15 Cheapest Universities in Nigeria for International Students

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In Nigeria, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Nigeria without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Nigeria, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 154 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Nigeria, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Nigeria for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Nigeria ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Federal University of Technology, Minna 0 NGN 100%
Yobe State University 30,000 NGN - 35,000 NGN 97%
University of Africa Toru-Orua 60,000 NGN 94%
Western Delta University 70,000 NGN - 110,000 NGN 92%
Plateau State University 70,000 NGN 92%
Federal University Wukari 95,000 NGN - 104,000 NGN 89%
Osun State University 130,000 NGN - 195,000 NGN 85%
Ambrose Alli University 132,300 NGN - 185,000 NGN 85%
Evangel University Akaeze 140,000 NGN - 191,000 NGN 84%
Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike 144,000 NGN - 216,000 NGN 84%
Legacy University Okija 158,000 NGN 82%
Enugu State University of Science and Technology 160,400 NGN - 200,400 NGN 82%
Mcpherson University 190,000 NGN - 900,000 NGN 78%
Bayero University Kano 200,000 NGN - 600,000 NGN 77%
Ajayi Crowther University 200,000 NGN - 1,457,800 NGN 77%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 857,400 NGN for universities in Nigeria.

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1. Federal University of Technology, Minna

The Federal University of Technology, Minna, popularly known as FUTMINNA, is a technologically specialized institution that offers degrees in various technology-inclined fields. The school was established to develop students into becoming professionals in the area of science, technology, and engineering. This federal government-owned university also offers research-inclined programs that have contributed to the country’s development.

2. Yobe State University

The atmosphere at Yobe State University is one where people can pick up new abilities and information. People can find mentors and find inspiration there as well. The university is a community of learners dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and truth, not just an academic institution. The university offers the proper resources so that students may concentrate on their academics without outside interruptions. Additionally, it provides a range of programs that let students at the undergraduate and graduate levels study various industries and discover their areas of interest.

3. University of Africa Toru-Orua

The University of Africa Toru-Orua is a public university in Toru-Orua, Nigeria. It should not be confused with a similarly-named private institution in Zambia. It is also considered one of the continent’s youngest universities, established in 2017 only. Despite lacking in years, the University of Africa makes up for it in zeal. It is highly dedicated to internationalization, discipline, and research, hoping this will pave the path for high-quality and modern education.

4. Western Delta University

WDU is one of the universities in Nigeria that has partnerships and collaborations with several international universities and institutions in Africa, Europe, and North America. These partnerships provide opportunities for student and faculty exchange programs, joint research projects, and international conferences and workshops. WDU graduates are highly employable in various sectors of the Nigerian economy, including banking, finance, law, education, and public service. The university’s academic programs also equip students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to succeed in their chosen careers.

5. Plateau State University

The establishment of Plateau State University represents the desires of the state’s residents to create a higher education facility where the populace can receive tertiary education for enlightenment as well as education in skills and professional knowledge for the advancement of the state. A talented and varied student community is centred at the university. In order for new students to thrive at the university, PLASU is always prepared to provide them with a means of personal growth.

6. Federal University Wukari

The Federal University of Wukari is a government-owned institution established in 2010 with a vision to become a leader among world-class public universities. Wukari University is a community-engaged institution encouraging entrepreneurship, providing high-quality ICT-centric educational experiences, and conducting cutting-edge research. It also provides scholarships to promote the intellectual environment on campus.

7. Osun State University

Osun State University is a public, multi-campus institution with locations across Osun State. Its main campus, which hosts the college of health sciences, and the college of science, engineering, and technology, is in Osogbo. Meanwhile, other departments can be found in Okuku, Ikire, Ejigbo, Ifetedo, and Ipetu-Ijesa. It also takes pride in its high-quality training and education, made possible by efficient staff who received training in and out of Nigeria.

8. Ambrose Alli University

The mission of Ambrose Alli University is to be a center of excellence for learning, research, and the entire development of the student in harmony with the socio-cultural context and technical realities of a rapidly changing world. It encourages knowledge expansion for societal improvement. Future leaders can examine their merits in a number of undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.

9. Evangel University Akaeze

Evangel University Akaeze is a private Christian university that was founded in 2012. The university has state-of-the-art facilities and experienced staff who help students achieve their academic and personal goals. The entrepreneurship unit in the university aids students in building communication skills and improving their innovation and creativity. The institute combines academic education with holistic excellence to help students grow intellectually and spiritually.

10. Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike

Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, has a unique curriculum that emphasizes innovation and entrepreneurship, intending to produce graduates who are not only job seekers but creators. One of the reasons why students should consider enrolling in AE-FUNAI is the university’s commitment to research and development. The university’s strong research culture encourages its students and faculty to engage in research activities. Moreover, it has several research centers and institutes, including the Center for Entrepreneurship Studies and Development, which supports entrepreneurial activities.

11. Legacy University Okija

Legacy University, Okija, is a private university that was given its license to operate as a tertiary institution in 2016. The University has the vision of providing academic and non-academic opportunities to emerging talent. The students are exposed to an environment at the institute that will help them build their character and develop better learning skills.

12. Enugu State University of Science and Technology

ESUT is geared toward student development, whether academic or personality growth. It has an employability program that helps students get ready for the workforce. The institution also hosts career fairs, job fairs, and entrepreneurial training courses to give students the knowledge and abilities they need to be successful in their chosen field of work. 

13. Mcpherson University

McPherson University, a distinctive and vision-driven institution, is committed to providing students from many tribes and races in Nigeria and overseas with a top-notch education. The university is committed to providing students with a high-quality, useful, and sound education that will get them ready to be leaders in the future. That would have a positive impact on both humanity and the environment at large.

14. Bayero University Kano

According to the Times Higher Education World Ranking for 2023, Bayero University Kano is the fourth-best university in Nigeria. It is dedicated to tackling developmental difficulties through cutting-edge research, the sharing of knowledge, and the training of top-notch professionals. The university’s key goals are to function efficiently, lead in research and innovation, and have an impact on development.

15. Ajayi Crowther University

The goal of Ajayi Crowther University is to be a world-class university that advances scholarship and knowledge through training, learning, research, and outstanding humanitarian service. Excellence, spirituality, moral uprightness, hard work and devotion, and entrepreneurship are principles that the university supports. Graduates from university programs are endowed with a well-rounded education, which enables them to function successfully in the community environment as top-tier employees in the private and public sectors of the economy.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Nigeria for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Nigeria ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike 104,000 NGN - 154,000 NGN 89%
Ambrose Alli University 132,300 NGN - 185,000 NGN 86%
Western Delta University 150,000 NGN - 160,000 NGN 84%
Al-Hikmah University 150,000 NGN - 250,000 NGN 84%
Yobe State University 161,700 NGN - 254,100 NGN 83%
Southwestern University, Nigeria 230,000 NGN 76%
Edo State University lyamho 270,000 NGN - 300,000 NGN 72%
Lead City University, Ibadan 300,000 NGN - 1,700,000 NGN 68%
Oduduwa University 300,000 NGN 68%
Godfrey Okoye University 320,000 NGN - 900,000 NGN 66%
Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto 363,500 NGN - 365,000 NGN 62%
Bingham University 380,000 NGN - 1,620,000 NGN 60%
Landmark University 420,000 NGN - 525,000 NGN 56%
Wellspring University 435,000 NGN - 465,000 NGN 54%
Covenant University 461,800 NGN - 511,900 NGN 51%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 936,700 NGN for universities in Nigeria.

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1. Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike

Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, has a unique curriculum that emphasizes innovation and entrepreneurship, intending to produce graduates who are not only job seekers but creators. One of the reasons why students should consider enrolling in AE-FUNAI is the university’s commitment to research and development. The university’s strong research culture encourages its students and faculty to engage in research activities. Moreover, it has several research centers and institutes, including the Center for Entrepreneurship Studies and Development, which supports entrepreneurial activities.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 104,000 NGN to 154,000 NGN annually for their master's degree.

2. Ambrose Alli University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Ambrose Alli University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Ambrose Alli University is 132,250 NGN to 185,000 NGN.

The mission of Ambrose Alli University is to be a center of excellence for learning, research, and the entire development of the student in harmony with the socio-cultural context and technical realities of a rapidly changing world. It encourages knowledge expansion for societal improvement. Future leaders can examine their merits in a number of undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.

3. Western Delta University

WDU is one of the universities in Nigeria that has partnerships and collaborations with several international universities and institutions in Africa, Europe, and North America. These partnerships provide opportunities for student and faculty exchange programs, joint research projects, and international conferences and workshops. WDU graduates are highly employable in various sectors of the Nigerian economy, including banking, finance, law, education, and public service. The university’s academic programs also equip students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to succeed in their chosen careers.

