Education

• Wanaemi West
• 3 Min Read

Top 10 Most Affordable Universities In Nigeria (2025 Edition)

University education in Nigeria is a dream for many, but rising tuition fees can make it feel out of reach. The good news? There are several universities that offer affordable tuition, accredited programs, and reliable academic calendars—without compromising on quality.

Whether you're a student on a tight budget or a parent planning ahead, this guide highlights the 10 most budget-friendly universities in Nigeria for 2025. These institutions provide value-driven education across various fields—from science and engineering to arts and management.

Factors Considered in This List:

Affordable tuition and fees

Quality of academic programs

Accreditation by NUC (National Universities Commission)

Cost of living in the school’s location

Stable academic calendars and infrastructure

Top 10 Most Affordable Universities in Nigeria (2025)

1. University of Ibadan (UI)

Location: Ibadan, Oyo State

Estimated Tuition: ₦25,000 – ₦45,000/year

Why It’s Affordable:

As Nigeria’s oldest university, UI has consistently offered low tuition for federal university students while maintaining academic excellence.

Popular Courses: Medicine, Law, Political Science, Engineering

2. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria

Location: Kaduna State

Estimated Tuition: ₦20,000 – ₦45,000/year

Why It’s Affordable:

ABU is one of the largest and most affordable federal universities with a wide range of courses and low cost of living in Zaria.

Popular Courses: Agriculture, Pharmacy, Engineering, Education

3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

Location: Ile-Ife, Osun State

Estimated Tuition: ₦30,000 – ₦50,000/year

Why It’s Affordable:

OAU is known for its moderate fees and academic excellence across science and humanities.

Popular Courses: Law, Computer Science, Architecture

4. University of Lagos (UNILAG)

Location: Lagos State

Estimated Tuition: ₦40,000 – ₦70,000/year

Why It’s Affordable:

Despite being in an expensive city, UNILAG offers relatively low tuition compared to private universities in Lagos.

Popular Courses: Accounting, Mass Communication, Engineering

5. Bayero University Kano (BUK)

Location: Kano State

Estimated Tuition: ₦24,000 – ₦50,000/year

Why It’s Affordable:

BUK offers competitive programs in science, social science, and Islamic studies with very low tuition and housing costs.

Popular Courses: Biochemistry, Economics, Islamic Studies

6. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)

Location: Ondo State

Estimated Tuition: ₦35,000 – ₦60,000/year

Why It’s Affordable:

As a top-ranking tech school, FUTA offers great value for engineering and tech-focused courses.

Popular Courses: Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science.

7. University of Benin (UNIBEN)

Location: Edo State

Estimated Tuition: ₦35,000 – ₦70,000/year

Why It’s Affordable:

UNIBEN combines solid academic reputation with low fees and has one of the most diverse student bodies.

Popular Courses: Pharmacy, Sociology, Theatre Arts

8. University of Calabar (UNICAL)

Location: Cross River State

Estimated Tuition: ₦30,000 – ₦55,000/year

Why It’s Affordable:

Located in a peaceful and affordable city, UNICAL offers a wide range of accredited programs and low tuition.

Popular Courses: Law, Education, Public Health

9. Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUSOK)

Location: Sokoto State

Estimated Tuition: ₦20,000 – ₦45,000/year

Why It’s Affordable:

Known for its serene campus and very low tuition, UDUSOK is one of the cheapest federal universities in Nigeria.

Popular Courses: Linguistics, Medicine, Agriculture

10. Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)

Location: Ekiti State

Estimated Tuition: ₦45,000 – ₦70,000/year

Why It’s Affordable:

One of the newer federal universities with affordable fees and modern facilities for students.

Popular Courses: Business Admin, Geology, Microbiology

Other Honourable Mentions:

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) – Anambra

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) – Bauchi

University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) – Kwara

Tips to Save Even More:

1. Apply Early: Early admission often comes with better access to school accommodations.

2. Use Federal/State Scholarships: Watch out for bursaries or grants.

3. Choose Affordable Cities: Universities in places like Sokoto, Kano, or Ekiti have a much lower cost of living.

4. Use School Facilities: Reduce outside expenses by using campus libraries, health centers, and hostels.

Conclusion:

Education doesn’t have to be expensive to be valuable. These affordable universities in Nigeria provide opportunities to gain top-tier knowledge without burying yourself in debt.

If you’re serious about your future—but also want to stay financially smart—one of these schools should be on your radar in 2025.