How Much Is Part-Time School Fees in Federal Universities in Nigeria
Are you a working professional, a skill-acquiring adult, or someone who missed the regular admission window but still dreams of earning a university degree? You are not alone. Every year, thousands of Nigerians ask one pressing question: how much is part-time school fees in federal universities in Nigeria?
This article gives you a thorough, honest, and current breakdown of what to expect financially when you enroll in a part-time degree programme at a federal university. Whether you are exploring the University of Lagos (UNILAG), University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), or any other federally owned institution, this guide walks you through fee structures, hidden costs, comparisons, and everything you need to plan smartly.
What Is a Part-Time Degree Programme in Nigerian Federal Universities?
A part-time degree programme — also called a distance learning or continuing education programme in some schools — allows students to earn an undergraduate or postgraduate degree while juggling work, business, or family responsibilities. Classes typically hold on weekdays in the evening, on Saturdays, or through a blended learning model.
These programmes exist under different units depending on the institution. At UNILAG, it runs under the Distance Learning Institute (DLI). At UNIABUJA, it operates through the Centre for Distance Learning and Continuing Education (CDL&CE). At the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), it functions under the Institute for Continuing Education.
Because the federal government does not directly subsidize these programmes the way it funds full-time regular degree programmes, how much is part-time school fees in federal universities in Nigeria becomes a very important question — and the answer is noticeably higher than what full-time students pay.
How Much Is Part-Time School Fees in Federal Universities in Nigeria? (General Range)
Let’s get straight to the numbers. How much is part-time school fees in federal universities in Nigeria varies from one institution to another, and also depends on the specific course or faculty, whether you are a fresh student or a returning student, the state of indigeneship in some schools, and the level of the programme — undergraduate versus postgraduate.
As a general guide for the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 academic sessions, here is what part-time undergraduate degree fees look like at the major federal universities in Nigeria:
At the University of Lagos (UNILAG DLI), fresh students pay approximately ₦150,000 to ₦250,000 per session, while returning students pay between ₦100,000 and ₦180,000.
At the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), fresh students pay between ₦100,000 and ₦110,000 per session, and returning students pay between ₦70,000 and ₦100,000.
At the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), fresh students pay between ₦80,000 and ₦120,000, while returning students pay between ₦60,000 and ₦90,000 per session.
At the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), fresh students pay between ₦90,000 and ₦150,000 per session, with returning students paying between ₦70,000 and ₦120,000.
At the University of Benin (UNIBEN), fresh students pay between ₦100,000 and ₦150,000, and returning students between ₦60,000 and ₦100,000 per session.
At Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), fresh students pay between ₦80,000 and ₦130,000, while returning students pay between ₦60,000 and ₦90,000 per session
University of Lagos (UNILAG) Part-Time School Fees
UNILAG’s Distance Learning Institute (DLI) is one of the most reputable part-time and distance learning platforms in Nigeria. It attracts thousands of applicants annually, especially working professionals in Lagos and its environs.
How much is part-time school fees in federal universities in Nigeria when UNILAG is your choice? Fresh students pay a non-refundable acceptance fee of ₦50,000. Tuition per semester runs approximately ₦75,000 to ₦125,000 depending on the course, bringing the total for a full session to between ₦150,000 and ₦250,000 for new students. Returning students enjoy a slightly reduced rate, usually between ₦100,000 and ₦180,000 per session.
The DLI programme at UNILAG runs on a semester system and classes hold on Saturdays, making it convenient for those with Monday-to-Friday work schedules. Courses available include Accounting, Mass Communication, Business Administration, Law, Computer Science, Public Administration, and several others. Because UNILAG operates in Lagos — Nigeria’s commercial nerve center — its part-time fees reflect the higher cost of running an urban academic programme.
