Choosing where to study nursing in Nigeria is one of the most consequential decisions you will make. Your school determines your training quality, your NMCN examination performance, your internship placement, and, in an era of international nursing migration, how quickly your credentials are recognised by foreign regulatory bodies like Canada’s NNAS or the UK’s NMC.
This guide brings together everything you need to make an informed decision: an explanation of what NMCN accreditation actually means, a state-by-state overview of top-rated schools, a breakdown of the two main training pathways (diploma and degree), admission requirements, and honest guidance for applicants navigating the 2026/2027 admissions cycle.
What Is NMCN Accreditation and Why Is It the Only Thing That Matters?
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) is the statutory body established under the Nursing and Midwifery (Registration etc.) Act, Cap. N143, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. It is the sole authority responsible for regulating nursing education and practice in Nigeria.
Any school that trains nurses in Nigeria must be accredited by the NMCN. Without NMCN accreditation, a nursing school has no legal authority to produce graduates who can sit for the NMCN licensing examinations or be registered as nurses in Nigeria. In simple terms, if a school is not on the NMCN-approved list, your training there means nothing legally.
As of July 2025, the NMCN has approved over 400 nursing training institutions in Nigeria, spanning Schools of Nursing, Schools of Midwifery, Post-Basic Nursing programmes, and university Departments of Nursing Science. The complete list is available on the NMCN’s official website at https://nmcn.gov.ng/approved-schools/.
Types of Nursing School Accreditation Status
Not all NMCN-approved schools carry the same weight. The Council assigns one of the following accreditation statuses:
- Full Accreditation lasts five years. The school meets all NMCN standards for facilities, faculty, and clinical exposure.
- Provisional Accreditation lasts two years. The school is operational but has outstanding deficiencies that it must address.
- Embargo on Student Intake: The school has been suspended from admitting new students until deficiencies are corrected.
- Denied/Withdrawn Accreditation, the school is not permitted to operate until it undergoes re-accreditation.
Before you apply anywhere to become a nurse in Nigeria, verify that your target school currently holds Full Accreditation, not provisional, not embargoed. Schools on an embargo still advertise admission forms. Do not be deceived by advertisements alone. Confirm directly with the NMCN or check the July 2025 approved schools list on their website.
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The Two Pathways: Diploma RN vs. BNSc Degree
Before selecting a school, you need to understand the two distinct routes into registered nursing in Nigeria because they lead to different starting points on the CONHESS salary scale and have different implications for international migration.
Pathway 1: National Diploma in Nursing (RN) – Schools of Nursing
Duration: 3 years Award: Registered Nurse (RN) certificate Institution type: Schools of Nursing, Colleges of Nursing Sciences, Schools of Nursing attached to teaching hospitals Entry: WAEC/NECO with five credits; some schools require JAMB, others conduct independent entrance exams CONHESS placement on graduation: CONHESS 07
This is the most common route into nursing in Nigeria. It is a professional diploma, not a university degree. Graduates sit the NMCN Final Professional Qualifying Examination to obtain their RN licence. It is widely respected and fully valid for nursing practice. However, for international migration, particularly to Canada, Australia, or the UK, diploma nurses may face additional bridging programme requirements because some foreign regulators prefer degree-level entry.
Pathway 2: Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) – University Departments of Nursing
Duration: 5 years (4 years for Direct Entry) Award: Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) Institution type: University Departments/Faculties of Nursing Science Entry: JAMB UTME + O-level credits + Post-UTME CONHESS placement on graduation: CONHESS 08 or 09
The BNSc is a full university degree. It combines nursing theory, research, and clinical practice across five years. BNSc graduates are generally better positioned for international migration, postgraduate studies, specialist training, and leadership roles in Nigerian healthcare. The degree also qualifies holders for direct entry into nursing at CONHESS 08 or 09, a meaningful salary advantage over diploma-entry nurses from day one.
General Admission Requirements for Nursing in Nigeria
Regardless of whether you are applying to a diploma school or a university department, the minimum academic requirements are consistent across all NMCN-accredited institutions:
O-level Requirements: – Five credit passes in WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB – Must include: English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics – Credits must be obtained in not more than two sittings – Biology and Chemistry are non-negotiable, no exceptions across any Nigerian nursing programme – Some institutions (notably UNILAG) strictly enforce the one-sitting rule
JAMB Requirements (for universities and some schools of nursing): The national minimum JAMB cut-off for nursing in the 2026/2027 session is 180 – However, competitive universities such as UNILAG, UI, OAU, and UNN require scores of 220–250+ in practice – Some Schools of Nursing and Colleges of Nursing do not use JAMB at all, they conduct their own independent entrance examinations
JAMB Subject Combination for Nursing: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English Language
Age Requirement: Most institutions require applicants to be at least 17 years old at the time of admission.
