Planning to study at Federal Polytechnic Bauchi (FPTB)? Here’s a 2025 cost of living breakdown for students — including feeding, transport, accommodation, and tips to survive on a student budget.
🏫 Introduction
Living in Bauchi as a student at Federal Polytechnic Bauchi (FPTB) is generally affordable, especially when compared to big Nigerian cities like Abuja or Lagos. However, managing your finances wisely is essential for surviving and thriving on campus.
Whether you're a fresher (ND1/HND1), a returning student, or a parent trying to plan ahead, this article gives you a detailed, realistic, and updated 2025 breakdown of how much it costs to live as a student in Bauchi.
🛏️ 1. Accommodation Costs
Housing is usually the biggest expense. FPTB offers on-campus accommodation, but most students live off-campus in areas like Gwallameji, Yelwa, Rafin Zurfi, and Fadaman Mada.
| Type | Monthly Rent (₦) | Annual Rent (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| On-campus hostel (limited) | ₦15,000 – ₦20,000 | ₦60,000 – ₦80,000 |
| One room (off-campus) | ₦25,000 – ₦35,000 | ₦100,000 – ₦150,000 |
| Self-contained apartment | ₦50,000 – ₦80,000 | ₦200,000 – ₦300,000 |
Tip: Off-campus is more flexible but costs more upfront due to agent fees, caution fees, and furnishing.
🍲 2. Feeding
Food in Bauchi is affordable, thanks to local markets and student-friendly food joints. You can cook your own meals or eat out.
🥘 Monthly Feeding Estimates:
| Feeding Option | Daily Cost (₦) | Monthly Estimate (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking at home | ₦700 – ₦1,000 | ₦21,000 – ₦30,000 |
| Eating out (moderate) | ₦1,000 – ₦1,500 | ₦30,000 – ₦45,000 |
| Mixed (Cook + Eat Out) | ₦800 – ₦1,200 | ₦24,000 – ₦36,000 |
Popular student meals:
- Jollof rice + chicken – ₦1500
- Indomie + egg – ₦800
- Beans & bread – ₦500
- Zobo/kunu – ₦100
- Suya at night – ₦500+
Tip: Cooking is cheaper in the long run. Team up with roommates to buy food in bulk.
🛺 3. Transportation
FPTB is located in Gwallameji, with most off-campus students living within a 10–30 minute ride.
| Transport Type | Cost per Trip (₦) | Monthly Total (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Keke Napep | ₦100 – ₦200 | ₦4,000 – ₦8,000 |
| Motorcycle (Okada) | ₦150 – ₦300 | ₦6,000 – ₦12,000 |
| Trekking (short distance) | Free | Free |
Tip: If you stay closer to campus, you can save money by walking.
📚 4. School Expenses
These vary by department, but here’s a general idea of academic-related expenses.
| Item | Frequency | Cost (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Departmental dues | Per session | ₦2,000 – ₦5,000 |
| Photocopying & printing | Weekly | ₦500 – ₦1,000 |
| Assignment typing | Per assignment | ₦300 – ₦800 |
| Internet/Research data | Monthly | ₦1,000 – ₦3,000 |
Tip: Use the school library for free access to some materials.
🎮 5. Social Life & Entertainment
You won’t only study—you’ll want to chill, too. Students in Bauchi enjoy local hangouts like:
- Peace Park
- Yelwa eateries
- Game centers in Gwallameji
| Activity | Frequency | Average Cost (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Night out / eating out | Weekly | ₦1,000 – ₦2,500 |
| Game centers (PS4/FIFA) | Per hour | ₦300 – ₦500 |
| Cinemas (outside town) | Occasional | ₦3,000+ (with transport) |
Tip: Budget at least ₦5,000/month for entertainment to stay sane.
🧴 6. Personal Care & Miscellaneous
- Toiletries: ₦1,500 – ₦3,000/month
- Haircuts / salon: ₦1,000 – ₦2,500/month
- Laundry (DIY or service): ₦1,000 – ₦2,000/month
💸 Estimated Monthly Total Cost
| Expense Category | Estimated Range (₦/month) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₦8,000 – ₦25,000 (amortized) |
| Feeding | ₦24,000 – ₦36,000 |
| Transportation | ₦4,000 – ₦8,000 |
| Academic needs | ₦1,000 – ₦3,000 |
| Entertainment | ₦3,000 – ₦5,000 |
| Personal care | ₦2,000 – ₦4,000 |
| Total | ₦42,000 – ₦81,000 |
📌 Cost-Saving Tips for FPTB Students
- Live with roommates to split rent and utility bills.
- Cook your own meals when possible.
- Buy items in bulk (garri, rice, spaghetti).
- Use campus resources (free Wi-Fi zones, libraries).
- Avoid impulse spending on clothes, gadgets, etc.
- Get side hustles: photography, online gigs, tutoring.
✅ Conclusion
Living in Bauchi as an FPTB student is manageable with the right planning. You can live well on ₦45,000–₦60,000/month if you're careful, and splurge a bit more if you have support or a side hustle.
Got questions about Bauchi student life? Drop a comment or contact us — we’d love to help you!
📚 References
- First-hand accounts from FPTB students (2024–2025)
- Bauchi local market pricing survey, March 2025
- Federal Polytechnic Bauchi Official Website
- NairaLand FPTB Student Threads (Community Experiences)
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