Universities Offering Software Engineering in Nigeria and Their Fees
Software Engineering has become one of the most sought-after courses in Nigeria, driven by the country’s booming tech ecosystem, the rise of remote work, and the global demand for skilled developers. Unlike Computer Science, which leans more theoretical, Software Engineering focuses on the practical design, development, testing, and maintenance of software systems using engineering principles. It is typically a 5-year programme (4 years in some universities that treat it as an option under Computer Science), including a mandatory industrial training (SIWES) year.
If you’re considering this course, choosing the right university often comes down to two things: accreditation and cost. Below is a detailed breakdown of Nigerian universities offering Software Engineering (or a closely related, accredited specialization), grouped by ownership type, along with their estimated fees.
Note on fees: Tuition in Nigerian universities changes almost every session, especially in private universities where increases are announced yearly, and in federal/state universities where “school fees” (as opposed to full tuition) can shift with government policy. The figures below are estimates based on recent sessions and should be confirmed on each university’s official admissions portal before applying.
Federal Universities Offering Software Engineering
Federal universities remain the most affordable route into Software Engineering, with government subsidies keeping tuition low. Admission requires UTME plus, in most cases, a Post-UTME screening.
University
Estimated Fees (per session)
Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
₦50,000 – ₦80,000
Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)
₦60,000 – ₦90,000
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
₦70,000 – ₦120,000
Federal University, Dutse (FUD)
₦45,000 – ₦75,000
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
₦60,000 – ₦100,000
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
₦55,000 – ₦85,000
Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
₦60,000 – ₦95,000
University of Benin (UNIBEN)
₦50,000 – ₦90,000
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka
₦55,000 – ₦85,000
These figures typically cover only official tuition and departmental charges, not accommodation, feeding, or acceptance fees. Fresh students should budget extra for acceptance fees, hostel accommodation, and departmental practicals.
State Universities Offering Software Engineering
State-owned universities sit between federal and private institutions in cost, though this varies significantly by state and by whether you’re classified as an indigene or non-indigene of that state.
Lagos State University (LASU) – Software Engineering under Computer Science/Engineering faculty; indigenes typically pay less than non-indigenes.
Osun State University (UNIOSUN)
Rivers State University
Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil
Ondo State University of Science and Technology
Estimated fees generally range from ₦80,000 to ₦250,000 per session, with non-indigene students often paying two to three times more than indigenes of the state.
Private Universities Offering Software Engineering
Private universities charge significantly more but offer advantages such as smaller class sizes, more stable academic calendars (no strikes), better-equipped labs, and, in some cases, industry partnerships and internship pipelines.
University
Estimated Fees (per session)
Covenant University, Ota
₦1,700,000 – ₦2,000,000+ (Engineering/Computer Science cluster)
Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo
₦700,000 – ₦1,000,000
Bells University of Technology, Ota
₦450,000 – ₦700,000
American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola
₦2,500,000 – ₦3,500,000
Bowen University, Iwo
₦600,000 – ₦900,000
Landmark University, Omu-Aran
₦500,000 – ₦800,000
Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja
₦1,200,000 – ₦1,800,000
Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos
₦1,800,000 – ₦2,500,000
Covenant University, for instance, has recently placed its Engineering/Computer-related cluster (which includes Software Engineering areas of study) among its highest-priced programmes, reflecting the specialized labs and equipment these courses require.
What Determines the Fee Differences?
A few factors explain why the same course can cost ₦50,000 in one school and over ₦2,000,000 in another:
Ownership – Federal universities are government-subsidized; private universities are self-funded and must recover costs from tuition.
Facilities – Universities with dedicated software labs, high-spec computers, and stable power/internet infrastructure charge more.
Accreditation and specialization – Some universities offer Software Engineering as a standalone NUC-accredited degree; others embed it as an option within Computer Science or Computer Engineering, which can affect departmental charges.
Indigene vs. non-indigene status – Applies mainly to state universities.
Additional charges – Hostel fees, SIWES/industrial training fees, and departmental practical fees are often billed separately from “tuition.”
How to Choose the Right University
Before settling on a school, consider:
Accreditation – Confirm the programme is accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and that the specific department (not just the faculty) is approved to run Software Engineering.
JAMB cut-off mark – This varies by institution and changes yearly; check the school’s admissions page or JAMB’s brochure.
Total cost of study, not just tuition — factor in accommodation, feeding, textbooks, and project costs.
Industry exposure – Some universities have stronger tech hubs, coding bootcamps, or partnerships with companies, which matters more for employability than the fee alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Software Engineering different from Computer Science in Nigerian universities?
Yes. Computer Science tends to be more theoretical, covering algorithms, theory of computation, and general computing concepts. Software Engineering applies engineering principles specifically to designing, building, testing, and maintaining software systems. That said, many Nigerian universities still teach Software Engineering as a specialization or option under the Computer Science department rather than as a fully separate degree, so it’s worth checking how a specific school structures the programme.
2. How many years does it take to study Software Engineering in Nigeria?
It is generally a 5-year programme, which includes a full year of Industrial Training (SIWES), usually taken in the penultimate year. Some universities that offer it as an option under Computer Science run it as a 4-year programme instead, so duration can vary by institution.
3. Which is the cheapest university to study Software Engineering in Nigeria?
Federal universities are the most affordable overall, with schools like the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) and Federal University, Dutse (FUD) charging tuition in the tens of thousands of naira per session. State universities are moderately priced (cheaper for indigenes), while private universities like Covenant, Babcock, and AUN are the most expensive.
4. What are the admission requirements for Software Engineering?
Most universities require a minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects — usually English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and one other science subject — obtained at not more than two sittings in SSCE (WAEC/NECO). Candidates must also sit and meet the university’s UTME cut-off mark, and in most cases pass a Post-UTME screening.
5. Can I study Software Engineering without writing JAMB?
Direct Entry is possible if you already hold a relevant ND, HND, or A-Level qualification, which typically grants admission into 200 level, skipping the UTME requirement. However, this route still requires meeting the university’s Direct Entry criteria and, in some cases, an internal screening.