Nursing remains one of the most in-demand courses in Nigeria, with graduates finding steady employment in government hospitals, private clinics, and international healthcare systems. Choosing where to study nursing depends on three factors: the type of institution (federal, state, or private), the fee structure, and the pathway (university degree versus hospital-based diploma). This article breaks down the top nursing schools in Nigeria for the 2026/2027 academic session, along with their tuition costs, so prospective students can plan with accurate figures.
Types of Nursing Institutions in Nigeria
Nigeria offers two main routes into the nursing profession, and each route has different institutions attached to it.
University-based nursing programs award a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) degree after five years of study. These programs combine general education courses, nursing theory, and clinical rotations in a teaching hospital. Graduates from this pathway often have an easier route into postgraduate study and international licensing exams.
Hospital-based Schools of Nursing award a Registered Nurse (RN) certificate after three years of study, sometimes with an additional midwifery program that adds 18 months. These schools operate under teaching hospitals or state ministries of health and focus heavily on clinical practice from the first year.
Both pathways lead to registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), which is the only body authorized to license nurses for practice in the country. A school’s NMCN accreditation status matters more than its size or popularity, since an unaccredited program produces a certificate that cannot be used for professional licensing.
Best Federal Universities for Nursing and Their Fees
Federal universities generally offer the most affordable route to a nursing degree because tuition is subsidized by the government. Below is a breakdown of fees at leading federal institutions for the 2026/2027 session.
| University | Location | Estimated Annual Fee (Indigenes/Subsidized) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Ibadan (UI) | Oyo State | ₦45,000 – ₦75,000 |
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) | Lagos State | ₦65,000 – ₦120,000 |
| University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) | Enugu State | ₦45,000 – ₦90,000 |
| Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) | Kaduna State | ₦40,000 – ₦70,000 |
| University of Benin (UNIBEN) | Edo State | ₦50,000 – ₦90,000 |
| University of Calabar (UNICAL) | Cross River State | ₦45,000 – ₦85,000 |
| Bayero University Kano (BUK) | Kano State | ₦40,000 – ₦75,000 |
| University of Abuja | FCT | ₦55,000 – ₦100,000 |
These figures cover tuition and standard institutional charges only. Acceptance fees, departmental dues, hostel accommodation, uniform costs, and NMCN examination fees are billed separately and can add another ₦50,000 to ₦150,000 depending on the school. Admission into these programs requires a JAMB UTME score, with nursing departments typically setting cut-off marks between 180 and 220 due to high competition for available slots.
Among federal universities, the University of Ibadan holds the strongest reputation for nursing education because of its direct link to University College Hospital (UCH), one of the oldest and most equipped teaching hospitals in West Africa. UNILAG follows closely, drawing strength from its affiliation with Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and its location in a commercial hub with wide clinical exposure.
Best State Universities for Nursing and Their Fees
State universities charge more than federal institutions but remain far cheaper than private options. Fees also differ sharply between indigenes of the state and non-indigenes.
| University | Location | Indigene Fee (per year) | Non-Indigene Fee (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lagos State University (LASU) | Lagos | ₦150,000 – ₦220,000 | ₦250,000 – ₦350,000 |
| Osun State University (UNIOSUN) | Osun | ₦120,000 – ₦180,000 | ₦200,000 – ₦280,000 |
| Ambrose Alli University (AAU) | Edo | ₦100,000 – ₦170,000 | ₦180,000 – ₦250,000 |
| Delta State University (DELSU) | Delta | ₦120,000 – ₦190,000 | ₦200,000 – ₦270,000 |
| Rivers State University | Rivers | ₦130,000 – ₦200,000 | ₦220,000 – ₦300,000 |
State universities are a practical middle-ground choice for students who miss out on federal admission slots but still want a degree-level qualification without the tuition burden of private schools. Indigene status usually requires a state of origin certificate or evidence that a parent works or resides in the state.
Best Private Universities for Nursing and Their Fees
Private universities charge significantly more but offer smaller class sizes, more predictable academic calendars, and, in several cases, their own teaching hospitals for clinical training.
| University | Location | Estimated Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Babcock University | Ogun State | ₦1.4 million – ₦2 million |
| Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) | Ekiti State | ₦2 million – ₦2.2 million |
| Madonna University | Anambra State | ₦1.3 million – ₦1.5 million |
| Bowen University | Osun State | ₦1.2 million – ₦1.6 million |
| Caleb University | Lagos State | ₦800,000 – ₦1.1 million |
| Lead City University | Oyo State | ₦750,000 – ₦1 million |
Private schools appeal to students who want to avoid the intense competition of public university admission and who are willing to pay for a shorter, more predictable path to graduation. Babcock University and ABUAD stand out for strong pass rates in NMCN licensing examinations, largely because both institutions run their own teaching hospitals, which guarantees clinical placement slots for every student rather than leaving students to compete for space at an external hospital.
