School Fees in State Universities in Nigeria (2026)
After gaining admission into a Nigerian university, one of the biggest concerns for students and parents is school fees. While federal universities are usually the most affordable, state universities come next and often vary widely depending on the state, course, and institution.
State universities in Nigeria are owned and funded by individual state governments. This means each state sets its own tuition structure, and this is why there is no uniform fee across all state universities. Some are relatively affordable, while others can be quite expensive, especially for non-indigenes.
In this guide, we will look at school fees in state universities in Nigeria for 2026, including what you should generally expect before choosing a school.
Understanding School Fees in State Universities in Nigeria
Unlike federal universities that have a more standardized fee system, state universities differ significantly. The most important factor that affects school fees in state institutions is whether you are an indigene of that state or not.
Indigenes usually pay less, while non-indigenes pay higher fees. In some cases, the difference can be very large.
Other factors that affect fees include:
- Course of study (medicine, law, and engineering are usually higher)
- Level of study (freshers pay more due to acceptance and registration fees)
- Location of the university (urban schools tend to be more expensive)
- Government policies of the state
On average, state university fees in Nigeria range from ₦50,000 to ₦500,000 per session, depending on the school and course.
School Fees in State Universities in Nigeria
University of Lagos State – LASU (Lagos State University)
LASU is one of the most popular state universities in Nigeria. Fees vary depending on indigene status.
Estimated fees: ₦70,000 – ₦400,000
Non-indigenes pay significantly higher than indigenes.
Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma
AAU is a well-known state university in Edo State.
Estimated fees: ₦70,000 – ₦250,000
Fees depend on faculty and level.
Delta State University (DELSU)
DELSU is one of the most competitive state universities in southern Nigeria.
Estimated fees: ₦80,000 – ₦300,000
Rivers State University (RSU)
Located in Port Harcourt, RSU is popular for engineering and law.
Estimated fees: ₦120,000 – ₦400,000
Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH)
A newly upgraded institution focusing on science and technology.
Estimated fees: ₦100,000 – ₦350,000
Imo State University (IMSU)
IMSU is a major state university in the southeast.
Estimated fees: ₦70,000 – ₦250,000
Abia State University (ABSU)
Known for professional courses like law and medicine.
Estimated fees: ₦80,000 – ₦300,000
Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)
A science-focused state university.
Estimated fees: ₦90,000 – ₦300,000
Anambra State University (COOU / Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University)
One of the most popular state universities in the east.
Estimated fees: ₦80,000 – ₦300,000
Benue State University (BSU)
BSU is relatively affordable compared to many others.
Estimated fees: ₦70,000 – ₦250,000
Kogi State University (now Prince Abubakar Audu University)
A growing state institution.
Estimated fees: ₦70,000 – ₦250,000
Ekiti State University (EKSU)
Known for education and arts programs.
Estimated fees: ₦80,000 – ₦300,000
Osun State University (UNIOSUN)
One of the better structured state universities.
Estimated fees: ₦100,000 – ₦350,000
Ogun State University (OOU)
A highly competitive state university.
Estimated fees: ₦80,000 – ₦350,000
Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH)
Focused on science and innovation.
Estimated fees: ₦100,000 – ₦300,000
Lagos State University of Education (LASUED)
Focused on education courses.
Estimated fees: ₦70,000 – ₦250,000
Kaduna State University (KASU)
One of the leading state universities in northern Nigeria.
Estimated fees: ₦80,000 – ₦300,000
Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST Wudil)
Science and technology focused institution.
Estimated fees: ₦70,000 – ₦250,000
Bauchi State University (BASUG)
Relatively affordable state university.
Estimated fees: ₦60,000 – ₦200,000
Gombe State University (GSU)
A growing institution in the northeast.
Estimated fees: ₦70,000 – ₦250,000
Taraba State University (TASU)
Affordable compared to many others.
Estimated fees: ₦60,000 – ₦200,000
Nasarawa State University (NSUK)
Popular for social sciences and law.
Estimated fees: ₦80,000 – ₦300,000
Plateau State University (PLASU)
Moderately priced state university.
Estimated fees: ₦70,000 – ₦250,000
Cross River State University (CRUTECH / now UNICROSS)
Strong in science and technology.
Estimated fees: ₦100,000 – ₦350,000
Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU)
One of the newer but fast-growing universities.
Estimated fees: ₦100,000 – ₦350,000
Bayelsa Medical University / State University institutions
Medical-focused and more expensive.
Estimated fees: ₦150,000 – ₦500,000
Sokoto State University (SSU)
Relatively affordable in the northwest.
