Finding an affordable university in Nigeria is becoming increasingly important for students and parents. With the cost of education, accommodation, transportation, feeding, books and other expenses rising, choosing a university with manageable school fees can make a major difference.
Fortunately, there are several cheap state universities in Nigeria that provide opportunities for students who want to earn a university degree without paying the high fees charged by many private institutions.
This guide looks at some of the cheapest state universities in Nigeria, factors that affect their school fees, additional costs students should consider, and practical tips for choosing an affordable university.
Important: University fees can change from one academic session to another. The figures mentioned in this article should therefore be treated as estimates or guides. Always confirm the current fee schedule directly from your chosen university before making payment.
What Are State Universities in Nigeria?
State universities are higher institutions established and mainly funded by state governments. They are different from federal universities, which are established and funded by the Federal Government, and private universities, which are privately owned.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) maintains an official list of recognised state universities in Nigeria. The list includes institutions such as Taraba State University, Gombe State University, Benue State University, Kaduna State University, Lagos State University, Delta State University and many others.
One reason many students consider state universities is affordability. However, being a state university does not automatically mean that the school is cheap. Fees vary considerably according to the university, course, level of study and whether the student is an indigene of the state.
10 Cheapest State Universities in Nigeria
There is no single official ranking that permanently identifies the cheapest state university in Nigeria because fees change and different courses may attract different charges.
Nevertheless, the following institutions are commonly considered among the more affordable state university options, particularly when their fees, location and available financial support are considered.
1. Taraba State University
Taraba State University (TSU) is located in Jalingo, Taraba State. It is one of the institutions frequently considered by students searching for affordable university education in Nigeria.
The university offers programmes across several areas, including arts, education, sciences, social sciences and other disciplines. Its official website also highlights the range of courses available to prospective students.
Reported fee estimates for TSU vary depending on the programme and student category. Therefore, applicants should check the university’s latest approved charges before paying.
For students who are looking for a relatively affordable university and are comfortable studying in Jalingo, Taraba State University can be worth considering.
2. Gombe State University
Gombe State University (GSU) is another institution frequently included among affordable state universities in Nigeria.
The university is located in Gombe State and provides programmes in areas such as sciences, social sciences, arts, education, medicine and other disciplines.
Some published fee guides place GSU among the lower-cost state universities, although the amount a student eventually pays depends on the course and applicable charges.
Students interested in GSU should not rely on an old school-fee figure found online. Instead, they should confirm the current payment requirements through the university’s official channels.
3. Benue State University
Benue State University (BSU), now officially known as Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, is located in Makurdi, Benue State.
It has long been considered an option for students seeking relatively affordable public university education.
Available payment information from the university’s portal shows that actual school-fee payments can vary by programme and student level. For example, a 2025/2026 payment record on the institution’s portal shows a school-fee payment of ₦66,745 for a particular 300-level education student. This demonstrates why students should avoid assuming that one flat fee applies to everyone.
The university also participates in education-support initiatives, showing that students may have opportunities to reduce the financial burden through external assistance where they qualify.
4. Kaduna State University
Kaduna State University (KASU) is another public institution that attracts students looking for affordable higher education.
Located in Kaduna State, KASU offers programmes across several academic fields.
Its actual cost of study depends on factors such as programme, student category, level and other compulsory charges. Students should therefore distinguish between basic tuition and the total amount required for registration.
KASU’s official online portal continues to publish current application information and charges for different programmes, demonstrating the importance of checking official university portals for updated costs.
5. Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil
Formerly known as Kano University of Science and Technology, the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH) is a good option for students interested in science, technology and related fields.
The university is located in Wudil, Kano State.
One useful development for students is the availability of student-financing support through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). The university has published information showing approved beneficiaries for the 2025/2026 session and explains that approved students can receive support for certain institutional charges.
This is important because the cheapest university is not always the institution with the lowest published fee. A university where you qualify for financial assistance may ultimately be more affordable.
6. Ekiti State University
Ekiti State University (EKSU) is located in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
The university offers a broad range of academic programmes and remains one of the state-owned universities considered by students searching for affordable education in southwestern Nigeria.
One particularly useful point for prospective students is that EKSU publicly addressed concerns about its tuition. In October 2025, the university stated that it had not increased its tuition and that its approved 2024/2025 fee regime remained in place at that time. The university also stated that its policy was for the amount paid at 100 level to remain applicable throughout a student’s period of study.
