Top 10 Nigerian private universities offering scholarships 2025: In recent years, private universities in Nigeria have taken major steps to ensure that quality education is not only for the wealthy. Many of these institutions now offer robust scholarship and financial aid schemes to support brilliant, talented, and financially disadvantaged students. Whether you’re looking for undergraduate or postgraduate opportunities, these private universities are bridging the financial gap with scholarship packages that cater to academic merit, sports excellence, and special talents.
If you’re a student or parent searching for Nigerian private universities that offer scholarships in 2025, here’s a detailed list of top private institutions committed to supporting students financially.
1. Pan-Atlantic University (PAU)
Located in Lagos, Pan-Atlantic University is a leading private institution known for its high academic standards and character-driven education. The university offers need-based and merit-based scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and a genuine financial need.
Financial Aid Scheme: Up to 100% tuition support depending on the student’s need.
Merit Scholarships: For students with top JAMB and WAEC scores.
PAU’s scholarship programme ensures that brilliant students are not held back by financial barriers.
2. Babcock University
As one of the oldest private universities in Nigeria, Babcock University offers a wide range of scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students. These scholarships are usually sponsored by internal and external bodies such as:
- Parents Consultative Forum Scholarship
- Springtime Development Foundation (SDF) Scholarships
Awards are based on academic excellence and financial need, and cover up to 100% of tuition.
3. Nile University of Nigeria
Nile University, located in Abuja, offers one of the most generous and structured scholarship programmes among private institutions in Nigeria. Their offers are categorized as follows:
- Academic Merit Scholarships: Based on JAMB scores and WASSCE performance. For example, students with JAMB scores of 320+ and 5 A’s in WAEC can receive a 100% tuition waiver.
- Sports Scholarships: Available to students who have competed or excelled at the national or professional level.
- Postgraduate Scholarships: First-class graduates of Nile University are eligible for a 50% scholarship on Master’s or PGD programs.
4. Bowen University
Bowen University, a faith-based institution in Osun State, is committed to making education accessible through a variety of financial support programs. The university offers:
- Academic Scholarships
- Need-Based Financial Aid
- Endowed Scholarships from alumni and private donors
- These initiatives aim to ease the financial burden on students and families.
5. Covenant University
Located in Ota, Ogun State, Covenant University is renowned for its academic excellence and discipline. The school offers scholarships to:
- Outstanding students with top academic records
- Financially challenged but deserving students
- Both local and international students
- Scholarship awards are typically based on academic merit and demonstrated need.
6. Baze University
Situated in Abuja, Baze University. provides several scholarship options to support students with excellent academic performance and those in need of financial assistance.
The scholarships are merit-based, but financial need may also be considered.
Some awards come from private donors and partner organizations.
Baze University is focused on attracting Nigeria’s best and brightest through these opportunities.
7. Caleb University
Caleb University, located in Lagos State, offers scholarship and financial aid packages to students who meet their academic and financial criteria.
The goal is to make quality education affordable for hardworking and committed students.
Financial aid is available across various programmes.
8. Adeleke University
Owned by Dr. Adedeji Adeleke (father of Nigerian music star Davido), Adeleke University in Osun State is passionate about education for all. The school offers:
- Merit Scholarships
- Financial Aid for low-income students
- Special offers for top-performing applicants
- The university is committed to educational equality and academic success.
9. American University of Nigeria (AUN)
AUN, located in Yola, is modeled after the American higher education system. It’s one of the few Nigerian private universities with a comprehensive financial aid and scholarship policy.
Offers include need-based scholarships, merit scholarships, and grants for disadvantaged students.
The institution partners with international donors to expand its scholarship pool.
10. Al-Hikmah University
Known for its Islamic values and commitment to agriculture, Al-Hikmah University provides scholarships for:
Students studying Agricultural Sciences
The award spans up to three academic sessions, from 100 to 300 level.
Recently accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC), this scholarship aims to empower future agricultural experts.
Final Words: How to Apply for Scholarships in Nigerian Private Universities
Most of these scholarships require you to:
- Meet the academic criteria (usually minimum JAMB/WAEC scores)
- Provide proof of financial need (such as parent income statements)
- Submit a formal scholarship application through the university’s website or admissions office.
Don’t miss out on these opportunities. Visit the official websites of your preferred universities to learn more about scholarship application deadlines, eligibility criteria, and required documentation.
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