As Nigeria navigates the economic realities of 2026, the cost of higher education remains a pivotal concern for millions of families. With the inflation of goods and services, many prospective students are turning toward Federal Universities, which remain the most subsidized institutions in the country.
While the Federal Government maintains a “tuition-free” policy for undergraduate citizens, universities charge “administrative and service levies” that vary significantly. Below is an authoritative guide to the most affordable federal universities in Nigeria for the 2025/2026 academic session, complete with key insights and primary sources.
1. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
Located in the historic city of Zaria, Ahmadu Bello University remains the pinnacle of affordable, high-quality education in Northern Nigeria. ABU is renowned for its vast research capabilities and is often cited as a leader in Higher Education Nigeria.
- Average Fees for New Students (2026): ₦40,500 – ₦45,000 (excluding professional levies).
- Why it is Affordable: ABU benefits from significant historical subsidies and a massive land mass that allows for self-sustaining agricultural and administrative ventures.
- Top Faculties: Engineering, Administration, and Agriculture.
- Keyphrase Source: ABU Zaria Fee Structure.
2. University of Ibadan (UI)
As Nigeria’s first university, the University of Ibadan balances prestige with affordability. While its Post-UTME and acceptance fees have seen slight adjustments, its semester charges remain some of the lowest for a top-tier research institution.
- Average Fees for New Students (2026): ₦50,000 – ₦80,000 (depending on the faculty).
- Why it is Affordable: UI receives substantial federal grants as a “premier” institution, allowing it to keep the Federal University Tuition profile low for undergraduates.
- Top Faculties: Medicine, Arts, and Sciences.
- Acceptance Fee: ₦50,000 (2025/2026 session).
3. University of Calabar (UNICAL)
UNICAL has consistently ranked as the most cost-effective choice for students in the South-South geopolitical zone. The university is a hub for Academic Excellence in Nigeria, particularly in the humanities and social sciences.
- Average Fees for New Students (2026): ₦45,000 – ₦65,000.
- Why it is Affordable: UNICAL maintains a lean administrative structure, focusing its budget on core academic services.
- Top Faculties: Law, Education, and Allied Medical Sciences.
- Keyphrase Source: UNICAL Student Charges.
4. Bayero University Kano (BUK)
For students seeking a blend of cultural heritage and modern academic rigor, Bayero University Kano is a top contender. Despite recent nationwide fee adjustments, BUK remains highly competitive for the 2025/2026 session.
- Average Fees for New Students (2026): ₦106,300 – ₦112,300 (for most non-clinical courses).
- Why it is Affordable: BUK offers a “Personalised Payment Form” system that helps students manage their Nigerian University Tuition without hidden charges.
- Top Faculties: Islamic Studies, Mass Communication, and Engineering.
5. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
Despite being located in Nigeria’s most expensive city, UNILAG manages to keep its “mandatory charges” relatively low compared to state or private alternatives in the region.
- Average Fees for New Students (2026): ₦55,000 – ₦90,000.
- Why it is Affordable: UNILAG leverages its location to secure corporate partnerships and endowments, which helps subsidize student services.
- Top Faculties: Business Administration, Engineering, and Environmental Sciences.
- Keyphrase Source: UNILAG Mandatory Levies.
2026 Fee Comparison Table (Estimated)
| University | State | Estimated Fresh Student Fees | Acceptance Fee |
| ABU Zaria | Kaduna | ₦42,000 | ₦12,500 |
| UNICAL | Cross River | ₦52,000 | ₦25,000 |
| UI | Oyo | ₦65,000 | ₦50,000 |
| UNILAG | Lagos | ₦75,000 | ₦30,000 |
| BUK | Kano | ₦108,000 | ₦15,000 |
Important Considerations for 2026 Applicants
When calculating the cost of your education, remember that the JAMB application and the Post-UTME screening are just the beginning.
- Administrative Levies vs. Tuition: While you may not pay “tuition,” you will pay for ICT, library access, sports, and health insurance (TISHIP).
- Professional Fees: Students in Medicine, Engineering, and Law should expect to pay “Professional Development Levies” that can add ₦20,000–₦50,000 to the base fee.
- Accommodation: On-campus hostel fees are very low (often ₦15,000–₦30,000 per session), but off-campus housing in cities like Lagos or Ibadan can be extremely high.
Conclusion
Affordability is about more than just the lowest number; it’s about the value of the degree versus the cost of attainment. Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Ibadan remain the champions of this balance in 2026.
By targeting these institutions, Nigerian students can achieve their academic dreams without incurring the massive debt often associated with private education.
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