Private University in Borno State and Their Fees
Borno State, located in Northeastern Nigeria, is home to a modest but growing higher education landscape. While the state is best known for its federal and state-owned institutions — the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB), and Borno State University (BOSU) — it also has a private university that has opened up more options for students in the region: Al-Ansar University, Maiduguri (AUM).
This article takes a detailed look at the private university situation in Borno State, its programmes, and its tuition fee structure, to help prospective students and parents plan ahead.
Overview: Private University Education in Borno State
For many years, Borno State had no privately owned university, and residents who wanted a private university education had to travel to other states. This changed in 2020 when the Al-Ansar Foundation, a non-governmental organization focused on education, health, and humanitarian services, established Al-Ansar University in Maiduguri. It received approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) in December 2020, making it the first and, to date, only private university in Borno State.
The university was founded partly in response to the educational disruption caused by insecurity in the region, offering an additional option for families who could not always rely on the limited spaces available at public universities.
Al-Ansar University, Maiduguri (AUM)
Type: Private (Islamic-oriented)
Location: Tarmuwa-Yobe Road, Maiduguri, Borno State
Established: 2020, by the Al-Ansar Foundation
Accreditation: Approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC)
Website: www.aum.edu.ng
AUM offers undergraduate programmes across several colleges, including:
Arts and Humanities – Arabic, Islamic Studies, English Language & Literary Studies
Management and Social Sciences – Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Political Science, Mass Communication, Criminology & Security Studies, Peace Studies & Conflict Resolution
Health Sciences – Nursing Science, Public Health, and (in later sessions) Medicine
The university has continued to expand its course offerings and infrastructure, with plans to grow into postgraduate and professional programmes over time.
Al-Ansar University Fees
Tuition at AUM varies considerably depending on the course of study, ranging from roughly ₦231,000 for the more affordable arts-based programmes to as much as ₦3,000,000 for programmes in the College of Health Sciences, such as Medicine. Below is an approximate breakdown based on recent fee schedules:
Programme
Approximate Annual Tuition
B.A. Arabic
₦231,000 – ₦287,400
B.A. Islamic Studies
₦231,000 – ₦287,400
English Language & Literary Studies
₦670,200
Sociology / Criminology & Security Studies
₦670,200
Economics
₦802,200
Mass Communication
₦868,200
Accounting / Business Administration
₦1,000,200
Nursing Science
~₦1,320,000
Medicine (MBBS)
~₦3,000,000
Other charges to note:
Acceptance fee: Around ₦50,000, payable within two weeks of receiving an admission offer (non-refundable).
Accommodation, feeding, transportation, and personal upkeep are not included in tuition and should be budgeted separately.
Payment plans: Students can pay per semester or per full academic year. Where full payment isn’t possible upfront, the university allows instalment payments, provided the balance is cleared before the end of the semester (or before exams, for semester payers).
Discounts: AUM offers discounts to students who pay their fees in full and on time.
Nigerian and international students are currently charged the same tuition rates, with no separate international fee structure.
Because fee schedules are reviewed periodically, prospective students should always confirm the exact, current figures directly with the AUM Admissions Office before making payment.
How Fees Compare
Compared to many private universities in southern and central Nigeria — where tuition can run from ₦1 million to well over ₦3 million for non-medical courses alone — AUM’s fees for arts, social science, and management courses are relatively affordable. This positions it as an accessible private option for students in the Northeast, while its health science programmes (Nursing and Medicine) are priced closer to what is typical for such professional courses nationally.
Contact Information
Admissions Office: Al-Ansar University, Tarmuwa-Yobe Road, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
Phone: +234 803 355 0939
Website: www.aum.edu.ng
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many private universities are there in Borno State?
There is currently one fully established and NUC-accredited private university in Borno State: Al-Ansar University, Maiduguri (AUM), founded in 2020.
2. What is the cheapest course to study at Al-Ansar University?
Arts and Islamic Studies-related programmes, such as B.A. Arabic and B.A. Islamic Studies, tend to be the most affordable, with tuition fees starting from around ₦231,000 per session.
3. Does Al-Ansar University charge international students differently from Nigerian students?
No. As of the most recent fee schedules, AUM applies the same tuition rates to both Nigerian and international students, with no separate international fee category.
4. Are accommodation and feeding included in AUM’s tuition fees?
No. Tuition fees cover academic charges only. Accommodation, feeding, transportation, and other personal expenses are paid separately and are not part of the published tuition figures.
5. Can students pay Al-Ansar University fees in instalments?
Yes. Students can choose to pay per semester or per academic year, and instalment payments are permitted, provided the full amount is settled before the end of the semester (or before examinations begin, for semester-based payments). The university also offers discounts for students who pay in full and on time.