Cheapest Federal Universities in Nigeria and Their Fees
Cheapest Federal Universities in Nigeria and Their Fees: So you’re a senior secondary school student in Nigeria looking ahead to university. You’ve got your sights set on a degree, but money is tight and you need an affordable option. Don’t worry, the federal university system in Nigeria has you covered. There are over 40 federal universities across Nigeria with very low tuition fees. In this article, we’ll walk you through the cheapest federal universities in Nigeria and what they charge for various programs. With annual tuition fees under 200,000 Naira for most programs at these schools, you can get a world-class education without breaking the bank. Read on to explore some excellent, budget-friendly options for earning your bachelor’s degree.
Overview of Federal Universities in Nigeria
The federal university system in Nigeria is quite extensive, with over 40 public universities funded primarily by the federal government. These schools offer high-quality, subsidized education for undergraduate and graduate degrees. Many federal universities are also known for their world-class faculty and research programs.
University of Lagos
The University of Lagos, popularly known as Unilag, is one of the top federal universities in the country. Unilag has a student population of over 50,000 and offers a wide range of programs at affordable tuition rates. Undergraduate fees range from ₦14,000 to ₦45,000 per semester depending on the program of study.
University of Ibadan
The University of Ibadan is the oldest university in Nigeria. With over 30,000 students, UI offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields like medicine, law, sciences, arts, and social sciences. Undergraduate tuition at UI is around ₦20,000 per semester. UI has a reputation for excellence and ranks highly in Africa.
Ahmadu Bello University
Ahmadu Bello University is a highly prestigious school located in Zaria, Kaduna State. ABU has a student population of over 50,000, with internationally recognized faculties in fields such as medicine, engineering, sciences, and agriculture. Undergraduate tuition at ABU is around ₦27,000 per semester, depending on the course of study.
University of Nigeria, Nsukka
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka has three campuses in Enugu State with over 35,000 students. UNN offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including business, social sciences, sciences, arts, engineering, and medicine. Undergraduate tuition fees at UNN range from ₦32,000 to ₦42,000 per semester. UNN is renowned for excellence in research and learning.
FAQs
So you’re interested in attending one of Nigeria’s federal universities, but have some questions. No worries, here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
How much do federal universities in Nigeria cost?
Federal universities in Nigeria are very affordable. Tuition fees range from ₦25,000 to ₦65,000 per semester for most programs. Some science and medical programs may cost slightly more, up to ₦150,000 per semester. These fees cover basic tuition and in some cases provide access to resources like the library, clinic, and sports facilities.
What other costs should I budget for?
In addition to tuition, you’ll need to budget for:
- Accommodation: Rent for off-campus housing ranges from ₦50,000 to ₦200,000 per year. On-campus dorms may cost ₦30,000 to ₦100,000.
- Books: ₦30,000 to ₦50,000 per year. Some professors provide photocopied materials but you’ll still need to buy some required texts.
- Food: ₦150,000 to ₦300,000 per year. Cost depends on if you cook yourself or eat at campus canteens.
- Transport: ₦50,000 to ₦100,000 per year depending on how far you live from campus.
- Other expenses: ₦50,000 to ₦100,000 per year for things like medical care, toiletries, laundry, and entertainment.
The total cost of attendance at a federal university in Nigeria may range from ₦500,000 to over ₦1 million per year, depending on the school and program. Be sure to apply for scholarships and student aid to help cover costs.
What admission requirements do federal universities have?
To gain admission to a federal university in Nigeria, you will typically need:
- At least 5 credits in WAEC/NECO/NABTEB including English, Math and 3 relevant subjects to your program.
- Acceptable UTME score – usually 180-200 and above depending on the school and program.
- Some schools may require a post-UTME screening with a minimum score for admission.
- Meet any program-specific requirements like a credit in Chemistry for science programs.
How can I apply to federal universities in Nigeria?
The application process for federal universities in Nigeria includes:
- Register and sit for the JAMB UTME exam. Meet the minimum cut-off score for your school of choice.
- Apply directly to schools you are interested in, usually through their website. Submit copies of your WAEC/NECO results, UTME score.
