Gov. Buni’s reforms yield results as Yobe University tops list of most affordable institutions in North-East
Story by Sa’adatu MAINA, Damaturu
Access to affordable higher education remains a critical issue for students in Nigeria’s North-East region. With varying tuition structures across state-owned universities, this newspaper examines the costs at four major institutions; Yobe State University (YSU), Bauchi State University (Gadau), Gombe State University, and Borno State University (BOSU).
This research highlights the varying affordability at different tertiary institutions and government policies impacting education.
Yobe State
Yobe University turns out to be the most affordable option for the 2025/2026 academic session. Yobe State University (YSU) maintains some of the lowest fees in the region.
New students pay between ₦39,250 (Social Sciences, Arts, Education) and ₦52,250 (Medical College). While returning students pay ₦36,250–₦49,250, depending on their faculty.
This affordability aligns with Governor Mai Mala Buni’s commitment to accessible education. During his sixth anniversary interactive session at the Government House in Damaturu, Buni emphasised that Yobe charges the lowest university fees in the region, ensuring education remains within the reach of all citizens.
“Our goal is to empower the youth through education, making them self-reliant after graduation, “Buni stated, responding to a question from Sa’adatu Maina, Neptune Prime’s correspondent in Damaturu.
Bauchi State
This has been confirmed to have higher fees and additional charges.
Bauchi State University (Gadau) imposes higher costs, especially for new students due to one-time fees like acceptance and registration charges.
New students pay ₦55,500 (Arts/Social Sciences) up to ₦85,500 (Law/Nursing).
However, returning students pay a slightly slightly reduced fees, though exact figures were not specified.
These fees place Bauchi charges significantly above Yobe, potentially posing a challenge for low-income students.
Gombe State
In Gombe, low charges are only accessible to indigenes. The Gombe State University offers the most affordable rates for indigenous students.
New students pay ₦22,500 (Social Sciences/Arts) to ₦39,500 (Medical/Pharmaceutical Sciences). While returning students pay between ₦21,500 and ₦59,500, depending on their faculty.
The system ensures that Gombe indigenes benefit from heavily subsidised education, though non-indigenes may face higher costs.
Borno State
In the Borno state tertiary institution, there are wide variations based on the faculty of the student. Borno State University’s 2024/2025 fees show sharp disparities across disciplines.
READ ALSO: NGO inspects projects in Yobe, hails Gov. Buni for remarkable development
New students in Medical & Allied Health Sciences pay ₦100,000–₦150,000. While returning students pay ₦96,500–₦146,500 (Medical), ₦36,300 (Science/Agriculture), and ₦33,300 (Social Sciences/Arts).
This makes Borno’s medical programmes the most expensive among the four universities reviewed.
Comparative Analysis: Which University is the Most Affordable with the Lowest Overall Fees
Yobe State University (₦39,250–₦52,250 for new students). Best for indigenes.
Gombe State University (as low as ₦22,500).
Highest Fees: Bauchi State University (up to ₦85,500) and Borno State University’s medical programmes (up to ₦150,000).
Governor Buni’s education-friendly policies in Yobe remain exceptional as they ensure that financial barriers do not hinder access to quality education.
READ ALSO: Congratulations to Governor Buni: A leader known for excellence, by Malam Hashimu Nuhu Hashimu
Meanwhile, Bauchi and Borno may need to review their fee structures to ease the burden on students.
The Role of State Governments
While Gombe and Yobe prioritise affordability, Bauchi and Borno have higher fees, particularly in professional courses like Medicine and Law.
State governments must strike a balance between sustaining university funding and keeping education accessible—especially in a region recovering from insurgency and economic challenges.
For now, Yobe’s model, backed by Governor Buni’s policies, offers a blueprint for affordable higher education in the North-East.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
