Top 20 Federal Universities In Nigeria With Cheapest Tuition Fees In 2025

Studying in a Nigerian university can be financially challenging, especially with the rising cost of living. However, some federal universities still offer affordable tuition fees while maintaining academic quality and excellent infrastructure. These schools are government-funded, which makes their fees significantly lower than those of private or state-owned universities.

This blog reveals the top 20 cheapest federal universities in Nigeria (2025) — ideal for students who want to get a good education without breaking the bank.

Top 20 Federal Universities With the Cheapest Tuition Fees (2025)

Here’s a list of the most affordable federal universities in Nigeria, ranked based on tuition costs, accessibility, and academic offerings:

1. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria

• Tuition Fee: ₦25,000 – ₦45,000

• Known For: Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Agriculture

2. University of Ibadan (UI), Ibadan

• Tuition Fee: ₦30,000 – ₦50,000

• Known For: Medicine, Law, Arts, Sciences

3. University of Calabar (UNICAL)

• Tuition Fee: ₦31,000 – ₦45,000

• Known For: Education, Social Sciences, Biological Sciences

4. University of Abuja (UNIABUJA)

• Tuition Fee: ₦35,000 – ₦52,000

• Known For: Law, Political Science, Business Admin

5. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife

• Tuition Fee: ₦40,000 – ₦55,000

• Known For: Humanities, Engineering, Law, Pharmacy

6. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)

• Tuition Fee: ₦35,000 – ₦50,000

• Known For: Engineering, Technology, Computing

7. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

• Tuition Fee: ₦35,000 – ₦60,000

• Known For: Pharmacy, Medicine, Education

8. Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA)

• Tuition Fee: ₦30,000 – ₦40,000

• Known For: Agriculture, Sciences, Management

9. Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUSOK), Sokoto

• Tuition Fee: ₦25,000 – ₦40,000

• Known For: Law, Public Health, Arabic Studies

10. University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)

• Tuition Fee: ₦33,000 – ₦47,000

• Known For: Veterinary Medicine, Arts, Islamic Studies

11. Federal University, Lafia (FULAFIA)

• Tuition Fee: ₦35,000 – ₦45,000

• Known For: Arts, Social Sciences, Pure Sciences

12. Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Effurun

• Tuition Fee: ₦45,000 – ₦65,000

• Known For: Petroleum Engineering, Geosciences

13. Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (MOUAU), Umudike

• Tuition Fee: ₦35,000 – ₦50,000

• Known For: Agriculture, Environmental Studies

14. Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)

• Tuition Fee: ₦45,000 – ₦60,000

• Known For: Sciences, Social Sciences, Engineering

15. Federal University, Lokoja (FULOKOJA)

• Tuition Fee: ₦40,000 – ₦55,000

• Known For: Political Science, Economics, History

16. Federal University, Wukari (FUWUKARI)

• Tuition Fee: ₦32,000 – ₦48,000

• Known For: Biological Sciences, Education

17. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka

• Tuition Fee: ₦40,000 – ₦60,000

• Known For: Law, Engineering, Health Sciences

18. University of Uyo (UNIUYO)

• Tuition Fee: ₦45,000 – ₦60,000

• Known For: Arts, Engineering, Law, Education

19. Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)

• Tuition Fee: ₦35,000 – ₦55,000

• Known For: Engineering, Science, Technology

20. University of Benin (UNIBEN)

• Tuition Fee: ₦40,000 – ₦60,000

• Known For: Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering

Why These Schools Are Affordable

• Government Subsidy: Federal universities receive funding from the federal government.

• No Profit Motive: Unlike private schools, they do not operate for profit.

• NYSC Recognition: All federal universities are NYSC-accredited and eligible.

Tips for Prospective Students

1. Apply Early: Most federal universities conduct Post-UTME or screening tests — keep deadlines in mind.

2. Check Updated Fees: While these are the 2025 estimates, fees may vary slightly per department.

3. Prepare for Competition: These schools are affordable, so admission is highly competitive.

4. Look Beyond Tuition: Consider hostel, departmental, and acceptance fees when budgeting.

Conclusion

Nigeria still has many federal universities offering quality education at low tuition fees. The list above provides you with great options to pursue your degree without huge financial strain. If affordability and academic quality are your priorities in 2025, consider applying to one of these top 20 schools.

Do you want a breakdown of each school's cut-off mark, acceptance fees, or post-UTME tips? Let me know, and I’ll prepare a detailed guide for you.