Cheapest Part-Time Universities in Nigeria and Their Fees 2026
Here is the honest truth nobody says out loud: most Nigerians who want a university degree are not sitting at home doing nothing. They are working, hustling, caring for family, or recovering from a missed admission cycle. A full-time residential programme is simply not an option for them — financially or logistically. If that sounds like you, then the cheapest part-time universities in Nigeria and their fees is not just a search term. It is a lifeline.
But cheap means nothing if the degree at the end of it is not recognized. So this guide does two things: it shows you the most affordable accredited part-time university options in Nigeria for 2026, and it tells you exactly what those fees cover, who qualifies, and how to make the right choice for your specific situation.
Why Affordability in Part-Time University Study Matters So Much Right Now
The cost of university education in Nigeria keeps climbing. Full-time federal university fees have increased significantly following the removal of subsidy arrangements, and private universities charge fees that exclude the majority of working Nigerians entirely. Part-time, distance learning, and sandwich programmes fill a critical gap — but even within this space, fees vary dramatically from institution to institution.
Understanding the cheapest part-time universities in Nigeria and their fees is therefore not about cutting corners. It is about making a strategic financial decision that allows you to earn a legitimate, NUC-accredited degree without draining the income you need to survive while studying.
What to Check Before Choosing Based on Price Alone
Before the full list, this matters: the cheapest option is only valuable if the programme is accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC). An unaccredited degree — no matter how affordable — is legally worthless for employment, postgraduate admission, or professional registration in Nigeria.
Always verify accreditation at www.nuc.edu.ng before paying any fee to any institution. This takes five minutes and saves you years of wasted effort.
With that established, here is the detailed breakdown of the cheapest part-time universities in Nigeria and their fees in 2026.
National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) — The Most Affordable Option in Nigeria
If affordability is your primary concern, NOUN is where the conversation starts and, for many students, where it ends. NOUN is a fully accredited federal university established specifically for open and distance learning. It operates study centres in all 36 states and the FCT, making it the most geographically accessible university in the country.
Typical fees: Undergraduate programmes range from approximately ₦35,000 to ₦80,000 per semester depending on the course. Over a four-year programme, total tuition cost typically falls between ₦280,000 and ₦640,000 — spread across eight semesters.
What the fees cover: Tuition and access to study materials. Examination fees are charged separately each semester, typically between ₦5,000 and ₦15,000.
Entry requirement: Five O’Level credit passes including English Language. JAMB is not always required for NOUN undergraduate admission, which removes a significant barrier for mature candidates or those with modest JAMB scores.
Delivery model: Entirely flexible. You study using printed course materials and NOUN’s e-learning portal. Examinations are held at designated study centres near you. No relocation required.
Who it suits best: Anyone who needs maximum flexibility and minimum cost. NOUN works for market traders, civil servants, stay-at-home parents, and anyone whose schedule makes physical class attendance impossible.
The cheapest part-time universities in Nigeria and their fees conversation always begins and returns to NOUN because nothing else in the NUC-accredited space consistently matches its combination of affordability and nationwide accessibility.
Lagos State University (LASU) — Affordable Part-Time in Lagos
LASU runs a structured part-time degree programme with weekend and evening classes. For Lagos-based working adults who want a reputable state university degree at a manageable cost, LASU is a genuinely strong option.
Typical fees: Between ₦50,000 and ₦120,000 per session depending on the faculty. Social Science, Education, and Arts programmes tend to be on the lower end. Management Sciences and Law attract higher fees.
What the fees cover: Tuition and basic academic services. Development levies, examination fees, and laboratory charges (where applicable) are billed separately.
Entry requirement: Five O’Level credits including English Language and Mathematics. JAMB score meeting LASU’s minimum threshold. Mature entry route available for candidates 30 years and above through internal screening.
Who it suits best: Lagos residents who cannot afford UNILAG fees but want a degree from a recognized Lagos institution. The weekend class structure works well for those with regular Monday-to-Friday work schedules.
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria — Affordable Access in Northern Nigeria
ABU’s continuing education and distance learning options serve one of Nigeria’s largest regional populations — the working professional base across northern Nigeria who need degree qualifications for career advancement in civil service, education, and the private sector.