Best Hospital-Based Schools of Nursing and Their Fees
For students who prefer the three-year diploma route instead of a five-year degree, hospital-based Schools of Nursing attached to teaching hospitals are the standard option. These schools train students directly on hospital wards from an early stage.
| School of Nursing | Location | Estimated Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| School of Nursing, University College Hospital (UCH) | Ibadan, Oyo | ₦150,000 – ₦200,000 |
| School of Nursing, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) | Idi-Araba, Lagos | ₦150,000 – ₦250,000 |
| School of Nursing, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) | Zaria, Kaduna | ₦120,000 – ₦180,000 |
| School of Nursing, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) | Enugu | ₦140,000 – ₦200,000 |
| School of Nursing, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital | Idi-Araba, Lagos | ₦220,000 – ₦250,000 |
| School of Nursing, Federal Teaching Hospital | Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti | ₦150,000 – ₦200,000 |
Hospital-based schools generally require a Post-UTME or an internal entrance examination organized directly by the school, separate from JAMB. Some hospital schools have started requiring JAMB registration in recent admission cycles, so applicants should confirm the current requirement on the specific school’s admission notice before purchasing forms.
Admission Requirements for Nursing Programs in Nigeria
Regardless of the pathway chosen, most nursing programs share a common set of entry requirements:
- Five O’Level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, obtained in not more than two sittings (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB).
- A JAMB UTME score meeting the school’s cut-off mark, which typically ranges from 150 (the national minimum for nursing) to 220 for the most competitive schools.
- A Post-UTME screening score, which most universities combine with the JAMB score to produce a final admission ranking.
- For hospital-based schools, an entrance examination and oral interview conducted by the school itself.
- Age requirements that generally fall between 16 and 35 years at the point of admission, though this varies by institution.
How to Choose the Right Nursing School
The right nursing school depends on a student’s academic strength, budget, and career goals rather than on reputation alone. A student targeting a management or research career in nursing should lean toward a five-year BNSc program at a federal or private university, since a degree opens doors to postgraduate study and international nursing boards such as the NCLEX-RN. A student who wants to start working sooner and at a lower cost can go through a hospital-based School of Nursing, which produces a Registered Nurse in three years.
Budget should be weighed against total cost, not just tuition. A federal university nursing program with a low tuition fee can still require an extra ₦150,000 to ₦300,000 in hostel fees, textbooks, uniforms, and clinical materials each session. Private universities that quote a higher headline fee sometimes include accommodation and materials in that figure, which narrows the real cost gap between public and private options.
Clinical exposure is another deciding factor. A school without a directly affiliated teaching hospital sends students out to competing institutions for clinical placement, which can create scheduling conflicts and reduce hands-on hours. Schools with an in-house teaching hospital, such as UI/UCH, UNILAG/LUTH, and Babcock, guarantee more consistent access to real patient care during training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the cheapest school to study nursing in Nigeria?
Federal university nursing programs and federal teaching hospital Schools of Nursing offer the lowest fees, with annual tuition often falling between ₦40,000 and ₦150,000 before additional charges.
How many years does it take to study nursing in Nigeria?
A Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) degree at a university takes five years. A diploma program at a hospital-based School of Nursing takes three years, with an optional 18-month midwifery add-on afterward.
Can I study nursing without JAMB?
Some hospital-based Schools of Nursing previously admitted students through internal entrance exams without JAMB, but most institutions now require JAMB registration alongside their own screening process. This requirement should be confirmed directly with the specific school before applying.
Is a BNSc degree better than an RN diploma from a School of Nursing?
Both lead to NMCN registration and license to practice. A BNSc gives a stronger foundation for postgraduate study, leadership roles, and international licensing exams, while an RN diploma gets a student into the workforce faster at a lower cost.
What is the JAMB cut-off mark for nursing in 2026/2027?
The national minimum set by JAMB for nursing is 150, but competitive schools such as UI, UNILAG, and UNN typically admit students scoring between 180 and 220 due to high demand for limited slots.