Choosing a nursing university in Nigeria can be exciting, but the cost of tuition, accommodation, textbooks, clinical training and other charges can make the decision difficult. Fortunately, students who want to study Nursing Science do not always have to attend an expensive private university.
Several federal and state universities offer Nursing Science at comparatively affordable rates. Public universities are generally the first places to look when your main concern is keeping the cost of a nursing degree manageable.
This guide explains some of the cheapest universities to study nursing in Nigeria, what you should consider before choosing a school, expected costs and how to avoid making a decision based on tuition fees alone.
Important: University fees change from one academic session to another. The figures discussed below should therefore be treated as guides rather than guaranteed current fees. Always confirm the latest fee schedule, admission requirements and programme accreditation directly with the university before paying any money.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Study Nursing in Nigeria?
For many students, a federal university is one of the most affordable routes to a university nursing degree. Federal universities receive government funding and may therefore have lower academic charges than many private universities.
State universities can also be affordable, particularly for students who qualify for indigene-related fee arrangements. However, the actual amount payable differs considerably between institutions.
Private universities usually cost more, although they may offer advantages such as smaller class sizes, accommodation options and more predictable academic calendars.
It is also important to distinguish between a university Nursing Science degree and a programme offered by a school or college of nursing. They are not necessarily the same qualification or admission route.
If your goal is specifically a Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.NSc.), concentrate on universities offering the appropriate undergraduate Nursing Science programme.
10 Affordable Universities to Consider for Nursing in Nigeria
There is no single university that can permanently be called the cheapest because fees change and different institutions include different charges in their bills.
Nevertheless, the following public universities are worth researching when looking for affordable nursing education in Nigeria.
1. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Kaduna State, is one of Nigeria’s major federal universities and is well known for health-related education.
For students looking for an affordable university to study Nursing Science, ABU is an institution worth putting on the shortlist.
One major advantage of a large federal university is access to an established academic and clinical environment. Students should, however, check the university’s latest admission requirements and approved fee schedule before applying.
2. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
The University of Ilorin is another federal university that attracts students from different parts of Nigeria.
Its location in Kwara State can also make the overall cost of living different from what a student might spend in a major city such as Lagos.
Prospective nursing students should check the latest university admission notice, JAMB requirements, departmental requirements and current charges before making financial plans.
For example, UNILORIN’s official admission information has previously required candidates to complete its prescribed screening process and pay the applicable screening fee.
3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife
Obafemi Awolowo University is a federal university located in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
OAU is another institution students can consider when comparing affordable public universities for Nursing Science.
Besides tuition and university charges, students should compare accommodation, transportation, feeding and study-material expenses. The cheapest tuition does not necessarily mean the cheapest overall student experience.
4. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, is one of Nigeria’s established federal universities.
Students considering UNN should look beyond the reputation of the institution and calculate the complete cost of completing a nursing degree.
Before applying, confirm that Nursing Science is available for the intended admission year, check the current requirements and obtain the official school-fee information from the university.
5. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
The University of Benin in Edo State is another federal institution that can be considered by students searching for affordable nursing programmes.
UNIBEN’s location in Benin City may make living expenses different from those at universities in Abuja or Lagos.
When comparing UNIBEN with other universities, consider the total amount you will spend every academic year rather than focusing only on the tuition component.
6. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
The University of Lagos is a popular choice for students who want to study health-related courses in Lagos.
Although a federal university can have relatively affordable academic charges, living in Lagos can significantly increase a student’s overall budget.
Accommodation, transportation and feeding can become major expenses. A student who chooses UNILAG should therefore create a realistic living-cost budget in addition to university fees.
7. University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
University of Maiduguri is another federal university students may consider when researching affordable Nursing Science programmes.
The cost of living in a university town can sometimes be lower than in Nigeria’s largest commercial centres, although individual circumstances vary.
Students should confirm the availability of the nursing programme, admission requirements and current fees directly from the institution before applying.
8. Delta State University (DELSU)
Delta State University is a state-owned university in Delta State and is another institution frequently considered when students compare affordable nursing options.
State universities can sometimes offer competitive fees, but charges may vary according to student category and institutional policy.
If DELSU is on your shortlist, check the latest official fee schedule and admission information instead of relying on figures published on third-party websites.
