The increase in university school fees across Nigeria in 2026 has become one of the most hotly debated education topics in the country. From the University of Nigeria Nsukka’s 60% tuition hike to the staggering 544% increase in nursing fees at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nigerian students and their families are facing an unprecedented financial burden. This guide documents the specific fee increases at Nigerian universities, examines the reasons behind these hikes, and outlines the options available to students struggling to afford their education.
Overview: Why Are University Fees Rising in Nigeria in 2026?
Nigerian federal universities operated for decades under an unofficial government policy that kept tuition fees extremely low — in many cases as little as ₦24,000 per year for some programmes. However, the combination of inflation, currency devaluation, energy cost increases, and declining government subventions has pushed universities into a funding crisis. University administrators argue that without fee increases, they cannot pay staff adequately, maintain infrastructure, or deliver quality education.
The Nigerian government’s position has evolved: while the Federal Government does not mandate specific fee levels at state universities, it has given federal universities more flexibility to set fees that reflect the cost of education delivery. This has opened the floodgates to fee increases that students and parents were not prepared for.
Specific University Fee Increases in 2026
University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) — 60% Increase
The University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) announced a 60% increase in tuition fees for the 2025/2026 academic session — one of the largest percentage increases among federal universities. UNN cited rising operational costs, staff welfare obligations, and infrastructure maintenance as the primary drivers of the increase.
For many UNN students from Enugu, Anambra, Imo, and Ebonyi States who chose UNN as their local university, this increase has been particularly difficult to absorb. Student unions at UNN held protests in response, and the university administration engaged in negotiations, but the increases ultimately took effect.
NAUTH Nursing Fees — 544% Increase
The most dramatic fee increase reported in the Nigerian tertiary education sector in recent years is the nursing programme fee at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH). Nursing programme fees increased from approximately ₦90,000 to ₦580,000 per year — a 544% increase that left nursing students and their families reeling.
NAUTH administration attributed the increase to the need to fund clinical training, practical equipment, staff salaries, and hospital-based learning resources. Nursing students and the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) student wing condemned the increase as unaffordable and called on the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Ministry of Education to intervene.
Modibbo Adama University — Hostel Fees Increase
At Modibbo Adama University in Yola, Adamawa State, hostel accommodation fees increased from ₦15,000 to ₦60,000 per year — a 300% increase that compounded the financial strain on students who rely on affordable on-campus accommodation. This increase was part of a broader pattern of universities raising non-tuition fees (hostel, matriculation, examination) while formally keeping headline tuition figures lower.
Broader Pattern: The Cumulative Cost of University Education in Nigeria in 2026
Beyond the headline tuition figure, Nigerian university students face a wide array of fees that add up significantly over an academic year. Across Nigerian federal and state universities in 2026, a student can expect to pay for:
- Acceptance fee: ₦20,000–₦100,000 (one-time, at the point of admission acceptance)
- School fees / tuition: ₦30,000–₦300,000+ depending on institution and programme
- Development levy: ₦10,000–₦50,000
- Medical fee: ₦5,000–₦20,000
- Library fee: ₦5,000–₦15,000
- Hostel accommodation: ₦30,000–₦150,000 per session (where available)
- Examination fees: ₦5,000–₦30,000 per semester
For students in professional programmes like Medicine, Dentistry, Law, Pharmacy, and Engineering, additional fees for clinical training, professional body registration, and laboratory usage can add tens of thousands of naira to the annual total.
How Students Are Coping With Rising University Fees
NELFUND Student Loans
The most significant government intervention for students struggling with rising fees is the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). By early 2026, NELFUND had disbursed over ₦183.8 billion in student loans across federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Students can apply for loans to cover school fees, with repayment beginning after graduation and securing employment. For the full application guide, see our post on NELFUND student loans 2026.
Scholarships
Merit-based and need-based scholarships from NDDC, NLNG, state governments, and private organisations remain available to Nigerian students who qualify. Our comprehensive guide to scholarships for Nigerian students in 2026 lists all active opportunities with deadlines and application instructions.
Student Protests and Negotiations
Student unions at several Nigerian universities have organised protests against fee hikes. In some cases, universities have agreed to introduce payment plans, waive fees for returning students in certain years, or phase in increases over multiple academic sessions instead of implementing them all at once.
Part-Time Work and Side Income
Many Nigerian university students have turned to freelancing, tutoring, and small-scale trading to supplement family income and pay rising fees. While this can support financial independence, it often comes at the cost of study time and academic performance.
The Government’s Response to Rising University Fees
The Federal Ministry of Education has acknowledged the financial strain on Nigerian students but has stopped short of mandating specific fee caps for federal universities. The government’s position is that universities must be funded to function, and that NELFUND provides a safety net for students who cannot afford fees upfront. Critics argue that NELFUND coverage does not yet reach all eligible students, and that loan repayment terms need to be better communicated and more flexible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Nigerian university increased fees the most in 2026?
The most dramatic fee increase documented in 2026 was at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), where nursing programme fees rose from ₦90,000 to ₦580,000 — a 544% increase. Among federal universities, the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) announced a 60% general tuition increase for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Can NELFUND help students pay increased university fees in Nigeria?
Yes — the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) provides student loans to cover school fees at federal and state tertiary institutions. Students apply through their school’s NELFUND desk, and repayment only begins after graduation and gaining employment. By early 2026, NELFUND had disbursed over ₦183.8 billion to students across Nigeria.
Are private universities in Nigeria cheaper than federal universities in 2026?
No — private universities in Nigeria are generally significantly more expensive than federal universities. While federal university fees range from ₦30,000 to ₦300,000 per session, private university fees typically range from ₦500,000 to ₦3 million or more per session. However, some private universities offer scholarships and bursaries that can reduce the net cost for eligible students.
Conclusion: Rising Fees Demand Smarter Financial Planning
The rising university school fees across Nigeria in 2026 are a reality that every student and family must prepare for. From UNN’s 60% hike to NAUTH’s 544% nursing fee increase, the cost of university education in Nigeria is rising — and the trend is unlikely to reverse in the short term.
The smart response is to plan ahead: explore NELFUND loans, apply for scholarships early, and budget for the full range of university fees beyond just tuition. Visit SchoolInfoSpot.com for the latest university fee updates, scholarship opportunities, and student financial support guides. Knowledge is the first step to managing the rising cost of your education!
