Cheapest university in Nigeria: 10 affordable schools to consider

Choosing the cheapest university in Nigeria doesn't mean that you should sacrifice the quality of your education. There are plenty of good options for those who are looking for affordable studies. However, it is essential to note that in most institutions, the school fees paid by students differ depending on the course and level of study. Legit.ng interviewed a representative from one of the universities on this list to discuss the affordability of education at their institution.

Key takeaways

• Federal schools are owned, managed, and funded by the federal government. Generally, students in federal institutions pay cheaper school fees than their counterparts in private universities.
• Privately owned schools are often better equipped in terms of infrastructure and other amenities, such as libraries and laboratories, compared to public ones. Private universities are mostly known to be expensive, but some of them can be more affordable than most.
• The cheapest university tuition according to this list is UNILAG, which ranges from ₦14,500 to ₦55,500.

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Cheapest university in Nigeria

There are numerous universities in Nigeria's education sector today. These institutions are divided into government-owned institutions and private ones owned by individuals, corporate bodies, and religious institutions. So, here are the top 10 cheapest universities in Nigeria and their fees.

Cheapest federal universities in Nigeria and their school fees in 2026

We compiled this list using sources such as Ghanadmission, and TheCable. However, it is important to note that different faculties and departments within the same institution can be priced differently. Below are some of the cheapest federal universities in Nigeria.

1. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)

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The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, is one of the higher institutions of learning owned and run by the Federal government of Nigeria. It was founded on 1 January 1988 and is located on Alabata Street, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Apart from the fact that this institution boasts top-notch infrastructure, its tuition fees per department are relatively cheap.

The tuition fee for FUNAAB is between ₦107,500 and ₦205,000. This also depends largely on the department and the course of study.

2. University of Ibadan (UI)

The University of Ibadan is one of the oldest and most prestigious public research schools in Ibadan, Nigeria. It was founded in 1948 and is a great place to study medicine and related sciences, art, agriculture, and other courses.

UI courses cut across undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in different areas of study such as law, civil engineering, and sciences. The current school fees at UI start from N412,000 for new students.

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3. Bayero University, Kano (BUK)

BUK is located in Kano, Kano State, Nigeria, and it was founded in 1975. The tuition fee for BUK is between ₦100,000 - ₦171,500 for new students and ₦100,000 - ₦161,500 for returning students, according to the official BUK website. The fees also depend on the department and the course of study.

4. University of Calabar (UNICAL)

The University of Calabar is a federal higher institution situated in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. It is one of Nigeria's second-generation federal institutions, established in 1975.

UNICAL is one of the cheapest public institutions in Nigeria, with a tuition fee that varies according to departments and levels. The tuition fee for newly admitted students ranges from ₦128,500 to ₦150,000, and ₦98,500 to ₦123,500 for returning students.

5. University of Lagos (UNILAG)

The University of Lagos, popularly known as UNILAG, is a public research institution located in Lagos, Nigeria, and was founded in 1962. UNILAG is one of the oldest schools in Nigeria and is ranked among the best federal tertiary schools in Nigeria and the top schools in the world. The school fees for UNILAG students range from ₦14,500 to ₦55,500, depending on the course and level.

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Cheapest private university in Nigeria

The information used to compile this list was obtained from sources such as Scribd, Ghanadmission and social media sources. Private universities are mostly known to be expensive, but some of them can be more affordable than most. Here is a list of the cheapest private universities in Nigeria that offer an equally competitive learning environment.

1. Al-Hikmah University

Al-Hikmah University is a Nigerian Islamic institution in Ilorin, Kwara State. It was established in 2005 by the Abdul Raheem Oladimeji Islamic Foundation (AROIF). The school has numerous faculties spread across two campuses (Ilorin and Igbaja) in Kwara State. Some of the courses include Humanities and Social Sciences, Education, and Law. According to the Al-Hikmah University website, the current school fees range from ₦242,825 to ₦4,025,000, excluding hostel fees.

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In an interview with Dr Kazeem Adebayo Oladimeji, the Registrar and Secretary to Council at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, he shared valuable insights into the institution's commitment to making education affordable and accessible for a diverse student body. Here's an in-depth look at how Al-Hikmah University supports its students financially and promotes higher education accessibility:

1. Ensuring affordability

When asked about how Al-Hikmah University ensures education remains affordable, Dr Oladimeji highlighted several strategies. The university ensures that tuition is affordable for students by offering various scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs. He explained that:

These programs are based on academic performance, financial need, and other criteria to support students facing financial challenges.

