10 Cheapest Universities Nigerian Students Can Apply to in 2026. If school fees is the thing standing between you and your admission dream, this guide is for you. Every year, thousands of Nigerian families search for the Cheapest Universities Nigerian Students Can Apply to, simply because tuition in some private schools now costs more than a civil servant earns in a year. The good news? Nigeria still has federal and state universities where a full session’s tuition can cost less than a smartphone.
In this guide, we break down the Cheapest Universities Nigerian Students Can Apply to in 2026, using verified fee ranges, JAMB cut-off marks, and admission trends from previous sessions to help you plan smart and apply confidently.
Note on figures: Nigerian university fees change often, sometimes without much notice. The figures below combine officially published fee schedules with informed estimates based on previous admission cycles. Where a figure is a trend-based estimate rather than an official 2026/2027 announcement, we have clearly stated so. Always confirm the exact amount on the university’s official portal before making any payment.
Why Tuition Fees Matter So Much in 2026
With the cost of living rising across Nigeria, more parents and guardians are prioritising affordability over prestige when choosing a university for their children. This is why searches for the Cheapest Universities Nigerian Students Can Apply to in 2026 have grown so much this admission season.
Federal universities remain the most budget-friendly option because the Federal Government subsidises the bulk of running costs, so students pay only a small fraction of what their education actually costs. State universities come next, especially for indigenes, while private universities generally charge much more.
Overview: 10 Cheapest Universities Nigerian Students Can Apply to in 2026
Here is a summary table before we go into full details of each school on our list of Cheapest Universities Nigerian Students Can Apply to this session.
| S/N | University | Ownership | Est. Tuition Range (Per Session) | JAMB Cut-Off Mark (Trend) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Federal University, Kashere (FUKASHERE) | Federal | ₦21,000 – ₦45,000 | 150 |
| 2 | Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) | Federal | ₦40,000 – ₦80,000 | 150 |
| 3 | Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) | Federal | ₦28,200 – ₦61,200 | 150 |
| 4 | Federal University, Lafia (FULafia) | Federal | ₦60,000 – ₦75,000 | 170 |
| 5 | Federal University, Otuoke (FUOtuoke) | Federal | ₦50,000 – ₦75,000 | 150 |
| 6 | Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) | Federal | ₦60,000 – ₦80,000 | 150 |
| 7 | Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) | Federal | ₦68,000 – ₦102,000 | 160 |
| 8 | Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU) | Federal | ₦45,000 – ₦80,000 | 180 |
| 9 | Bayero University, Kano (BUK) | Federal | ₦50,000 – ₦75,000 | 180 |
| 10 | Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) | Federal | ₦50,000 – ₦150,000 | 160 |
Figures are estimates compiled from published fee schedules and previous admission trends. Faculty, level, and accommodation choices can change your actual total.
READ ALSO: All Schools In Nigeria and Their School Fees 2026
Detailed Breakdown of the Cheapest Universities Nigerian Students Can Apply To
1. Federal University, Kashere (FUKASHERE), Gombe State
FUKASHERE is consistently ranked among the Cheapest Universities Nigerian Students Can Apply to because of its unusually low tuition, which sits between ₦21,000 and ₦45,000 per session depending on department and level. The JAMB cut-off mark has stayed at 150 for recent admission cycles, making it one of the more accessible federal universities for candidates with moderate UTME scores.
It offers over 50 courses, including Accounting, Chemistry, Mathematics, Microbiology, Psychology, and Sociology.
Why it’s cheap: Newer federal universities like FUKASHERE typically charge lower fees while they build out infrastructure and student population.
2. Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Katsina State
FUDMA remains one of the Cheapest Universities Nigerian Students Can Apply to in the North-West, with estimated fees ranging from ₦40,000 to ₦80,000. FUDMA uses a tiered cut-off system: 150 for general courses, and 160 for mid-tier competitive courses like Accounting, Economics, Mass Communication, and Microbiology. Acceptance fee is around ₦10,000.
3. Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA), Niger State
FUTMINNA is often cited as having one of the lowest tuition figures among federal universities, with returning students paying as low as ₦28,200 and new students paying around ₦61,200. This makes it a strong pick on any list of the Cheapest Universities Nigerian Students Can Apply to, especially for candidates interested in Engineering, Technology, and Applied Sciences.
FUTMINNA also runs a pre-degree programme for candidates who want an alternative route to admission.
4. Federal University, Lafia (FULafia), Nasarawa State
FULafia charges an estimated ₦60,000 to ₦75,000 per session, with a JAMB cut-off mark trending around 170 in recent cycles. It is a good option for candidates who want a federal university experience without the high demand (and higher effective cut-off) of older, more established schools.
5. Federal University, Otuoke (FUOtuoke), Bayelsa State
Located in President Goodluck Jonathan’s hometown, FUOtuoke offers tuition estimated between ₦50,000 and ₦75,000, with a JAMB cut-off mark around 150. It remains one of the Cheapest Universities Nigerian Students Can Apply to in the South-South, particularly for candidates who did not meet the higher cut-offs at older universities like UNIPORT or UNIBEN.
6. Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Ekiti State
FUOYE’s estimated fee range is ₦60,000 to ₦80,000 per session, with a cut-off mark around 150. It offers a fairly wide spread of courses in Agriculture, Management Sciences, and Social Sciences, and continues to attract candidates looking for affordable South-West alternatives to OAU and UNILAG.
7. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK), Anambra State
UNIZIK is a larger, more established federal university, yet it still makes our list. Returning students pay between ₦25,300 and ₦68,000, while new students pay ₦95,000 to ₦102,000, with an acceptance fee of about ₦20,000.
UNIZIK spans campuses in Awka, Nnewi, Agulu, and Ifite-Ogwuari, offering everything from Medicine to Mass Communication.
8. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU), Kaduna State
ABU is one of Nigeria’s oldest and largest universities, yet its tuition remains relatively low at an estimated ₦45,000 to ₦80,000. The JAMB cut-off mark trends around 180, higher than the newer universities on this list, reflecting ABU’s competitiveness and reputation.
It is proof that being one of the Cheapest Universities Nigerian Students Can Apply to doesn’t mean sacrificing academic prestige.
9. Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Kano State
BUK offers estimated fees between ₦50,000 and ₦75,000, with a cut-off mark trending around 180. As one of the most popular universities in Northern Nigeria, BUK combines affordability with a wide course offering across Medicine, Law, Engineering, and the Humanities.
10. Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo State
FUTO rounds up our list of the Cheapest Universities Nigerian Students Can Apply to in 2026, with fees ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦150,000 depending on course and level — new students typically pay ₦80,000 to ₦150,000, returning students ₦50,000 to ₦80,000, plus an acceptance fee of ₦40,000. FUTO’s cut-off mark trends around 160 and it remains a top choice for Engineering and Technology-focused candidates in the South-East.
State Universities Worth Considering Too
While our main list focuses on federal universities, some state universities also offer very low tuition, especially for indigenes of the state. Examples frequently mentioned in previous admission cycles include Gombe State University and other state institutions where indigene tuition can fall below ₦100,000 per session.
If you’re an indigene of a state with a functional state university, compare fees before committing to a federal university outside your region, since accommodation and transport costs can sometimes cancel out the tuition savings.
How to Apply: Quick Steps
- Register for UTME and choose your preferred institution as first choice.
- Meet the cut-off mark for your chosen university and course — departmental cut-offs are often higher than the general institutional one.
- Complete O’Level requirements: five credits including English and Mathematics, in not more than two sittings.
- Register for Post-UTME/screening before the university’s deadline.
- Accept your offer on JAMB CAPS once admitted.
- Pay your acceptance fee (typically ₦10,000–₦50,000, separate from tuition) to complete registration.
Factors That Make These Universities Affordable
- Federal Government subsidy: Federal universities receive funding through TETFund and annual budget allocations, which keeps tuition artificially low for students.
- Newer institutions: Younger federal universities like FUKASHERE and FUDMA often have smaller populations and simpler infrastructure, keeping running costs (and fees) down.
