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
CEO Honoris United Universities, Dr. Jonathan Louw
Nile University of Nigeria is owned by Honoris United Universities, a pan-African private higher education network backed by Actis Capital, a global investment firm focused on sustainable infrastructure in emerging markets.
Honoris United Universities fully acquired the University in July 2020. This expansion adds to its robust pan-African presence, which now encompasses 16 institutions across 10 African countries, serving over 100,000 students across 76 campuses in 26 cities.
The Group is led by Dr. Jonathan Louw, who assumed the role of CEO on January 1, 2021. Prior to joining Honoris, Dr. Louw served as CEO of the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), where he oversaw operations across 185 sites with a workforce of 2,700.
He previously held senior leadership roles in private equity, particularly in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, and was the longtime CEO of Adcock Ingram, a JSE-listed pharmaceutical company. Dr. Louw began his career in 1993 as a medical doctor, holding both an MB. ChB and an MBA from the University of Cape Town.
Nile University of Nigeria was established in 2009 to provide high-quality education to Nigeria’s growing number of secondary school leavers.
The university operates a single main campus located at Plot 681, Cadastral Zone C-OO, Research & Institution Area, Jabi Airport Bypass in Abuja. The 113-hectare campus includes modern learning environments, sports facilities, and secure hostels.
The tuition fees at Nile University vary based on the program, with Medicine being the most expensive. For Medicine & Surgery, students pay N6,500,000 per session, Law is N4,250,000 per session, others range from N2,800,000 to N3,500,000 annually, depending on the specific course of study.
