Introduction
Getting into a Nigerian university can feel stressful, especially when you are worried about money or strict entry rules. Many students and parents ask the same question:
Which are the cheapest universities in Nigeria with easy admission requirements?
This article gives you a complete 2025/2026 guide. I will break it into clear steps with simple English that even a 10-year-old can understand. You will learn:
- The meaning of “cheap universities” in Nigeria.
- The difference between federal, state, and private universities.
- Admission requirements that are easier compared to competitive schools.
- A detailed list of some of the cheapest universities in Nigeria.
- How much you can expect to pay (tuition fees + extra costs).
- Pros and cons of going to cheap universities.
- A full comparison table before the conclusion.
- 15+ FAQs with short and clear answers.
This guide will save you time, money, and stress.
What does “cheapest universities in Nigeria” really mean?
When students say they want the cheapest universities in Nigeria, they are usually asking for schools that:
- Have low tuition fees (affordable for average Nigerian families).
- Offer easy admission requirements (not as strict as UNILAG, UI, or UNN).
- Still give quality education that is recognized by JAMB and NUC.
In Nigeria, university costs are not the same. Some schools charge ₦30,000 – ₦70,000 per year, while others charge ₦600,000+ (especially private universities).
Cheap universities do not always mean “low quality.” Many federal and state universities are cheap but still highly respected.
Understanding the types of universities in Nigeria
Before listing the cheapest schools, you must know the three main categories of universities in Nigeria.
A. Federal Universities
- Owned and funded by the Nigerian Federal Government.
- They are usually the cheapest.
- Fees range from ₦30,000 – ₦70,000 per year (tuition).
- Examples: University of Ibadan (UI), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), University of Benin (UNIBEN).
B. State Universities
- Owned by state governments.
- More expensive than federal universities, but still affordable compared to private schools.
- Fees range from ₦80,000 – ₦250,000 per year.
- Examples: Lagos State University (LASU), Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Delta State University (DELSU).
C. Private Universities
- Owned by individuals, organizations, or religious bodies.
- Most expensive option in Nigeria.
- Fees range from ₦250,000 – ₦1,000,000+ per year.
- Some smaller private universities are cheaper and have easier admission, but most are still costly compared to federal and state schools.
What makes admission “easy” in Nigeria?
Not every university admission is the same. Some are very tough, while others are easier. Here are the key points:
- Cut-off marks:
- Top schools like UNILAG or UI set very high cut-offs (200–250+).
- Easier universities accept lower JAMB scores (140–160).
- Competition:
- Schools in big cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Ibadan are harder because too many students apply.
- Universities in less crowded states often admit students more easily.
- Post-UTME or Screening:
- Some schools only check documents (O’level + JAMB score) instead of giving extra exams.
- This makes admission faster and less stressful.
- Direct Entry Opportunities:
- Some schools give more slots for ND, NCE, HND, or JUPEB holders.
- Catchment Area Policy:
- If your state is close to the university, you may have an easier chance of admission.
Cheapest Federal Universities in Nigeria (2025/2026)
Federal universities are usually the cheapest and most respected. Below are some affordable options with easier admission compared to highly competitive schools.
4.1 Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
- Tuition Fee: ₦30,000 – ₦40,000 per year.
- Why it is cheap: Subsidized by federal government.
- Admission Ease: Cut-off is usually 180, but less competitive courses may accept 160–170.
- Best for: Sciences, Agriculture, Engineering.
- Extra Tip: Because it is in the north, competition is lower than in Lagos or Abuja schools.
4.2 Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
- Tuition Fee: ₦32,000 – ₦40,000 per year.
- Admission Ease: Post-UTME screening is not too strict; some courses accept 160–170.
- Best for: Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine, Environmental Sciences.
4.3 Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUSOK)
- Tuition Fee: ₦35,000 – ₦45,000.
- Admission Ease: Less competition due to location; many courses accept JAMB scores from 160 upward.
- Best for: Medicine, Law, Islamic Studies, Arts.
4.4 University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
- Tuition Fee: ₦35,000 – ₦50,000.
- Admission Ease: Generally less competitive compared to UNILAG or UI.
- Best for: Health Sciences, Education, Agriculture.
Cheapest State Universities in Nigeria (2025/2026)
Some state universities also have affordable tuition and easier admission.
5.1 Lagos State University (LASU)
- Tuition Fee: ₦67,000 – ₦120,000 depending on course.
- Admission Ease: Cut-off is moderate (usually 160–180).
- Best for: Business, Law, Arts.
- Extra Tip: Because it is in Lagos, competition is higher than some other state universities.
5.2 Delta State University (DELSU)
- Tuition Fee: ₦80,000 – ₦120,000.
- Admission Ease: Screening process is straightforward; lower competition compared to federal giants.
- Best for: Law, Education, Arts.
5.3 Osun State University (UNIOSUN)
- Tuition Fee: ₦95,000 – ₦120,000.
