Every aspiring nursing student who secures admission into the University of Lagos wants to know one thing upfront: how much will it cost? The University of Lagos school fees for nursing covers several compulsory charges that every student — fresh or returning — must settle before course registration opens. Getting this information early puts you in control of your financial planning and removes unnecessary stress during resumption.
UNILAG is one of Nigeria’s premier federal universities, and its Nursing Science programme under the Faculty of Clinical Sciences is among the most respected in West Africa. From tuition and acceptance fees to lab charges, ICT levies, and hostel costs, this guide gives you every figure you need for the 2026/2027 academic session — broken down clearly for both new and returning students.
About the UNILAG Nursing Science Programme
The Department of Nursing Science at UNILAG sits within the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, which also houses Medicine and Surgery, Physiotherapy, and Radiography. Students in this department earn a Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.N.Sc) degree after completing a five-year programme. The curriculum is fully accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Nursing Science students at UNILAG benefit from clinical training at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), one of Nigeria’s largest and most advanced tertiary hospitals. This exposure to real patient care, combined with UNILAG’s research-driven academic culture, makes the programme highly competitive. Because the course is laboratory and clinical intensive, it falls under the higher fee bracket at UNILAG — a key detail to understand when reviewing the University of Lagos school fees for nursing.
University of Lagos School Fees for Nursing: Full Breakdown
The University of Lagos school fees for nursing consist of several compulsory components charged each session. The table below shows the estimated fee structure for both freshers and returning students based on the latest approved schedule:
| Fee Component | Freshers (100 Level) | Returning Students |
| Acceptance Fee (one-time) | ₦20,000 | N/A |
| Tuition / Course Registration | ₦69,325 | ₦69,325 |
| Lab / Clinical Sciences Fee | ₦50,000 | ₦50,000 |
| Examination Fee | ₦15,000 | ₦15,000 |
| Medical / Health Service Fee | ₦10,000 | ₦10,000 |
| ICT / Technology Fee | ₦7,000 | ₦7,000 |
| Library Fee | ₦5,000 | ₦5,000 |
| Utility Charge | ₦20,000 | ₦20,000 |
| Students’ Union / Sports Fee | ₦5,000 | ₦5,000 |
| ESTIMATED TOTAL | ≈ ₦201,325 | ≈ ₦181,325 |
Note: These figures are estimates aligned with UNILAG’s latest approved fee schedule (₦176,325 base for clinical courses, plus the ₦20,000 acceptance fee for freshers). The 2026/2027 official charges are confirmed on the UNILAG portal at the start of each session. Always verify at unilag.edu.ng before making any payment.
What Each Fee Component Covers
Understanding what you pay for helps you plan better and ensures there are no surprises during registration. Here is a brief explanation of each charge within the University of Lagos school fees for nursing:
- Acceptance Fee: A one-time, non-refundable charge paid immediately after admission to confirm your place. Without this, access to the school fees portal does not open.
- Tuition / Course Registration: Covers academic delivery, faculty resources, and all course registration processing for the session.
- Lab / Clinical Sciences Fee: Unique to science and health programmes. Covers use of anatomy labs, simulation centres, consumables, and LUTH clinical rotation logistics.
- Examination Fee: Covers the conduct of all semester examinations, including continuous assessment, practicals, and end-of-session exams.
- Medical / Health Service Fee: Grants full access to the UNILAG Health Centre for routine medical care, vaccinations, and health screenings during the session.
- ICT / Technology Fee: Covers access to the university’s computer labs, campus Wi-Fi, and e-learning platforms including the online student portal.
- Library Fee: Grants unrestricted access to the UNILAG main library, e-library databases, online journals, and faculty reading rooms.
- Utility Charge: An annual levy covering electricity, water, and maintenance of all academic facilities used by students.
- Students’ Union / Sports Fee: Funds student association activities, cultural events, inter-university competitions, and on-campus sports facilities.
Additional Costs Every Nursing Fresher Should Budget For
Beyond the direct school fees, first-year Nursing Science students at UNILAG need to plan for several other upfront costs that form part of total first-session expenditure:
| Additional Item | Estimated Cost |
| On-campus hostel accommodation | ₦72,000 – ₦88,000 + ₦28,000 utility |
| NMCN registration (clinical year) | Varies (check NMCN portal) |
| Textbooks and clinical manuals | ₦30,000 – ₦60,000 |
| Nursing uniforms and scrubs | ₦15,000 – ₦25,000 |
| Convocation fee (final year only) | ₦30,000 |
| Feeding and transportation (est.) | ₦80,000 – ₦150,000 per session |
Lagos is one of Nigeria’s most expensive cities. Off-campus students typically spend more on rent and transportation than their counterparts in other university towns. Freshers who do not secure on-campus accommodation should factor private hostel costs — which range from ₦150,000 to ₦350,000 per year — into their total budget.
Returning Students: What Changes from 200 Level Onwards
From 200 Level onward, nursing students no longer pay the acceptance fee or any other one-time admission charge. The core fee structure remains stable across all levels, with the clinical lab levy continuing because practical training intensifies in the upper levels. Returning students at UNILAG pay approximately ₦181,325 per session for Nursing Science.
One critical difference for final-year students (500 Level) is the addition of a ₦30,000 convocation fee to cover graduation ceremony arrangements. This is confirmed at the point of clearance in the student’s final session. Outside of this, the University of Lagos school fees for nursing remain consistent from 200 Level through 500 Level.
