List of Accredited Part-Time Universities in Nigeria and Their School Fees
You want a university degree, but your life is already full. Maybe you are working a job you cannot afford to leave. Maybe you have family responsibilities that make full-time residential study impossible. Or maybe you simply missed the regular admission cycle and refuse to wait another year doing nothing. Whatever your reason, you are asking the right question — and the list of accredited part-time universities in Nigeria and their school fees is exactly where your answer begins.
This article is not a recycled list of school names. It is a genuine advisory guide that tells you which institutions run legitimate, NUC-accredited part-time programmes, what those programmes typically cost, who qualifies, and what to watch out for so you do not waste money on an unaccredited degree that employers and institutions will reject.
What Part-Time University Study Actually Means in Nigeria
In Nigeria, “part-time” university study goes by several programme names depending on the institution — Part-Time Degree Programme, Sandwich Programme, Continuing Education Programme, or Distance Learning. Each carries a slightly different structure, but the unifying feature is this: you study without giving up your current work or life commitments entirely.
Classes typically hold on weekends, evenings, or in intensive school sessions during annual or semester breaks. Some programmes combine physical attendance with online coursework. The degree you earn at the end is equivalent to a full-time degree from the same institution — as long as the programme is accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The list of accredited part-time universities in Nigeria and their school fees matters because not every school offering weekend or evening classes is operating a properly accredited programme. An unaccredited degree, regardless of how much you paid or how hard you studied, carries no legal academic weight in Nigeria.
How to Verify Accreditation Before You Pay Anything
Before enrolling in any part-time programme, visit www.nuc.edu.ng — the National Universities Commission’s official website. The NUC maintains a current list of accredited universities and their approved programmes. If a school or programme does not appear on that list, it is not accredited, and your degree from it will not be recognized.
Some institutions advertise aggressively — billboards, social media promotions, slick websites — for part-time programmes that are either pending accreditation or operating without it. The list of accredited part-time universities in Nigeria and their school fees you should trust is the one that cross-references with the NUC database, not one sourced from a university’s own marketing materials.
This is the single most important piece of advice in this entire article: verify accreditation independently before you pay any fee.
List of Accredited Part-Time Universities in Nigeria and Their School Fees
Below is a realistic breakdown of Nigerian universities with known part-time, sandwich, or continuing education programmes, along with typical fee ranges. Fee figures are approximate because institutions review and adjust fees annually — always confirm current fees directly from the institution’s admissions office or official website.
University of Lagos (UNILAG) — Correspondence and Distance Learning Institute (CDLI)
UNILAG’s CDLI is one of Nigeria’s longest-running and most recognized part-time higher education programmes. It offers degree programmes across multiple faculties including Arts, Social Sciences, Business Administration, Education, and Science.
Typical fee range: Between ₦80,000 and ₦200,000 per session, depending on the faculty and course. Science-based courses are typically more expensive than Arts or Social Science courses due to laboratory components.
Entry requirement: Minimum of five O’Level credits including English Language and Mathematics, plus a JAMB score meeting UNILAG’s minimum threshold. Some programmes accept mature entry candidates above the age of 30 without JAMB, subject to an internal screening test.
Who it suits: Working professionals, civil servants, and Lagos-based candidates who want a degree from one of Nigeria’s most reputable institutions without full-time residential commitment.
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife — Sandwich and Part-Time Programme
OAU runs a well-regarded sandwich programme primarily targeted at teachers and public service workers seeking degree qualifications. The programme uses intensive session-based learning during school holidays, allowing teachers to study without taking extended leave.
Typical fee range: Between ₦60,000 and ₦150,000 per session for most courses. Education-related programmes tend to be on the lower end of this range.
Entry requirement: Five O’Level credits, relevant professional experience for some courses, and JAMB where applicable. Some Education programmes accept NCE holders for accelerated entry.
Who it suits: Teachers in Osun, Oyo, and neighbouring states who want to upgrade from NCE to a full degree qualification.
University of Ibadan (UI) — Distance Learning Centre (DLC)
UI’s Distance Learning Centre offers certificate, diploma, and degree programmes through a blended learning model combining printed study materials, online resources, and periodic face-to-face sessions. UI’s distance learning programmes are among the most respected on the list of accredited part-time universities in Nigeria and their school fees.
