AbdulIf you’re a Nigerian student or parent planning for higher education, one big question always comes up — “Which university has the lowest tuition fees in Nigeria?”
In a time when tuition keeps rising, and the cost of living bites harder each year, finding an affordable school is more important than ever. Many students dream of earning a quality degree without draining their entire family’s savings — and the good news is, it’s absolutely possible.
In this guide, we’ll go beyond just listing names. You’ll learn:
- Which universities in Nigeria truly have the lowest tuition fees (with price ranges),
- How federal, state, and private universities compare in cost,
- Why “cheap” doesn’t always mean “best value,” and
- How to choose the most budget-friendly option that still delivers quality education.
Let’s dive right in!
Understanding Tuition Fees in Nigeria
Before we start naming the cheapest universities, it’s important to clarify one thing — tuition or school fees are just a fraction of the total cost of schooling.
When people say “low tuition,” they often forget other expenses such as:
- Hostel or accommodation (on-campus or off-campus)
- Feeding and groceries
- Transport
- Textbooks, printing, and photocopying
- Medical and departmental levies
So, while tuition might be ₦30,000 in one school, your total yearly expense could still exceed ₦300,000 depending on where the university is located. That’s why the best decision isn’t only about the cheapest fees — it’s about the overall affordability.
Categories of Universities and Their Cost Differences
In Nigeria, universities fall into three main categories:
- Federal Universities – Funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria. They usually offer the lowest tuition fees.
- State Universities – Managed by state governments. Slightly more expensive than federal universities, but often cheaper for indigenes.
- Private Universities – Privately owned institutions with higher tuition but often better infrastructure and shorter strikes.
Among these three, federal universities consistently offer the cheapest tuition — especially for courses in the arts, social sciences, and education.
Read Also: Can You Get Admission Without JAMB? – Comprehensive Answers
Top 10 Cheapest Universities in Nigeria (2025 Updated List)
Below is a detailed, up-to-date list of the most affordable universities in Nigeria, their approximate tuition fees, and what makes them stand out.
1. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Kwara State
- Tuition Range: ₦22,000 – ₦25,000 per session
- Type: Federal University
- Why It’s Cheap: UNILORIN is government-subsidized and has one of the most stable academic calendars in Nigeria (fewer strikes).
UNILORIN has a strong reputation for quality education and discipline. Despite its low fees, it offers well-equipped facilities, a decent hostel system, and excellent academic performance. Many Nigerian students choose UNILORIN not only because of the price but also because of its stability — one of the few federal universities with minimal interruptions in the academic calendar.
2. Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUSOK)
- Tuition Range: ₦25,000 – ₦38,000 per session
- Type: Federal University
- Why It’s Cheap: Located in a low-cost region and heavily subsidized by the Federal Government.
UDUSOK is often listed among the cheapest universities in Nigeria. Its low tuition, combined with the relatively low cost of living in Sokoto, makes it one of the most affordable universities overall. The school offers quality programs in arts, sciences, medicine, and social sciences.
3. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
- Tuition Range: ₦25,000 – ₦50,000 per session
- Type: Federal University
- Why It’s Cheap: Federal funding and large student population help reduce costs.
ABU Zaria is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected universities. Despite its prestige, it remains surprisingly affordable. The school’s size allows for shared infrastructure and low per-student cost, making it an excellent choice for those seeking quality education on a budget.
4. University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Borno State
- Tuition Range: ₦28,000 – ₦45,000 per session
- Type: Federal University
UNIMAID stands out for maintaining affordable fees even in the face of regional security challenges. Students studying there often highlight the strong sense of community and the resilience of the academic system. It’s one of the few universities that offer low tuition and solid academic programs across disciplines.
5. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
- Tuition Range: ₦30,000 – ₦42,000 per session
- Type: Federal Specialized University
- Why It’s Cheap: Government support for agricultural education keeps tuition very low.
If you’re passionate about agriculture, animal science, or environmental management, FUNAAB gives you some of the most affordable tuition rates for science-based programs. It’s also located in Ogun State, which offers moderate living costs.
6. University of Calabar (UNICAL), Cross River State
- Tuition Range: ₦30,000 – ₦50,000 per session
- Type: Federal University
UNICAL combines low tuition with a beautiful learning environment. Located in Calabar, one of Nigeria’s cleanest cities, the school offers great programs in law, sciences, education, and management.
7. Nasarawa State University (NSUK), Keffi
- Tuition Range: ₦30,000 – ₦45,000 (for indigenes); ₦70,000+ (for non-indigenes)
- Type: State University
- Why It’s Cheap: Heavy subsidy for Nasarawa indigenes.
NSUK has become a go-to option for students seeking affordable education near Abuja. For indigenes, the fees are extremely low — almost comparable to federal universities. Non-indigenes pay slightly more, but still far less than most state or private schools.
8. Gombe State University (GSU), Gombe
- Tuition Range: ₦35,000 – ₦80,000 per session
- Type: State University
GSU is among the best-managed state universities in northern Nigeria. Its fees are reasonable, especially for indigenes, and its academic calendar is relatively stable. It offers programs in medicine, law, and the sciences.
9. Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Katsina State
- Tuition Range: ₦35,000 – ₦50,000 per session
- Type: Federal University
FUDMA is one of the newer generation universities, but its fees are still very friendly. It’s particularly attractive for science and education majors.
10. University of Benin (UNIBEN), Edo State
- Tuition Range: ₦45,000 – ₦60,000 per session
- Type: Federal University
UNIBEN is one of the best-ranked universities in Nigeria, and although slightly more expensive than others on this list, it offers great academic quality for the cost. The university’s facilities, location, and vibrant student life make it a great value.
💬 Comparing Tuition by Category
| Category | Typical Tuition Range (₦ per session) | Notes |
| Federal Universities | ₦20,000 – ₦60,000 | Cheapest overall. Subsidized by the Federal Government. |
| State Universities (Indigenes) | ₦30,000 – ₦70,000 | Affordable for residents of the state. |
| State Universities (Non-Indigenes) | ₦70,000 – ₦150,000 | Still cheaper than private universities but more than federal. |
| Private Universities | ₦350,000 – ₦3,000,000 | Expensive, but often better facilities and fewer strikes. |
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Even the cheapest universities can become expensive once you factor in:
- Hostel/Accommodation Fees: ₦30,000 – ₦150,000 yearly (or more off-campus)
- Acceptance Fees: ₦20,000 – ₦50,000 (paid once)
- Departmental Fees: ₦10,000 – ₦20,000 yearly
- Books and Materials: ₦10,000 – ₦30,000 yearly
- Feeding and Transport: ₦200,000+ yearly (depending on city)
When you add these up, a student paying ₦25,000 in tuition might actually spend ₦300,000–₦500,000 total per year, depending on lifestyle and city costs.
How to Choose the Best Low-Cost University for You
- Check if your course is accredited – Cheap shouldn’t mean unaccredited. Visit NUC’s official website to confirm.
- Compare cost of living – Sokoto, Ilorin, and Gombe are generally cheaper to live in than Lagos or Abuja.
- Look at hostel availability – Schools with on-campus hostels help you save money.
- Ask current students – Join Facebook or WhatsApp groups to get real student opinions.
- Consider school stability – A “cheap” university with frequent strikes could cost you more time and money in the long run.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking purely for affordability, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUSOK), and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) are some of your best bets. They combine low tuition, a good learning environment, and strong academic records.
But remember — the cheapest university is not always the best university for your future. A small difference in fees might mean better resources, better networking, and faster graduation.
So before you apply, do your homework: research, budget, and make an informed decision.
Abdul
