Top 10+ cheapest universities in Nigeria

If you are on a limited budget and are looking for universities in Nigeria to further your education, you have come to the right place, as this article details the cheapest universities in Nigeria.

Studying in Nigeria in the current economic downturn can be challenging, as it is a struggle to feed, let alone pay tuition fees. The nation's current recession has caused many students to drop out of school due to their inability to pay school fees and other fees.

This page lists the top ten cheapest universities in Nigeria to obtain an affordable education.

1. Nigerian Defence Academy

Offering free tuition, the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), the military institution where recruits are trained to become officers in the Nigerian Armed Forces, is the cheapest university in Nigeria. 

The NDA was founded in 1964 in the state of Kaduna, one of Nigeria's richest states, as a joint-service military academy for the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, and Nigerian Navy.

Cadets are enrolled through a highly competitive selection process that includes a written examination, medical evaluation, and interview. 

The NDA's training programme is designed to develop the recruits' intellectual, leadership, and physical qualities in preparation for military service.

Cadets are commissioned as officers in the Nigerian Armed Forces and deployed to various units and formations across the country upon conclusion of their training. 

The NDA is regarded as one of the most prestigious military academies in Africa and has produced several of Nigeria's most distinguished military officers.

2. Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA

The second-cheapest university in Nigeria is the Federal University of Technology, Akure, a Nigerian public university in Akure, Ondo State, which only educates science students.

The school, established in 1981, currently has over 15,000 students, of whom 13,000 are undergraduates and 2,000 are post-graduates.

Despite being the cheapest university in Nigeria, the institution is ranked eighth on our list of the best federal institutions in Nigeria.

Tuition at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, ranges from N14,000 to N52,000 depending on the level. The tuition fee for new students or freshers is N52,100, while they will equally pay an acceptance fee of N45,300.

The tuition fee at the Federal University of Technology dynamically changes as your level increases, starting at N52,000 for 100 levels, N14,400 for 200L, N18,900 for 300L, and N16,100 for the final year.

Courses offered by the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA

There are over 42 courses offered by the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA, some of which are:

• Agricultural and Resource Economics
• Agricultural Extension and Communications Technology
• Animal Production and Health
• Crop, Soil, and Pest Management
• Ecotourism and Wildlife Management
• Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Food Science and Technology
• Forestry and Wood Technology
• Anatomy
• Biometric Technology
• Clinical Sciences
• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Electrical/Electronics Engineering
• Agricultural Engineering
• Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
• Mining Engineering, etc

3. University of Lagos, UNILAG

The University of Lagos is one of Nigeria's oldest universities, having existed since 1962. It is ranked third on our list of the top 10 cheapest universities in Nigeria, with a tuition fee ranging from N14,000 to N55,000, depending on the course and level.

The tuition fee for UNILAG students is N14,000 for non-science courses and N15,000 for science courses, while new students pay a tuition fee of N55,000 with an acceptance fee of N20,000.

Though it demands a low tuition fee, the Federal Government-owned University is ranked among the best federal tertiary schools in Nigeria and among the top universities on the continent.

UNILAG has over 62,215 students enrolled in its over 239 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at its three campuses in mainland Lagos.

Courses offered by University of Lagos, UNILAG

Our previous article covered all the information about UNILAG courses, including its faculties. Read through to help you make an informed decision.

4. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, is a federally government-owned university in northern Nigeria, precisely Zaria, Kaduna State. It was established in 1962, placing it among Nigeria's oldest universities.

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, is ranked fourth on our list of the cheapest universities in Nigeria, with a tuition fee of N27,000 for returning students and N44,500 for new students.

Ahmed Bello University also has one of the lowest acceptance fees in the country, with newly admitted students paying a fee of N30,000.

Courses offered by Ahmed Bello University, Zaria

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has over 92 courses spread over 17 faculties and 106 departments. Some of these courses are:

• Mass communication
• Political science and international studies
• Agricultural engineering
• Chemical engineering
• Civil engineering
• Civil law
• Public law
• Chemistry
• Computer science
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Geology
• Statistics
• Nursing Science
• Radiology
• Medicine, etc

5. Federal University of Technology, Minna, FUTMINA

The Federal University of Technology, Minna, the fourth-cheapest university in Nigeria, offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in different technological fields at a cheaper rate.

The Federal University of Technology, Minna, FUTMINA's tuition fee is N28,200 for returning students, while the newly admitted students pay a tuition fee of N61,200 plus an acceptance fee of N20,000.

The federal university is one of Nigeria's universities known for biotechnology expertise, having led the development of several vaccines.

The institution has over 25,000 students enrolled in over 48 undergraduate and 199 postgraduate programs. FUTMINA also runs a pre-degree program for scholars seeking admission into the school or other schools in Nigeria.

Courses offered by Federal University of Technology, Minna, FUTMINA

There are over 55 courses offered in 10 faculties at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, FUTMINA, namely:

• Food science and technology
• Aquaculture and fisheries technology
• Agricultural economics and extension technology
• Electrical and electronics engineering
• Computer engineering
• Mechatronics engineering
• Building
• Architecture
• Urban and regional planning
• Physics, Chemistry
• Geology
• Mathematics
• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Animal biology, etc.

6. University of Calabar

Located in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, the University of Calabar is a public university founded in 1975 as a branch of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

The institution is ranked as the sixth cheapest university in Nigeria, with a tuition fee that varies according to departments and levels. The tuition fee for newly admitted science students is N35,750, N32,000 for returning students, and N32,250 for final-year students.

For non-science students, the tuition fee is N34,750 for new students, N31,000 for returning students, and N34,250 for the final year, while students in the nursing department pay a tuition fee of N43,250 for new students, N39,500 for returning students, and N42,750 for the final year.

