School Fees Guide 2026
School Fees in Nigeria 2026What Parents Actually Pay by State and School Type
School fees in Nigeria vary dramatically by state, school type and level. This guide breaks down what parents actually pay across the country, with data-backed ranges and practical tools to help you plan.
Fees by Education Level (National Ranges)
Per term unless noted. Ranges cover public, private and premium schools nationwide.
| Level | Low-cost | Mid-range | High-end | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursery & Primary | NGN15,000 - 80,000 | NGN80,000 - 250,000 | NGN250,000 - 800,000+ | Per term. Varies hugely by state and school type. |
| Junior Secondary (JSS) | NGN20,000 - 120,000 | NGN120,000 - 300,000 | NGN300,000 - 900,000+ | Per term. Unity Colleges and mission schools sit in the mid range. |
| Senior Secondary (SSS) | NGN25,000 - 150,000 | NGN150,000 - 400,000 | NGN400,000 - 1,200,000+ | Per term. WAEC-focused schools vary widely. |
| Boarding (add-on) | NGN150,000 - 450,000 | NGN450,000 - 900,000 | NGN900,000 - 3,000,000+ | Per term. Includes accommodation and feeding. |
| University | NGN30,000 - 200,000 | NGN300,000 - 1,200,000 | NGN1,200,000 - 3,000,000+ | Per semester. Federal vs private gap is massive. |
Research partner: To put these fees against income, our sister research firm PollsAfrica tracks Nigeria's current minimum wage and every change to it.
Major Cities: Fee Comparison
Typical day-school fee ranges per term across Nigeria's education hotspots.
| City | Range (per term) | Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lagos (Island) | NGN200,000 - 800,000+ | Highest in Nigeria | Premium international schools on the island. |
| Lagos (Mainland) | NGN30,000 - 350,000 | Wide spread | Many affordable mid-tier options. |
| Abuja (Central) | NGN150,000 - 700,000+ | Rising fast | Maitama, Wuse, Asokoro premium zones. |
| Abuja (Satellite) | NGN25,000 - 200,000 | More affordable | Kubwa, Lugbe, Karu options. |
| Port Harcourt | NGN40,000 - 400,000+ | Oil-driven premium | GRA and expat corridors push highs. |
| Ibadan | NGN20,000 - 250,000 | Generally lower | Strong schools at moderate fees. |
| Kano | NGN15,000 - 300,000+ | Low base, rising | Huge range between community and premium. |
| Abeokuta/Ota (Ogun) | NGN20,000 - 350,000 | Lagos overflow benefit | Many Lagos parents send children here. |
| Kaduna | NGN15,000 - 300,000+ | Moderate | Education hub for Northern Nigeria. |
Detailed State Fee Guides
Click on your state for zone-by-zone breakdowns, hidden costs, and when to consider switching schools.
Use Data to Make Better School Choices
Instead of relying on hearsay, use our tools to compare schools by fees, exam performance and location. Every family's situation is different, so plan with real numbers.
Questions parents ask about school fees
How much are school fees in Nigeria per term in 2026?
It depends far more on school type than on level. A public or low-cost private primary school runs about NGN15,000 to NGN80,000 a term, a mid-tier private school about NGN80,000 to NGN250,000, and a premium private school NGN250,000 upwards. Senior secondary sits higher, from about NGN25,000 at the low end to NGN1,200,000 or more at premium schools.
Which Nigerian city has the most expensive school fees?
Lagos Island, where premium international schools run from about NGN200,000 to over NGN800,000 a term. Central Abuja follows, covering Maitama, Wuse and Asokoro, at roughly NGN150,000 to NGN700,000 and rising quickly.
Where can I find more affordable schools near Lagos?
Lagos Mainland spans roughly NGN30,000 to NGN350,000 and holds many mid-tier options. Abeokuta and Ota in Ogun State run about NGN20,000 to NGN350,000, and many Lagos parents send their children there for that reason. Satellite Abuja towns such as Kubwa, Lugbe and Karu work the same way for the capital.
How much does boarding add to school fees?
Boarding is charged on top of tuition and covers accommodation and feeding. It adds roughly NGN150,000 to NGN450,000 a term at the lower end, NGN450,000 to NGN900,000 in the middle, and NGN900,000 to NGN3,000,000 or more at premium schools.
What do Nigerian universities charge?
Per semester, and the gap between federal and private is the widest in Nigerian education. Federal universities run about NGN30,000 to NGN200,000, while private universities run from about NGN300,000 to over NGN3,000,000.
Are these figures official?
No. They are ranges compiled from public sources and school submissions, published to help families plan. Schools set their own fees and change them without notice, so confirm the current figure with the school before you decide.