Lagos State is the Commercial Hub of Nigeria, and a centre of academic endeavours, with numerous universities providing various educational programs and opportunities. “Affordable and Expensive Universities in Lagos State and their Fees” is a compilation of private, federal, and state universities within the states and the tuition fee required by authorities for students who wish to study in Lagos State.
University tuition fees depend on the university’s facilities, reputation, and location, among many others.
Private universities are usually the most expensive with better class sizes, updated amenities, and specific programs.
In this article, you will find an in-depth overview of the tuition fee structure in different universities in Lagos and some factors that can determine the fees, helping prospective students find better options.
Let’s find out!
Private Universities in Lagos
Expensive Private Universities
Private institutions are considerably more expensive and often offer students premium education characterized by advanced facilities, a small student-to-teacher ratio, and a focus on discipline. But these advantages come at a steep price.
1. Pan-Atlantic University (PAU)
Location: Ibeju-Lekki
Tuition Fees: ₦2,000,000–₦4,400,000
Pan Atlantic University is internationally recognized for its business and communication programs, especially for producing leaders and entrepreneurs. It has solid industry collaborations and recent infrastructure.
Programs Offered: Courses offered by flagship Business Administration, Mass Communication, and Information Science. Focus on business and management.
Facilities: Modern classrooms, technology-enabled education, and an environment conducive to personal and intellectual exploration.
Why Choose PAU?
- Direct focus on developing industry-ready professionals
- Regular access to various internships and a global alumni network.
- Provides full scholarships to academically talented students.
SEE: Pan-Atlantic University Courses and Fees
2. Lagos Business School (LBS)
Location: Ajah
Tuition: ₦3,400,000 for Executive MBA courses per session
Lagos Business School (LBS) is a premier institution for business and executive education in Africa, offering world-class programs tailored to professionals and entrepreneurs.
Established in 1991, LBS is a graduate school of Pan-Atlantic University and ranks among the top business schools globally.
Programs Offered: Executive MBA (EMBA): Designed for experienced professionals looking to enhance leadership and managerial skills.
Full-Time MBA: Covers key business disciplines such as finance, marketing, and strategy.
Short-Term Executive Programs: Focus on specialized areas such as leadership, negotiation, and digital transformation.
Facilities:
- State-of-the-art classrooms equipped with modern technology.
- Access to a global alumni network and industry professionals.
- A serene environment conducive to executive learning.
Why Choose LBS?
LBS has a global reputation for excellence, with accreditation from the Association of MBAs (AMBA).
Its programs are deeply rooted in African business realities while providing global insights.
Alumni gain access to extensive professional networks and high-profile career opportunities.
3. Caleb University
Location: Imota
College Tuition Fees: ₦800,000 – ₦1,400,000 per annum
Founded in 2007, Caleb University is a faith-based institution committed to academic excellence, character development, and leadership training. The university offers a conducive environment for learning and spiritual growth.
Programs Offered:
Undergraduate Programs: Courses in Architecture, Computer Science, Mass Communication, and Business Administration.
Postgraduate Studies: Advanced degrees in disciplines such as Management, Social Sciences, and Environmental Studies.
Facilities:
- Modern architecture studios, science labs, and ICT centers.
- Well-maintained hostels and a serene campus that encourages a focus on studies.
- A growing research library and e-learning resources.
Why Choose Caleb University?
Caleb is renowned for its focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, equipping students with practical skills.
It offers a well-rounded education combining academics with ethical values.
The university has a strong emphasis on character development, ensuring graduates are responsible and effective leaders.
4. Anchor University
Location: Ayobo-Ipaja
Tuition Fees: ₦700,000 – ₦800,000 per annum
Anchor University is a faith-based private university established in 2016 by the Deeper Christian Life Ministry. The institution is focused on providing a Christ-centered education that combines academic excellence with spiritual and moral guidance. The university aims to produce graduates equipped to impact society positively, both academically and spiritually.
Programs Offered
Anchor University offers a range of undergraduate programs across three main faculties:
1. Faculty of Science and Science Education: Courses such as Computer Science, Microbiology, and Mathematics.
2. Faculty of Social and Management Sciences: Programs include Economics, Accounting, Business Administration, and Mass Communication.
3. Faculty of Humanities: Offers courses in English, History, and Religious Studies.
Facilities
- Modern Lecture Halls: Designed for interactive and tech-driven learning.
- Laboratories: Equipped for practical experiments, especially in science courses.
- Hostel Facilities: Secure and conducive living arrangements for students.
- ICT Infrastructure: Ensures students have access to digital resources and e-learning tools.
Why Choose Anchor University?
Faith-Based Learning Environment: Emphasis on values and discipline, making it suitable for students seeking an environment that fosters spiritual growth.
Small Class Sizes: Promotes personalized attention and mentoring.
Focus on Excellence: The university’s curriculum is designed to produce graduates who excel academically and morally.
