Nursing remains one of the most respected healthcare professions in Nigeria, attracting thousands of applicants each year. The profession offers opportunities to work in hospitals, clinics, community health centres, and other healthcare institutions, both within Nigeria and internationally. As the demand for qualified healthcare professionals continues to grow, many students are exploring nursing education as a pathway to a rewarding career in healthcare.
Schools of Nursing and other approved nursing education institutions provide students with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and clinical experience required to prepare for professional nursing practice. Some candidates consider these institutions as alternatives to university-based Nursing Science programmes, while others choose them because of their specific training pathways and clinical learning opportunities.
For the 2026/2027 academic session, prospective students and their parents are searching for reliable information about the cost of studying nursing in Nigeria, admission requirements, and approved institutions. Important details include:
- List of accredited Schools of Nursing in Nigeria
- School fees for federal, state, and private nursing institutions
- Admission requirements and educational qualifications
- Entrance examination dates and application procedures
- Hostel accommodation and other compulsory charges
- Duration of nursing programmes
- Professional examinations and licensing requirements
- Affordable nursing schools in Nigeria
- Private nursing schools and their estimated fees
- Career opportunities after completing nursing training
This comprehensive guide provides an overview of nursing schools in Nigeria and the key factors applicants should consider before choosing an institution. It also explains the importance of checking current fees, admission notices, and programme details before submitting an application.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) is the statutory regulatory body responsible for regulating nursing education and professional nursing practice in the country. Applicants should therefore verify that their preferred institution and specific nursing programme have the appropriate approval before paying application fees or accepting an admission offer.
School fees vary by institution, ownership, programme, and academic session. Additional expenses may include acceptance fees, registration, uniforms, clinical equipment, accommodation, and other approved charges. Since fees and admission requirements can change, candidates should confirm the official 2026/2027 figures directly with their chosen institution rather than relying solely on previously published estimates.
By comparing approved institutions, tuition costs, admission requirements, programme duration, and available facilities, prospective students can make better-informed decisions about where to pursue nursing education in Nigeria.
Understanding Schools of Nursing in Nigeria
Schools of Nursing are healthcare training institutions established to train students in nursing practice, patient care, clinical procedures, healthcare ethics, and community health management.
These institutions are usually affiliated with:
- Teaching hospitals
- Federal medical centres
- State hospitals
- Mission hospitals
- Specialist healthcare institutions
Most Schools of Nursing emphasize intensive clinical and hospital-based training.
Why Nursing Is Becoming More Popular in Nigeria
Several factors have increased interest in nursing education.
International Migration Opportunities
Nurses are among the most globally mobile professionals.
Many Nigerian nurses relocate abroad for better career opportunities in countries such as:
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- United States
- Australia
- Saudi Arabia
Growing Healthcare Demand
Healthcare services continue expanding because of:
- Population growth
- Disease outbreaks
- Aging populations
- Healthcare shortages
List of School of Nursing in Nigeria and their Fees
Stable Career Path
Nursing offers relatively stable employment opportunities compared to many professions.
Diverse Career Opportunities
Nurses can work in:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- NGOs
- Public health agencies
- International organizations
- Schools
- Research institutions
Difference Between School of Nursing and University Nursing Programmes
Many students misunderstand the difference between these educational systems.
Schools of Nursing
Traditional Schools of Nursing mainly focus on:
- Clinical practice
- Hospital exposure
- Practical patient care
These institutions are often hospital-based.
University Nursing Programmes
Universities offer:
- Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc)
These programmes combine:
- Academic theory
- Research
- Clinical practice
- Leadership training
University nursing programmes generally last longer.
Admission Requirements for Schools of Nursing in Nigeria
Although admission requirements may vary slightly across institutions, most schools require similar qualifications.
O’Level Requirements
Applicants commonly need at least five credit passes including:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Accepted examination bodies usually include:
- WAEC
- NECO
- NABTEB
Age Requirement
Most schools require applicants to be at least:
- 16 years old
Entrance Examination
Candidates usually sit for entrance examinations covering subjects such as:
- English Language
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Current affairs
Oral Interview
Successful candidates may proceed to interview stages.
Medical Fitness Requirement
Students are generally expected to be medically fit for clinical healthcare training.
