Private Universities in Akwa Ibom State and Their Fees
Akwa Ibom State is home to a small but growing cluster of private universities, each carving out its own niche — from affordable Christian liberal-arts education to a fast-rising, tech-and-medicine-focused institution attracting students from across Nigeria. If you’re weighing your options among them, this article lays out who they are, what they offer, and — most importantly — exactly what you’ll pay at each, in clear tabular form.
The Private Universities in Akwa Ibom State
There are currently four privately-owned universities licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and located in Akwa Ibom State:
Obong University — Obong Ntak, Etim Ekpo LGA (established 2007)
Ritman University — Ikot Ekpene (established 2015)
Topfaith University — Mkpatak, Essien Udim LGA (established 2021)
Southern Atlantic University — Uyo (a newer entrant to the state’s private university landscape)
Alongside these, Akwa Ibom also has one federal university (University of Uyo) and one state university (Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden), but this article focuses specifically on the private options and their fees.
1. Obong University, Obong Ntak
Founded in 2007 and affiliated with the Churches of Christ, Obong University is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s more affordable private universities, with a notably low student-to-staff ratio. Its officially published 2026/2027 fee schedule is one of the most transparent among Akwa Ibom’s private institutions.
Obong University Fees (Per Year, 2026/2027 Session)
Programme. Tuition(₦) Other Charges (₦)
Mass 290,000 160,000
Communication,
English & Literary Studies,
Christian & Religious Studies
Business Admin. &. 340,000 160,000
Marketing, Political Science,
International Relations,
Peace & Security Studies, Accounting, Economics, Sociology
& Social Works
Biochemistry & Microbiology 340,000 160,000
Computer Science. 440,000 160,000
Medical Laboratory Science 490,000 160,000
Nursing Science. 590,000 160,000
“Other Charges” is a flat rate covering departmental dues, medicals, sports, registration, library, exams, ICT, utilities, and welfare — applied on top of tuition, regardless of programme.
Accommodation (optional): Type 1 — ₦70,000; Type 2 — ₦60,000 per session.
2. Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene
Established in 2015 by the Ritman Group of Companies under Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, Ritman University markets itself as an “entrepreneurship university” with a strong focus on Total Character Development. It is known for one distinguishing feature: no acceptance fee for new students.
Ritman University Fees (Approximate, Per Session)
Category
Tuition & Incidental Fees (₦)
General Courses (Arts, Management, Social Sciences)
350,000 – 450,000
Computing / Science-based Programmes
~500,000
Allied Health Sciences (Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science)
Higher — confirm exact figure with admissions
Accommodation (optional)
~150,000+
Ritman allows fee payment in two instalments — 50% upon resumption/orientation day, and the remaining 50% due two months after resumption. The university’s JAMB cut-off mark for 2026/2027 is set at 140.
Note: These Ritman figures are drawn from recent admission guides rather than a single static official fee page, so treat them as a close approximation and confirm the exact current amount with the admissions office before paying.
3. Topfaith University, Mkpatak
Established in 2021, Topfaith is the newest and fastest-growing of Akwa Ibom’s private universities, now offering programmes across Computing & Applied Sciences, Engineering, Law, Management & Social Sciences, and Medical Sciences (including an MBBS programme). It publishes one of the most detailed, itemized official fee schedules of any Nigerian private university.