Because policies can change, prospective students should still verify the latest session’s fee schedule.
7. Nasarawa State University, Keffi
Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) is another institution worth considering when searching for affordable state universities in Nigeria.
Its location in Keffi can also be attractive to students from Nasarawa and neighbouring states.
Like other state universities, the total cost depends on the course and other university charges. Students should compare the complete cost rather than looking only at tuition.
For example, a university with slightly higher tuition could become cheaper overall if accommodation and transportation costs are significantly lower.
8. Lagos State University
Lagos State University (LASU) is one of Nigeria’s best-known state universities.
Although LASU can be more expensive than some state universities in less costly locations, it can still be an affordable alternative to many private universities, particularly for students who qualify for state-related subsidies or other applicable support.
Published estimates show substantial differences between indigene and non-indigene fees at LASU. This is a good example of why students should check their exact student category before budgeting.
Another consideration is location. Studying in Lagos may involve higher transportation, feeding and accommodation expenses than studying in a smaller city. Therefore, LASU should be assessed based on total cost, not school fees alone.
9. Delta State University
Delta State University (DELSU), located in Abraka, Delta State, is another state-owned institution that appears frequently in discussions about affordable universities in Nigeria.
DELSU offers programmes in several fields and can be a practical choice for students in the South-South region.
Fee estimates vary considerably according to programme and student category. Prospective students should confirm the latest charges from the university before accepting admission or making payments.
10. Imo State University
Imo State University (IMSU) is located in Owerri, Imo State.
The university offers a wide variety of programmes and remains an option for students searching for a relatively affordable public university in southeastern Nigeria.
Although some programmes may have higher costs than others, students should compare the full financial commitment before making a decision.
Cheapest State Universities in Nigeria at a Glance
| University | Location | Why Students Consider It |
|---|---|---|
| Taraba State University | Jalingo, Taraba | Relatively affordable public education |
| Gombe State University | Gombe | Lower-cost option in the Northeast |
| Benue State University | Makurdi, Benue | Public university with various programmes |
| Kaduna State University | Kaduna | Broad programme selection |
| Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology | Wudil, Kano | Strong option for science and technology |
| Ekiti State University | Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti | Wide range of academic programmes |
| Nasarawa State University | Keffi, Nasarawa | Accessible option in North-Central Nigeria |
| Lagos State University | Ojo, Lagos | Established state university with many programmes |
| Delta State University | Abraka, Delta | Popular South-South option |
| Imo State University | Owerri, Imo | Established public university in Southeast |
What Makes a State University Cheap?
Several factors determine whether a university is genuinely affordable.
1. School Fees
The first thing most students check is tuition or school fees. This is understandable, but it should not be the only consideration.
A university may advertise a low basic fee while charging additional amounts for registration, development levies, examinations, technology, medical services, identity cards or departmental requirements.
Always calculate the total compulsory payment.
2. Indigene and Non-Indigene Fees
Some state universities charge different amounts depending on whether a student is an indigene of the state.
This can make a significant difference.
For example, a student who is an indigene may pay less than a student from another state at the same university. This is why two students studying the same course may have different financial obligations.
Before applying, find out whether the university has separate fee schedules for indigenes and non-indigenes.
3. Course of Study
Your course can also affect how much you spend.
Courses involving laboratories, clinical training, workshops or specialised equipment may have additional costs.
Medicine, nursing, engineering, pharmacy and laboratory-based programmes can therefore require more spending than some arts, education or social-science programmes.
4. Location
Location is one of the most overlooked factors when comparing cheap universities in Nigeria.
Suppose University A charges ₦100,000 per session while University B charges ₦150,000. At first glance, University A appears cheaper.
But if accommodation, transport and feeding cost ₦250,000 more per year at University A, University B may actually be the cheaper choice.
For this reason, compare school fees plus living expenses.
Other Costs Students Should Budget For
School fees are only one part of university expenses.
Accommodation
Students who live away from home may need to pay for university hostel accommodation or private housing.
Private accommodation can also involve rent, agency fees, electricity, water and other expenses.
Feeding
Food is a regular expense and can become one of the largest parts of a student’s budget.
Students should create a realistic monthly food budget rather than focusing exclusively on tuition.
Transportation
Transport costs can become significant, especially when students live far from campus.
Choosing accommodation close to school may cost more in rent but save money on daily transportation.
