Nigerian Graduate Discloses Full Expense Breakdown for Master's Degree at UNILAG
A young Nigerian lady has sparked widespread conversation on social media by publicly sharing the total amount she expended to complete her master's degree at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). In a detailed TikTok video that quickly went viral, she provided a comprehensive breakdown of all costs associated with her postgraduate studies, offering valuable insights for prospective students.
Complete Financial Breakdown of UNILAG Master's Program
The graduate, identified as @gemisoladuyile on TikTok, explained that she applied for the master's program in mid-2025 and recently completed her studies. She emphasized that the costs she shared are specific to her department and may vary for other programs at the institution.
According to her detailed account:
- Application Fee: N40,000
- Initial Admission Payment: N95,000
- Departmental Fee: N30,000
- Additional Departmental Charge: N10,000
- Subsequent Payments: N232,000
"Everything is a total of 407,000 naira," she stated clearly in the video, noting that this represents her complete expenditure for the master's degree in the Department of Theatre Arts.
Department-Specific Costs and Application Timeline
The graduate specifically mentioned that her experience pertains to the Theatre Arts department and cautioned that fees might differ across various faculties at UNILAG. "This is for my department, the Department of Theatre Arts. Departments differ. I don't know the prices for other departments," she explained.
She also provided guidance on application timelines, noting that UNILAG typically opens master's program applications between June and August each year, based on her experience applying in 2025. This information serves as a practical reference for future applicants planning their academic and financial preparations.
Social Media Reactions and Comparative Experiences
The revelation prompted numerous reactions from social media users, with many sharing their own experiences and asking follow-up questions about postgraduate studies in Nigeria.
One commenter named Ethereal inquired: "Sis, is NYSC compulsory as a requirement for masters?" while another user named Nadra shared: "Mine too my total MSc cost 465 excluding departmental fee and form."
Comparative perspectives emerged as well, with abdulquadirsabia noting: "Wow, UNILAG is quite cheap then, I spent 622.5k in Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye." Another user named The Similoluwa Awe provided context for law programs: "For LLM, full time 700k - 750k, for part-time 2 years, 1.2million."
These exchanges highlight the varying costs across Nigerian universities and programs, underscoring the importance of thorough research before committing to postgraduate studies.
Broader Context of Nigerian Postgraduate Education
This personal account comes amid ongoing discussions about the affordability and accessibility of higher education in Nigeria. The detailed breakdown provides tangible data for prospective students budgeting for advanced degrees, particularly as university fees continue to evolve across the country.
The graduate's transparency has created a valuable reference point for those considering similar educational paths, while also prompting broader conversations about educational financing and planning in Nigeria's current economic climate.
