Cheapest Universities in Nigeria and Their School Fees

Cheapest Universities in Nigeria and Their School Fees

Access to affordable higher education is a critical concern for many Nigerian students. While the cost of university in Nigeria varies significantly depending on whether the institution is federal, state, or private, there are still many universities that offer relatively low tuition fees. Below is a breakdown of some of the cheapest universities in Nigeria, detailing their school fees, and considerations for students.

1. Why “Cheap” Matters in the Nigerian Context

In Nigeria, public universities — especially federal universities — receive substantial government subsidies. This allows them to charge much lower tuition than many private institutions. For students with limited financial means, choosing one of the more affordable public universities can make a huge difference.

However, “cheap” doesn’t always mean poor quality — many of these institutions are respected, have good programs, and provide substantial academic value for the cost. Yet prospective students must also account for additional costs, such as accommodation, departmental fees, acceptance fees, and living expenses.

2. Cheapest Federal Universities

Federal universities in Nigeria are often the most affordable option for many Nigerians. Here are some of the lowest-tuition federal universities and their approximate fee ranges:

These fees illustrate how federal universities make higher education more accessible for many Nigerian students.

3. Cheapest State Universities

State universities are run by state governments, and their fees tend to be slightly higher than federal universities, but there are still several very affordable state institutions:

• Taraba State University (TSU): According to Pulse Nigeria, TSU charges between ₦25,000 and ₦35,000 per session (for many courses). (Pulse Nigeria)
• Lagos State University (LASU): A standout for affordability—in some reports, returning students pay ₦25,000 per session, while new students pay between ₦58,048 and ₦150,000 depending on their course. (Pulse Nigeria)
• Gombe State University (GSU): For indigenes, fees are ~₦69,500. For non-indigenes, they range much more, depending on course. (Pulse Nigeria)
• Plateau State University (PLASU): Fees are reported around ~₦40,000 for indigenes and ~₦90,000 for non-indigenes per session. (Pulse Nigeria)
• Kebbi State University of Science & Technology (KSUSTA): Fresh students may pay between ₦33,500 to ₦84,000; returning students ~₦28,500 (varies by course). (Pulse Nigeria)

These state-run institutions therefore represent very cost-effective options, particularly for in-state students.

4. Cheapest Private Universities

Private universities generally charge much more than public ones, because they receive less or no government subsidy. But even within the private sector, there are “relatively cheap” options, especially compared to high-profile or specialized private schools. Here are some of the more affordable private universities and their fees:

• Oduduwa University (OUI), Ipetumodu: According to My School Insight, tuition is around ₦150,000–₦250,000 for many courses. (My School Insight) Pulse Nigeria cites a slightly wider range of ₦98,000–₦245,000. (Pulse Nigeria)
• Obong University, Akwa Ibom: Reported school fees of ₦180,000–₦200,000/year. (My School Insight)
• Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo: Tuition is approximately ₦195,000 – ₦350,000, depending on the course. (My School Insight)
• Hezekiah University, Umudi: Fees in the range of ₦200,000 – ₦300,000. (My School Insight)
• Tansian University, Anambra: Tuition varies from ₦250,000 to ₦500,000 for different courses. (My School Insight)

These private universities provide more affordable private education, especially compared to some elite private schools with multi-million naira fees.

5. Why Some Universities Are So Cheap

Several factors explain why these universities are among the cheapest:

1. Government Subsidies: Federal universities receive large subsidies from the Nigerian government, allowing them to keep tuition very low.
2. Economies of Scale: Some large public universities enroll many students, which helps spread administrative and infrastructure costs across many students.
3. Lower Overhead for State Universities: State universities may have lower cost structures in some states, especially where the cost of living or staff salary scales are lower.
4. Modest Facilities (for Some): Some cheaper universities may have fewer luxury facilities. Rather than spending on flashy infrastructure, they focus on teaching and core academic offerings.
5. Mission-Driven Private Institutions: Some affordable private universities aim to provide broad access to private education. Their business model may emphasize volume, community service, or more affordable programs rather than high-end specialization.

6. Risks & Considerations When Choosing a Cheap University

While low fees are very appealing, prospective students shouldn’t make their decision on cost alone. Here are some important caveats:

• Quality of Education: A low-cost university doesn’t necessarily mean low quality, but it’s important to check accreditation, faculty qualifications, and academic reputation.
• Hidden Costs: Tuition is not everything. There may be additional fees: departmental dues, lab fees, service charges, hostel or accommodation costs, and “acceptance” or matriculation fees.
• Strikes and Calendar Disruptions: Public universities in Nigeria sometimes suffer academic disruptions (e.g., strikes), which can delay graduation and make the “cost per year” effectively higher.
• Living Costs: Even if tuition is low, the cost of living in certain cities (transport, food, accommodation) may offset the savings from cheap tuition.
• Career Outcomes: Cheap tuition is good, but students should also think about whether the university can position them for good jobs, internships, or postgraduate opportunities.

7. Conclusion and Recommendations

Nigeria offers a number of very affordable university options, especially among its federal and state institutions. For students on tight budgets, federal universities like ABU, UI, FUTA, UNIMAID, and the University of Calabar can offer excellent value. Among state universities, Taraba State University, LASU, and others also provide very low-cost education for in-state students. On the private side, institutions like Oduduwa University, Obong University, and Ajayi Crowther University give students the private-university experience at relatively lower fees than many high-profile private schools.

Tips for Students:

• Always confirm current fee rates on the university’s official website or student portal, because fees can change yearly.
• Factor in all costs: tuition, accommodation, departmental fees, transport, etc.
• Look into scholarships, grants, and payment plans — even cheaper universities sometimes have financial aid.
• Consider long-term outcomes: Which university gives you the best value in relation to your academic and career goals?

By balancing cost with quality, prospective students can make a more informed decision, getting a degree that’s both affordable and valuable.

References:

• Pulse Nigeria, “Cheapest Universities in Nigeria 2025”. (Pulse Nigeria)
• Campus Cybercafe, Top 10 Cheapest Federal Universities in Nigeria (2025). (CampusCybercafe)
• MySchoolInsight, Cheapest Private Universities in Nigeria and Their Fees (2025/2026). (My School Insight)
• SchoolNewsNG, Cheapest And Most Affordable Federal & State Universities in Nigeria. (schoolnewsng.com)
• AWA Scholars, Top-10 Cheapest Federal Universities in Nigeria. (awascholars.com.ng)