Affordable Universities for Working Adults
Working adults who want a university degree do not always need to follow the conventional full-time route. Part-time, weekend and other flexible programmes allow students to continue working while completing their education.
The cheapest option depends on more than tuition alone. Students should consider acceptance fees, other institutional charges, transportation, accommodation and the number of years required to complete the programme.
For 2026/2027, several Nigerian universities have published relatively affordable part-time options. Wellspring University, for example, lists part-time tuition of ₦225,000 per session for several social and management science programmes, with total session charges before application and acceptance fees starting at ₦335,000.
Why Part-Time Study Can Be Cheaper
Part-time education can reduce the financial pressure associated with full-time university attendance. A working student may continue earning an income while studying instead of leaving employment for several years.
There can also be savings on accommodation and daily transportation, particularly when classes take place during weekends or selected periods. However, these savings depend heavily on where the student lives and how often physical attendance is required.
The National Universities Commission also requires approved part-time programmes to meet academic standards comparable to their full-time equivalents. Approved part-time programmes generally have longer durations than their full-time counterparts.
Universities to Consider
Wellspring University
Wellspring University currently publishes a 2026/2027 fee schedule for its part-time programmes. The university lists B.Sc. Accounting, Mass Communication, Business Administration, Public Administration and Criminology and Security Studies at ₦225,000 tuition per session, while Computer Science is listed at ₦240,000.
When additional charges are included, the published fresh-student totals vary by course. Business Administration, Public Administration and Criminology and Security Studies are listed at ₦405,000 before any additional course-specific charges, while Accounting, Mass Communication and Computer Science can cost more because of laboratory or studio charges.
Ajayi Crowther University
Ajayi Crowther University’s Centre for Part-Time Studies currently lists a new tuition fee of ₦180,000 for its part-time programme. The university also allows students to pay the tuition in three instalments, which can make the programme easier to budget for working adults.
New students are also required to pay an acceptance fee and development fee. Applicants should therefore calculate the complete first-year cost rather than comparing universities using tuition alone.
Olabisi Onabanjo University
Olabisi Onabanjo University operates a Centre for Continuing Education and Development that provides flexible academic pathways. Its current programme information includes both weekend and weekday part-time degrees designed for working professionals and other students with weekday commitments.
The university’s part-time degree programme is currently structured over four years and ten semesters. Listed courses include Accounting and Banking and Finance, with additional programmes available under the centre.
Maranatha University Lagos
Maranatha University Lagos currently advertises part-time degree programmes for the 2026/2027 session with flexible schedules, including a Friday to Sunday option. Its listed courses include Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Computer Science, Information Technology, Cyber Security and several other programmes.
Its published 2026/2027 fee schedule shows different costs by discipline. Education courses are listed at ₦600,000 per session, while several management courses cost ₦750,000 and selected science and computing programmes cost ₦800,000 per session.
Courses Available
Affordable flexible programmes are particularly common in business, management, social science and computing fields. However, availability differs between universities and academic sessions.
Working adults can find programmes such as:
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Banking and Finance
- Economics
- Public Administration
- Mass Communication
- Marketing
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Cyber Security
- Criminology and Security Studies
- Education
Some professional and laboratory-intensive disciplines may not be available through part-time study at particular universities. The NUC’s part-time guidelines also place restrictions on certain fields, so students should verify that their intended course is approved for part-time delivery.
What Fees Should You Expect?
There is no single national fee for part-time university education in Nigeria. Costs vary according to the institution, course, academic session and payment structure.
A useful comparison should include all major expenses:
| Cost | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Application fee | Cost of submitting the admission form |
| Acceptance fee | Initial payment after admission |
| Tuition | Main academic fee |
| Registration | Annual or sessional charges |
| Examination fees | Charges that may apply separately |
| Transport | Cost of travelling to classes |
| Accommodation | Important for students living far away |
| Learning materials | Books, internet and other resources |
For example, a university charging ₦180,000 tuition may initially appear cheaper than one charging ₦225,000. However, payment flexibility, transport costs and other compulsory charges can change the overall affordability.
This is why working adults should compare total cost of study, not just advertised tuition.
Admission Requirements
Requirements depend on the university and programme. Undergraduate applicants generally need the relevant O’Level credits for their chosen course, while some programmes may have additional subject requirements.
The NUC’s current part-time guidelines state that admissions into approved university part-time programmes must go through JAMB. Applicants should therefore follow the current admission instructions for their chosen institution instead of relying on old information about whether JAMB is required.
Applicants with ND or HND qualifications may also have advanced-entry or conversion opportunities at some universities. The specific entry level depends on the institution, previous qualification and proposed degree.
How to Choose the Right University
Start with your intended degree rather than choosing the cheapest university first. A low-cost programme is only useful if the university offers your preferred course and the qualification supports your career plans.
Next, examine the study schedule. If you work Monday to Friday, a programme with weekend classes may be more suitable than one requiring weekday attendance.
You should also calculate the total cost over the entire programme. Consider tuition, acceptance fees, transportation, internet, accommodation and other expenses before deciding which university is genuinely affordable.
Finally, verify the programme before making payment. The NUC states that commencement of a part-time programme must receive approval, so applicants should confirm the current status of the specific programme they intend to study.
Read More: Distance Learning and NYSC in Nigeria: Eligibility, Exemption and What Students Need to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the cheapest university for working adults in Nigeria?
There is no single cheapest university for everyone. Current published fees show that some universities offer part-time tuition at relatively low rates, but the total cost depends on the course and additional charges.
Can I work while studying part-time?
Yes. Part-time programmes are specifically designed to provide greater flexibility for people managing employment, business or other responsibilities.
Is part-time university cheaper than full-time?
It can be more affordable overall for working adults because students can continue earning while studying and may avoid some accommodation and living costs. However, the programme can take longer to complete.
How long do part-time degrees take?
The duration varies by university and programme. NUC guidelines require approved part-time programmes to have a longer minimum duration than their equivalent full-time programmes.
Can I study on weekends?
Yes. Some universities specifically operate weekend programmes. Olabisi Onabanjo University, for example, currently lists weekend part-time programmes through its Centre for Continuing Education and Development.
What should I check before paying school fees?
Confirm the university, course approval, admission requirements, complete fee schedule, payment options, programme duration and class timetable. This helps prevent choosing a programme that does not fit your financial or work situation.
Conclusion
Working adults in Nigeria have several options for obtaining a university degree without following the conventional full-time route. Universities such as Wellspring University, Ajayi Crowther University, Olabisi Onabanjo University and Maranatha University Lagos currently provide different forms of flexible or part-time education.
The cheapest option depends on your course, location and study needs. Before applying, compare the total cost, payment plan, programme duration, timetable and admission requirements rather than choosing a university based only on its tuition fee.
For a working adult, the best university is ultimately the one that combines affordability, flexibility and a suitable degree programme without creating financial or scheduling problems that make completion difficult.