How UNILAG Nursing Fees Compare to Other Health Programmes
To give the University of Lagos school fees for nursing proper context, here is a comparison with other health and science-based programmes at UNILAG:
| Programme | Fresher Total (est.) | Returning Total (est.) |
| Nursing Science (B.N.Sc) | ≈ ₦201,325 | ≈ ₦181,325 |
| Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) | ≈ ₦210,250+ | ≈ ₦190,250+ |
| Pharmacy (B.Pharm) | ≈ ₦196,325 | ≈ ₦176,325 |
| Sciences (non-clinical lab) | ≈ ₦196,325 | ≈ ₦140,250 |
| Arts / Social Sciences | ≈ ₦146,325 | ≈ ₦120,750 |
Nursing Science fees sit just below Medicine and Surgery but above non-clinical health sciences. The clinical lab component is the key driver of the higher charge. Compared to private universities offering similar nursing programmes — which often charge ₦800,000 to ₦1.5 million per session — UNILAG remains significantly more affordable.
How to Pay UNILAG School Fees for Nursing
Payment of school fees at UNILAG is fully processed through the official student portal and the Remita payment gateway. No cash is accepted directly at any office. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Step 1: Visit the UNILAG student portal at unilag.edu.ng and log in with your student credentials (JAMB Reg Number for freshers; Matric Number for returning students)
- Step 2: Navigate to the Fees and Payments section on your dashboard
- Step 3: Select your programme (Nursing Science) and academic session to generate your personalised fee invoice
- Step 4: Note your Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) number from the generated invoice
- Step 5: Pay online directly using your debit card via Remita, or visit any commercial bank branch and present the RRR for teller payment
- Step 6: Return to the portal after payment to confirm your payment status, then print your official receipt
- Step 7: Use your payment receipt to complete course registration and access the academic timetable for the session
Freshers who find full upfront payment challenging may qualify for an instalment arrangement. According to UNILAG’s official guidance, the minimum first instalment covers Utility (100%), Toxicology screening (100%), and at least 50% of the remaining obligatory fees. Confirm instalment eligibility on the portal before proceeding.
Admission Requirements for Nursing Science at UNILAG
Meeting the University of Lagos school fees for nursing requirement is only possible after gaining admission. These are the academic qualifications every candidate must present:
- Minimum of five O’Level credits — English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics — in not more than two sittings (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB)
- JAMB UTME score of 200 and above; departmental competition typically pushes successful candidates well above this minimum
- JAMB subject combination: Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- Successful performance in UNILAG’s Post-UTME screening exercise
- Minimum age of 16 years at the time of admission
- Direct Entry candidates must present an ND, NCE, or relevant science-based qualification at the appropriate grade
UNILAG’s Nursing Science programme is highly competitive. Candidates should target a JAMB score of 240 and above, combined with strong A grades in Biology and Chemistry, to remain competitive at the departmental level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is the University of Lagos school fees for nursing in 2026/2027?
The estimated University of Lagos school fees for nursing for freshers is approximately ₦201,325 per session, inclusive of the ₦20,000 acceptance fee. Returning students pay approximately ₦181,325, as the acceptance fee no longer applies. These are based on the approved 2025/2026 fee schedule, with minor adjustments expected for 2026/2027.
Is the acceptance fee included in the school fees total?
No. The acceptance fee of ₦20,000 is a separate, non-refundable one-time charge. It must be paid before you gain access to the school fees payment page on the student portal. Freshers should therefore budget for both the acceptance fee and the school fees separately.
Does UNILAG offer instalment payment for nursing students?
Yes. UNILAG allows qualified students to pay school fees in instalments. The minimum first instalment covers the utility charge in full, the toxicology screening fee in full, and at least 50% of the remaining compulsory charges. Students must apply through the portal and confirm eligibility before selecting the instalment option.
Why is the nursing fee higher than arts and social science fees at UNILAG?
Nursing Science involves intensive laboratory sessions, clinical attachments at LUTH, use of simulation equipment, and consumables for anatomy and physiology practicals. These operational costs justify the higher lab and clinical sciences levy added to the standard tuition. This pattern applies to all health and science programmes at UNILAG where practical work is central to the curriculum.
Can NELFUND cover my UNILAG nursing school fees?
Yes. The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is available to Nigerian students in public universities, including UNILAG nursing students. The interest-free loan covers tuition and living expenses, with repayment beginning after graduation and employment. Students should apply through the NELFUND portal immediately after admission is confirmed.
When is the school fees payment deadline at UNILAG?
UNILAG announces the payment deadline at the start of each academic session. Students are typically required to pay before course registration closes. Late payment attracts a penalty charge, and unpaid fees result in restriction from examination participation. Check the UNILAG academic calendar and the student portal for session-specific deadlines.
Is the school fee structure the same for all nursing levels?
The core fee structure remains consistent from 200 Level to 400 Level. Final-year students (500 Level) pay an additional ₦30,000 convocation fee not applicable to other levels. Apart from this, the University of Lagos school fees for nursing components and amounts remain stable across all returning student levels.
Conclusion
Knowing the University of Lagos school fees for nursing before resumption gives you full financial control over your academic journey. Freshers should plan for approximately ₦201,325 in their first session, while returning students from 200 Level onward budget for around ₦181,325 per session. Add accommodation, textbooks, uniforms, and living costs to arrive at a realistic total first-year budget.
UNILAG offers one of the most respected Nursing Science programmes in Nigeria, and the fees — while higher than non-clinical courses — are significantly lower than private university equivalents. Pay on time, retain all receipts, explore NELFUND if needed, and confirm all figures through the official portal before each session begins. Your nursing career at UNILAG starts with solid financial preparation.