Duration of Nursing Training in Nigeria
Training duration varies depending on programme structure and institution.
major Schools/Colleges of Nursing in Nigeria, their estimated JAMB or entrance cut-off marks, and estimated school fees for the 2026/2027 academic session
Below is a compiled table of some of the major Schools/Colleges of Nursing in Nigeria, their estimated JAMB or entrance cut-off marks, and estimated school fees for the 2026/2027 academic session. Please note that fees and cut-off marks vary yearly and may change depending on the institution, state policies, hostel accommodation, uniforms, and other levies.
| School of Nursing | Location | Estimated Cut-Off Mark | Estimated School Fees (Per Session) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LUTH School of Nursing | Lagos State | 180–200 | ₦230,000 – ₦400,000 |
| School of Nursing UCH | Oyo State | 180–200 | ₦150,000 – ₦200,000 |
| OAUTHC School of Nursing | Osun State | 170–190 | ₦150,000 – ₦220,000 |
| FMC School of Nursing Abeokuta | Ogun State | 160–180 | ₦150,000 – ₦250,000 |
| Sacred Heart School of Nursing | Ogun State | 160–180 | ₦180,000 – ₦300,000 |
| School of Nursing Eleyele | Oyo State | 160–180 | ₦150,000 – ₦200,000 |
| Bowen University Teaching Hospital School of Nursing | Oyo State | 170–190 | ₦180,000 – ₦250,000 |
| School of Nursing Port Harcourt | Rivers State | 170–190 | ₦195,000 – ₦255,000 |
| UPTH School of Nursing | Rivers State | 180–200 | ₦200,000 – ₦300,000 |
| JUTH School of Nursing | Plateau State | 170–190 | ₦150,000 – ₦220,000 |
| School of Nursing Vom | Plateau State | 160–180 | ₦150,000 – ₦200,000 |
| UNTH School of Nursing | Enugu State | 180–200 | ₦180,000 – ₦250,000 |
| School of Nursing FMC Owerri | Imo State | 170–190 | ₦150,000 – ₦220,000 |
| School of Nursing Umulogho | Imo State | 160–180 | ₦180,000 – ₦250,000 |
| AKTH School of Nursing | Kano State | 170–190 | ₦150,000 – ₦220,000 |
| ABUTH School of Nursing | Kaduna State | 180–200 | ₦180,000 – ₦260,000 |
| UBTH School of Nursing | Edo State | 180–200 | ₦180,000 – ₦250,000 |
| NAUTH School of Nursing | Anambra State | 170–190 | ₦180,000 – ₦250,000 |
| School of Nursing Birnin Kebbi | Kebbi State | 150–170 | ₦120,000 – ₦180,000 |
| School of Nursing Katsina | Katsina State | 150–170 | ₦120,000 – ₦180,000 |
| FCT College of Nursing Sciences | FCT Abuja | 180–200 | ₦200,000 – ₦300,000 |
| School of Nursing Makurdi | Benue State | 160–180 | ₦150,000 – ₦220,000 |
| School of Nursing Yola | Adamawa State | 150–170 | ₦120,000 – ₦180,000 |
| School of Nursing Maiduguri | Borno State | 150–170 | ₦120,000 – ₦180,000 |
| School of Nursing Calabar | Cross River State | 160–180 | ₦150,000 – ₦220,000 |
Important Notes
- Federal teaching hospital nursing schools usually have higher cut-off marks because of competition.
- Most Colleges of Nursing now require JAMB results in addition to internal entrance examinations.
- Fees for freshers are usually higher because they include acceptance fee, uniforms, hostel, medicals, and registration charges.
- Private nursing schools are generally more expensive than state-owned institutions.
- Some schools conduct separate entrance exams even after meeting the JAMB cut-off.
List of School of Nursing in Nigeria and their Fees
General Admission Requirements
Most nursing schools require:
- Minimum of five credits in WAEC/NECO/NABTEB including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- JAMB result (mostly 150–200 depending on the school).
- Age requirement usually 16 years and above.
- Passing the school entrance examination and interview.
Basic Nursing Programme
Traditional nursing programmes usually last:
- Three years
Nursing and Midwifery Combination Programmes
Combined programmes may last:
- Four years or longer
University Nursing Degree
Bachelor of Nursing Science programmes generally require:
- Five years
Important Qualities Every Nursing Student Should Have
Nursing requires more than academic intelligence.
List of School of Nursing in Nigeria and their Fees
Compassion
Nurses work closely with patients experiencing pain and emotional stress.
Patience
Healthcare environments can become physically and emotionally demanding.
Communication Skills
Nurses communicate constantly with:
- Patients
- Doctors
- Families
- Healthcare teams
Discipline
Clinical environments require strict professional discipline.
Emotional Stability
Healthcare workers often encounter emergencies and traumatic situations.
Career Opportunities After Nursing School
Nursing graduates can pursue careers across multiple sectors.
Hospital Nursing
Graduates may work in:
- Government hospitals
- Private hospitals
- Specialist clinics
Public Health Nursing
Nurses may participate in:
- Vaccination campaigns
- Community health programmes
- Rural healthcare services
International Nursing Opportunities
Foreign countries increasingly recruit Nigerian nurses because of healthcare shortages.
Academic Careers
Experienced nurses may become:
- Lecturers
- Clinical instructors
- Healthcare educators
NGO and Humanitarian Healthcare
Nurses may work with:
- International NGOs
- Humanitarian agencies
- Emergency health programmes
Major Schools of Nursing in Nigeria and Their Estimated Fees 2026/2027
School fees may vary yearly depending on:
- Government policies
- Accommodation
- Clinical charges
- Institutional upgrades
- Economic conditions
The figures below are estimated tuition ranges for the 2026/2027 academic session.
