Private Law is one of the key areas of legal studies offered by Nigerian universities. It focuses on the laws governing personal and property rights, contracts, family law, torts, and other private legal relationships. If you are passionate about understanding how laws protect individuals and private entities, studying Private Law is a great choice. This article provides a list of universities offering Private Law in Nigeria for the 2026/2027 academic session.
What is Private Law?
Private Law deals with legal matters that affect individuals or small groups, such as disputes over contracts, family issues, inheritance, and property ownership. Unlike public law, which deals with the relationship between individuals and the government, Private Law governs relationships between private citizens.
Private Law students learn how to resolve civil disputes, draft agreements, and represent clients in private legal matters. Graduates often work as legal advisers, consultants, or practicing lawyers specializing in areas like contract law, family law, or property law.
Why Study Private Law?
Studying Private Law opens the door to many career opportunities in Nigeria. The knowledge you gain will allow you to work as a solicitor, advocate, or legal consultant in private firms or corporations. As Nigeria’s legal and business sectors grow, there is a strong demand for professionals skilled in handling private legal issues.
Universities Offering Private Law in Nigeria 2026/2027
If you are interested in studying Private Law, the following universities in Nigeria offer this course:
| University Name | Location | Ownership |
|---|---|---|
| Benson Idahosa University (BIU) | Benin City, Edo State | Private University |
| Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) | Enugu, Enugu State | State University |
| Ambrose Alli University (AAU) | Ekpoma, Edo State | State University |
| University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) | Maiduguri, Borno State | Federal University |
Detailed Overview of Each University
1. Benson Idahosa University (BIU)
Benson Idahosa University is a private university located in Benin City, Edo State. Known for its strong academic programs, BIU offers a well-structured Private Law curriculum that prepares students for the demands of the legal profession. The university provides modern facilities and experienced lecturers who guide students through the complexities of Private Law.
2. Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)
Located in Enugu State, ESUT is a state-owned institution with a reputable Faculty of Law. The university offers comprehensive training in Private Law, focusing on contracts, family law, and property law. ESUT is an excellent choice for students who want to study law in a supportive academic environment.
3. Ambrose Alli University (AAU)
Ambrose Alli University, based in Ekpoma, Edo State, is a well-known state university. The university’s Faculty of Law provides a balanced approach to theoretical and practical legal education. Private Law students benefit from experienced faculty members and opportunities for internships at law firms.
4. University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
UNIMAID is a federal university located in Maiduguri, Borno State. It is one of the most respected universities in the northern region of Nigeria. The Private Law program at UNIMAID covers various legal disciplines, equipping students with the skills needed to succeed in the legal field.
Admission Requirements for Private Law
To study Private Law in any Nigerian university, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- O’Level Results: A minimum of five credits, including English Language, Literature in English, Government, and any other relevant subjects.
- JAMB UTME Subject Combination: English Language, Literature in English, Government, and one other subject. You can learn more about the JAMB subject combination for Private Law.
- Post-UTME: Candidates must meet the cut-off marks set by their chosen university.
How to Choose the Right University for Private Law
When deciding where to study Private Law, consider the following:
- Accreditation: Ensure the university is accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
- Location: Choose a university in a location that suits your budget and lifestyle.
- Tuition Fees: Compare the cost of studying at different universities. Private institutions like BIU tend to have higher fees than public ones like UNIMAID.
- Reputation: Research the performance of the Faculty of Law at each institution.
Career Opportunities in Private Law
Graduates of Private Law have numerous career options, including:
- Legal Practitioner: Work as a lawyer representing clients in civil cases.
- Corporate Legal Adviser: Provide legal advice to businesses and corporations.
- Family Law Specialist: Handle divorce, custody, and other family-related legal matters.
- Real Estate Lawyer: Specialize in property law and real estate transactions.
With a degree in Private Law, you can also pursue postgraduate studies to specialize further in areas like International Private Law or Commercial Law.
Sabiu Musa – CEO of JAMB2026.info
Sabiu Musa is a passionate Nigerian education advocate, digital strategist, and the visionary founder of JAMB2026.info, one of Nigeria’s leading online platforms for updates on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and general tertiary education news.
With a strong background in educational blogging and digital communication, Sabiu Musa created JAMB2026.info to bridge the information gap for students preparing for UTME and other admission-related processes in Nigeria. His mission is simple: make accurate, timely, and reliable academic information accessible to every Nigerian student, especially those in underserved areas.