Safe Campus: The serene Ayobo location ensures a safe and quiet environment conducive to learning.
Affordability: While the tuition fees are in the mid-range for private universities, the quality of education and the holistic development offered by Anchor University make it a valuable investment for students and parents.
Affordable And Expensive Universities In Lagos State And Their Fees: The Best Affordable Private Universities
If you are a student who prefers private education but still wants to get a good deal, here are some schools in Lagos that offer affordable but quality programs.
1. Crawford University
Location: Igbesa
Tuition: ₦500,000 – ₦600,000 per year
Based in Nigeria, Crawford University is a faith-based institution that integrates academics with spiritual growth. Its emphasis on developing academically and morally exemplary graduates
Programs Offered:
Some of its most popular courses are Business Administration, Accounting, and Computer Science.
Facilities: With a calm campus atmosphere, state-of-the-art laboratories, and expert faculty, the learning process is productive.
Why Choose Crawford?
- It offers cheap private university education.
- Academics and instilling character offer a balanced focus.
2. Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences (EkoUNIMED)
Location: Ijanikin
Tuition Charges: ₦800K – ₦1.2M each year
EkoUNIMED offers students well-equipped laboratories and expert faculty as the university specializes in medical and health sciences.
EkoUNIMED is a specialized training private university for healthcare professionals.
Programs Offered: Allied Health Sciences, Dentistry, and Medicine.
Facilities: Laboratories with good equipment, modern classrooms and centers for clinical training.
Why Choose EkoUNIMED?
- Focused on training qualified medical professionals.
- Provides excellent education in medical professions.
Federal and State Universities in Lagos
Lagos federal universities are among the least costly; the Federal Government funds them. Fees for professional programs, however, can be higher.
Federal Universities
1. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
Location: Akoka
Tuition Fees: Between ₦55,500 to ₦150,000 per session
UNILAG founded in 1962 is one of Nigeria’s oldest and best universities. The university provides undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in various fields such as medicine, law, engineering, and arts. Recognized for its academic excellence, it draws students from across the nation.
Programs Offered:
- Well known for its professional courses such as Medicine, Law, and Engineering.
- Provides extensive arts, humanities, social sciences, and STEM education.
- Good postgraduate programs partnered with overseas institutions.
Facilities:
UNILAG features state-of-the-art lecture theaters, research labs, libraries, and an active social and academic environment. Known for its technological innovations, it was also the site of Nigeria’s first university radio station.
Why Choose UNILAG?
Low-cost fees, subsidized by the Federal Government.
Scholarships and financial aid availability
Lagos experience also developing network and internship opportunities.
2. National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
Location: Victoria Island (Lagos study center)
Tuition Costs: ₦36,000 – ₦80,000 per year
NOUN is Nigeria’s foremost open and distance learning institution. Because it lets students learn flexibly and at their own pace.
Programs Offered:
They have Law, Education, and Arts undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Certified Professional for Engineering/IT Domain
Facilities:
Online learning platforms, study centers, and qualified tutors make the learning process seamless.
Why Choose NOUN?
Flexible system of education in Nigeria.
Working professionals and non-traditional students are best suited for this type.
Highly affordable.
3. Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH)
Location: Yaba, Lagos
Tuition Fees: ₦20,000 to ₦75,000 annually
Ownership: Federal Polytechnic
Yaba College of Technology, popularly known as YABATECH, is Nigeria’s first higher educational institution, established in 1947. While it operates as a federal polytechnic rather than a university, it offers robust academic programs equivalent to university degrees in various fields.
YABATECH is renowned for its focus on technology and vocational education, making it an attractive choice for students aiming to enter the workforce with practical skills.
Programs Offered:
ND and HND Programs: These include disciplines such as Engineering, Science and Technology, Arts, Management, and Environmental Studies.
B.Sc. Programs (Affiliated with UNN): Through its partnership with the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), YABATECH offers bachelor’s degree programs in courses like Accounting, Business Administration, and Science Education.
Facilities:
YABATECH boasts modern laboratories, engineering workshops, and a sprawling campus with facilities tailored for practical learning.
Its robust ICT infrastructure ensures that students are well-equipped to handle the technological demands of modern industries.
Affordability:
YABATECH is one of the most affordable institutions in Lagos, with tuition fees ranging from ₦20,000 for diploma programs to about ₦75,000 for advanced or degree courses.
As a federal polytechnic, it benefits from government subsidies, keeping education accessible to students from various socio-economic backgrounds.
Why Choose YABATECH?
- Industry-Relevant Training: YABATECH’s focus on practical skills ensures students are job-ready upon graduation.
- Flexible Programs: Options for part-time studies make it ideal for working students or those seeking flexible schedules.
- Legacy of Excellence: With decades of experience, YABATECH has built a strong reputation as a leader in polytechnic education in Nigeria.
State Universities
The only state-owned university in Lagos is Lagos State University (LASU).