University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) Part-Time School Fees
UNIABUJA operates one of the most accessible and well-structured part-time degree programmes among federal universities. The CDL&CE runs undergraduate part-time programmes across multiple faculties. Fresh part-time students pay an acceptance fee of ₦40,000, followed by session tuition of ₦100,000 to ₦110,000 excluding the acceptance fee. Returning students pay between ₦70,000 and ₦100,000 per session. For postgraduate students, part-time M.Sc fees run between ₦99,500 and ₦114,000 per semester, while part-time Ph.D fees range from ₦119,500 to ₦129,500 per semester.
Five years ago, UNIABUJA part-time fresh students paid around ₦60,000 per session. The current rates reflect economic realities, including inflation and operational costs. Still, compared to private universities, UNIABUJA remains one of the more affordable options when asking how much is part-time school fees in federal universities in Nigeria.
University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) Part-Time School Fees
UNIPORT offers part-time programmes through its Institute of Foundation and Remedial Studies and various faculty-based evening programmes. The fees reflect the South-South region’s academic environment. Fresh students pay between ₦90,000 and ₦150,000 per session depending on faculty, while returning students pay between ₦70,000 and ₦120,000. The acceptance fee ranges from approximately ₦30,000 to ₦50,000. Science and Engineering-based part-time courses attract higher fees due to laboratory and equipment costs.
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Part-Time School Fees
UNN’s Institute for Continuing Education (ICE) administers the part-time and remedial programmes. It remains one of the more budget-friendly federal university part-time options in the Southeast zone. Fresh students pay between ₦80,000 and ₦120,000 per session, returning students pay between ₦60,000 and ₦90,000, and the acceptance fee ranges from ₦25,000 to ₦35,000. UNN’s fees for part-time programmes are generally lower than those at UNILAG, reflecting both the difference in location costs and the university’s pricing model.
Why Are Part-Time School Fees Higher Than Regular Programme Fees?
This is one of the most common questions students ask when they discover the cost difference. The reason is straightforward: part-time programmes at federal universities in Nigeria receive no direct federal government subvention. The government’s educational grant covers only full-time students in regular programmes.
This means the part-time directorate must independently fund lecturer salaries and honoraria, administrative operations, study materials and course packs, ICT infrastructure, and examination management. As a result, how much is part-time school fees in federal universities in Nigeria will always be higher than the regular programme equivalent. For context, a full-time UNILAG student may pay between ₦126,000 and ₦176,000 per session, while a DLI student could pay as much as ₦200,000 or more — for the same or similar courses.
Other Costs to Budget For Beyond Tuition
Understanding how much is part-time school fees in federal universities in Nigeria goes beyond tuition alone. Here are additional expenses smart students account for:
- Acceptance Fee: ₦30,000 – ₦50,000 (one-time, for fresh students only)
- Application/Form Fee: ₦5,000 – ₦20,000 depending on the school
- Registration and Development Levy: ₦5,000 – ₦15,000 per session
- Library Fee: Usually bundled into tuition but sometimes charged separately
- Examination Fee: ₦5,000 – ₦15,000 (may vary per semester)
- Accommodation (if applicable): ₦20,000 – ₦30,000 per session on-campus; significantly higher off-campus in urban centres
- Textbooks and Study Materials: ₦20,000 – ₦50,000 per session depending on the programme
- Project/Research Fee (Final Year): ₦10,000 – ₦30,000
When you add all these up, a fresh part-time student at a federal university in Nigeria may realistically spend between ₦200,000 and ₦400,000 in their first year, all costs inclusive.
Which Federal Universities Offer Part-Time Programmes in Nigeria?
Not every federal university runs a part-time degree programme. Notable ones that do include the University of Lagos (UNILAG) through its Distance Learning Institute (DLI), the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) through its Centre for Distance Learning and Continuing Education, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) through its Institute for Continuing Education (ICE), the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) through its Part-Time and Evening Programmes, the University of Benin (UNIBEN) through its Continuing Education Centre, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) through its Centre for Continuing Education, Federal University Lafia (FULAFIA) through its College of Continuing Education and Professional Development, and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria) through its Centre for Distance Learning.
Each school has its own admission calendar, entry requirements, and fee structure. Always confirm directly from the university’s official website before making any financial commitment.
