Full List of Federal Universities in Nigeria & 2025/2026 School Fees Guide

Full List of Federal Universities in Nigeria & 2025/2026 School Fees Guide

Introduction

Education in Nigeria has undergone remarkable expansion, especially in the federal university sector. With over 70 federally recognized universities as of 2025, aspiring undergraduates, postgraduates, and international students need clear guidance on tuition fees, admission processes, and program structures. This article provides a comprehensive overview of all federal universities in Nigeria and their 2025/2026 school fees, along with practical advice on budgeting, course selection, and student responsibilities.

Understanding these fees is crucial for proper planning and financial management. Whether you are a Nigerian student, an international applicant, or a parent, this guide will give you detailed insights into the cost of education across the federal university system, helping you make informed decisions.

Overview of Federal Universities in Nigeria

Federal universities are institutions funded and operated by the Nigerian federal government, often through the Ministry of Education and regulated by the National Universities Commission (NUC). These universities aim to provide:

1. Affordable and high-quality education for Nigerian students.

2. Specialized programs in medicine, agriculture, engineering, technology, education, and the arts.

3. Research opportunities that address national development goals.

4. Opportunities for international students and collaboration.

Federal universities typically charge lower tuition than private universities but vary widely based on faculty, location, and infrastructure needs.

Importance and Relevance in 2025/2026

As Nigeria enters 2025/2026, higher education costs are evolving due to inflation, energy costs, and facility maintenance. Federal universities remain the most affordable yet reputable option for Nigerian youths, particularly for families with limited budgets.

The relevance of this guide is:

1. Helping students budget accurately for tuition and ancillary costs.

2. Highlighting universities with affordable vs high-cost programs, particularly for professional courses.

3. Guiding students to make strategic choices for admissions based on their program of interest and financial capacity.

Federal Universities: History and Background

The Nigerian federal university system started with University of Ibadan (UI) in 1948, initially affiliated with the University of London. Since then:

1. Federal universities expanded from a few pioneering institutions to over 70 universities nationwide.

2. Key milestones include the establishment of specialized institutions like FUPRE (Petroleum Resources), NOUN (Distance Learning), and the growing network of Federal University of Health Sciences.

3. The NUC ensures quality control, accreditation, and adherence to national education standards.

Full List of Federal Universities in Nigeria & 2025/2026 School Fees Guide

Purpose and Objectives

The federal university system serves to:

1. Provide high-quality tertiary education accessible to all Nigerian citizens.

2. Promote research and innovation in critical sectors (health, technology, agriculture).

3. Train professionals in high-demand fields such as medicine, engineering, law, agriculture, and education.

4. Support national development through knowledge creation and skilled human capital.

List of Federal Universities in Nigeria (2025/2026)

Below is the comprehensive list of 74 federal universities recognized by the NUC, including practical 2025/2026 tuition ranges:

1–20: Early Established and Specialized Universities

1. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi — ₦30,000 – ₦60,000

2. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria — ₦50,000 – ₦110,000

3. Bayero University Kano (BUK), Kano — ₦50,000 – ₦120,000

4. Federal University Gashua (FUGashua), Yobe — ₦35,000 – ₦80,000

5. Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) — ₦67,000 – ₦130,000

6. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) — ₦60,000 – ₦220,000

7. Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) — ₦48,000 – ₦95,000

8. Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) — ₦50,000 – ₦160,000

9. Federal University, Dutse (FUD), Jigawa — ₦35,000 – ₦90,000

10. Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDutsin-Ma), Katsina — ₦35,000 – ₦90,000

11. Federal University, Kashere, Gombe — ₦35,000 – ₦90,000

12. Federal University, Lafia (FULafia), Nasarawa — ₦40,000 – ₦95,000

13. Federal University, Lokoja (FULokoja), Kogi — ₦40,000 – ₦95,000

14. Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi — ₦45,000 – ₦95,000

15. Federal University Otuoke (FUOTUOKE), Bayelsa — ₦40,000 – ₦95,000

16. Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Ekiti — ₦40,000 – ₦110,000

17. Federal University Wukari (FUWUKARI), Taraba — ₦35,000 – ₦90,000

18. Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) — ₦40,000 – ₦95,000

19. Federal University Gusau (FUGUSAU), Zamfara — ₦35,000 – ₦90,000

20. Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) — ₦45,000 – ₦120,000

21–40: Technology, Open, and Military Institutions

21. Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH), Yola — ₦50,000 – ₦140,000

22. National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Abuja — ₦20,000 – ₦100,000

23. Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil — ₦30,000 – ₦80,000

24. Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna — specialized cadet fees

25. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka — ₦45,000 – ₦120,000

26. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife — ₦45,000 – ₦120,000

27. University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), Gwagwalada — ₦50,000 – ₦120,000

28. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) — ₦85,000 – ₦170,000

29. Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JSTUM) — ₦40,000 – ₦95,000