- Admission Ease: Some campuses have lower cut-offs for less popular courses.
5.4 Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma
- Tuition Fee: ₦100,000 – ₦150,000.
- Admission Ease: Many students get admitted with JAMB scores around 160–170.
Cheapest Private Universities in Nigeria (2025/2026)
Private universities are usually expensive, but a few have lower fees compared to others.
6.1 Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin
- Tuition Fee: ₦120,000 – ₦180,000.
- Admission Ease: Accepts JAMB scores from 140 upward.
6.2 Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu
- Tuition Fee: ₦150,000 – ₦200,000.
- Admission Ease: Easy admission process, accepts lower JAMB scores.
6.3 Paul University, Awka
- Tuition Fee: ₦150,000 – ₦200,000.
- Admission Ease: Open to candidates with modest JAMB scores.
Pros and Cons of Choosing Cheap Universities
Pros
- Affordable tuition = less financial stress.
- Easy admission requirements = faster entry.
- Government support (federal/state schools) = more stability.
- Recognized certificates accepted for jobs and NYSC.
Cons
- Limited facilities in some schools (old hostels, few labs).
- Crowded classrooms in federal universities.
- Strikes are common in federal and state universities.
- Location challenges if schools are far from home.
Tips for Choosing the Best Cheap University
- Check the course availability — not all cheap universities offer your dream course.
- Look at location and cost of living — food, rent, and transport differ by state.
- Balance between cheap fees and quality — don’t only look at money, check NUC accreditation.
- Apply early — cheap schools fill up quickly.
- Have a backup option — always list at least two universities in JAMB.
Comparison Table of Cheapest Universities in Nigeria
| University | Type | Tuition Fee (₦) | Admission Ease | Best Courses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABU, Zaria | Federal | 30,000 – 40,000 | Moderate (160+) | Sciences, Engineering |
| FUNAAB | Federal | 32,000 – 40,000 | Moderate (160+) | Agriculture |
| UDUSOK | Federal | 35,000 – 45,000 | Easy (160+) | Medicine, Law, Arts |
| UNIMAID | Federal | 35,000 – 50,000 | Easy (160+) | Health Sciences |
| LASU | State | 67,000 – 120,000 | Moderate (160–180) | Business, Law |
| DELSU | State | 80,000 – 120,000 | Easy (160+) | Education, Arts |
| UNIOSUN | State | 95,000 – 120,000 | Easy (160+) | Social Sciences |
| AAU Ekpoma | State | 100,000 – 150,000 | Easy (160+) | Arts, Education |
| Al-Hikmah | Private | 120,000 – 180,000 | Easy (140+) | Humanities |
| Oduduwa Univ. | Private | 150,000 – 200,000 | Easy (140+) | Social Sciences |
Conclusion
The cheapest universities in Nigeria with easy admission requirements are mostly federal and some state universities. If you want extremely low tuition, go for federal universities like ABU Zaria, FUNAAB, UDUSOK, and UNIMAID.
If you want easier admission with slightly higher fees, consider state universities like DELSU or AAU.
Private universities like Al-Hikmah and Oduduwa are cheaper compared to big private schools, but still cost more than public universities.
Your final choice should balance cost, admission ease, course availability, and quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which university is the cheapest in Nigeria?
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) is one of the cheapest, with fees starting around ₦30,000.
2. Can I gain admission with a JAMB score of 150?
Yes, some universities (federal, state, and private) accept scores as low as 140–150 for certain courses.
3. Do cheap universities still offer quality education?
Yes, many federal universities are cheap but highly respected.
4. Are private universities ever cheaper than federal universities?
No, but some private universities like Al-Hikmah and Oduduwa are cheaper compared to Covenant or Babcock.
5. What is the admission age for Nigerian universities?
The minimum age is usually 16 years old.
6. Do cheap universities have good hostels?
Some do, but many federal universities have crowded hostels.
7. Which cheap universities are best for medicine?
UDUSOK and UNIMAID are among the cheaper schools that offer Medicine.
8. Which cheap universities are best for law?
UDUSOK, DELSU, and LASU offer Law at affordable fees.
9. Do cheap universities accept Direct Entry?
Yes, most federal, state, and private universities accept Direct Entry candidates.
10. Can I use two sittings (WAEC and NECO) in cheap universities?
Yes, many accept two sittings, but confirm on the school’s website.
11. Do cheap universities still strike?
Federal and state universities often face ASUU strikes; private universities don’t.
12. Is accommodation included in the tuition fee?
No, hostel fees are usually separate.
13. Can I study part-time in cheap universities?
Yes, many state and federal universities offer part-time or sandwich programs.
14. Do cheap universities offer scholarships?
Some federal and private schools offer scholarships for brilliant students.
15. Which cheap universities are best for agriculture?
FUNAAB and ABU Zaria are the top affordable choices for agriculture.
