonna University

Private universities in Nigeria without JAMB have opened new doors for students who seek alternative pathways to higher education. These institutions offer students greater flexibility and choice and are also affordable.

Legit.ng also published an article about the EBSU portal. Ebonyi State University is a public university established in Nigeria in 1999. The EBSU portal provides access to education resources, course materials, and information.

The EBSU portal is significant because it improves university access, communication, and collaboration. Students can apply through the portal. The article provides all the details.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Adrianna Simwa avatar

Adrianna Simwa (Lifestyle writer) Adrianna Simwa is a content writer at Legit.ng where she has worked since mid-2022. She has written for many periodicals on a variety of subjects, including news, celebrities, and lifestyle, for more than three years. She has worked for The Hoth, The Standard Group and Triple P Media. Adrianna graduated from Nairobi University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 2020. In 2023, Simwa finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach her through her email: adriannasimwa@gmail.com

Sharon Boit avatar

Sharon Boit (Lifestyle writer) Sharon J. Boit is a creative writer and researcher with over 10 years of experience. She began her career as a project manager and researcher at the Center for Urban Research and Innovations, University of Nairobi. Sharon has written articles and blog posts for MSN News, Ihamba Adventures, and Industry Biz. She joined Legit.ng as a Lifestyle Writer in October 2024, covering entertainment, sports, education, and finance. You can reach Sharon J. Boit by email at boit@gmail.com.

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