Typical fees: Between ₦45,000 and ₦130,000 per session for available part-time and distance learning programmes. Education and Humanities programmes are typically on the lower end.
Entry requirement: Five O’Level credits, JAMB where applicable, and relevant work experience for some professional upgrade programmes.
Who it suits best: Civil servants, teachers, and working professionals across Kaduna, Kano, Niger, and neighbouring states who need a degree without leaving their jobs or families.
When comparing the cheapest part-time universities in Nigeria and their fees, ABU consistently offers competitive pricing for the northern region while carrying the reputation of one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected universities.
University of Benin (UNIBEN) — Affordable Sandwich Programme
UNIBEN’s sandwich programme targets teachers and education professionals in the South-South and South-East zones seeking degree upgrading from NCE level. The intensive session-based model runs during school holiday periods, making it workable for classroom teachers.
Typical fees: Between ₦55,000 and ₦140,000 per session. Education-related programmes are on the lower end of this range.
Entry requirement: NCE or relevant diploma for sandwich entry into Education programmes. Standard O’Level and JAMB requirements apply for other part-time tracks.
Who it suits best: Primary and secondary school teachers in Edo, Delta, Rivers, Anambra, and surrounding states who hold NCE qualifications and need a full degree for salary grade advancement or career progression.
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife — Sandwich Programme
OAU’s sandwich programme is specifically designed for serving teachers, with intensive learning sessions timed around school holidays. The academic quality of an OAU degree combined with a relatively moderate fee structure places it firmly on the cheapest part-time universities in Nigeria and their fees list for the South-West zone.
Typical fees: Between ₦60,000 and ₦150,000 per session. Education-focused tracks, particularly for primary and junior secondary teachers, attract the lower end of this range.
Entry requirement: NCE for Education sandwich entry. Standard O’Level and JAMB requirements for other part-time tracks. Professional teaching experience is considered during screening.
Who it suits best: Teachers in Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, and Ondo states who want an OAU degree while continuing to teach. The sessions-based model means you are only physically absent from your job during school holidays.
University of Abuja — Part-Time Programme
The University of Abuja’s part-time programme serves the enormous civil service population in the FCT and surrounding states. Weekend and evening class schedules accommodate government workers whose offices operate standard Monday-to-Friday hours.
Typical fees: Between ₦70,000 and ₦180,000 per session depending on the faculty. Social Sciences and Education programmes are on the lower end.
Entry requirement: Five O’Level credits, JAMB score, and post-UTME screening for competitive departments.
Who it suits best: Federal and FCT civil servants, military and police personnel in Abuja, and Nasarawa or Niger State residents commuting into the FCT for work who need a degree for promotion eligibility.
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) — Distance Learning
FUNAAB offers distance learning programmes particularly relevant to students in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, and related fields. As a federal university with a specialised focus, its fees are competitive while the academic reputation adds value to the qualification.
Typical fees: Between ₦50,000 and ₦120,000 per session for distance learning programmes.
Entry requirement: Five O’Level credits including relevant science or agricultural subjects, plus JAMB for most programmes.
Who it suits best: Agriculture extension workers, farmers seeking formal qualifications, and rural students in Ogun, Oyo, and Osun states who cannot access city-based campuses regularly.
Breaking Down What “Cheap” Really Costs You Over Four Years
Looking at individual session fees gives an incomplete picture. Here is a more honest cost calculation that factors in everything:
NOUN (4-year programme):
Tuition: ₦280,000 – ₦640,000 total
Examination fees: ₦40,000 – ₦120,000 total
Course materials: ₦30,000 – ₦80,000 total
Realistic total: ₦350,000 – ₦840,000
LASU (4-year programme):
Tuition: ₦200,000 – ₦480,000 total
Other levies and examination fees: ₦80,000 – ₦150,000 total
Transportation to weekend classes: variable
Realistic total: ₦380,000 – ₦730,000
OAU/UNIBEN Sandwich (4-year programme):
Tuition: ₦240,000 – ₦600,000 total
Accommodation during intensive sessions: ₦60,000 – ₦150,000 total
Realistic total: ₦300,000 – ₦750,000
The cheapest part-time universities in Nigeria and their fees comparison looks different when you factor in transport, accommodation for session schools, materials, and examination charges. NOUN remains the most affordable in nearly every scenario because it eliminates transportation and accommodation costs almost entirely.