Post-UTME: Universities typically conduct their own post-UTME screening. Your combined JAMB and post-UTME scores determine admission. For the most competitive schools, post-UTME performance is equally important as your JAMB score.
Top NMCN-Accredited University Nursing Schools in Nigeria (BNSc Programmes)
1. University of Ibadan (UI), Ibadan, Oyo State
The oldest and most prestigious nursing programme in Nigeria. The Department of Nursing at UI is housed under the Faculty of Clinical Sciences and has a long history of producing nurses who consistently achieve top marks in NMCN examinations. Students benefit from direct clinical exposure at the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, the first federal teaching hospital in Nigeria and one of the best-equipped in West Africa.
- Programme: BNSc (3 years post-diploma entry or 5 years UTME)
- Competitive JAMB score: 240+
- Why it stands out: Most internationally recognised Nigerian nursing degree; UCH clinical exposure is unmatched; strong research culture
- Website: https://ui.edu.ng
2. University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State
UNILAG’s nursing programme benefits from its location in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital and medical hub. Students undergo clinical training at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), one of the busiest referral hospitals in West Africa, which provides rich exposure to a wide range of complex clinical presentations.
- Programme: BNSc (5 years)
- Competitive JAMB score: 240+; one-sitting O-level results usually required
- Why it stands out: Urban clinical diversity at LUTH; strong research emphasis; Lagos location offers internship and post-graduation employment advantages
- Website: https://unilag.edu.ng
3. University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNN) in Enugu, Enugu State
The Department of Nursing Science at UNN is located on the Enugu Campus and is one of the most established in the South-East. Students train at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla. The programme is known for its strong theoretical grounding and disciplined training environment.
- Programme: BNSc (5 years)
- Competitive JAMB score: 230–250
- Why it stands out: One of Nigeria’s oldest university nursing departments; strong alumni network; UNTH clinical facilities
- Website: https://unn.edu.ng
4. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State
OAU’s Department of Nursing is under the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and is considered one of the strongest in the South-West outside Ibadan. Training is conducted at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), which spans campuses at Ile-Ife and Ilesa.
- Programme: BNSc (5 years UTME; 4 years Direct Entry)
- Competitive JAMB score: 240–250
- Why it stands out: OAUTHC multi-campus training provides diverse clinical settings; strong emphasis on community nursing
- Website: https://oauife.edu.ng
5. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) – Zaria, Kaduna State
ABU in Zaria is the foremost university for nursing education in Northern Nigeria. The nursing programme has trained generations of nurses who have gone on to work across West Africa and abroad. Clinical training is conducted at ABU Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), one of the largest referral centres in Northern Nigeria.
- Programme: BNSc (5 years)
- Competitive JAMB score: 260–290 (one of the highest cut-off scores for nursing in Nigeria)
- Why it stands out: Premier institution for nursing in the North; ABUTH exposure; strong postgraduate and specialist nursing programmes
- Website: https://abu.edu.ng
6. University of Benin (UNIBEN) – Benin City, Edo State
UNIBEN’s College of Nursing is one of the longest-established nursing education departments in the South-South region. Clinical training is at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). The university has expanded its health sciences capacity significantly in recent years.
- Programme: BNSc (5 years)
- Competitive JAMB score: 220–240
- Why it stands out: Strong South-South regional reputation; UBTH clinical breadth; relatively accessible JAMB benchmark compared to UNILAG or UI
- Website: https://uniben.edu.ng
7. Babcock University – Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State
Babcock is the standout private university for nursing in Nigeria. It offers smaller class sizes than federal institutions, modern simulation laboratories, and a values-driven curriculum. Babcock nursing graduates are particularly well-regarded by private hospitals and international recruiters for their discipline and professionalism.
- Programme: BNSc (5 years)
- JAMB score: 160+ (private university threshold); strong O-level results expected
- Why it stands out: Best private university nursing programme; strong international recognition; modern facilities; active alumni in the UK, Canada, and the US nursing sectors
- Website: https://babcock.edu.ng
8. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) – Awka, Anambra State
UNIZIK’s Department of Nursing is under the Faculty of Health Sciences and has grown into one of the strongest nursing departments in the South-East. Students train at NAUTH (Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital) in Nnewi.
