Choosing a university in Nigeria is not only about finding a school with a good reputation. For many students and parents, school fees, accommodation, transportation, feeding and other expenses are equally important.

Federal universities are often considered among the more affordable options because they receive government support. However, affordable does not mean that every federal university charges the same amount. Fees can differ by institution, programme, level of study and the charges included in a student’s payment schedule.

If you are searching for the cheapest federal universities in Nigeria, this guide compares some of the universities commonly considered affordable and explains what you should know before making a decision.

Important: University fees can change from one academic session to another. The figures in this article should therefore be treated as guides rather than guaranteed fees. Always confirm the current fee schedule on the university’s official portal before making payment.

Cheapest Federal Universities in Nigeria at a Glance

Some federal universities frequently appear among affordable choices for Nigerian students. These include:

Federal University	Location	General affordability
Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)	Niger State	Relatively affordable
Federal University of Kashere (FUKASHERE)	Gombe State	Relatively affordable
Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA)	Katsina State	Relatively affordable
Federal University, Dutse (FUD)	Jigawa State	Relatively affordable
Federal University, Lokoja (FULOKOJA)	Kogi State	Relatively affordable
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)	Kaduna State	Relatively affordable
Bayero University Kano (BUK)	Kano State	Relatively affordable
University of Calabar (UNICAL)	Cross River State	Relatively affordable
University of Ibadan (UI)	Oyo State	Relatively affordable
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)	Ogun State	Relatively affordable

The exact amount payable at each institution depends on the programme, academic level and charges applicable during the particular session.

1. Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)

The Federal University of Technology, Minna, commonly called FUTMINNA, is one of the federal institutions students may consider when looking for an affordable university.

It is particularly attractive to students interested in technology, engineering, science and related disciplines.

One important advantage of using official information rather than relying on old blog posts is that FUTMINNA publishes its schedule of fees. Its current undergraduate schedule lists tuition as free and combines other university and faculty charges into the amount students actually pay.

For its general undergraduate programmes, the published schedule shows a total of ₦154,000 for fresh students and 200-level students, while final-year students have a lower listed total. Some optional charges, such as acceptance fees, are separate. Medicine and Surgery has a different and substantially higher fee structure because of additional professional and clinical charges.

This is an important lesson when comparing cheap federal universities: do not look only at the word “tuition.” A university can have free tuition while students still pay registration, laboratory, examination, technology, faculty and other charges.

2. Federal University of Kashere (FUKASHERE)

Federal University of Kashere, popularly known as FUKASHERE, is another institution frequently mentioned when students search for low school fees in federal universities in Nigeria.

The university is located in Gombe State and offers programmes in areas such as education, science, management and social sciences.

FUKASHERE can be particularly worth considering for students whose main concern is keeping the overall cost of university education manageable.

However, prospective students should not choose the university based on a figure copied from an old website. Fee schedules can be reviewed by universities, and different programmes can attract different charges.

Before paying anything, check the institution’s current student portal and official announcements for the applicable academic session.

3. Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA)

Federal University, Dutsin-Ma is located in Katsina State and is another federal institution often included in lists of affordable universities in Nigeria.

For students comparing cheapest federal universities in Nigeria and their school fees, FUDMA may be attractive because its general charges have historically been lower than the cost of attending many private universities.

The university offers a variety of programmes, so the final amount a student pays can depend on the course.

Students should also consider living costs. A university with slightly higher school charges could actually be cheaper overall if accommodation, transport and feeding are less expensive.

4. Federal University, Dutse (FUD)

Federal University, Dutse is located in Jigawa State. It is one of the newer federal universities and provides another option for students searching for an affordable federal institution.

FUD offers programmes across several academic areas, making it possible for prospective students to compare both the cost and availability of their preferred course.

When evaluating FUD or any other low-cost university, check three things carefully:

1. The current school charges.
2. Whether your preferred course is available and accredited.
3. The likely cost of living around the university.

A low school fee is useful, but it should not be the only factor in your decision.

5. Federal University, Lokoja (FULOKOJA)

Federal University, Lokoja is another institution that can be considered by students looking for an affordable federal university.

