Nigeria boasts over 40 federal universities spread across the country, offering students access to quality tertiary education. However, with the rising cost of living and inflation in 2025, affordability is now a major factor for students and parents when choosing a university.
Fortunately, there are several federal universities in Nigeria that are budget-friendly yet still maintain high academic standards, well-equipped faculties, and accredited programs. Whether you're looking to study engineering, arts, medicine, or education, there are cost-effective options across all regions of the country.
This blog post explores the top 10 most affordable federal universities in Nigeria for undergraduate studies in 2025, along with their estimated tuition fees, available programs, and why they stand out.
Top 10 Budget-Friendly Federal Universities in Nigeria (2025)
1. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
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Location: Zaria, Kaduna State
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Tuition Range: ₦25,000 – ₦40,000 per session
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Popular Courses: Medicine, Engineering, Law, Agriculture, Education
Why It’s Affordable:
ABU remains one of the most subsidized universities in Nigeria, thanks to strong federal funding and its massive student population. The university also offers low-cost accommodation and feeding options.
2. University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
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Location: Maiduguri, Borno State
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Tuition Range: ₦28,000 – ₦45,000 per session
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Popular Courses: Medicine, Law, Education, Engineering, Veterinary Medicine
Why It’s Affordable:
Despite being located in a conflict-affected region, UNIMAID is known for its resilient academic calendar and low tuition fees. Many students from the North-East benefit from bursaries and local scholarships.
3. University of Ibadan (UI)
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Location: Ibadan, Oyo State
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Tuition Range: ₦35,000 – ₦50,000 per session
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Popular Courses: Arts, Social Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy, Law
Why It’s Affordable:
Nigeria’s oldest university, UI provides premium academic quality at low cost. Though it charges slightly more than others on this list, its prestige and academic excellence make it worth every naira.
4. Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUSOK)
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Location: Sokoto, Sokoto State
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Tuition Range: ₦25,000 – ₦38,000 per session
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Popular Courses: Law, Education, Agriculture, Medical Sciences
Why It’s Affordable:
UDUSOK is renowned for its low tuition and strong Islamic learning tradition. Cost of living in Sokoto is also very low, which makes it easier for students to live on a budget.
5. Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM)
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Location: Makurdi, Benue State
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Tuition Range: ₦28,000 – ₦45,000 per session
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Popular Courses: Agriculture, Animal Science, Engineering, Economics
Why It’s Affordable:
With a focus on agricultural sciences, FUAM is one of the cheapest federal universities in Nigeria. It offers specialized training with affordable lab and field fees.
6. University of Calabar (UNICAL)
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Location: Calabar, Cross River State
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Tuition Range: ₦30,000 – ₦50,000 per session
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Popular Courses: Public Health, Nursing, Law, Business Admin
Why It’s Affordable:
UNICAL combines affordable education with a beautiful coastal environment. Its flexible fee payment plans make it accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.
7. Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA)
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Location: Katsina State
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Tuition Range: ₦27,000 – ₦40,000 per session
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Popular Courses: Computer Science, Agriculture, Social Sciences
Why It’s Affordable:
Established in 2011, FUDMA is one of the new generation federal universities offering affordable and accessible education, especially for students from northern Nigeria.
8. Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (MOUAU)
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Location: Umudike, Abia State
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Tuition Range: ₦30,000 – ₦45,000 per session
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Popular Courses: Agriculture, Biochemistry, Education, Business
Why It’s Affordable:
A specialist university with a strong agriculture bias, MOUAU is known for practical learning, subsidized tuition, and federal student support schemes.
9. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
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Location: Akure, Ondo State
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Tuition Range: ₦35,000 – ₦50,000 per session
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Popular Courses: Engineering, Environmental Technology, Computer Science
Why It’s Affordable:
FUTA delivers quality STEM education at low fees. It’s also known for its well-structured hostel system and low-cost internet access for students.
10. University of Jos (UNIJOS)
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Location: Jos, Plateau State
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Tuition Range: ₦38,000 – ₦55,000 per session
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Popular Courses: Mass Communication, Arts, Sciences, Law, Education
Why It’s Affordable:
Despite being located in a central city, UNIJOS remains reasonably priced, with several state and federal scholarship schemes available for students.
How Federal Universities Stay Affordable
Federal universities in Nigeria benefit from:
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Direct government funding through the Ministry of Education and TETFUND
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Subsidized tuition fees compared to private and state universities
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Scholarships and bursaries for indigent students
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Low-cost accommodation options
This makes them ideal for students who want quality education without financial strain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are federal universities cheaper than state and private universities in Nigeria?
Yes. Federal universities receive more government support, making them significantly more affordable than most state or private universities.
2. Do budget-friendly universities offer quality education?
Absolutely. Schools like UI, ABU, and FUTA are among the top-ranked universities in Africa, despite their low tuition fees.
3. Can I pay tuition fees in installments in federal universities?
Some universities offer flexible payment plans, but this depends on the institution. It’s best to check the school’s official portal or contact the bursary department.
4. What is the average cost of living for students in federal universities?
Cost of living varies by location. In the North, students can live comfortably on ₦20,000–₦30,000/month, while southern universities might require ₦35,000–₦50,000/month.
5. Are there scholarships available in these universities?
Yes. Federal universities often provide access to scholarships from government bodies, NGOs, and alumni associations.
Conclusion
Studying at a federal university in Nigeria doesn’t have to break the bank. The 10 universities listed above combine affordability with academic excellence, ensuring you get the best value for your money in 2025. Whether you're pursuing the arts, sciences, or agriculture, these institutions offer a solid academic foundation at a cost you can manage.
So, if you’re on a tight budget but still want a degree that matters, start your journey with one of these budget-friendly universities today.