- Programme: BNSc (5 years)
- Competitive JAMB score: 220+
- Why it stands out: Strong South-East regional presence; NAUTH clinical environment; growing research output
- Website: https://unizik.edu.ng
9. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) – Ilorin, Kwara State
UNILORIN’s nursing department is known for its academic rigour and disciplined training environment. Students benefit from clinical exposure at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) in a mid-sized North-Central city with a lower cost of living than Lagos or Abuja.
- Programme: BNSc (5 years)
- Competitive JAMB score: 220–240
- Why it stands out: Strong academic culture; UITH training; affordable student living costs; central location between North and South
- Website: https://unilorin.edu.ng
10. LAUTECH – Ogbomosho, Oyo State
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology’s nursing programme is under its Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences and is one of the most respected in Oyo State outside UI. LAUTECH nursing graduates have a strong record in NMCN examinations and international licensing.
- Programme: BNSc (5 years)
- Competitive JAMB score: 200+
- Why it stands out: More accessible than UI for Oyo State candidates; solid clinical training; respected NMCN examination record
- Website: https://lautech.edu.ng
Top NMCN-Accredited Schools of Nursing (Diploma RN Programmes) by Region
For candidates who prefer the diploma route, either because of cost, timeline, or to gain RN registration before pursuing a degree, here are some of the most respected Schools of Nursing across Nigeria’s regions. All institutions listed below hold current NMCN accreditation as of July 2025.
South-West
- UCH School of Nursing, Ibadan: attached to University College Hospital; one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected
- LUTH School of Nursing, Lagos: attached to Lagos University Teaching Hospital; urban clinical diversity
- OAUTHC College of Nursing Sciences, Ile-Ife: NMCN-accredited; conducts its own entrance examination
- Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery (OYSCONME), Eleyele, Ibadan: a state college with full NMCN accreditation
- Lagos State College of Nursing, Gbagada: attached to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital
South-East
- UNTH School of Nursing, Enugu: attached to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital
- NAUTH School of Nursing, Nnewi: attached to Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital
- College of Nursing Sciences, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State; NMCN-accredited
South-South
- UBTH School of Nursing, Benin City: one of the most established in the region
- RSUTH School of Nursing, Port Harcourt: attached to Rivers State University Teaching Hospital
- Bayelsa State College of Nursing Sciences (BYSCONS): full and post-basic programmes available
North-West
- ABUTH School of Nursing, Zaria: attached to Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital; highly competitive
- Dansharif College of Nursing Sciences, Kano: NMCN-accredited
- Kano State School of Nursing: one of the oldest in Northern Nigeria
North-Central
- National Hospital School of Nursing, Abuja: prestigious federal capital location
- UITH School of Nursing, Ilorin: attached to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital
- Federal Medical Centre School of Nursing, Makurdi, Benue State; NMCN-accredited
North-East
- ATBUTH School of Nursing, Bauchi: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital
- Dr. Shehu Sule College of Nursing, Damaturu, Yobe State; full accreditation
- UMTH School of Nursing, Maiduguri: University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital
Newly Accredited and Emerging Nursing Schools to Watch in 2026
The NMCN granted provisional admission permission to several new institutions in 2025 that are pending full accreditation. These include:
- Department of Nursing, Benue State University, Makurdi – provisional
- Department of Nursing, Bayelsa Medical University, Yenagoa – provisional
- Department of Nursing Sciences, Mountain Top University, Ibafo, Ogun State – newly listed
Candidates applying to schools under provisional or pending accreditation should proceed with caution. A school that loses accreditation mid-programme can create serious problems for your NMCN registration. Always verify the current status before committing.
How to Verify a School’s NMCN Accreditation Status
Do not rely on a school’s own website or admission brochure to confirm accreditation. These are self-reported and sometimes outdated. Instead:
- Visit the official NMCN-approved schools list: https://nmcn.gov.ng/approved-schools/
- Download the most recent PDF list (the July 2025 version is the latest as of the time of writing)
- Search for your institution by name and state
- Confirm the accreditation status column reads “Full Accreditation”
- If in doubt, contact the NMCN directly: https://nmcn.gov.ng/contact-us/
Choosing the Right School: Five Honest Questions to Ask
Beyond rankings and prestige, here are the questions that actually determine your nursing education experience:
1. What is the quality of the attached clinical facility? The teaching hospital or hospital where you do your practicum is arguably more important than the school itself. A school attached to a well-run, well-equipped tertiary hospital produces better-prepared nurses. Ask about nurse-patient ratios, equipment availability, and clinical supervision quality.
2. Is the school’s accreditation current and clean? As discussed above, full accreditation without embargo. Always verify.