Books and Learning Materials
Depending on your course, you may need textbooks, practical materials, laboratory equipment, internet data, printing and photocopying.
Acceptance and Other Charges
Admission acceptance fees, medical screening, registration charges and other institutional fees may be payable in addition to school fees.
This is why students should request or locate the university’s complete fee schedule before budgeting.
How to Choose the Cheapest University for You
Choosing the cheapest university should not mean choosing the university with the smallest advertised fee.
Use the following approach.
First, confirm that the university offers your desired course.
There is little benefit in choosing a cheap university if your preferred programme is not available or does not meet your career requirements.
Second, check accreditation and recognition.
Use the National Universities Commission as an important starting point for verifying recognised Nigerian universities.
Third, check the current school fees.
Do not depend entirely on blogs, social media posts or figures published several years ago.
Fourth, calculate your total annual cost.
Include tuition, accommodation, feeding, transportation, books and other compulsory charges.
Finally, investigate financial assistance.
Scholarships, bursaries and student-loan programmes can make university education more manageable for eligible students.
Are State Universities Cheaper Than Private Universities?
In many cases, yes, but there is no universal rule.
Many Nigerian state universities charge considerably less than private universities, particularly for standard undergraduate programmes. However, some state universities and specific professional programmes can have relatively high fees.
The best comparison is therefore based on the actual programme and total cost.
Students should also remember that federal universities may be cheaper than some state universities. If affordability is your main priority, compare federal, state and private universities rather than assuming that every state university is cheap.
How to Avoid Fake School-Fee Information
One of the biggest mistakes prospective students make is relying on outdated information.
School fees can change because of new university policies, government decisions, inflation, programme requirements or other factors.
Before paying anything:
- Visit the university’s official website.
- Check the official student portal.
- Look for the current academic session.
- Confirm the exact programme and level.
- Check whether you are classified as an indigene or non-indigene.
- Confirm all compulsory charges.
- Avoid paying into personal bank accounts advertised by unofficial agents.
- Keep receipts and payment evidence.
A published figure on a third-party website should be treated as a guide until it is confirmed by the university.
Can Students Get Financial Support?
Yes. Depending on eligibility and the programme involved, students may have access to scholarships, bursaries or student financing.
NELFUND, for example, has become an important part of the conversation around financing higher education in Nigeria. Some public universities have published information about students receiving NELFUND support. ADUSTECH’s 2025/2026 information is one example.
Students should research eligibility requirements and apply through official channels rather than paying unofficial agents who promise guaranteed approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the cheapest state university in Nigeria?
There is no permanently fixed answer because university fees change and different programmes attract different charges. Universities such as Taraba State University, Gombe State University, Benue State University, Kaduna State University and other public institutions are frequently considered affordable options.
Which state university has the lowest school fees?
The university with the lowest fee can change from one academic session to another. In addition, indigene status and course of study can affect what an individual student pays.
Are state universities cheap in Nigeria?
Many state universities are more affordable than private universities, but not all state universities have low fees. Students should compare the complete cost of their chosen programme.
Do state universities charge different fees for indigenes?
Some do. The difference depends on the university and its approved fee structure. Always check the current fee schedule.
Which state university is good for students on a low budget?
There are several options, including Taraba State University, Gombe State University, Benue State University, Kaduna State University and Nasarawa State University. The best choice depends on your course, location, student category and overall budget.
Can I study Medicine at a cheap state university?
Yes, some state universities offer Medicine and other professional programmes. However, professional and clinical programmes can involve additional charges, so students should check the exact fee schedule for Medicine rather than assuming the general university fee applies.
Final Thoughts
Finding an affordable university in Nigeria requires more than searching for the school with the lowest tuition.
The smartest approach is to compare school fees, course costs, accommodation, transportation, feeding, location, financial support and the quality or suitability of the programme.
State universities such as Taraba State University, Gombe State University, Benue State University, Kaduna State University, Nasarawa State University, Ekiti State University, LASU, DELSU and Imo State University can provide affordable pathways to higher education, depending on the student’s circumstances.
Most importantly, verify current fees directly with the university before making any payment. University charges can change, and the amount paid by one student may not be the same amount required from another student.
For prospective students and parents, the goal should not simply be to find the university with the cheapest advertised school fees. The better goal is to find a recognised university where the total cost of earning the desired degree fits comfortably within the family’s budget.
That approach can help you save money while still making a sound decision about your education and future career.