- Location: Universities in less urbanised states tend to have lower accommodation and feeding costs, even where tuition is similar.
- Course of study: Arts and Social Science programmes are typically cheaper than Medicine, Engineering, or Law, which require laboratories and specialised equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cheapest Universities Nigerian Students Can Apply To
1. Which is the cheapest university in Nigeria for 2026?
Based on current trends, Federal University, Kashere (FUKASHERE) is frequently cited as one of the Cheapest Universities Nigerian Students Can Apply to, with tuition as low as ₦21,000 per session. However, exact rankings can shift slightly depending on faculty and level.
2. Are federal universities always cheaper than state universities?
Generally, yes. Federal universities benefit from larger government subsidies, making them some of the Cheapest Universities Nigerian Students Can Apply to nationwide. However, state universities can be cheaper than federal ones for indigenes of that particular state.
3. Is it true that private universities are always more expensive?
Mostly true, but there are exceptions. Some private universities like Al-Hikmah University and Oduduwa University charge lower fees compared to other private institutions, though still generally higher than the federal universities on this list.
4. Do cheap universities offer low-quality education?
No. Affordability does not automatically mean poor quality. Universities like ABU, BUK, UNIZIK, and FUTO are long-established institutions with strong academic reputations, proving that being among the Cheapest Universities Nigerian Students Can Apply to doesn’t mean compromising on standards.
5. What is the JAMB cut-off mark for the cheapest universities?
Most of the universities on this list have cut-off marks between 150 and 180, based on previous admission cycles. FUKASHERE, FUDMA, FUTMINNA, FUOtuoke, and FUOYE trend around 150, while ABU and BUK trend around 180.
6. Does tuition include hostel accommodation?
No. The fees listed above cover tuition and basic charges only. Hostel accommodation, feeding, and other personal expenses are paid separately and can add ₦30,000 to ₦150,000 or more per session depending on the university and location.
7. Can I apply to more than one of these universities at once?
No. JAMB only allows one institution and course as your first choice per UTME registration cycle. You can change your institution later through the JAMB CAPS portal if you meet the deadline and requirements.
8. Are these fees the same for all courses?
No. Science, Engineering, Medicine, and other laboratory-based courses typically attract higher fees than Arts and Social Science courses, even within the same university.
9. How can I confirm the exact fees before applying?
Visit the official university website or contact the bursary/student affairs office directly. Figures here are estimates based on previous sessions and publicly available schedules, and may be reviewed before the 2026/2027 session fully commences.
10. Do these universities offer scholarships or fee waivers?
Some do, particularly for indigent students, first-class graduates, or through TETFund and state government bursary schemes. Check with each university’s Student Affairs or Scholarship Office for current opportunities.
11. Is Direct Entry admission cheaper than UTME admission?
Tuition fees are usually the same regardless of entry mode, though Direct Entry students skip 100 Level and may pay slightly different acceptance fees. Direct Entry candidates should still confirm fee structures directly with their chosen university.
12. Will fees increase before the 2026/2027 session begins?
It’s possible. Nigerian universities occasionally review fees, sometimes due to inflation or new government policy. This is why we recommend checking official portals close to your application date rather than relying solely on previous session figures.
Conclusion
Choosing from the Cheapest Universities Nigerian Students Can Apply to in 2026 doesn’t mean settling for less — it means being smart with your resources while still pursuing a solid degree. From FUKASHERE and FUDMA in the North, to FUTO and UNIZIK in the South-East, to ABU and BUK in the North-West, Nigeria still has federal universities where a full session’s tuition costs less than ₦100,000.
Before you make your final decision, always compare the total cost of attendance, tuition, acceptance fee, hostel, and feeding, not just the headline tuition figure. And most importantly, confirm every fee directly on the university’s official portal before making any payment, since prices can be reviewed at any time.
If this guide helped you, bookmark MyUniPress and check back as we update our list of the Cheapest Universities Nigerian Students Can Apply to throughout the 2026/2027 admission season.
Leave a Comment