Full School Fees of all Federal Universities in Nigeria (2026/2027 Complete Guide)
Federal universities in Nigeria remain the most affordable higher institutions in the country because they are funded by the federal government. Unlike private universities where tuition can reach ₦1 million or more per session, many federal universities charge between ₦40,000 and ₦160,000 per academic session depending on the course and faculty.
However, some specialized programs like Medicine, Engineering, and Technology may cost more due to laboratory and clinical training fees.
This guide provides a comprehensive list of federal universities in Nigeria and their estimated school fees to help students and parents understand the cost of studying in these institutions.
What School Fees in Federal Universities Usually Include
When universities publish school fees, the payment typically covers:
- Tuition and academic charges
- Library access
- Laboratory fees (for science courses)
- Registration and administrative charges
However, the following are usually not included:
- Hostel accommodation
- Feeding
- Textbooks and learning materials
- Departmental dues
These extra costs mean the actual yearly budget for students may be higher than the tuition alone.
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Full School Fees of Major Federal Universities in Nigeria
Below is a detailed list of federal universities and their estimated school fees per session.
1. University of Ibadan (UI)
Location: Oyo State
Estimated school fees:
₦50,000 – ₦80,000
The University of Ibadan is Nigeria’s oldest university and one of the most respected institutions in West Africa.
2. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
Location: Lagos State
Estimated school fees:
₦85,000 – ₦155,000
UNILAG is one of the most competitive universities in Nigeria and offers programs in medicine, engineering, law, and social sciences.
3. University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
Location: Enugu State
Estimated school fees:
₦40,000 – ₦90,000
UNN is one of the largest federal universities and offers a wide range of programs.
4. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
Location: Zaria, Kaduna State
Estimated school fees:
₦45,000 – ₦85,000
ABU is one of the largest universities in Africa with more than 30 faculties.
5. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Location: Ile-Ife, Osun State
Estimated school fees:
₦95,000 – ₦145,000
OAU is famous for strong programs in engineering, law, and architecture.
6. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
Location: Kwara State
Estimated school fees:
₦80,000 – ₦155,000
The university is known for maintaining a stable academic calendar without strikes.
7. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
Location: Edo State
Estimated school fees:
₦105,000 – ₦160,000
UNIBEN offers strong programs in medicine, pharmacy, engineering, and law.
8. University of Calabar (UNICAL)
Location: Cross River State
Estimated school fees:
₦45,000 – ₦75,000
UNICAL is known for programs in education, social sciences, and law.
9. University of Jos (UNIJOS)
Location: Plateau State
Estimated school fees:
₦50,000 – ₦85,000
The University of Jos is one of the major federal universities in northern Nigeria.
10. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
Location: Rivers State
Estimated school fees:
₦60,000 – ₦100,000
UNIPORT is widely recognized for engineering and petroleum-related programs.
11. University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
Location: Borno State
Estimated school fees:
₦87,000 – ₦107,000
The university is known for medicine and health science programs.
12. Bayero University Kano (BUK)
Location: Kano State
Estimated school fees:
₦50,000 – ₦75,000
BUK is one of the most respected universities in northern Nigeria.
13. Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA)
Location: Ondo State
Estimated school fees:
₦60,000 – ₦85,000
FUTA focuses on science and technology programs.
14. Federal University of Technology Minna (FUTMINNA)
Location: Niger State
Estimated school fees:
₦80,000 – ₦140,000
The university is known for engineering and computing courses.
15. Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO)
Location: Imo State
Estimated school fees:
₦50,000 – ₦80,000
FUTO is one of Nigeria’s top technology universities.
16. Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
Location: Ogun State
Estimated school fees:
₦50,000 – ₦75,000
FUNAAB specializes in agriculture, environmental science, and biotechnology.
17. Federal University Lokoja
Location: Kogi State
Estimated school fees:
₦40,000 – ₦70,000
One of the newer federal universities in Nigeria.
18. Federal University Dutsin‑Ma (FUDMA)
Location: Katsina State
Estimated school fees:
₦50,000 – ₦70,000
The university offers courses in science, management, and arts.
19. Federal University Kashere
Location: Gombe State
Estimated school fees:
₦45,000 – ₦70,000
FUKashere is known for maintaining relatively low tuition fees.
20. Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE)
Location: Delta State
Estimated school fees:
₦70,000 – ₦100,000
The university focuses on petroleum engineering and energy-related programs.
Average Cost of Studying in a Federal University
Here is a rough estimate of a student’s yearly expenses.
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| School fees | ₦40,000 – ₦160,000 |
| Hostel | ₦25,000 – ₦60,000 |
| Feeding | ₦200,000 – ₦400,000 |
| Books & materials | ₦20,000 – ₦50,000 |
Estimated yearly budget:
₦300,000 – ₦650,000
Why Federal Universities Are Cheaper
Several factors make federal universities affordable:
Government Funding
The federal government subsidizes education costs.
Large Student Population
Higher enrollment spreads operational costs.
Public Education Policy
Federal universities aim to make higher education accessible to citizens.
Conclusion
Federal universities remain the most affordable universities in Nigeria, with school fees generally ranging from ₦40,000 to ₦160,000 per academic session depending on the course and institution.
Some of the most affordable options include:
- Federal University Lokoja
- Federal University Kashere
- University of Calabar
- Federal University Dutsin-Ma
These institutions provide quality education at relatively low cost, making them attractive options for Nigerian students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much are federal university school fees in Nigeria?
Most federal universities charge between ₦40,000 and ₦160,000 per session depending on the course and institution.
2. Which federal university is the cheapest in Nigeria?
Universities like Federal University Lokoja and Federal University Kashere are among the cheapest.
3. Do federal universities provide hostel accommodation?
Yes. Hostel accommodation typically costs ₦25,000 – ₦60,000 per session.
4. Are federal universities cheaper than private universities?
Yes. Private universities often charge ₦500,000 – ₦2 million per session, which is much higher than federal universities.
5. Why do some federal universities charge higher fees?
Courses like medicine, engineering, and laboratory sciences require expensive equipment and facilities.