Topfaith University Fees (Per Session, 2026/2027)
Programme. Tuition Fee (₦)
B.Sc Computer Science. 2,200,000
B.Sc Software Engineering. 2,200,000
B.Sc Cybersecurity. 2,200,000
B.Sc Mathematics. 2,000,000
B.Sc Physics with Electronics 2,000,000
B.Sc Architecture 2,000,000
B.Sc Biochemistry. 1,800,000
B.Sc Biotechnology 1,800,000
B.Eng Electrical & Electronic. 2,000,000
Engineering
B.Eng Computer Engineering 2,000,000
B.Eng Telecommunications 2,000,000
Engineering
B.Eng Petroleum &. 2,000,000
Gas Engineering
B.Eng Chemical Engineering 2,000,000
B.Eng Civil Engineering 2,000,000
B.Eng Mechanical Engineering. 2,000,000
B.Eng Mechatronic Engineering 2,000,000
LL.B Law. 2,500,000
B.Sc Accounting 1,850,000
B.Sc Business Administration 1,850,000
B.Sc Economics 1,850,000
B.Sc Mass Communication. 1,900,000
B.Sc Criminology & Security Studies 1,900,000
MBBS Medicine & Surgery. 3,600,000
B.MLS Medical Laboratory Science 2,200,000
B.NSc Nursing Science. 2,500,000
B.Sc Public Health 1,900,000
Additional Topfaith Charges
Item
Amount (₦)
Acceptance Fee (Freshers only, non-refundable)
100,000
Accommodation — 6-Person Room
600,000 per session
Accommodation — 4-Person Room
800,000 per session
Feeding — Two Meals/Day
952,000 per session
Feeding — Three Meals/Day
1,428,000 per session
Feeding — Pay-as-You-Eat
0 (pay per meal)
Scholarships available: Dean’s List Award (5% tuition discount for 1st class CGPA), BOT Academic Excellence Award (10% discount for 5.0 CGPA), Thomas Abraham Foundation Valedictorian Award (₦1,000,000 for best graduating student), and sibling discounts (3–5% for multiple siblings enrolled).
4. Southern Atlantic University, Uyo
Southern Atlantic University is a newer private university based in Uyo, offering programmes including BSc Cybersecurity, Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Hospitality & Tourism Management, Political Science, International Relations & Diplomacy, Microbiology, and Public Administration.
Important note on fees: Unlike the other three institutions above, Southern Atlantic University has not published a detailed, itemized fee schedule through any verifiable public or official source at the time of writing. The university’s own promotional materials describe its tuition only in general terms as “affordable,” without listing specific naira figures per programme. Admission and fee enquiries are currently directed to the university’s admission office by phone rather than through a public fee page. If you’re considering Southern Atlantic University, the only reliable way to get an exact figure is to contact the admissions office directly rather than rely on any third-party estimate.
Quick Comparison Table
University
Location
Established
Approx. Tuition Range (Per Session)
Acceptance Fee
Obong University
Obong Ntak
2007
₦290,000 – ₦590,000 (+₦160,000 other charges)
Not specified in current schedule
Ritman University
Ikot Ekpene
2015
₦350,000 – ₦500,000+
None
Topfaith University
Mkpatak
2021
₦1,800,000 – ₦3,600,000
₦100,000
Southern Atlantic University
Uyo
—
Not publicly published
Contact admissions office
As the table shows, there’s a striking spread: Obong University and Ritman University sit at the more affordable end typical of established, community-focused private universities, while Topfaith University’s fees reflect its heavier investment in Engineering, Law, and Medical Sciences infrastructure (including a full MBBS programme), placing it closer to the higher end of Nigeria’s private university fee spectrum.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which private university in Akwa Ibom State is the cheapest?
Based on published fees, Obong University and Ritman University are the most affordable, with tuition generally falling between ₦290,000 and ₦500,000 per session (before accommodation and feeding). Topfaith University is considerably more expensive, particularly for Engineering, Law, and Medical Sciences programmes.
2. Do these universities charge the same fees for every course?
No. All four universities price differently by programme — generally, Arts and Management courses cost less than Computer Science, Engineering, Medical Sciences, and Law, which require more specialized equipment, laboratories, and accreditation.
3. Is accommodation included in the tuition fees shown?
No. At Obong University and Topfaith University, accommodation and feeding are separate, itemized charges on top of tuition. At Ritman University, accommodation is also billed separately (approximately ₦150,000+ per session).
4. Which of these universities has the lowest acceptance fee?
Ritman University currently charges no acceptance fee at all — a notable point of difference. Topfaith University charges ₦100,000 (non-refundable, freshers only).
5. How can I get the most accurate, current fee figure for my chosen course?
Always confirm directly through each university’s official channels before paying:
Obong University: obonguniversity.edu.ng (Tuition Fee page)
Ritman University: ritmanuniversity.edu.ng or the admissions office
Topfaith University: topfaith.edu.ng/fees
Southern Atlantic University: contact the admissions office directly, as no public fee page currently exists.