Choosing the right school is one of the biggest decisions a student ever makes, and if you are eyeing a private institution in the South East, this list of private universities in Anambra State with their school fees is exactly what you need before you pick up that admission form. Anambra State has grown into one of Nigeria’s most reliable education hubs, home to a federal university, a state university, and a fast-expanding cluster of private universities that many families now prefer because of stable academic calendars and modern facilities.
This guide breaks down every approved private university in the state, what they charge per session, and what makes each one unique. Whether you are a fresh JAMB candidate, a parent budgeting for the new session, or a transfer student comparing options, this list of private universities in Anambra State with their school fees gives you the clarity you need in one place.
Why Anambra State Is a Top Choice for Private University Education
Anambra State sits in the heart of the South East, and it has quietly become a favourite destination for students who want quality education without the disruption of incessant strikes. Private universities here run tight academic calendars, smaller class sizes, and closer lecturer-student interaction. Many of them are faith-based, which also means strong discipline and structured hostel life.
Before we dive into the full list of private universities in Anambra State with their school fees, here is why students keep choosing this state:
- No academic strikes, so students graduate on time
- Smaller lecture halls that allow personal attention
- Growing faculties in Medicine, Law, Nursing, and Engineering
- Serene, secure campuses away from city distractions
- Affordable options compared to universities in Lagos or Abuja
List of Private Universities in Anambra State With Their School Fees
Here is the complete, updated list of private universities in Anambra State with their school fees for students planning ahead for the 2026/2027 academic session. Fees change often, so always confirm the exact figures on each university’s official portal before making payment.
1. Madonna University, Okija
Madonna University holds the record as the first Catholic-owned university in Nigeria, established in 1999. Though its headquarters sits in Elele, Rivers State, the Okija campus in Anambra State runs full faculties including Law, Pharmacy, and Nursing.
- School fees range: ₦229,000 to ₦2,000,000 per session, depending on the course
- Medicine and Surgery sits at the top of the fee bracket
- Education and Arts courses remain the most affordable
- An acceptance fee and medical screening charge apply separately
Madonna remains one of the cheapest private universities offering Medicine in Nigeria, which explains its consistently high admission demand.
2. Paul University, Awka
Founded in 2009 by the Anglican Communion, Paul University is a faith-based institution with a reputation for discipline and a quiet, focused learning environment.
- School fees range: ₦190,000 for standard courses, ₦350,000 for health sciences, and ₦650,000 for Nursing Science
- Additional charges cover accommodation, faculty dues, library, and examination fees
- The university recently added a Faculty of Allied Health Sciences
Paul University is often recommended to students who want a private university experience without the high cost attached to most others on this list.
3. Tansian University, Umunya
Tansian University was founded in 2007 by the late Rev. Fr. Prof. John Bosco Akam and has grown into one of the fastest-rising private universities in the South East.
- School fees range: ₦258,000 to ₦698,000 per session, depending on faculty
- Law and Nursing programmes fall on the higher end
- Philosophy and Education programmes are the most budget-friendly
- Returning students can pay 50% upfront and clear the balance before second semester
Tansian’s flexible instalment plan makes it a practical pick for families managing tight budgets.
4. Legacy University, Okija
Established in 2016, Legacy University sits on a large 110-hectare campus along the Onitsha-Owerri expressway. It markets itself as an affordable entry point into private education.
- School fees range: From about ₦325,000 to ₦450,000 per session
- Hostel accommodation costs as low as ₦35,000 per semester
- Admission is largely merit-based, favouring candidates with a minimum JAMB score of 140
If affordability combined with a large, secure campus matters to you, Legacy University deserves a spot on your shortlist.
5. Peter University, Achina-Onneh
Peter University is one of the newer entrants, approved by the National Universities Commission in 2022 and owned by the Catholic Dioceses of Awka and Ekwuluobia.