Typical fee range: Between ₦100,000 and ₦250,000 per session depending on the programme level and course. Postgraduate distance learning programmes attract higher fees.
Entry requirement: Five O’Level credits for undergraduate programmes. Postgraduate programmes require a first degree. JAMB is required for undergraduate admission.
Who it suits: Students across Nigeria who want UI’s academic prestige without full residential study, particularly those in states far from Ibadan who cannot relocate.
Lagos State University (LASU) — Part-Time Programme
LASU runs part-time degree programmes across several faculties with classes typically scheduled for evenings and weekends. It is a more affordable alternative to UNILAG for Lagos-based working adults seeking a university degree.
Typical fee range: Between ₦50,000 and ₦120,000 per session. State indigenes may access slightly reduced fees in some faculties.
Entry requirement: Five O’Level credit passes including English Language and Mathematics, plus JAMB. Mature entry provisions exist for candidates above 30.
Who it suits: Lagos State residents who need a flexible programme at a significantly lower cost than federal university options.
University of Abuja — Part-Time and Sandwich Programme
The University of Abuja runs part-time programmes that serve the large population of civil servants and government workers in the FCT. Weekend classes and structured evening sessions are the primary delivery mode.
Typical fee range: Between ₦70,000 and ₦180,000 per session depending on the faculty. Law and Social Sciences programmes tend to attract different fee structures.
Entry requirement: Five O’Level credits, JAMB score, and post-UTME screening for some departments.
Who it suits: Federal civil servants, military and police personnel, and Abuja-based workers who need a degree for career advancement.
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria — Distance Learning and Continuing Education
ABU offers continuing education and some distance learning options, particularly through its Centre for Distance Learning. The programmes target the large working population across northern Nigeria.
Typical fee range: Between ₦50,000 and ₦130,000 per session for most available courses.
Entry requirement: Five O’Level credits, JAMB where applicable, and relevant work experience for some professional programmes.
Who it suits: Working professionals in the North-West and North-Central zones who cannot relocate to Zaria for full-time study.
National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
NOUN deserves a special mention on the list of accredited part-time universities in Nigeria and their school fees because it is specifically designed for open and distance learning. Established by the Federal Government, NOUN operates entirely on a flexible learning model with study centres across all 36 states and the FCT.
Typical fee range: Between ₦35,000 and ₦80,000 per semester — significantly lower than most other universities on this list. NOUN is one of the most affordable accredited degree options in Nigeria.
Entry requirement: Five O’Level credits for most undergraduate programmes. JAMB is not always required for NOUN admission, which makes it accessible to candidates who have O’Level qualifications but limited JAMB scores.
Who it suits: Anyone seeking maximum flexibility — NOUN allows you to study entirely from home using printed materials and online resources, with examinations held at state study centres.
University of Benin (UNIBEN) — Sandwich Programme
UNIBEN runs a sandwich programme primarily for teachers seeking degree upgrading from NCE or diploma level. Intensive learning sessions run during school holiday periods.
Typical fee range: Between ₦60,000 and ₦140,000 per session.
Entry requirement: NCE or relevant diploma for sandwich entry. O’Level credits and JAMB for standard part-time admission.
Who it suits: Teachers in Edo, Delta, and neighbouring states seeking professional degree upgrading.
What These School Fees Actually Cover — And What They Don’t.
Understanding the list of accredited part-time universities in Nigeria and their school fees means understanding what the published fee covers. In most institutions, the quoted session or semester fee covers tuition and basic academic services. It typically does not cover:
Course materials and textbooks
Examination fees (often charged separately each semester)
Study centre access or library fees at some institutions
Project supervision fees in your final year
Certificate collection fees upon graduation
Budget an additional 20% to 30% on top of the quoted tuition fee to cover these supplementary costs. A student who plans only for tuition and then faces unexpected examination fees mid-session is forced into a financial scramble that affects their studies.
Who Qualifies for Part-Time University Admission in Nigeria
Different programmes set different benchmarks, but across the list of accredited part-time universities in Nigeria and their school fees, the common qualifications are:
Standard entry: Five O’Level credit passes including English Language and Mathematics, plus a valid JAMB score meeting the institution’s cutoff for that course. Post-UTME screening may also apply.
