University Hostel Fees in Nigeria: Cost of Accommodation by School

Finding affordable accommodation is one of the most important things students and parents consider before choosing a university in Nigeria. While tuition and other school charges often receive the most attention, university hostel fees in Nigeria can also make a significant difference to the total cost of attending school.

Hostel prices vary widely depending on the university, type of room, number of students sharing the room, facilities provided and whether the institution is a federal, state or private university.

Some public universities offer relatively low-cost accommodation, while private universities may charge hundreds of thousands of naira for rooms with additional facilities such as private bathrooms, internet access, laundry services, meals and air conditioning.

This guide explains the cost of university accommodation in Nigeria, gives examples of hostel fees by school, and highlights what students should know before paying for a hostel.

How Much Are University Hostel Fees in Nigeria?

There is no single hostel fee that applies to every Nigerian university.

For many public universities, accommodation can cost from around ₦30,000 to ₦150,000 or more per academic session, depending on the institution and hostel category. Private universities generally charge considerably more, with accommodation sometimes ranging from ₦200,000 to over ₦1 million per session.

For example, the University of Benin’s official student management information lists accommodation charges ranging from ₦31,000 for some halls to ₦150,000 for certain newer or specialised hostels for the 2024/2025 session.

At the other end of the market, Nile University of Nigeria lists 2026/2027 accommodation from ₦1.25 million per session for a standard room of six to ₦2.5 million for an executive room of three, with optional meal and laundry packages available separately.

This large difference is why students should always check the latest fee schedule published by their university before budgeting for accommodation.

University Hostel Fees in Nigeria by School

The following examples show how much accommodation can differ from one institution to another. These figures are useful for budgeting, but students should confirm the current fee directly with their school because accommodation charges can change from one academic session to another.

University	Example Hostel/Accommodation Cost	Session/Information
University of Benin (UNIBEN)	₦31,000 – ₦150,000	Official figures for 2024/2025
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)	₦251,267 listed for undergraduate hostel accommodation	University bulletin, 2026
Achievers University	₦250,000 – ₦350,000	2025/2026
Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)	₦250,000 – ₦300,000	2025/2026 accommodation examples
Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun	₦130,000	2025/2026, bed space and maintenance
Wellspring University	₦235,000 – ₦250,000	2026/2027
Maranatha University Lagos	₦200,000 – ₦500,000	Depending on room type
Nile University	₦1.25m – ₦2.5m	2026/2027

The figures above demonstrate an important point: hostel fees are not standard across Nigerian universities.

UNILORIN’s January 2026 bulletin, for example, lists an undergraduate hostel accommodation charge of ₦251,267.

At Wellspring University, the published 2026/2027 fee schedule lists accommodation at ₦250,000 for fresh students and ₦235,000 for returning students.

Achievers University lists accommodation at ₦350,000 for a four-bedspace room and ₦250,000 for a six-bedspace room for its 2025/2026 academic session.

Hostel Fees at Federal Universities

Federal universities are generally associated with more affordable on-campus accommodation, although this is not always the case.

The amount a student pays depends on the available halls, room type, maintenance charges and the university’s accommodation policy.

At the University of Benin, for instance, official accommodation information shows several hostel categories with fees ranging from ₦31,000 to ₦150,000 for the stated session.

The Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun, also lists ₦130,000 for bed space and hostel maintenance for fresh students for the 2025/2026 session. The university states that hostel accommodation is optional and subject to availability.

It is important not to assume that every federal university will have a hostel fee within the same range. Accommodation policies differ from school to school.

Some universities also have limited bed spaces, meaning paying the accommodation fee does not necessarily work like renting a private apartment. Students may need to apply for a space and meet specific eligibility requirements.

Hostel Fees at State Universities

State universities can also have relatively affordable university-owned accommodation, but prices vary considerably.

A student’s total accommodation cost may also depend on whether the hostel is operated directly by the university, managed by an affiliated organisation or provided by private accommodation operators around the campus.

When comparing state universities, students should look beyond the advertised hostel fee.

For example, a hostel costing ₦80,000 may appear cheaper than another costing ₦150,000. However, if the cheaper hostel has poor water supply, unreliable electricity or is far from lecture halls, a student may spend more money on transportation and alternative services.

The cheapest hostel is therefore not automatically the most economical option.

Hostel Fees at Private Universities

Private universities usually provide more structured accommodation arrangements, and their hostel fees are often higher than those of public universities.

The higher price may reflect additional facilities, fewer occupants per room, private bathrooms, security, electricity arrangements, internet access, meals, laundry or other services.

For example, Maranatha University Lagos lists shared accommodation at ₦200,000 for an eight-bedded room, ₦250,000 for a six-bedded room and ₦300,000 for a four-bedded room. Its premium four-bedded ensuite accommodation is listed at ₦500,000.

Nile University provides another example of how premium accommodation can increase the cost significantly. Its 2026/2027 rates range from ₦1.25 million to ₦2.5 million per session depending on the room category. Optional meal and laundry packages can add further costs.

This means students considering private universities should include accommodation when calculating the full annual cost of education.

What Determines University Hostel Fees?

Several factors can affect the cost of student accommodation in Nigeria.

1. Number of Students per Room

Room occupancy is one of the biggest factors.

A room shared by six or eight students will normally cost less per person than a room designed for two or three students.

For students working with a tight budget, a shared room can significantly reduce accommodation costs.

2. Location of the Hostel

Hostels located close to lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories and other major university facilities may be more desirable.

Private accommodation outside the university may also be more expensive when it is located close to campus.

3. Facilities

A basic hostel with shared bathrooms and limited facilities will generally cost less than an ensuite room with additional services.