- School fees vary by faculty and are published directly on the university’s admission portal
- The institution places strong emphasis on research, morally sound graduates, and small student cohorts
- It held its first matriculation in 2024, so facilities remain relatively new and well maintained
Because Peter University is still expanding its programmes, prospective students should confirm current charges directly with the admissions office before applying.
6. University on the Niger, Umunya
Owned by the Anglican Diocese on the Niger, this university received NUC approval in 2023 and began academic activities with about twenty degree programmes across various faculties.
- Fees differ by programme and are updated regularly on the school’s official website
- The university is popularly called UniNiger
- It represents one of the newest additions to Anambra’s growing private education landscape
7. Shanahan University, Onitsha
Shanahan University rounds up this list of private universities in Anambra State with their school fees. As one of the newer Catholic-affiliated institutions in the state, it is steadily building out its faculties and course offerings, with fee details available through its admissions office.
Quick Comparison of Private Universities in Anambra State
| University | Location | Fee Range (Per Session) |
|---|---|---|
| Madonna University | Okija | ₦229,000 – ₦2,000,000 |
| Paul University | Awka | ₦190,000 – ₦650,000 |
| Tansian University | Umunya | ₦258,000 – ₦698,000 |
| Legacy University | Okija | ₦325,000 – ₦450,000 |
| Peter University | Achina-Onneh | Varies by faculty |
| University on the Niger | Umunya | Varies by programme |
| Shanahan University | Onitsha | Contact admissions |
This table gives a fast snapshot, but always cross-check with each school’s bursary department since fees adjust almost every session due to inflation and new faculty additions.
Factors That Affect School Fees in Anambra State’s Private Universities
Several things determine why one course costs more than another within the same list of private universities in Anambra State with their school fees:
- Course of study – Medicine, Nursing, and Law always attract higher charges than Arts or Education because of equipment and accreditation costs.
- Accommodation choice – On-campus hostels add extra fees, while off-campus living may reduce overall spending.
- Student status – Fresh students typically pay more than returning students due to one-time charges like acceptance and medical fees.
- Faculty resources – Laboratory-heavy departments like Pharmacy or Engineering carry additional equipment levies.
- Payment plan – Some universities allow instalment payments, which can ease the pressure of a lump sum.
How to Choose the Right Private University for You
With this list of private universities in Anambra State with their school fees in front of you, narrowing down your choice becomes easier. Consider these points:
- Match your course of interest with the university’s accredited programmes
- Compare your family’s budget against the fee brackets above
- Visit the campus or speak with current students before committing
- Confirm NUC accreditation status for your chosen course
- Factor in accommodation, transport, and feeding costs, not just tuition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which private university in Anambra State has the lowest school fees? Paul University, Awka currently offers the lowest tuition for standard undergraduate courses at around ₦190,000 per session.
2. Which private university in Anambra State offers Medicine? Madonna University, Okija runs an accredited Medicine and Surgery programme, though it comes with the highest fee on this list.
3. Do private universities in Anambra State allow instalment payment? Yes. Tansian University and a few others permit students to pay 50% at resumption and clear the balance before the second semester.
4. Is Nnamdi Azikiwe University a private university? No. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) is a federal university, not part of this list of private universities in Anambra State with their school fees.
5. How much extra should I budget beyond tuition? Expect to add acceptance fees, hostel charges, medical screening, and books, which can range from ₦50,000 to ₦150,000 depending on the school.
6. Are these fees fixed for every academic year? No. Private universities review fees almost every session, so always confirm the latest figures on the official school portal before making payment.
Final Thoughts
This list of private universities in Anambra State with their school fees shows that quality private education in the South East does not have to break the bank. From Madonna University’s wide medical programmes to Paul University’s budget-friendly tuition, Anambra State offers something for nearly every student’s academic goal and financial plan. Take time to compare each institution, confirm current fees directly from the schools, and pick the university that fits both your course of interest and your budget for the 2026/2027 academic session.