2. Balancing quality education and affordability at Al-Hikmah University

Dr Oladimeji elaborated on the university's strategic approach to providing high-quality education while maintaining affordable student costs. He mentioned:

• The university employs meticulous financial planning and resource allocation to deliver quality education efficiently.
• Al-Hikmah University keeps costs down by optimising operational efficiency, implementing cost-saving measures, and seeking funding from external sources such as partnerships and collaborations.
• The university invests in faculty development and curriculum enhancement to ensure students receive a high-quality education without compromising overall affordability.

What courses does Al-Hikmah University offer, and how much do they cost?

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At Al-Hikmah University, students can access various degree programs across different academic levels. These programs are designed to cater to diverse educational needs and career aspirations. Here is an overview of the courses offered at the university:

1. Undergraduate programs: Bachelor's degrees in various fields such as Arabic and Islamic Studies, Sciences, Social Sciences, Engineering, Education, Law, and Health Sciences.

2. Postgraduate programs:

• Postgraduate Diploma: Provides advanced training and specialisation in specific fields.
• Master's Degree: Offers in-depth study and research opportunities in a chosen discipline.
• Doctorate Degree (PhD and M.Phil.): Advanced research programs for those seeking to contribute significantly to their fields.

3. Other Programs:

• Sandwich program: Designed for working professionals and educators seeking further qualifications.
• Top-up program: Allows students with relevant qualifications to "top-up" their degrees to a higher level.
• Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB): A preparatory program for students aiming to gain admission into Nigerian universities.
• Sub-degree diploma: Short-term diploma courses offering specialised training in specific areas.
• Distance learning: Provides flexible learning options for students who cannot attend regular classes on campus.

The university offers transparency regarding tuition fees by providing detailed information about undergraduate fees and hostel charges on its website. These fees are typically structured to accommodate payment in installments, with 60% payable in the first semester and 40% in the second semester.

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2. Oduduwa University

Oduduwa University is one of Nigeria's outstanding and standard private institutions, founded in 2009. It is situated in Ipetumodu, Osun State, Nigeria. Oduduwa is among the top 10 cheapest private universities in Nigeria. Their school fees range from ₦98,000 to ₦350,000 per semester, depending on your programme.

3. Obong University

Obong University is one of the oldest private schools located in Obong Ntak, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It is one of the top 20 cheapest private universities in Nigeria. It is associated with the Churches of Christ, and its sponsoring congregation is the Rivergate Church of Christ in Madison, Tennessee.

It was established in 1997 as the African College of Management. Some of the courses available at this institution include Accounting, Economics, Marketing, International Relations, Business Administration, Mass Communication, Public Administration, Sociology, Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, and Political Science. According to Obong University's official website, the tuition fees range from ₦290,000 to ₦590,000, excluding other charges.

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4. Lead City University

Lead City University is a private higher institution in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, established in 2005 by Eduserve Consult. It is a Christian organisation with a relatively diverse student body.

The school offers degree programs in courses across the Sciences, Social Sciences, Management, Education, and Engineering. The tuition fee is between ₦525,000 and ₦6,525,000, as per the Leads City University website.

5. Adeleke University

Adeleke University is a private institution situated in Osun State, South-Western Nigeria. The school was established in 2011 by Chief Deji Adeleke.

Adeleke University is widely considered the cheapest university to study Law. It also offers other courses such as Bachelor and Pre-Bachelor degrees in different courses, including Agriculture, Engineering, Arts and Social Sciences, and Science and Technology. The school fees are between ₦343,500 to ₦2,120,070 annually.

What are the universities in Ekiti State?

The universities in Ekiti State include the state-owned Ekiti State University (EKSU) and the federal universities, Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), and the recently established Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin-Ekiti.

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What is the cheapest university tuition?

The cheapest university tuition according to this list is UNILAG, which ranges from ₦14,500 to ₦55,500.

Where is the cheapest place to go to university in Nigeria?

The cheapest places to go to university in Nigeria are generally the state-owned universities, and specifically those with the lowest fee structures, which are often found in the northern states.

Which country is the cheapest to study in for Nigerian students?

Several countries are affordable for Nigerian students, including Norway, Turkey, and Poland, which are highlighted for low tuition and/or living costs, and Cotonou, the Benin Republic, which is a close and affordable option.

The tuition fee of a school often becomes the determining factor when choosing a place of study. If you are looking for the cheapest university in Nigeria, hopefully, the list above will help you select the institution to further your education. You can also learn more about the institution that caught your eye by visiting its website.

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Legit.ng recently talked about the best university in Nigeria. Finding the best school is a top priority for many students who want to further their education. There are numerous top institutions in Nigeria, but only a few are known for offering high-quality education.

Finding the best place to continue your schooling involves a lot of work, examination, and other considerations that must be made when conducting the study. However, there are several options to consider when applying for admission into any Nigerian school.

Source: Legit.ng