Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi (2025/2026 Session) Acceptance Fee And School Fees – Everything You Need To Know

Dear aspiring ATBU student (or parent), gather here o! Let’s talk about something that concerns your pocket—but in a way that won’t stress you. If you or your child has just gained admission into the mighty Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, congratulations! You're one step closer to rocking that convocation gown. But before you start dreaming of cap and gown selfies, let’s talk real money: acceptance fee, school fees, and all the financial juice in between.

Now don’t panic—this isn’t one of those dry “fee schedule” posts that sound like a bank statement. No, we’re going to gist about what you really need to know, how to plan ahead, avoid unnecessary mistakes, and of course, where to keep an eye on your Naira.

First of All, Who is ATBU?

In case you’re not fully familiar with the name, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, fondly called ATBU, is one of Nigeria’s leading federal universities. Located in Bauchi State, it was named after Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (yes, the history buffs among us will appreciate that). The school is known for excellence in technology, science, engineering, agriculture, and more.

From its humble beginnings in the 1980s, ATBU has grown into a top destination for serious-minded students across the country. If you're science-oriented, love lab coats, equations, machines, or simply want a solid academic foundation, ATBU is your guy.

Now, Let’s Talk About Acceptance Fee – The First Financial “I Do”

Once you get that sweet admission letter from ATBU, your first official obligation is to accept the offer. And how do you do that? By paying the acceptance fee. Think of it as your RSVP to the university—“Yes ATBU, I’m in!”

So How Much Is the Acceptance Fee?

Here’s the breakdown (and don’t worry, no calculator needed):

• For most courses: ₦33,000

• For Medicine & Surgery (MBBS): ₦40,000

Now I know what you’re thinking: “Wait, is it not just to say ‘yes’ to the school? Why is it that much?” Well, it’s not just for saying yes. The fee covers administrative processes, file opening, documentation, and your initial registration setup. Basically, it helps ATBU prepare to welcome you properly—no one wants to enter school looking like a stranger, abeg.

Important Reminder:

This acceptance fee is non-refundable. Once you pay, there’s no turning back. So before you rush to pay, make sure ATBU is truly where you want to be. Because unlike that ex who refunded your movie ticket money, ATBU doesn’t do refunds.

How Do You Pay?

Simple.

1. Go to the ATBU student portal.

2. Log in with your JAMB registration number.

3. Generate your Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR).

4. Pay online with your card, or go to the bank.

5. Print your receipt and keep it like gold—it’s proof that you’ve officially joined the ATBU family.

School Fees – Time to Bring Out Your Calculator

After the acceptance fee comes the main package: school fees. And here’s where it gets interesting. ATBU has different fees depending on your course and level. So let’s break it down like a wedding dance:

For Fresh Students (New Intakes)

If this is your first time entering the university gates, then get ready to pay:

• General faculties (Engineering, Sciences, Agriculture, etc.): ₦118,700

• Faculty of Veterinary Medicine: ₦159,000

• College of Medical Sciences (excluding MBBS): ₦189,000

Now before your jaw drops, take a deep breath. These fees often cover more than just "tuition." You’re paying for library access, technology use, health services, ID cards, student union fees, practicals, and other departmental services.

So yes, ₦118,700 may sound like a lot, but when you break it down, it’s like paying for a buffet of services (and this one doesn’t include jollof rice, unfortunately).

For Returning Students (Your Second, Third, or Final Year)

By now, you know your way around campus, so your fees are slightly less:

• General faculties: ₦84,900

• Faculty of Veterinary Medicine: ₦115,200

• Medical students: ₦145,200

Why the reduction? Well, you’re no longer paying for first-time things like orientation, ID card, or file processing. But make no mistake—you're still paying for your academic journey, and the school won’t hesitate to block your portal if you don’t settle up.

What About Hostel Fees?

Ah, hostel life—the late-night gists, shared sockets, and the communal struggle for water. If you’re staying on campus (and I recommend it for new students), there’s an extra cost:

• Hostel accommodation: Between ₦35,000 and ₦70,000 per session depending on the type and location of the hostel.

Some hostels are newer, more spacious, and with better facilities, so naturally, they cost more. If you’re lucky, you might get one with 24/7 water supply and light (emphasis on might).

Other Levies You Should Know About

ATBU loves to bundle little fees into the school fees package, so you might see the following:

• Sports levy: ₦1,000 (new students), ₦200 (returning)

• Municipal services: ₦4,000

• ICT/Library fees

• Medical fees

• Caution deposit (for freshers)

• Lab fees (for science-based students)

• Faculty/departmental dues

Some of these are yearly, others are one-time. But the total is already included in your ₦118,700 or ₦84,900, so don’t worry—you won’t be paying them separately (unless you’re really good at missing deadlines).

Can You Pay in Installments?

Let’s face it—not everyone can cough out ₦118,000 or ₦189,000 at once. Thankfully, ATBU sometimes allows students to pay in parts. The key is communication. Go through your department or the bursary, explain your situation, and they may work something out. But don’t just keep quiet and hope for the best—ATBU doesn’t do silent treatments.

Postgraduate Fees (For the Scholars Among Us)

Thinking of taking your academics to the next level? ATBU’s postgraduate programs (like MBA, M.Sc., PhD) come with their own fee structures. Depending on your course, you might pay:

• MBA: Around ₦180,000

• M.Sc. or PhD in Sciences: Between ₦150,000 to ₦250,000

It’s always advisable to check with the School of Postgraduate Studies before making any payments. Better safe than broke.

Final Checklist Before School Resumes

Let’s summarize all the money talk into a checklist so you don’t miss anything:

✅ Acceptance fee: ₦33k or ₦40k (depending on your course)
✅ School fees (Freshers): ₦118,700–₦189,000
✅ School fees (Returning): ₦84,900–₦145,200
✅ Hostel: ₦35,000–₦70,000
✅ Other charges: Already included
✅ Portal login info: Ready
✅ Bank alert: Hopefully not empty 
✅ Admission letter: Safe and sound

Smart Tips from a Fellow Hustler

1. Pay early – avoid late payment penalties.

2. Print your receipts – physical copies are your friends.

3. Bookmark the student portal – it’s your new best friend.

4. Ask questions – don’t assume, especially when it comes to money.

5. Stay informed – ATBU sometimes updates its fees and calendar.

Conclusion

Getting into ATBU is a proud achievement—but staying in requires proper planning, especially financially. The acceptance fee tells the school you’re serious, and the school fees keep the doors open for you.

So whether you’re a fresh-faced fresher or a final-year boss looking to graduate in style, understanding your financial obligations is key. And now, you know it all—from acceptance to accommodation.

To all new ATBU students, I say welcome to Makera! To the parents reading this, be proud—your child is about to enter one of Nigeria’s finest citadels of learning. And to my fellow Nigerian bloggers out there… let’s keep telling our stories with heart, humor, and honesty.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments. Got fees to pay? Don’t delay.