Facilities that may influence the price include:

• Private bathrooms
• Electricity supply
• Water supply
• Internet access
• Air conditioning
• Reading rooms
• Laundry facilities
• Kitchen facilities
• Security
• Furniture
• Cleaning services
• Meal packages

4. Type of University

Federal, state and private universities have different accommodation systems.

Public university accommodation may be subsidised or relatively inexpensive, while private institutions often charge more because of the facilities and services provided.

5. Academic Session

Hostel fees can change from one academic year to another.

For this reason, a fee quoted for the 2024/2025 session should not automatically be used as the budget for 2026/2027.

Always check the latest official announcement before making payment.

Is Hostel Accommodation Included in School Fees?

In most cases, hostel accommodation is separate from tuition fees.

Students should not assume that paying their school fees automatically gives them a hostel space.

Nile University, for example, states that accommodation is separate from tuition and that students must apply for on-campus accommodation through its hostel process.

Some universities may include certain accommodation-related charges in their overall fee structure, while others list hostel charges separately.

Therefore, when preparing a university budget, consider:

Tuition + acceptance and other charges + accommodation + feeding + transportation + learning materials + personal expenses.

This gives a more realistic picture of the total amount required for the academic year.

How to Apply for University Hostel Accommodation

The process differs between schools, but it commonly follows these steps:

1. Confirm that you are eligible for university accommodation.
2. Pay the required school charges or tuition where applicable.
3. Log into the official student portal.
4. Select the hostel or accommodation application option.
5. Choose an available hostel or room category.
6. Pay the approved accommodation fee through the university’s official payment channel.
7. Print or save your payment receipt.
8. Follow the school’s instructions for hostel allocation and clearance.

Some universities operate accommodation on a first-come, first-served basis.

Achievers University, for example, states that bed-space allocation is first-come, first-served and subject to meeting its payment requirements.

Nile University similarly states that accommodation is offered on a first-come, first-served basis to students who meet its eligibility requirements.

Because hostel spaces can be limited, students should avoid waiting until the last minute.

University Hostel or Off-Campus Accommodation: Which Is Cheaper?

There is no universal answer.

A university hostel may appear more expensive than a shared apartment outside campus, but the hostel could include services that an off-campus tenant must pay for separately.

With off-campus accommodation, students may need to pay for:

• Rent
• Agreement and agency fees
• Electricity
• Water
• Security
• Transportation
• Internet
• Furniture
• Cooking gas
• Waste disposal
• Maintenance

A student living close to campus may save transportation costs, while someone living farther away may spend considerably more commuting every day.

For this reason, compare the total cost of living, not just the advertised rent.

How to Choose an Affordable University Hostel

Students should consider their budget before choosing a room.

If money is the main concern, a room shared by more students may be a practical option.

However, students should also check the condition of the hostel before paying where physical inspection is possible.

Pay attention to:

• Water availability
• Electricity supply
• Toilet and bathroom conditions
• Security
• Room ventilation
• Mattress and furniture condition
• Distance from lecture halls
• Internet availability
• Cleanliness
• Rules and regulations
• Noise levels

Parents should also ask whether the advertised fee covers the entire academic session or only one semester.

Beware of Hostel Accommodation Scams

Students searching for cheap university hostels in Nigeria should be careful when dealing with individuals claiming to have accommodation slots.

A common mistake is paying money into a personal bank account because someone promises to secure a hostel space.

Where possible, make accommodation payments through the university’s official portal or another payment method specifically authorised by the institution.

Afe Babalola University, for example, instructs students to make accommodation payments through its designated process and warns students and parents against making payments to unauthorised individuals.

Before paying, confirm:

• The official university website
• The correct student portal
• The approved accommodation fee
• The correct payment account or gateway
• Whether accommodation is actually available
• The refund or cancellation policy

Never rely solely on information posted in WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages or unofficial student forums.

How Much Should a Student Budget for Accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation budget depends on the type of university.

For a public university, a student may find university-owned accommodation at a relatively low price, although availability can be limited.

For a private university, budgeting ₦200,000 to ₦500,000 or more may be necessary depending on the institution and room type. Premium accommodation can cost substantially more.

For example, the official figures from Maranatha University Lagos range from ₦200,000 to ₦500,000 depending on room type, while Nile University’s 2026/2027 accommodation rates are considerably higher.

The best approach is to find your university’s current fee schedule and then add a separate allowance for feeding, transportation and personal expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions About University Hostel Fees in Nigeria

How much is hostel accommodation in Nigerian universities?

University hostel fees can range from tens of thousands of naira at some public universities to hundreds of thousands or millions of naira at some private universities. The exact amount depends on the school, room type, facilities and academic session.

Which university has the cheapest hostel in Nigeria?

There is no permanent single answer because hostel fees change and different room categories exist. Some public universities offer accommodation for relatively low fees, but availability may be limited.

Do all Nigerian universities provide hostels?

No. Universities differ in the amount and type of accommodation they provide. Some have extensive on-campus accommodation, while others have limited spaces or rely partly on private accommodation around the campus.

Is hostel fee paid every semester?

It depends on the university. Some institutions charge accommodation per academic session, while others may allow payment in instalments or structure charges differently.

For example, Afe Babalola University lists its 2025/2026 accommodation fee in two instalments, with 50% due for each semester.

Can a student live off campus?

In many universities, yes, but policies vary.

Some institutions may require students to obtain approval before living outside the university. Achievers University, for example, requires written approval for students seeking private off-campus accommodation under its residential policy.

Are meals included in hostel fees?

Not always.

Some university hostels are self-catering, while some private institutions offer meal plans separately or as part of a broader accommodation package.

Nile University, for example, lists meals and laundry as optional additional services rather than part of the base accommodation fee.