30. University of Benin (UNIBEN) — ₦45,000 – ₦120,000

31. University of Calabar (UNICAL) — ₦45,000 – ₦110,000

32. University of Ibadan (UI) — ₦50,000 – ₦200,000

33. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) — ₦45,000 – ₦120,000

34. University of Jos (UNIJOS) — ₦45,000 – ₦120,000

35. University of Lagos (UNILAG) — ₦70,000 – ₦200,000

36. University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) — ₦45,000 – ₦110,000

37. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) — ₦45,000 – ₦120,000

38. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) — ₦75,000 – ₦214,000+

39. University of Uyo (UNIUYO) — ₦40,000 – ₦110,000

40. Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUSOK), Sokoto — ₦40,000 – ₦110,000

Full List of Federal Universities in Nigeria & 2025/2026 School Fees Guide

41–60: Maritime, Health, and Education Focused Universities

41. Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta — ₦80,000 – ₦200,000

42. Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna — check portal

43. Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB) — check portal

44. Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (Benue) — ₦80,000 – ₦220,000

45. Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru (FUNA Zuru), Kebbi — ₦40,000 – ₦110,000

46. Federal University of Technology, Babura (Jigawa) — ₦40,000 – ₦110,000

47. Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi (Akwa Ibom) — ₦40,000 – ₦120,000

48. Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (Bauchi) — ₦80,000 – ₦220,000

49. Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (Osun) — ₦80,000 – ₦220,000

50. David Nweze Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, Uburu — check portal

51. Admiralty University, Ibusa — check portal

52. Federal University of Transportation, Daura (FUTD) — check portal

53. African Aviation and Aerospace University — check portal

54. National University of Science and Technology (Abuja) — check portal

55. Federal University of Agriculture Bassam-Biri, Bayelsa — check portal

56. Federal University of Health Sciences, Kwale (Delta) — check portal

57. Federal University of Health Sciences, Katsina — check portal

58. Federal University of Agriculture, Mubi — check portal

59. Federal University of Education, Zaria — ₦30,000 – ₦90,000

60. Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri — ₦35,000 – ₦95,000

61–74: Newly Approved Universities (2025)

61. Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano — check portal

62. Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo — check portal

63. Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu — check portal

64. Federal University of Medicine & Medical Sciences, Abeokuta (FUMMSA) — check portal

65. Federal University of Education, Pankshin, Plateau — check portal

66. Federal University of Education, Kontagora, Niger — check portal

67. University of Maritime Studies, Oron (Akwa Ibom) — check portal

68. Federal University of Environment & Technology, Tai Town (Rivers) — check portal

69. Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia (Kaduna) — check portal

70. Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Ijebu-Ode — check portal

71. Federal University of Agriculture & Developmental Studies, Iragbiji, Osun — check portal

72. Federal University of Technology & Environmental Studies, Iyin-Ekiti — check portal

73. Federal University of Agriculture & Technology, Okeho, Oyo — check portal

74. Federal University of Health Science & Technology, Tsafe — check portal

Fee Tier Guide

1. Lower Tier: ₦20,000 – ₦60,000 (arts, education, newer universities)

2. Mid Tier: ₦60,000 – ₦120,000 (general sciences, social sciences)

3. Higher Tier: ₦120,000 – ₦250,000+ (Medicine, Engineering, Veterinary, Pharmacy, professional faculties)

Full List of Federal Universities in Nigeria & 2025/2026 School Fees Guide

Additional Student Costs (2025/2026)

1. Acceptance fees: ₦15,000 – ₦50,000

2. Hostel accommodation: ₦30,000 – ₦300,000

3. Departmental/ICT/lab levies: ₦5,000 – ₦80,000

4. Medical/insurance: ₦2,000 – ₦10,000

5. ID, matriculation, registration: ₦2,500 – ₦25,000

6. Books and study materials: variable

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Are federal universities cheaper than private universities?
Yes. Federal universities have government subsidies, making tuition lower, especially for non-professional courses.

Q2: Why do fees vary between faculties?
Professional courses (Medicine, Engineering, Pharmacy) require labs, equipment, and practical training, which increases costs.

Q3: How can I verify 2025/2026 fees?
Check the official university portal or published Schedule of Charges for the academic session.

Q4: Do fees differ for freshers and returning students?
Yes, freshers usually pay acceptance, registration, and matriculation fees in addition to tuition.

Q5: Are international students charged higher fees?
Yes, international students typically pay higher tuition.

Q6: What is included in the “session fee”?
Tuition and mandatory institutional charges. Hostels, meals, and extra departmental fees are additional.

Q7: Can fees change mid-session?
No, session fees are fixed once published, but the next session may see adjustments.

Q8: Which universities are the most affordable?
Lower-tier federal universities, education-focused universities, and new campuses tend to have the most affordable fees.

Conclusion

Federal universities remain the most reliable and affordable option for Nigerian students in 2025/2026. This guide provides a complete list of institutions, fee ranges, and practical advice to help plan finances, select programs, and make informed decisions.

Always confirm fees on the official university portal, plan for additional costs, and consider program-specific expenses, especially for professional faculties. With proper planning, students can maximize their educational opportunities while managing costs effectively.