Covenant University (CU), located in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria, remains the most outstanding private university in Nigeria and one of the best on the African continent.
According to Times Higher Education (THE), it was the best university in Nigeria for 2 years in a row. These achievements are based on multiple performance indicators like academic quality, research output, industry engagement, and global outlook.
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Global & Regional Rankings of Covenant University
- Best Private University in Nigeria
- Best Private University in West Africa.
- 3rd Best in Africa in the Interdisciplinary Science Research rankings.
- Ranked within the 801–1000 band globally in the full THE world rankings.
Covenant University is owned by Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel International. Its founder and chancellor is Bishop David O. Oyedepo, a well-known Nigerian pastor and leader of the church network.
The school was established in 2002 and has grown rapidly into one of Africa’s most recognised private universities.
It was founded as part of a Christian mission ethos but admits students from different religious and cultural backgrounds.
Its mission is to produce well-rounded graduates that are academically strong, ethically grounded, and workplace-ready, and it has a track record to prove this.
Notable alumni of CU include:
- Simi – Nigerian musician and songwriter.
- Ric Hassani—Nigerian singer and performer.
- Nonso Amadi—International music artist.
- Ayoola Ayolola – Musician and actor.
- Bimbo Ademoye and Ini Dima-Okojie—actors and media personalities.
- Odunayo Eweniyi – Co-founder of PiggyVest
As the popular Nigerian saying goes, “Soup wey sweet, na money kill am,” so gaining admission into Covenant University does not come cheap.
2025/2026 Tuition & School Fees at Covenant University
Below is the official fees breakdown for selected programmes at CU, as released in the approved school fees PDF for the 2025/2026 academic session:
| Programme / College | Fees (₦, per session) |
|---|---|
| English | ₦1,733,797.50 |
| International Relations | ₦1,959,945.00 |
| Psychology | ₦1,884,562.50 |
| Accounting | ₦1,959,945.00 |
| Business Administration | ₦1,815,562.50 |
| Economics | ₦1,959,945.00 |
| Computer Science | ₦1,959,945.00 |
| Engineering (all disciplines) | ₦2,009,280.00 |
| Architecture | ₦1,959,945.00 |
| Biochemistry | ₦1,821,931.20 |
| Sociology | ₦1,742,940.00 |
Fees include tuition, accommodation, ICT access, medicals, identity card, sports, and exam fees.
Note: This list shows (Nigerian) fee rates; international and foreign descent fees are higher (usually in US dollars).
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Why Are Fees So High for a Church-Owned University?
After Covenant University published its school fees online, a major discussion emerged about why the costs are so high and why even some church members might struggle to afford tuition.
But should excellence bow to sentiment?
Because members prayed, the university must now run at a loss?
Should their tithe become a discount voucher?
Does a church‑owned school mean charity?
These are the common counterarguments often raised whenever this claim resurfaces on social media and in public discussions.
Some other private universities, like Wigwe University, charge even higher tuition fees alone, so supporters of CU argue that its total cost can actually be reasonable when all services are included.
Their leadership has also stated that investing in infrastructure, faculty, and research is part of delivering quality education, not a free service.
While its fees reflect higher costs than many local alternatives, the comprehensive education experience, global recognition, and successful alumni network help explain why many families consider CU a worthwhile investment.
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