Estimated fees: ₦60,000 – ₦200,000
Yobe State University (YSU)
One of the cheaper state universities.
Estimated fees: ₦50,000 – ₦180,000
Zamfara State University (ZAMSUT)
New and developing institution.
Estimated fees: ₦60,000 – ₦200,000
Kebbi State University of Science and Technology (KSUSTA)
Science-focused university.
Estimated fees: ₦70,000 – ₦250,000
School Fees in State Universities in Nigeria
| State University | Estimated School Fees (₦) |
|---|---|
| Lagos State University (LASU) | 70,000 – 400,000 |
| Ambrose Alli University (AAU) | 70,000 – 250,000 |
| Delta State University (DELSU) | 80,000 – 300,000 |
| Rivers State University (RSU) | 120,000 – 400,000 |
| LASUSTECH | 100,000 – 350,000 |
| Imo State University (IMSU) | 70,000 – 250,000 |
| Abia State University (ABSU) | 80,000 – 300,000 |
| ESUT | 90,000 – 300,000 |
| COOU (Anambra State University) | 80,000 – 300,000 |
| Benue State University (BSU) | 70,000 – 250,000 |
| Kogi State University (PAU) | 70,000 – 250,000 |
| Ekiti State University (EKSU) | 80,000 – 300,000 |
| Osun State University (UNIOSUN) | 100,000 – 350,000 |
| Ogun State University (OOU) | 80,000 – 350,000 |
| OAUSTECH | 100,000 – 300,000 |
| LASUED | 70,000 – 250,000 |
| Kaduna State University (KASU) | 80,000 – 300,000 |
| KUST Wudil | 70,000 – 250,000 |
| Bauchi State University (BASUG) | 60,000 – 200,000 |
| Gombe State University (GSU) | 70,000 – 250,000 |
| Taraba State University (TASU) | 60,000 – 200,000 |
| Nasarawa State University (NSUK) | 80,000 – 300,000 |
| Plateau State University (PLASU) | 70,000 – 250,000 |
| UNICROSS | 100,000 – 350,000 |
| Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) | 100,000 – 350,000 |
| Sokoto State University (SSU) | 60,000 – 200,000 |
| Yobe State University (YSU) | 50,000 – 180,000 |
| Zamfara State University (ZAMSUT) | 60,000 – 200,000 |
| KSUSTA | 70,000 – 250,000 |
| Bayelsa State (Medical/State Uni range) | 150,000 – 500,000 |
General Overview of State University Fees in Nigeria
From the list above, it is clear that state universities are more expensive than federal universities but still more affordable than private universities.
Most state universities fall within:
- ₦50,000 – ₦200,000 for indigenes (in some states)
- ₦100,000 – ₦500,000 for non-indigenes
The biggest factor affecting cost is state policy and indigene status.
Hidden Costs Students Should Expect
Apart from tuition, students in state universities should also prepare for:
- Acceptance fees
- Faculty and departmental dues
- ICT and registration charges
- Hostel accommodation (if available)
- Practical and lab fees for science courses
These extra costs can significantly increase total expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – State Universities in Nigeria
1. How much are school fees in state universities in Nigeria?
School fees in state universities usually range from about ₦50,000 to ₦500,000 per session depending on the school, course, and whether the student is an indigene or non-indigene.
2. Are state universities more expensive than federal universities?
Yes. State universities are generally more expensive than federal universities because they are funded by state governments, and fees vary widely between states.
3. Do indigenes pay less in state universities?
Yes. In most state universities, indigenes of the state pay lower fees compared to non-indigenes, sometimes with a very significant difference.
4. What courses are more expensive in state universities?
Courses like medicine, law, pharmacy, nursing, and engineering are usually more expensive because they require labs, practicals, and additional resources.
5. Do state university fees include accommodation?
Not always. In many cases, accommodation is paid separately, and hostel spaces are limited, so some students live off-campus.
6. Can school fees in state universities change yearly?
Yes. Fees can be reviewed by state governments or university management depending on economic conditions and policy changes.
7. What other charges should students expect apart from tuition?
Students may also pay acceptance fees, faculty dues, departmental charges, ICT fees, examination fees, and other administrative costs.
Bottom Line
State universities in Nigeria offer a middle ground between federal and private institutions. While they are generally more expensive than federal universities, they often provide better admission chances and more course options.
Before choosing a state university, students should consider not only school fees but also indigene policies, course competitiveness, and overall cost of living.
Proper planning is key to avoiding financial stress during your academic journey.
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