9. Ebonyi State University (EBSU)
Ebonyi State University in Abakaliki is another public university worth researching.
Ebonyi State has a strong presence in health and medical education, making the state relevant to students researching nursing education.
As with every other university, affordability should be considered alongside programme quality, clinical training opportunities, accommodation and professional recognition.
10. Lagos State University (LASU)
Lagos State University is a state-owned institution and can be an option for students interested in studying Nursing Science in Lagos State.
The university’s location can be attractive to students who already live in Lagos or nearby areas. However, students coming from other states should carefully calculate accommodation and daily transportation costs.
How Much Does It Cost to Study Nursing in Nigeria?
There is no universal nursing tuition fee in Nigeria.
The amount you pay depends on the university, whether it is federal, state or private, your student category, academic level and the charges included in the school’s bill.
Some online sources publish figures suggesting that federal university nursing programmes can cost roughly ₦70,000 to ₦200,000 or more per session, while state universities may fall within a similar or somewhat higher range. These are broad estimates rather than official fees for every institution.
Private universities can be substantially more expensive.
For example, Wellspring University’s published 2026/2027 fee schedule lists B.NSc. Nursing tuition at ₦1,506,600 for 100 level, with different tuition amounts for subsequent levels. It also lists separate clinical-posting and other charges.
This illustrates why students should never compare universities using tuition alone.
Other Costs You Should Budget For
When calculating the cost of studying nursing in Nigeria, include the following expenses:
Acceptance Fee
Newly admitted students may have to pay an acceptance fee before completing registration.
School and Registration Charges
Your university may have charges for registration, examinations, identity cards, library services, ICT and other institutional services.
Accommodation
Students who do not live at home need to budget for university accommodation or private housing.
Hostel costs can vary considerably between institutions and locations.
Feeding
Food can become one of the largest recurring expenses for a student.
Preparing a monthly food budget before resumption can help prevent financial difficulties later.
Transportation
Students should consider transportation between their residence, campus, teaching hospital and other clinical-placement locations.
Textbooks and Study Materials
Nursing students may need textbooks, practical materials, uniforms, clinical shoes and other learning equipment.
Clinical Training Expenses
Clinical training is an important part of nursing education. Some institutions charge specific clinical or laboratory fees.
For example, Wellspring University’s published 2026/2027 schedule separately lists nursing clinical-posting charges from 200 level through 500 level.
Are Cheap Nursing Universities Good?
A low fee does not automatically mean poor education.
Likewise, a high fee does not automatically mean that a university provides better nursing education.
The most important issue is whether the institution and programme meet the relevant regulatory and academic requirements.
When comparing universities, investigate:
- Programme accreditation and approval
- Admission requirements
- Quality of teaching
- Clinical training opportunities
- Teaching hospital or clinical affiliations
- Laboratories and simulation facilities
- Academic calendar
- Accommodation
- Location
- Total cost of attendance
- Student support services
- Graduate outcomes and professional opportunities
This approach gives you a better picture than simply asking which university has the lowest school fees.
Nursing Accreditation Matters
One of the biggest mistakes a prospective student can make is choosing a school simply because someone advertised it as “cheap.”
For nursing education, professional recognition is extremely important.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) is the professional regulatory body responsible for nursing and midwifery regulation in Nigeria. Students should verify the current status of the nursing programme through appropriate official channels before paying fees.
You should also confirm that the university itself is recognized by the relevant Nigerian higher-education authorities.
Never assume that because a school advertises Nursing Science, its programme automatically has every approval required for professional practice.
What Are the Admission Requirements for Nursing?
Requirements can differ between universities and admission routes, so candidates should always read the current admission advertisement of their chosen institution.
Generally, candidates seeking admission through UTME should expect to need the required Senior Secondary School qualifications, including relevant science subjects.
Commonly required subjects include:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
The exact O’Level combination, number of credits, UTME subject combination and minimum admission score can vary.
Some universities may also have specific screening requirements.
For instance, universities publish their own admission and screening instructions, which means applicants should not rely on a generic nursing requirement found on a random website.
Does the Cheapest University Have the Lowest Total Cost?
Not necessarily.
