Dozens of Nigerian churches now own and operate accredited universities, reflecting the growing influence of religious institutions in the country’s higher education sector.
More than 40 universities have been established by Christian denominations ranging from the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion to Pentecostal ministries such as the Redeemed Christian Church of God and the Living Faith Church.
Among them are Covenant University in Ogun State, Babcock University in Ogun State, Bowen University in Osun State, and Veritas University in Abuja. Others include Madonna University, Redeemer’s University, Landmark University, and Ajayi Crowther University.
Analysts say the rise of faith-based universities has expanded access to private tertiary education, often combining academic instruction with religious values. However, tuition fees at many of these institutions remain higher than those at public universities, limiting access for poorer families.
The first church-owned university in Nigeria, Babcock University, was established in 1999 by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Since then, new institutions have continued to emerge across the country, with affiliations to different denominations. The trend highlights the increasing role of churches in shaping Nigeria’s educational landscape at a time when public universities face funding and infrastructural challenges.
