Over the last two decades, private universities in Nigeria have expanded rapidly from just a handful to dozens, offering alternatives to the often overcrowded and strike-prone public institutions.
As of February 2025, there are 149 private universities in Nigeria, making up more than half of the country’s 295 total universities.
Among all these choices, a few stand out for charging fees that most Nigerians can only dream of paying, creating headlines every time school fees are mentioned.
These elite universities cater to a small, wealthy segment of society, far removed from what the average Nigerian can afford.
Behind these top-tier institutions are powerful individuals and organizations ranging from religious bodies to business moguls and international investors who have poured resources into building campuses that reflect their vision, values, and status.
In this article, Nairametrics presents a detailed look at the owners and financiers behind Nigeria’s most expensive private universities, those setting the pace not just in pricing, but in shaping the future of premium higher education in the country.
Here is a list of the owners of the most expensive private universities in Nigeria
Founder, late Dr. Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe
Wigwe University is owned and founded by the late Dr. Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, former Group Managing Director and CEO of Access Bank Plc.
Herbert Wigwe, a visionary banker and philanthropist, established the university to provide world-class education to African students.
Tragically, Wigwe, along with his wife Chizoba and son Chizzy, died in a helicopter crash in California on February 9, 2024, before the university’s official opening. Despite this loss, the university commenced operations in honor of his legacy.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) approved and issued an operational license to the university on June 9, 2023. Wigwe University officially began academic activities in August/September 2024, with its first set of students admitted on October 17, 2024. The university admitted over 200 students in its inaugural year.
Wigwe University is located in Isiokpo, Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State. The University offers a diverse range of programs across six colleges: Arts, Engineering, Management and Social Sciences, Science and Computing, Allied Health, and Agriculture and Natural Sciences.
Wigwe University is ranked as Nigeria’s most expensive university, with fees reflecting its premium facilities and academic offerings.
The tuition and fees for the 2024/2025 academic session are outlined below, with a breakdown by college. Students in the College of Arts will pay N9,600,000, while those in the College of Engineering, College of Management and Social Sciences, and College of Science and Computing will each pay N11,998,800.
The accommodation fees for the 2024/2025 academic session vary based on room type. Students can choose from several plans, with the Premium One En-Suite Bedroom Plan priced at N3,845,000 per session. The Classic 1 Plan costs N3,707,000 per session, while the Classic 2 Plan is available for N3,500,000 per session.