Imagine University A charges ₦120,000 in annual academic fees, but you spend ₦400,000 on accommodation and transportation.
University B might charge ₦180,000 but allow you to live with relatives, reducing your living expenses significantly.
In that situation, University B could actually be cheaper for you overall.
A simple way to compare schools is:
Total annual cost = school charges + accommodation + feeding + transportation + books + clinical materials + other compulsory expenses.
This calculation gives you a much more realistic picture of affordability.
Federal vs State vs Private Universities for Nursing
Federal Universities
Federal universities are often attractive to students searching for low-cost nursing education.
Advantages:
- Generally lower public-sector fees
- Large academic communities
- Established teaching and research environments
- Students from different parts of Nigeria
Possible disadvantages:
- Highly competitive admission
- Large student populations
- Accommodation can be difficult in some locations
State Universities
State universities can also provide good value.
Advantages:
- Competitive fees
- Potential benefits for eligible indigenes
- Convenient options for students who live in the state
Possible disadvantages:
- Fees differ significantly between states
- Some programmes may be highly competitive
- Non-indigenes may face different charges
Private Universities
Private universities generally have higher costs but can offer a different educational environment.
Advantages:
- Potentially more predictable academic schedules
- Smaller student populations in some institutions
- Campus accommodation options
- Modern facilities at some schools
Disadvantages:
- Higher tuition
- Additional charges can significantly increase the total bill
How to Choose an Affordable Nursing University
Before submitting your application, follow these steps.
Step 1: Make a List of Five to Ten Schools
Do not apply your entire strategy to one university.
Create a shortlist containing federal, state and, if your budget allows, private institutions.
Step 2: Confirm the Nursing Programme
Visit the university’s official website and confirm that Nursing Science is available for the admission year you are targeting.
Step 3: Check Current Requirements
Confirm the JAMB subject combination, O’Level requirements, screening conditions and any departmental requirements.
Step 4: Request the Current Fee Schedule
Do not rely on an old blog post for school fees.
Fees can change from one academic session to another.
Step 5: Calculate Your Full Budget
Add accommodation, feeding, transportation, books, uniforms, clinical equipment and other expenses.
Step 6: Verify Accreditation
Confirm the programme’s current professional and institutional status before making payment.
Step 7: Compare the Clinical Environment
Nursing is a practical profession. Clinical exposure matters.
A university with good academic facilities but limited practical opportunities may not be the best choice simply because its fees are low.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the cheapest university to study Nursing in Nigeria?
There is no permanent single answer because university fees change. Federal universities and some state universities are generally among the more affordable options, but students should compare the latest official fee schedules and total living costs.
How much is Nursing in Nigerian universities?
Costs vary widely. Public universities may have relatively low academic charges, while private universities can cost substantially more. Other expenses such as accommodation, clinical training, feeding and textbooks should also be included in your budget.
Can I study Nursing in Nigeria with a low budget?
Yes. A carefully selected public university can make a nursing degree more affordable. Living at home or choosing a university in a lower-cost location can also reduce your total expenses.
Is Nursing expensive to study in Nigeria?
It can be, particularly at private universities. However, students have more affordable options through federal and state universities.
Which is better, a federal or private university for Nursing?
Neither is automatically better for every student. Consider accreditation, clinical training, academic quality, total cost, location and your personal circumstances before choosing.
How many years does it take to study Nursing at a university?
The duration depends on the programme structure, admission route and applicable regulatory requirements. Prospective students should confirm the current programme duration with their chosen university.
Final Thoughts
Finding the cheapest university to study Nursing in Nigeria is possible, but the lowest school fee should not be your only consideration.
Federal universities such as Ahmadu Bello University, University of Ilorin, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria, University of Benin, University of Lagos and University of Maiduguri are worth researching alongside affordable state-university options such as Delta State University, Ebonyi State University and Lagos State University.
The best choice is the institution that gives you a realistic combination of affordable total cost, recognized Nursing Science education, quality clinical training, suitable admission requirements and a learning environment where you can succeed.
Most importantly, confirm current fees, admission requirements and professional programme status directly from the university and relevant regulatory authorities. Published figures on education websites can become outdated quickly, so official information should always be your final reference before paying an application, acceptance or school fee.
