Looking for the top 10 cheapest federal universities in Nigeria and their fees in 2025? You’re not alone. Thousands of students and parents are constantly searching for affordable universities in Nigeria that still offer quality education, recognized degrees, and stable academic calendars.
This article gives you a full breakdown of the cheapest federal universities in Nigeria, their tuition fees, location, reputation, and what makes them a smart choice for budget-conscious students.
Whether you’re a JAMB candidate, a parent planning ahead, or a student considering transfer, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Why Federal Universities Are Popular in Nigeria
Federal universities are owned and funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria. They are some of the most sought-after institutions in the country for several reasons:
Low tuition fees
Stable government support
Well-accredited programs
Nationwide recognition
Wide range of faculties and departments
Less expensive than private or foreign universities
In 2025, despite inflation and rising living costs, federal universities still remain the cheapest path to quality higher education in Nigeria.
How We Ranked the Cheapest Federal Universities in Nigeria (2025)
The universities listed in this guide were selected based on the following:
Annual tuition fees for undergraduate students
Availability of essential academic programs
Overall student satisfaction
Accessibility to low-income families
Consistency in academic calendar
Government funding and affordability
Let’s now dive into the top 10 cheapest federal universities in Nigeria and their fees in 2025.
Top 10 Cheapest Federal Universities in Nigeria and Their Fees (2025)
1. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
Location: Kaduna State
Tuition Fee (2025): ₦25,000 – ₦50,000/year
Ownership: Federal Government
ABU Zaria remains the most affordable and one of the most respected universities in Nigeria. It has a wide range of faculties including medicine, engineering, social sciences, and agriculture.
Its tuition is very low compared to the quality of education it offers, making it one of the best options for students from low-income homes.
2. University of Ibadan (UI)
Location: Oyo State
Tuition Fee (2025): ₦40,000 – ₦60,000/year
Ownership: Federal Government
Despite being the best university in Nigeria, UI still maintains very cheap tuition for most programs. Students pay slightly more for medicine and engineering, but arts and social science courses remain extremely affordable.
UI also provides one of the most extensive scholarship schemes among public universities.
3. University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
Location: Borno State
Tuition Fee (2025): ₦28,000 – ₦50,000/year
Ownership: Federal Government
UNIMAID has continued to maintain a low fee structure despite challenges in its region. The university offers courses in law, medicine, education, Islamic studies, and engineering.
It attracts students from across Nigeria due to its affordability and strong academic traditions.
4. Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS)
Location: Sokoto State
Tuition Fee (2025): ₦27,000 – ₦55,000/year
Ownership: Federal Government
UDUS is known for its strong Islamic studies and law faculties. It is one of the cheapest federal universities in Nigeria and offers a calm learning environment with very low living costs.
The university’s low tuition, stable calendar, and quality academic staff make it a top choice.
5. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
Location: Ogun State
Tuition Fee (2025): ₦30,000 – ₦60,000/year
Ownership: Federal Government
FUNAAB is one of the top agricultural universities in Nigeria and Africa. It also offers science and engineering programs at low fees.
The institution combines affordability with innovation in agriculture and technology, making it an ideal university for students interested in food systems and agribusiness.
6. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
Location: Ondo State
Tuition Fee (2025): ₦35,000 – ₦65,000/year
Ownership: Federal Government
Known for its strength in engineering, ICT, and environmental sciences, FUTA remains affordable even in 2025.
Students in this university enjoy access to modern labs, stable electricity, and a structured academic calendar—all at low fees.
7. University of Calabar (UNICAL)
Location: Cross River State
Tuition Fee (2025): ₦35,000 – ₦70,000/year
Ownership: Federal Government
UNICAL is one of the oldest universities in the South-South region. It offers programs in medicine, law, social sciences, education, and engineering.
Despite being a popular federal university, its tuition remains very cheap in 2025, with accommodation and hostel fees also on the lower side.
8. University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
Location: Akwa Ibom State
Tuition Fee (2025): ₦40,000 – ₦70,000/year
Ownership: Federal Government
UNIUYO has maintained its affordable status, offering low tuition to students across arts, education, engineering, and agriculture.
The school has improved its infrastructure and now boasts a peaceful learning environment, making it one of the cheapest and most balanced federal universities in Nigeria.
9. Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE)
Location: Delta State
Tuition Fee (2025): ₦45,000 – ₦75,000/year
Ownership: Federal Government
FUPRE is Nigeria’s first petroleum-focused university. It offers affordable engineering and oil & gas-related courses with strong industry partnerships.
Compared to other petroleum universities globally, its tuition is one of the cheapest, making it a great pick for engineering students.
10. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
Location: Anambra State
Tuition Fee (2025): ₦45,000 – ₦80,000/year
Ownership: Federal Government
UNIZIK is one of the most respected federal universities in southeastern Nigeria. It offers strong academic programs, especially in medicine, law, and engineering.
Though slightly more expensive than others on this list, it’s still very affordable compared to private or state-owned universities.
Summary Table: Cheapest Federal Universities in Nigeria 2025
| University Name | Location | Tuition Fee (₦) | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABU Zaria | Kaduna State | ₦25k – ₦50k | Federal |
| University of Ibadan | Oyo State | ₦40k – ₦60k | Federal |
| UNIMAID | Borno State | ₦28k – ₦50k | Federal |
| UDUS Sokoto | Sokoto State | ₦27k – ₦55k | Federal |
| FUNAAB | Ogun State | ₦30k – ₦60k | Federal |
| FUTA | Ondo State | ₦35k – ₦65k | Federal |
| UNICAL | Cross River State | ₦35k – ₦70k | Federal |
| UNIUYO | Akwa Ibom State | ₦40k – ₦70k | Federal |
| FUPRE | Delta State | ₦45k – ₦75k | Federal |
| UNIZIK | Anambra State | ₦45k – ₦80k | Federal |
Why These Are the Cheapest Federal Universities in Nigeria
Subsidized tuition by the Federal Government
No hidden charges in most programs
Availability of on-campus accommodation
Scholarship support from TETFUND and state agencies
Low cost of living in their respective locations
These schools provide a solid opportunity to earn a degree without going into debt.
FAQs – Top 10 Cheapest Federal Universities in Nigeria 2025
Which is the cheapest federal university in Nigeria in 2025?
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria currently ranks as the cheapest federal university in Nigeria in 2025.
Can I get a quality education from cheap federal universities?
Yes. Federal universities offer quality programs and are accredited by the NUC and professional bodies.
Do cheap universities compromise quality?
No. Many of Nigeria’s best universities are also the cheapest due to federal funding.
Is UI still affordable in 2025?
Yes. University of Ibadan remains affordable with tuition starting at ₦40,000.
What’s the difference between federal and state university fees?
Federal university fees are lower due to national funding, while state universities are more expensive and vary by state.
Final Thoughts: Cheapest Federal Universities in Nigeria and Their Fees (2025)
Getting a university education in Nigeria doesn’t have to be expensive. The top 10 cheapest federal universities in Nigeria in 2025 offer quality programs, recognized certificates, and excellent learning environments — all at very low costs.
If you're searching for value, quality, and affordability, these federal institutions are your best bet. They combine accessibility with excellence, helping students achieve their dreams without financial strain.
Choose wisely, study hard, and make the most of the opportunity.