12 Cheapest Part-Time Universities in Nigeria, Their Requirement and Fees 2026/2027
Juggling a job, family, or business yet still hungry for a university degree? Then the cheapest part-time universities in Nigeria, their requirement and fees 2026 is exactly the knowledge you need to turn that hunger into a real, affordable qualification. Part-time and distance learning programmes have opened the door for working professionals, stay-at-home parents, and even candidates who missed full-time admission to earn respected degrees without abandoning their daily responsibilities. Yet many eager learners waste money or lose admission simply because they never understood the costs, the entry requirements, or which schools offer genuine value.
This complete, in-depth guide leaves nothing to guesswork. You will discover the most affordable part-time and distance learning universities across federal, state, and private ownership, their locations, realistic fees, full admission requirements, and the smart steps that protect your money and your admission. Read carefully, because choosing wisely today saves you years of financial strain and frustration tomorrow.
What Part-Time University Study Really Means
Part-time study, often delivered through Open and Distance Learning (ODL), allows you to earn a full Bachelor’s degree while keeping your job or other commitments. Classes typically hold on weekends or evenings, and the degree carries the same academic weight and recognition as a full-time qualification.
Understanding the cheapest part-time universities in Nigeria, their requirement and fees 2026 matters because flexibility and affordability draw thousands of learners each year. These programmes run through dedicated institutes such as Distance Learning centres, Continuing Education units, and the National Open University. Choosing the right one means earning a credible degree at a price your pocket can genuinely sustain.
Why People Choose Part-Time and Distance Learning
Before comparing schools, it helps to see why this route attracts so many serious learners. The appeal of the cheapest part-time universities in Nigeria, their requirement and fees 2026 rests on several genuine advantages.
- Flexibility: You study around work and family, usually on weekends, without quitting your livelihood.
- No UTME pressure: Most part-time programmes admit you without sitting the UTME exam, though a JAMB registration number is now required.
- Affordability at public schools: Federal and state part-time programmes often cost far less than private full-time degrees.
- Career advancement: A degree boosts promotion prospects and earning power for working professionals.
- Second chance: Candidates who missed full-time admission still secure a recognised qualification.
These benefits explain the steady rise in part-time enrolment across Nigeria.
Cheapest Part-Time Universities in Nigeria, Their Requirement and Fees 2026
Here lies the heart of this guide. Below is a realistic look at the cheapest part-time universities in Nigeria, their requirement and fees 2026, grouped by ownership with their locations and estimated yearly costs. Treat these as guiding estimates and confirm current figures on each official portal, since fees change between sessions.
Federal Universities (Part-Time / Distance Learning)
| University | Location | Estimated Fees Per Session |
|---|---|---|
| National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) | Headquarters Abuja, study centres nationwide | ₦36,000–₦60,000 (course-dependent) |
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) DLI | Akoka, Lagos State | Around ₦200,000–₦350,000 |
| University of Ibadan (UI) DLC | Ibadan, Oyo State | Moderate federal-rate fees |
| University of Benin (UNIBEN) Part-Time | Benin City, Edo State | Affordable federal-rate fees |
| University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) | Ilorin, Kwara State | Low federal-rate fees |
State Universities (Part-Time)
| University | Location | Estimated Fees Per Session |
|---|---|---|
| Lagos State University (LASU) SPTS | Ojo, Lagos State | Moderate state-rate fees |
| Ekiti State University (EKSU) | Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State | Affordable state-rate fees |
| Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) | Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State | Moderate state-rate fees |
| Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) | Oto/Ijanikin, Lagos | Affordable state-rate fees |
Private and Faith-Based Universities (Generally Higher)
| University | Location | Estimated Fees Per Session |
|---|---|---|
| Al-Hikmah University | Ilorin, Kwara State | ₦106,500–₦1,362,000 (programme-dependent) |
| Oduduwa University | Ipetumodu, Osun State | Affordable private range |
| Wellspring University | Benin City, Edo State | Affordable private range |
Among the cheapest part-time universities in Nigeria, their requirement and fees 2026, NOUN stands out as the most budget-friendly, with its mandatory fee for new undergraduates around ₦64,250 and a modest acceptance fee, while course tuition varies by level and discipline.
A Closer Look at the Most Affordable Options
The National Open University of Nigeria deserves special attention. As a fully federal, NUC-approved institution built specifically for open and distance learning, NOUN charges some of the lowest fees in the country, and its graduates now participate in the NYSC scheme. Students entering at 200 level complete in a minimum of three years, while 100-level entrants take four years.
UNILAG’s Distance Learning Institute (DLI) ranks among the most respected part-time routes. Its weekend programme runs as a five-year BSc, with lectures held mainly on Saturdays, and no entrance examination required. Because the programme runs internally without government subsidy, its fees sit higher than NOUN, yet it remains strong value given the UNILAG name. When weighing the cheapest part-time universities in Nigeria, their requirement and fees 2026, balance raw cost against the prestige and recognition each school carries.