Located in Kogi State, FULOKOJA provides programmes across areas including science, arts, social sciences and other disciplines.

The cost of studying at FULOKOJA may differ depending on the student’s course and level. Students should therefore avoid assuming that one fee quoted for a particular department applies to every student.

It is also important to include acceptance fees and other first-year expenses when preparing a budget.

6. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) is one of Nigeria’s long-established federal universities and is located in Zaria, Kaduna State.

ABU is popular with students because of its broad range of academic programmes and long-standing reputation. The university is listed by the Federal Ministry of Education among Nigeria’s federal universities.

Older fee figures for ABU are widely available online, but prospective students should be careful with these figures because they may no longer represent the current academic session.

For example, an official ABU document published previously showed that charges differed by programme and level, demonstrating why a single “ABU school fees” figure can be misleading.

If affordability is your priority, compare the exact fee for your course rather than using a general estimate.

7. Bayero University Kano (BUK)

Bayero University Kano is one of the major federal universities in Northern Nigeria.

BUK is another institution that regularly appears in searches for affordable federal universities in Nigeria. Its location can also be an advantage for students who live in or around Kano because staying relatively close to home can reduce transportation and accommodation expenses.

Like other federal universities, BUK’s charges should be checked for the specific academic session and programme.

For parents planning ahead, it is useful to calculate the full annual cost rather than school fees alone.

8. University of Calabar (UNICAL)

The University of Calabar, popularly known as UNICAL, is a federal university in Cross River State.

It offers a wide range of undergraduate programmes and is often included in discussions about affordable federal universities.

Students considering UNICAL should compare the cost of tuition and other institutional charges with accommodation, feeding and transportation.

A university that looks inexpensive on paper may become more expensive if a student has to spend a large amount every week on transport or rent.

9. University of Ibadan (UI)

The University of Ibadan is one of Nigeria’s best-known universities and is another federal institution that students may consider when comparing education costs.

It is important, however, not to assume that a prestigious university automatically has one fixed school fee.

For the 2025/2026 academic session, the University of Ibadan published guidelines stating that compulsory payments include a bundled fee or school fee depending on level, alongside separate technology and utility levies. Certain professional programmes also have additional charges.

UI also announced a ₦50,000 acceptance fee for candidates offered admission for the 2025/2026 session.

This shows why prospective students should check the official university portal before budgeting.

10. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, or FUNAAB, is a suitable option for students interested in agriculture and related fields.

It is a federal university in Ogun State and can be considered by students who want to balance affordability with a specialised academic environment.

As with other institutions, the cost depends on the programme and other applicable charges.

Students interested in agricultural, science and related programmes should also check whether laboratory, fieldwork, practical or professional charges apply to their chosen course.

How Much Is School Fees in Federal Universities in Nigeria?

There is no single school fee for all federal universities in Nigeria.

Online sources sometimes quote figures such as ₦50,000, ₦70,000 or ₦100,000 as if every student in a university pays the same amount. This can create confusion.

In reality, university charges can include:

• Registration fees
• Tuition or government-supported tuition arrangements
• Faculty charges
• Departmental charges
• Laboratory or studio fees
• Examination fees
• Technology or ICT charges
• Library charges
• Medical charges
• Student support services
• Identity card fees
• Sports charges
• Development or facility charges
• Professional fees
• SIWES or internship charges
• Acceptance fees for newly admitted students

For example, FUTMINNA’s official schedule contains several separate categories of charges even though tuition is listed as free.

This is why school fees comparison in Nigeria should focus on the total compulsory charges rather than tuition alone.

Are Federal Universities Really Cheaper?

Generally, federal universities can be more affordable than many private universities, but “cheap” is relative.

Government-supported institutions can offer lower academic charges, but students still have other expenses.

A student may need money for:

• Accommodation
• Feeding
• Transportation
• Textbooks
• Data and internet
• Clothing
• Practical materials
• Medical needs
• Departmental activities
• Examination-related expenses
• Personal expenses

For this reason, the cheapest university is not necessarily the university with the lowest advertised school fee.

The better question is:

Which university gives me the lowest realistic total cost while offering my preferred course and acceptable academic opportunities?