Mature entry: Candidates who are 30 years or older may qualify for direct admission without JAMB in some institutions. They typically sit an internal aptitude or entrance examination administered by the university. Proof of age and relevant work experience are required.
Professional entry: Some programmes — particularly in Education, Business Administration, and Public Administration — accept candidates who hold relevant professional certificates or diplomas from recognized bodies. NCE holders qualify for Education programmes. OND holders may qualify for some Business programmes.
If you fall into the mature entry category, do not assume JAMB is automatically waived. Verify with the specific institution whether their part-time programme requires JAMB or uses an internal examination route.
Red Flags: Part-Time Programmes You Should Avoid
The genuine list of accredited part-time universities in Nigeria and their school fees does not include diploma mills — institutions that sell certificates without proper academic content or NUC accreditation. Here is how to spot them:
No verifiable NUC listing. If a school is not on www.nuc.edu.ng, its degrees are legally worthless in Nigeria regardless of how convincing their materials look.
Unusually cheap fees with guaranteed admission. No accredited Nigerian university admits without meeting academic requirements. Offers of guaranteed admission for a flat payment are scams.
No physical address or verifiable campus. Some diploma mills operate entirely through WhatsApp and social media without a physical location. Avoid them completely.
Certificates issued within months. A legitimate degree takes at least three to four years even in accelerated part-time formats. Any programme offering a degree in under two years through distance learning is not operating a legitimate accredited programme.
Strategies for Choosing the Right Part-Time University
With the list of accredited part-time universities in Nigeria and their school fees in mind, here is how to make the right choice:
Match the university to your location. A UNILAG part-time programme is impractical if you live in Kano. Choose an institution whose study centre or weekend class location is realistically accessible from where you live and work.
Match the course to your career goal. Do not choose a course because fees are low. Choose based on what qualification your career requires, then find the most accessible accredited institution that offers it.
Compare the total cost, not just tuition. Add up tuition, examination fees, materials, transportation to study centres, and any accommodation needed for intensive sessions. The cheapest tuition does not always mean the most affordable programme overall.
Talk to current students. Before enrolling, find someone currently on the programme and ask direct questions — about lecturer quality, examination timing, material availability, and whether the schedule is genuinely manageable alongside work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is a part-time degree from a Nigerian university equal to a full-time degree?
Yes, provided the programme is NUC-accredited. The certificate issued carries the same title and is recognized by employers and institutions.
Q: Do I need JAMB to enter a part-time university programme?
Most accredited programmes require JAMB for candidates below 30. Mature entry candidates above 30 may qualify through an internal examination route, depending on the institution.
Q: Is NOUN degree accepted by employers and for postgraduate admission?
Yes. NOUN is a fully accredited federal university. Its degrees are recognized for employment and postgraduate study, including at other Nigerian universities.
Q: Can I get a student loan for part-time university in Nigeria?
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) primarily targets full-time students. Part-time students should confirm their eligibility directly with NELFUND or the institution’s bursary office.
Q: How long does a part-time degree take to complete in Nigeria?
Most programmes run for four to five years. Some accelerated professional programmes may run for three years. No legitimate accredited programme delivers a full degree in under three years.
Q: Can I transfer from a part-time programme to full-time study?
Some universities permit internal transfers under specific conditions. This depends entirely on the institution’s policy — confirm before enrolling if transfer flexibility matters to you.
Q: What is the cheapest accredited part-time university in Nigeria?
NOUN consistently offers the lowest fee structure on the list of accredited part-time universities in Nigeria and their school fees, with semester fees starting from around ₦35,000 for most undergraduate programmes.
Final Advice: A Degree Worth Having Is One That Is Properly Accredited
The list of accredited part-time universities in Nigeria and their school fees is longer than most people realize — and the options are genuinely diverse, from NOUN’s fully remote model to UNILAG’s structured weekend programme. Whatever your situation — working professional, teacher upgrading qualifications, mature candidate, or someone who needs a second chance at a degree — there is a legitimate pathway available to you.
But the pathway only works if the institution is properly accredited. A cheap fee from an unverified programme is not a bargain — it is years of your life and money spent on a document that opens no doors. Verify first, enrol second, and study with the confidence that your degree will actually be worth what you put into it.