Who Qualifies for Part-Time University Admission and How to Apply
Across the cheapest part-time universities in Nigeria and their fees, two main admission routes exist:
Standard UTME route: Five O’Level credit passes including English Language and Mathematics, a valid JAMB score meeting the institution’s departmental cutoff, and post-UTME screening where applicable. This applies to most state and federal universities.
Mature entry route: Candidates who are 30 years or older may apply without JAMB at many institutions. They typically sit an internal entrance examination and may need to show proof of relevant work experience. NOUN is the most flexible here, with age requirements and entry conditions that accommodate the widest range of adult learners.
NCE/OND upgrade route: For sandwich programmes at OAU, UNIBEN, and similar institutions, holders of NCE or OND can enter directly into degree programmes, sometimes with credit exemptions that shorten the programme duration.
Common Mistakes Students Make When Choosing Cheap Part-Time Universities
Prioritising fees over accreditation. A ₦30,000 certificate from an unaccredited institution is worth less than nothing — it actively harms your credibility. Always verify NUC status first.
Ignoring hidden costs. The institutions on the cheapest part-time universities in Nigeria and their fees list all have supplementary costs beyond published tuition. Budget realistically from the start.
Choosing a school based on location convenience alone. Convenience matters, but if your intended course is weak at the nearby institution and strong at one slightly farther away, the travel cost is worth the academic quality difference.
Not confirming the part-time schedule before enrolling. Some programmes that advertise as “part-time” still require significant physical presence. Confirm class days and hours before you register — especially if your job has specific attendance requirements.
Skipping the application process for NOUN because it seems too easy. NOUN’s flexibility makes some students treat it casually during application. Take the process seriously — late applications and incomplete documentation delay admission even at open universities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is NOUN the cheapest accredited university for part-time study in Nigeria?
Yes. NOUN consistently offers the lowest tuition among NUC-accredited institutions, with semester fees starting from approximately ₦35,000 for most undergraduate programmes.
Q: Do employers accept NOUN degrees in Nigeria?
Yes. NOUN is a fully accredited federal university. Its degrees are legally equivalent to degrees from any other NUC-accredited institution and are accepted by Nigerian employers and for postgraduate admission.
Q: Can I combine part-time university study with a full-time job?
Yes — that is precisely what these programmes are designed for. NOUN’s entirely remote model and the weekend/evening structures at LASU and University of Abuja are built around working adults.
Q: Do I need JAMB to enter part-time university in Nigeria?
Most institutions require JAMB for candidates below 30. Mature entry candidates at 30 and above may qualify through internal examinations at many institutions. NOUN has the most flexible JAMB requirements among federal universities.
Q: How long does a part-time degree take?
Typically four to five years for a standard undergraduate programme. Some professional upgrade programmes for NCE holders may complete in three years with credit exemptions.
Q: Can I do a part-time degree in any course at NOUN?
NOUN offers programmes across Arts, Social Sciences, Education, Law, Sciences, Agriculture, and Management Sciences. Not every course available at traditional universities is offered, so confirm your intended course is available before applying.
Q: Are sandwich university programmes the same as part-time programmes?
They serve similar purposes — allowing working adults to earn degrees — but operate differently. Sandwich programmes use intensive holiday sessions while part-time programmes typically use weekend or evening classes throughout the academic year.
Final Advice: Cheap and Credible Can Coexist — If You Choose Correctly
The cheapest part-time universities in Nigeria and their fees in 2026 offer real, legitimate pathways to a university degree for working Nigerians who refuse to put their education permanently on hold. NOUN leads the affordability table by a clear margin. State universities like LASU and University of Abuja offer strong middle-ground options. Federal universities like OAU, UNIBEN, and ABU provide regional accessibility with reputable academic backing.
The decision ultimately comes down to three things: your location, your budget over four years, and the specific course you need. Match those three factors against the institutions on this list, verify NUC accreditation independently, and enrol with full confidence that the degree you earn will actually open the doors you need it to open.
Education is still the most reliable investment you can make in yourself. The cheapest part-time universities in Nigeria and their fees make that investment accessible — not cheap in value, but affordable in cost.