School Fees vs Total Cost of Studying

Imagine University A charges ₦80,000 in compulsory school charges, but the student spends ₦300,000 annually on accommodation and transportation.

University B might charge ₦120,000 but allow the student to live at home and spend much less on transportation.

In this situation, University B could be cheaper overall.

This is particularly important for Nigerian students choosing between universities in different states.

Before accepting admission, create a simple budget covering:

School fees + acceptance fee + accommodation + feeding + transport + books + data + personal expenses = estimated annual cost.

This gives you a much more realistic picture.

How to Find the Cheapest Federal University for Your Course

Do not select a university simply because someone calls it the “cheapest federal university in Nigeria.”

Use the following process instead.

1. Choose your course first

Make a list of the courses you are qualified to study.

A university may be cheap but may not offer the programme you want.

2. Check admission requirements

Look at the current JAMB requirements, university requirements and any programme-specific conditions.

For example, professional courses can have additional requirements and charges.

3. Check the official fee schedule

This is one of the most important steps.

Do not depend entirely on old blog posts, social media posts or WhatsApp messages.

Universities can update their fees and payment structures.

4. Calculate first-year costs

New students may pay additional charges such as acceptance, clearance, medical or identity card fees.

For instance, UI’s 2025/2026 admission information specified a ₦50,000 acceptance fee.

5. Compare living expenses

Consider accommodation, transport and food before making your final decision.

6. Confirm accreditation and programme quality

Low cost should never mean ignoring the quality or recognition of your chosen programme.

Can JAMB Fees Be Added to University School Fees?

JAMB-related expenses are separate from university school fees.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board lists charges for services such as UTME registration, admission letters and other services separately. For example, its payment information lists the UTME registration fee and other service charges independently.

Therefore, when creating your admission budget, remember that getting into university can involve expenses before you even begin paying university charges.

Tips for Students Looking for Low-Cost Universities in Nigeria

If your family has a limited education budget, these tips can help.

Look beyond tuition

A low tuition bill does not automatically mean low total expenses.

Consider living at home

If possible, attending a university close to home can reduce accommodation and feeding costs.

Compare several universities

Do not apply to only one institution because it is considered cheap.

Compare fees, admission requirements, courses, location and estimated living costs.

Avoid unofficial payment channels

Only make payments through approved university platforms and recognised payment channels.

Be cautious when someone asks you to transfer money to a personal account in exchange for admission or “special consideration.”

Keep payment receipts

Save receipts, payment confirmations and important admission documents.

Check for scholarships and financial support

Students should investigate scholarships, bursaries and other legitimate financial assistance that may be available to them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the cheapest federal university in Nigeria?

There is no permanent single winner because university fees change and different programmes have different charges. Institutions such as FUTMINNA, FUKASHERE, FUDMA, FUD and FULOKOJA are commonly considered when students search for affordable federal universities.

FUTMINNA is a useful example of why current official schedules matter: its published undergraduate schedule lists tuition as free but includes other compulsory university and faculty charges.

Which federal university has the lowest school fees?

The answer depends on the academic session, programme and level. A university with low charges for one course may have higher charges for another course.

Always compare the complete fee schedule for your specific programme.

Are federal universities tuition-free in Nigeria?

Not necessarily in the sense that students pay nothing. Some federal universities may list tuition as free while charging compulsory fees for registration, facilities, examinations, technology, laboratories, student services and other areas.

FUTMINNA’s official schedule, for example, lists tuition as free but has a total amount payable after other charges are included.

What is the cheapest university to attend in Nigeria?

There is no universal answer. The cheapest option depends on school charges, course, accommodation, transportation, feeding and other living expenses.

For one student, a nearby federal university may be the cheapest. For another student, a university farther away with lower institutional charges may still cost more overall because of accommodation and transport.

Do medical students pay the same fees as other students?

Usually, students in professional programmes should not assume that they will pay the same charges as students in less resource-intensive programmes.

Medicine, laboratory-based programmes, engineering and other professional courses can attract additional charges.

FUTMINNA’s published schedule illustrates this difference: its Medicine and Surgery fee structure contains additional laboratory, professional and facility-related charges.