As the cost of living and private university tuition fees continue to rise in Nigeria, some hitting as high as ₦1 million per session, many students and parents are on the hunt for affordable alternatives that still deliver quality education. Thankfully, several federal and state universities still offer pocket-friendly tuition, with some institutions charging as low as ₦25,000 per session!
If you’re planning to pursue higher education without straining your budget, here are 10 of the cheapest universities in Nigeria you should seriously consider:
1. Taraba State University (TSU)
Located in Jalingo, TSU offers a variety of programmes in arts, sciences, and social sciences. The university is well-regarded for its low fees, peaceful learning environment, and improving academic reputation.
2. Gombe State University (GSU)
GSU stands out for offering one of the most affordable tuition structures in the country. Indigenes pay around ₦69,500, while non-indigenes pay between ₦161,000 and ₦355,000, depending on the course. It’s a solid option for students in the northeast region.
3. Lagos State University (LASU)
Despite being in the heart of Lagos and one of Nigeria’s most popular state universities, LASU maintains incredibly low fees. Returning students pay just ₦25,000 per session, while new students pay between ₦58,048 and ₦150,000. Academic excellence and affordability make LASU a top pick.
4. Borno State University (BOSU)
For indigenes, BOSU offers free tuition—students only pay a service charge of about ₦36,300. Non-indigenes pay slightly more. Despite regional challenges, BOSU continues to provide strong academic programmes in sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
5. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
UNIZIK offers a wide range of programmes at affordable rates. Tuition varies between ₦26,000 and ₦100,000 depending on your course and year. It’s especially popular for students interested in engineering, law, or health sciences.
6. Plateau State University (PLASU)
Located in Bokkos, PLASU is known for its peaceful atmosphere and low school fees: ₦40,000 for indigenes and ₦90,000 for non-indigenes. Returning students often pay even less. It’s a great option for those studying natural sciences and agriculture.
7. University of Calabar (UNICAL)
UNICAL remains an affordable federal university, with freshers paying between ₦59,850 and ₦63,850, and returning students between ₦44,350 and ₦48,350. The university is respected for its programmes in law, medicine, and the arts.
8. Kebbi State University (KSUSTA)
KSUSTA focuses on science and tech-based programmes. Fresh students pay between ₦33,500 and ₦84,000, while returning students pay around ₦28,500. It’s one of the most budget-friendly STEM institutions in Nigeria.
9. Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU)
At AKSU, indigenes pay ₦93,000 and non-indigenes ₦123,100 as new intakes. Returning students pay significantly less—₦53,100 and ₦73,100 respectively. The university offers degrees in agriculture, science, and social sciences.
10. University of Ibadan (UI)
Nigeria’s oldest university doesn’t just have heritage—it’s also affordable. Tuition ranges between ₦34,300 and ₦36,800 depending on the course. UI continues to rank high nationally for academic performance and employability, offering great value for money.
While private institutions may offer prestige, these public universities prove that you don’t need to spend millions to get a solid education. Many even provide scholarships, work-study options, and grants.
Pro Tip: Always verify fee structures, admission requirements, and scholarship opportunities directly from each university’s official website or admission office, as they can change annually.
Affordable education is still possible—if you know where to look.