The acceptance fee to the University of Calabar, UNICAL, is N25,000, paid by newly admitted students.

The University of Calabar has over 40,645 students studying part-time or full-time undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various departments.

Courses offered by the University of Calabar

The University of Calabar, UNICAL, offers both science and non-science courses in various faculties, namely:

• Accounting
• Agricultural economics and extension
• Applied Chemistry
• Banking and Finance
• Biochemistry
• Business Education
• Computer Science
• Economics
• Fisheries
• Estate Management
• Food science and technology
• Geology
• Law
• Mass communication, etc.

7. Bayero University, Kano

Bayero University, Kano's first university, has a population of 44,410 students and a huge academic staff. With a tuition fee ranging from N38,500 to N47,500 depending on the course and an acceptance fee of N10,000 for new students, Bayero University is the seventh university on our list of the cheapest universities in Nigeria.

The institution has five different campuses with over 18 faculties and 94 departments. Bayero University offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with 124 undergraduate and 264 postgraduate courses.

Courses offered by Bayero University, Kano

Bayero University offers a number of arts and science courses in its colleges and faculties. Some of these courses are:

• Clinical Science
• Basic medical science
• Electrical Engineering
• Dentistry
• Life sciences
• Physical sciences
• Pharmaceutical sciences
• Agricultural economics and extension
• Agronomy
• Civil engineering
• Computer engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Animal Science
• Soil science
• Agricultural engineering
• Mechatronics engineering
• Economics
• Political science
• Sociology, etc.

8. Federal University of Technology, Owerri

The Federal University of Technology, Owerri, is the first university of technology in the south-south and southeast regions of Nigeria and the oldest university of technology in Nigeria.

The federal government-owned university offers undergraduate and master's programs for every scholar worldwide in science departments.

The Federal University of Technology, Owerri, is the 8th cheapest university in Nigeria, with a tuition fee ranging from N39,300 to N61,340 depending on your level and course of study.

The tuition fee for newly admitted students at FUTO is N61,340 for architecture, N57,800 for geology, N58,300 for optometry, and N55,300 for the rest of the departments. In addition to new student's tuition fees, they must pay an acceptance fee of N40,000.

Federal University of Technology, Owerri, has over 10 faculties offering several courses spread over the school.

Courses offered by Federal University of Technology, Owerri

The Federal University of Technology, Owerri, offers more than 52 courses, which we discussed in our previous article. Continue reading to learn more about FUTO courses.

9. Obafemi Awolowo University

Obafemi Awolowo University is a public-owned university in Ile-Ife, Osun State, with a large population of over 32,000 students, offering science and art courses.

Obafemi Awolo is the 9th cheapest university in Nigeria, with a tuition fee ranging from N43,700 to N57,700, depending on the course of study. It is also among the top universities globally.

Law, arts, social science, and administration students pay the lowest tuition at N43,700, while science, technology, agriculture, and medical students pay the highest tuition at N54,700.

With a large population of students, Obafemi Awolowo University has two colleges, 13 faculties, 92 departments, and 19 research centres.

Courses offered by Obafemi Awolowo University

Obafemi Awolowo University offers over 96 courses, namely:

• Nursing Science
• Music
• Microbiology
• Medicine and Surgery
• Mechanical Engineering
• Law
• Industrial Chemistry
• Health Education
• Geology
• English Language
• Economics
• Dentistry
• Civil Engineering
• Building
• Biochemistry
• Agricultural Economics
• Accounting
• Architecture
• Botany
• Business Administration
• Business Education, etc.

10. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka

A public university located in Anambra State, Nigeria. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, popularly known as UNIZIK, is the 9th-cheapest university in Nigeria.

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has five campuses: the main campus in Awka and four others in Nnewi, Oko-Ofia Premises, Agulu Premises, and Ifite Ogwari Campus. The school offers undergraduate and postgraduate studies in both science and art courses.

One of the cheapest universities in Nigeria, the tuition fee for Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, is between N20,000 and N25,000 for returning students, depending on the course, and N65,000 for newly admitted students, with an acceptance fee of N16,500, making education more affordable for the largely impoverished population.

Aside from the undergraduate and postgraduate programs, Nnamdi Azikiwe University also offers JUPEB, CEP, professional, and diploma programs.

Courses offered by Nnamdi Azikiwe University

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has over 67 courses spread over its five campuses, namely:

• Crop Science
• Agricultural economics and extension
• Food science and technology
• Animal Science
• Soil science
• English Language and Literature
• History and International Studies
• Music
• Theatre and Film Studies
• Mass communication
• Accounting
• Political science
• Marketing
• Fine and applied arts
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Biology
• Computer science
• Library and Information Science, etc.

11. University of Uyo

Located in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, with four campuses, the federally government-owned University of Uyo is the final institution on our list of the cheapest universities in Nigeria.

The school offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various departments spread across 14 faculties in arts and science.

The tuition fee at the University of Uyo ranges from N55,000 to N70,000, depending on the level of study. The acceptance fee for newly admitted students at the University of Uyo is N25,000.

Aside from undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, the University of Uyo also offers other programmes like the sandwich and continuing education programmes.

Courses offered by University of Uyo

The University of Uyo has over 110 courses spread across different departments, some of which are:

• Botany and Ecological Studies
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Microbiology
• Computer Science
• Mathematics
• Statistics
• Animal and Environmental Biology
• Economics
• Geography
• Political Science and Public Administration
• Psychology
• Sociology and Anthropology
• Communication Arts
• English
• History and International Studies
• Linguistics and Nigerian Languages
• Music
• Philosophy
• Religious and Cultural Studies
• Theatre Arts