The tuition fee at Western Delta University for incoming international master’s students is 150,000 NGN to 160,000 NGN. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Al-Hikmah University

Another affordable university to consider in Nigeria is Al-Hikmah University.

Al-Hikmah University stands out among Nigerian universities as a traditional entity with clearly defined aims to advance both moral and academic excellence as well as the advancement of mankind as a whole. The institution has seen enormous expansion in both the quality and amount of its people and physical and material resources since its establishment. The university’s curriculum focuses on higher education.

The tuition fee in Al-Hikmah University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 150,000 NGN.

5. Yobe State University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Yobe State University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 161,700 NGN yearly.

The atmosphere at Yobe State University is one where people can pick up new abilities and information. People can find mentors and find inspiration there as well. The university is a community of learners dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and truth, not just an academic institution. The university offers the proper resources so that students may concentrate on their academics without outside interruptions. Additionally, it provides a range of programs that let students at the undergraduate and graduate levels study various industries and discover their areas of interest.

6. Southwestern University, Nigeria

Southwestern University offers a robust and engaging curriculum to support the growth of its students into informed and useful citizens. A favourable faculty-to-student ratio and the depth of expertise and training of the teaching team allow for close working relationships between students and educators. The university strives to produce graduates of the highest calibre who can supply the skilled labor needed in all sectors of the economy, both locally and globally.

7. Edo State University lyamho

Edo University Iyamho was created through a bill aimed at establishing a specialized science and technology institution in Uzairue. However, the university eventually transferred to its latest location in Iyamho. Since its founding, EDSU has demonstrated excellent performance, ranking first among state government-owned universities in 2018 and third in the Open Education Resources conducted by the National Universities Commission in the same year.

8. Lead City University, Ibadan

The goal of Lead City University is to advance tertiary education by providing high-quality access to education and training through creative and demanding teaching methods that provide a well-rounded education. Programs are structured by specialized faculties, which are made up of outstanding academics, professionals, and experts.

Students at Lead City University reflect appropriate support and moral behaviour, participate in extracurricular activities and sports, and give back to the community.

9. Oduduwa University

With excellent standards for both teaching and research, Oduduwa University is an innovative, forward-thinking university. The university campus guarantees a life-changing student experience. Furthermore, the university is devoted to offering students a top-notch education free from bias and discrimination so that they can contribute to the advancement of society in the future. OUI provides various scholarships and financial aid to support potential star students.

10. Godfrey Okoye University

Godfrey Okoye University is a private Catholic institute in Enugu, Nigeria. The mission of this university is to prepare its students for lives of leadership and service through the pursuit of knowledge. It aims to develop graduates who play significant roles as leaders in their communities and as agents of positive change around the globe. 

11. Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto

Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto fosters and disseminates knowledge, conducts research, and promotes universal truths as a centre of learning. In terms of teaching, research, and community service, the university aspires to be a leader in all spheres of human endeavour, including the arts, humanities, pure sciences, and applied sciences.

12. Bingham University

The goal of Bingham University is to develop into a knowledge and skill center of the highest caliber while instilling moral and spiritual values. The institution takes the necessary precautions to develop graduates who are great in knowledge, character, and secession abilities. Over 5,000 students have graduated from the university successfully so far, and they are now making progress in both the Nigerian workforce and the rest of the world.

13. Landmark University

Landmark University was founded in 2011 to produce future leaders committed to ethics, creativity, and academic success. This institution is popular in Africa for its emphasis on agriculture and agribusiness. 

The university’s goal is to become an internationally renowned research intuition passing out graduates prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century. 

14. Wellspring University

The Management Science Center established Wellspring University with the goal of bringing about constructive change in our community, our nation, and the world. Academic achievement and spiritual development are major priorities at the university. In order to inspire the students to achieve great things, WU cares about each and every student and makes sure that they always have the greatest support.

15. Covenant University

Covenant University is one of Nigeria’s most prominent universities, being the first to be ranked among Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings. Such is an impressive feat, a testament to this Pentecostal Christian academe’s commitment to high-quality education and research. It is also dedicated to producing Africa’s future leaders who can advance the black race and its dignity.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Nigeria?

Applying to cheap universities in Nigeria requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Nigeria for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Nigeria?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Nigeria. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Nigeria is the Ajayi Crowther University, which offers Agricultural Economics and Extension , Crop and Animal Sciences, and Economics Education to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Al-Hikmah University offers Islamic Studies Education, Educational Management, and History.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Nigeria, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Nigeria as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Nigeria for international students was helpful!