School of Nursing Lagos University Teaching Hospital
This institution operates within Lagos University Teaching Hospital and remains one of Nigeria’s most recognized nursing schools.
Estimated School Fees
Estimated tuition may range between:
- ₦250,000 to ₦400,000 per session
depending on level and accommodation.
Why Students Choose This School
- Strong hospital exposure
- Experienced healthcare instructors
- Excellent clinical facilities
- Competitive reputation
School of Nursing University College Hospital Ibadan
The University College Hospital Ibadan remains one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected healthcare institutions.
Estimated Fees
Approximate tuition may range between:
- ₦200,000 to ₦350,000 yearly
Major Advantages
- Strong academic reputation
- Broad clinical exposure
- Experienced medical personnel
School of Nursing University of Benin Teaching Hospital
Located within University of Benin Teaching Hospital.
Estimated Fees
Approximate tuition may range between:
- ₦180,000 to ₦300,000
Benefits
- Strong practical healthcare training
- Affordable compared to some private institutions
- Large patient exposure
School of Nursing University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital
This southeastern institution remains highly respected among nursing applicants.
Estimated Fees
Estimated tuition may range between:
- ₦200,000 to ₦350,000
Major Strengths
- Experienced lecturers
- Strong healthcare training reputation
- Competitive clinical environment
Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital School of Nursing
Located within northern Nigeria’s major teaching hospital environment.
Estimated Fees
Approximate tuition:
- ₦150,000 to ₦280,000
Why Students Apply
- Affordable tuition structure
- Strong northern healthcare reputation
- Broad hospital training exposure
School of Nursing University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital
This institution remains popular among South-South applicants.
Estimated Fees
Estimated tuition may range between:
- ₦180,000 to ₦320,000
Advantages
- Strong clinical training
- Exposure to large healthcare facilities
- Good regional reputation
List of School of Nursing in Nigeria and their Fees
School of Nursing National Hospital Abuja
This Abuja-based institution remains one of Nigeria’s highly competitive nursing schools.
Estimated Fees
Approximate tuition:
- ₦250,000 to ₦400,000
Key Benefits
- Federal institution environment
- Modern healthcare infrastructure
- Strong healthcare exposure
ECWA School of Nursing Egbe
This mission-based nursing institution is widely respected.
Estimated Fees
Estimated tuition may range between:
- ₦300,000 to ₦500,000
Major Advantages
- Strong discipline
- Structured academic system
- Good hostel management
School of Nursing Federal Medical Centre Owerri
Located in Imo State within a federal healthcare environment.
Estimated Fees
Approximate tuition may range between:
- ₦180,000 to ₦300,000
Strengths
- Affordable tuition
- Federal medical exposure
- Strong southeastern healthcare environment
School of Nursing Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe
One of the growing nursing institutions in northern Nigeria.
Estimated Fees
Estimated range:
- ₦150,000 to ₦250,000
Benefits
- Relatively affordable fees
- Growing healthcare facilities
- Northern clinical exposure
List of School of Nursing in Nigeria and their Fees
Cheapest Schools of Nursing in Nigeria
Many students search specifically for affordable nursing schools.
Some institutions known for relatively lower tuition may include:
- Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe
- Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital School of Nursing
- University of Benin Teaching Hospital School of Nursing
However, students should understand that affordability may still depend on:
- Hostel fees
- Feeding expenses
- Transportation
- Clinical charges
Most Expensive Nursing Schools in Nigeria
Certain private and mission-owned institutions may charge significantly higher tuition.
Factors contributing to higher fees include:
- Modern infrastructure
- Private ownership
- Hostel quality
- Advanced clinical facilities
Additional Expenses Nursing Students Must Prepare For
Many students focus only on tuition and forget other important costs.
Hostel Accommodation
Accommodation costs vary depending on:
- Institution
- Room category
- Location
Feeding
Students require proper nutrition because of demanding healthcare schedules.
Clinical Uniforms
Nursing students commonly purchase:
- White uniforms
- Scrubs
- Shoes
- Clinical equipment
Medical Textbooks
Healthcare textbooks can be expensive.
Transportation
Off-campus students may spend heavily on transportation.
Examination and Licensing Charges
Professional examinations may involve additional fees.
Why Nursing Education Costs Continue Rising
Several economic and institutional factors contribute to increasing nursing school fees.
Inflation
Nigeria’s inflation affects operational costs.
Healthcare Equipment Expenses
Medical training equipment is costly.
Infrastructure Maintenance
Schools spend heavily on:
- Laboratories
- Clinical wards
- Utilities
- Healthcare facilities
Regulatory Compliance
Institutions must maintain accreditation standards required by nursing regulators.







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