Throughout Nigeria at the moment, the intersection between religion and schooling has by no means been extra outstanding. Among the many 159 non-public universities formally accredited by the Nationwide Universities Fee (NUC) as of Might 2025, a notable quantity are owned and operated by church buildings. 

These establishments not solely replicate the rising function of spiritual organizations in Nigeria’s schooling sector but in addition increase questions round accessibility, affordability, and the standard of schooling provided.

How they mix religion and academia

Church-owned universities are recognized for integrating Christian values with educational excellence. Many have been established within the early 2000s, a time when Nigeria noticed a surge in non-public college licenses. 

Huge-name pastors and highly effective church networks such because the Residing Religion Church and the Redeemed Christian Church of God didn’t simply plant congregations, additionally they constructed campuses.

Listed below are among the most outstanding church-owned universities in Nigeria and the way a lot it prices to review there.

Covenant College – Ota, Ogun State

Backed by the Residing Religion Church and based by Bishop David Oyedepo, Covenant College is arguably essentially the most prestigious faith-based college in Nigeria. Identified for its strict insurance policies, neat setting, and educational rigor, it has earned prime rankings nationally.

College Charges: Relying on this system, charges vary from ₦1.5 million to ₦1.7 million per session.

Bowen College – Iwo, Osun State

Owned by the Nigerian Baptist Conference, Bowen College started educational actions in 2002. With programs starting from Agriculture to Medication, it has expanded quickly.

College Charges: College students pay between ₦585,900 and ₦4.6 million, with medication college students sitting on the excessive finish of the dimensions.

Redeemer’s College – Ede, Osun State

Redeemer’s College was based by the Redeemed Christian Church of God underneath the management of Pastor Enoch Adeboye. Since opening in 2005, it has positioned itself as a hub for religious and educational growth.

College Charges: First-year college students can count on to pay between ₦819,500 and ₦1.9 million, relying on their course of research.

Ajayi Crowther College – Oyo, Oyo State

This establishment bears the title of Samuel Ajayi Crowther, the primary African Anglican bishop and Bible translator. Established by the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the college blends conventional Christian heritage with fashionable lecturers.

College Charges: Tuition ranges from ₦500,000 to ₦1.5 million, relying on the division.

Babcock College – Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State

Based by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Babcock College is one in every of Nigeria’s most acknowledged Christian establishments. It’s recognized for its medical faculty and emphasis on character formation.

College Charges: Most college students pay between ₦813,000 and ₦1.4 million. Nonetheless, in the event you’re finding out medication, be able to shell out ₦7 million in your first yr alone.

Are they definitely worth the worth?

The rising affect of church buildings in Nigeria’s college system has introduced many positives self-discipline, ethical grounding, and enhanced infrastructure. Nonetheless, it additionally opens up debates about price and equality. 

Whereas these establishments preach values of humility and repair, their charges usually make them inaccessible to the typical Nigerian household.

But, for many who can afford it, these universities supply extra than simply levels, they promise a way of life rooted in religion, order, and excellence.