General Admission Requirements
Choosing a school is step one; qualifying is the real work. To gain admission into any of the cheapest part-time universities in Nigeria, their requirement and fees 2026, you generally need the following.
- O’Level credits: At least five credit passes including English Language and Mathematics, obtained in not more than two sittings from WAEC, NECO, or GCE.
- JAMB registration number: Now mandatory for most federal part-time programmes, obtainable without writing the UTME.
- Age requirement: Many programmes, like UNILAG DLI, require applicants to be at least 21 years old.
- Direct Entry credentials (for advanced placement): NCE, ND, HND, IJMB, JUPEB, or A-Levels in relevant fields for Year Two or Year Three entry.
- Supporting documents: Birth certificate, affidavit, and certificates such as ICAN, ND, HND, or NCE where applicable.
For direct-entry placement, your intended course must relate to what you studied at NCE, ND, or HND level, so plan your application around relevance.
Available Part-Time Courses
Most part-time institutions focus on courses that suit working professionals rather than laboratory-heavy or clinical disciplines. Common offerings include Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Mass Communication, and various Education programmes such as Science Education and Business Education. Science-based education options also appear at schools like UNILAG. Before committing to any of the cheapest part-time universities in Nigeria, their requirement and fees 2026, confirm that your desired course actually runs in part-time mode, since not every full-time programme is available this way.
How to Apply for Part-Time Admission
The application process flows in clear, manageable steps. From observing successful applicants, the smoothest route follows this order.
- Obtain a JAMB registration number where required, without writing the UTME.
- Visit the university’s official portal and pay the non-refundable application fee, which ranges roughly from ₦10,000 at LASU to about ₦15,000–₦18,500 at UNILAG DLI.
- Complete the online form accurately and upload your O’Level results, credentials, and supporting documents.
- Attend screening or document verification if the school requires it.
- Track your admission status on the portal and accept your offer.
- Pay the acceptance fee and school fees, then complete registration.
Paying the acceptance fee confirms your admission; failing to pay it usually means automatic forfeiture, so act promptly once admitted.
Smart Tips to Save Money and Secure Admission
From experience guiding part-time learners, a few habits consistently pay off. Apply early, since institutions like UNILAG DLI favour candidates who submit complete documents on time. Choose schools outside Lagos and Abuja where possible, as they often charge less. Always verify fees directly on the official university website to avoid being misled by middlemen. Confirm your course runs in part-time mode before paying anything. Budget for hidden extras such as acceptance fees, registration, and materials, since the headline tuition rarely covers everything. Following these steps keeps your journey through the cheapest part-time universities in Nigeria, their requirement and fees 2026 smooth and affordable.
Things to Watch Out For
A few cautions protect both your money and your future. Confirm that any school you consider holds full National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation, because an unaccredited degree wastes years and naira. Beware of agents promising guaranteed admission for a fee, and apply only through official portals. Remember that part-time programmes typically last four to six years depending on your entry level, so plan your finances and time accordingly. Finally, note that some schools, such as UNILAG DLI, do not accept instalment payments, so prepare the full session fee in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the cheapest part-time university in Nigeria? The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) generally offers the lowest fees, with course-dependent tuition and a modest acceptance fee.
Do I need to write UTME for part-time programmes? No. Most part-time programmes admit without the UTME exam, though a JAMB registration number is now mandatory.
How long does a part-time degree take? Typically four to six years, depending on your entry level. Direct-entry candidates with diplomas often finish sooner.
Are part-time degrees recognised in Nigeria? Yes. Degrees from NUC-accredited part-time and distance learning programmes carry the same recognition as full-time degrees.
What are the basic requirements for part-time admission? Five O’Level credits including English and Mathematics in not more than two sittings, plus a JAMB number and, often, a minimum age of 21.
Can I use ND, HND, or NCE to enter a higher level? Yes. Relevant ND, HND, NCE, IJMB, or JUPEB qualifications can secure Year Two or Year Three direct-entry placement.
Do part-time students participate in NYSC? NOUN graduates now participate in the NYSC scheme, though policies vary, so confirm with your specific institution.
Final Thoughts
You now hold a genuinely complete picture of the cheapest part-time universities in Nigeria, their requirement and fees 2026 for the 2026/2027 session, spanning federal, state, and private institutions with their locations, realistic fees, requirements, and the smart steps that protect your investment. From the rock-bottom affordability of NOUN to the respected weekend programme at UNILAG DLI, every option lets you earn a credible degree without sacrificing your livelihood.
Confirm NUC accreditation, verify fees on official portals, apply early with complete documents, and choose a course that fits both your career and your budget. With proper planning and genuine diligence, your dream of becoming a graduate while still working moves firmly and realistically within reach.