3. What is the school’s NMCN examination pass rate? Some schools have historically poor pass rates in the NMCN Final Qualifying Examination. If you have connections to nurses who trained there, ask frankly. High pass rates indicate strong academic preparation.
4. What are the realistic total costs? School fees for government schools of nursing range from ₦20,000 to ₦100,000 per year. University nursing programmes vary from ₦150,000 to ₦500,000+ per year for state universities, and ₦700,000 to ₦2,000,000+ for private universities like Babcock. Add accommodation, feeding, textbooks, and NMCN examination fees when calculating the true cost.
5. How internationally recognised is the qualification? If you plan to migrate abroad after training, research whether your specific school’s qualification has been recognised in your target country. BNSc degrees from federal universities (UI, UNILAG, UNN, ABU, UNIBEN) have the strongest international recognition track record. A diploma in RN from a reputable teaching hospital school is generally accepted but may require additional steps in some countries.
FAQ
How many NMCN-accredited nursing schools are there in Nigeria? As of July 2025, the NMCN has approved over 400 nursing training institutions in Nigeria, covering Schools of Nursing, Schools of Midwifery, Post-Basic programmes, and university Departments of Nursing.
What is the best nursing school in Nigeria? Based on academic reputation, clinical training quality, and international recognition, the University of Ibadan (UI) is consistently regarded as Nigeria’s premier nursing school. Other top-tier institutions include UNILAG, UNN, OAU, and ABU Zaria.
Can I study nursing without JAMB? Yes. Many diploma Schools of Nursing and Colleges of Nursing Sciences do not require JAMB — they conduct their own independent entrance examinations. However, all university BNSc programmes require JAMB registration and scoring.
What JAMB score do I need to study nursing? The national minimum is 180 for the 2026/2027 session, but competitive universities require 220–260+. ABU Zaria, one of the most competitive, has been known to admit nursing students with scores of 260–290 in practice. Private universities like Babcock, Madonna, and Igbinedion are more accessible, typically from 140–160.
Is a diploma RN from Nigeria accepted internationally? It depends on the destination country and the specific school. The UK’s NMC, Canada’s NNAS, and Australia’s AHPRA generally assess individual credentials rather than blanket accepting or rejecting Nigerian diplomas. A diploma from a reputable teaching hospital (UCH Ibadan, LUTH, ABUTH) tends to receive better assessment outcomes than a diploma from a lesser-known private school.
How long does nursing school take in Nigeria? The diploma (RN) route takes 3 years. The BNSc degree takes 5 years (or 4 years on Direct Entry for applicants who already hold an RN). Post-Basic programmes for specialist certification typically take 12–18 months.
What happens if my school loses NMCN accreditation while I am enrolled? This is one of the most stressful scenarios in Nigerian nursing education. If your school loses full accreditation, you may be unable to sit NMCN examinations until the school resolves its deficiencies. Always confirm accreditation status before enrolment and monitor NMCN communications annually.
Where can I find schools of nursing currently selling admission forms? NMCN-accredited schools release their admission forms at different times throughout the year. Check https://myschoolgist.com/nursing/ for regularly updated listings of schools currently accepting applications, or monitor the NMCN website directly.
Wrapping Up: Best Nursing Schools in Nigeria 2026
Nigeria has more than 400 NMCN-accredited nursing training institutions, more than enough options for every budget, state of origin, and career goal. The challenge is not finding a school; it is finding the right one and confirming that its accreditation is genuine and current.
Whether you go the diploma route through a respected teaching hospital school or pursue a BNSc at one of Nigeria’s top universities, two things matter above everything else: the quality of your clinical training and the integrity of your school’s NMCN accreditation status. Get both right, and your nursing education will serve you well, whether you practise in Nigeria or eventually take your skills to hospitals in London, Toronto, or Riyadh.
References and further reading:
- NMCN Official Approved Schools List (July 2025): https://nmcn.gov.ng/approved-schools/
- NMCN Approved Schools PDF 2025: https://nmcn.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/New_List_of_Approved_Schools_2025.pdf
- Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN): https://nmcn.gov.ng
- Campus Ninja – All Approved Nursing Schools in Nigeria (2025): https://campusninja.com.ng/approved-nursing-schools-in-nigeria/
- JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Nursing 2026/2027: https://ijlet.com/jamb-cut-off-mark-for-nursing/
- EduRank – Best Nursing Universities in Nigeria: https://edurank.org/medicine/nursing/ng/
- Nursing with Light – Top Federal Universities for Nursing: https://nursingwithlight.com/federal-universities-to-study-nursing-in-nigeria/