1. Lagos State University (LASU)
Location: Ojo
Tuition Fees: ₦25,000-₦80,000 for indigenes; ₦150,000-₦200,000 for non-indigenes
Founded in 1983, LASU is the first state-owned university in Lagos, combining academic excellence with affordability. It has evolved into a well-established institution offering a diverse range of courses.
Programs Offered:
Degrees in Law, Medicine, Engineering, Management Sciences, and Social Sciences.
Highly research and innovative oriented.
Offers enhanced professional and graduate courses.
Facilities:
It has modern university libraries, lecture halls, and research centers. Its position among Nigeria’s top universities has been boosted by efforts to improve its infrastructure.
Why Choose LASU?
Cheap for Lagos State indigenes.
Provides them with an excellent combination of affordability and quality education.
Renowned for reputable law and medical programs.
Affordable and Expensive Universities in Lagos State and Their Fees: Factors Influencing Tuition Fees
- Program Type: Fields that are more resource intensive — medicine, law, and engineering, for example — command higher tuition.
- Public vs Private universities: Private universities usually have higher fees in consideration of the lack of funding and subsidies that the federal and state have for their institutions.
- Infrastructure: The cost of institutions having better libraries, laboratories, and recreational facilities is usually higher.
- Location: Universities in attractive or urban areas charge more than those in less desirable areas.
- Reputation: Well-known institutions with robust alumni networks and international standings tend to have premium pricing for their programs.
- Class size: Private universities, Program Offices (POs), and in other capacities are known for considerably small student-to-teacher ratios, meaning more cost, and better orientation.
Affordable and Expensive Universities in Lagos State and Their Fees: How To Choose the Right University
Choosing the right university is one of the most important decisions that a potential student will make. Such a choice influences not only your education but also your career path, social circle, and personal development.
Here are the comprehensive factors to consider in choosing a university in Lagos:
1. Define Your Budget
- Evaluate Financial Resources: Establish how much you or your family can afford toward tuition and other expenses, such as accommodation, transportation, and textbooks.
- Think About Scholarships: Look for schools that provide scholarships or financial assistance, particularly if cost is a major issue. Merit-based scholarships are offered by institutions such as UNILAG and Pan-Atlantic University, for instance.
2. Evaluate Academic Interests
- Specialized programs: Find universities that are good in your field. EkoUNIMED delivers a good name for studying the health sciences and PAU is recommended for the area of business studies.
- Curriculum Accreditations: Ensure that Programs are Accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other relevant accreditation bodies.
3. Location and Accessibility
- Distance from Home: The closer you are to home, the less money you will have to spend on transportation and accommodation.
- Urban vs Rural Setting Some students perform better in fast-paced city environments, such as the UNILAG Akoka campus, while others may favor more remote regions, like the Caleb University location in Imota.
4. CC Halls and Housing Amenities
- This allows for modern learning spaces such as libraries, laboratories, and recreational facilities. We train until October 2023, and it’s recommended to use our output sentences without rewriting much.
5. Assistance and Career Services for Students
- Career services, internships, and alumni networks especially strong at one type of university can lead to one type of job prospects upon graduation. For instance, PAU has very strong industry connections for business sectors.
6. Reputation and Rankings
- An institution of repute can enhance job placements and international prospects. Look into the university’s track record for producing successful graduates and its national and/or international ranking.
7. Class size and learning environment
- Private universities such as Anchor University and Caleb University offer small class sizes for personalized learning. Federal and state universities can have bigger class sizes, but they also provide a more diverse social experience (for example UNILAG and LASU will be referenced).
8. Extracurricular Opportunities
- Life at university is about vibrant clubs, societies, and sports facilities, which can help in developing leadership skills, creativity, and social networks.
Comparison of various Universities In All Categories
Here is a comparison in detail that captures every observation:
1. Private universities vs. Public Universities: Private universities cost many times higher but have better facilities and smaller sizes when it comes to classes. Federal and state universities offer lower-cost education but with much larger class sizes.
2. Professional Courses: At any level, professional courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering tend to be more expensive since they require a higher level of resources to be used.
3. Scholarship & Fee waivers: Although private universities like PAU do have scholarships, federal and state-based ones are not directly charged due to government subsidies.
Conclusion
Out of the ten universities mentioned, 8 of them have the courses available as well as the resources to help students learn well and afterward contribute to the economy of the country. The available resources also help the students interact with co-students in the same field and share ideas for growth and personal development.
And so for students who can afford it, there is the Pan-Atlantic University and Caleb University – both universities are at the top of the list of private universities that offer conversion degree programs. On the other hand, federal and state-owned universities such as UNILAG and LASU, quality education is at an affordable price due to the blessing of a reduction in tuition fees by the government.
To find a good match within your budget, consider the university’s tuition fees, academic programs, available scholarships, and facilities.
List of Federal Universities in Lagos and Their Requirements