How to Verify and Pay Part-Time School Fees at Federal Universities
Every federal university processes fees through an official online portal. First, gain admission — your name must appear on the part-time admission list. Then visit the official school portal and never pay through a third party. Generate a bill or invoice, as the portal automatically calculates what you owe based on your course and level. Make payment using the school’s Remita platform, a commercial bank, or online card payment. Always print your receipt and keep proof of payment. Finally, proceed to registration — with your receipt, you can then register your courses for the semester.
Beware of fraudsters who pose as agents or unofficial payment collectors. Federal university part-time fee payments are exclusively portal-based.
Tips for Managing Part-Time School Fees in Federal Universities
Being a part-time student is a financial balancing act. Start saving before admission. Knowing that how much is part-time school fees in federal universities in Nigeria ranges from ₦100,000 to ₦250,000 for year one, you can begin setting aside money months ahead of admission.
Apply for the NELFUND Student Loan. The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), established under the Student Loans Act, now extends financial support to eligible Nigerian students including part-time students at accredited institutions. Check the NELFUND portal at nelfund.gov.ng for eligibility criteria.
Seek employer sponsorship. If you are already employed, many organizations — especially in the public sector — offer study leave with pay or partial tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing academic qualifications.
Budget for hidden costs. Do not only plan for tuition. Include transport, data subscription, textbooks, and printing costs into your monthly study budget.
Pay on time. Late payment at most federal universities attracts penalties and could prevent you from sitting for exams. Early payment also eliminates stress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How much is part-time school fees in federal universities in Nigeria on average?
On average, fresh part-time undergraduate students pay between ₦100,000 and ₦250,000 per session, depending on the school and course of study. UNILAG tends to be on the higher end, while schools like UNIABUJA and UNN offer comparatively lower rates.
Q2: Is part-time school fees the same for science and arts students?
No. Science, Engineering, Medicine, and other lab-based courses typically attract higher fees due to equipment, laboratory, and studio costs. Arts and Social Science courses generally cost less.
Q3: Can part-time students at federal universities get student loans?
Yes. The NELFUND student loan scheme covers eligible students including those in part-time programmes at accredited federal institutions. Visit nelfund.gov.ng for more information.
Q4: Are indigenes and non-indigenes charged differently?
At most federal universities, part-time fees are the same for both indigenes and non-indigenes, since the programmes are self-funded and not state-subsidized. However, it is always advisable to confirm with your specific institution.
Q5: How long does a part-time degree take in Nigerian federal universities?
A standard 4-year full-time degree typically takes 5 to 6 years in a part-time setting. This accounts for the reduced course load per semester. Some schools allow accelerated completion under specific conditions.
Q6: Is the part-time degree from a federal university recognized?
Absolutely. A degree obtained through an accredited part-time programme at a federal university is fully recognized by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and carries the same weight as a full-time degree from the same institution.
Q7: Can I pay part-time school fees in installments?
Some universities allow split payments — for example, half in the first semester and the remainder in the second semester. UNIABUJA, for instance, permits this arrangement. Confirm with your university’s bursary office before making partial payments.
Q8: How do I find the exact fees for my course?
The most accurate method is to visit the official portal of your specific institution, generate a fee bill with your course and level details, and proceed with payment. Never rely solely on unofficial third-party sources for exact amounts.
Final Thoughts
If you have been searching for how much is part-time school fees in federal universities in Nigeria, you now have a detailed, practical answer. The numbers are real, the costs are manageable with proper planning, and the opportunities these programmes offer are genuinely life-changing.
How much is part-time school fees in federal universities in Nigeria
depends largely on the institution you choose, your course of study, and whether you are a fresh or returning student. But across all federal universities, these programmes deliver legitimate, NUC-accredited degrees at costs that remain far more affordable than private university alternatives.
Take your time, do your research on the school that fits your schedule and career goals, confirm fees directly from the official portals, and make your move. Your degree is within reach — and it is more affordable than you think