The College of Nursing, Amachara operates as a campus of the Abia State College of Nursing Sciences (ABSCONS), a state government-owned institution located near Umuahia in Abia State. This article explains the school fees structure for fresh and returning students, the programmes on offer, admission requirements, and the additional costs candidates should plan for ahead of the 2026/2027 academic session.
About the College of Nursing, Amachara
The College of Nursing, Amachara serves as the main administrative campus of ABSCONS, which coordinates several state-owned nursing and midwifery training centres across Abia State, including campuses at Amachara, Umuahia, Aba, and Abiriba. The institution holds accreditation from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), which qualifies its graduates to sit the professional Registered Nurse (RN) licensing examination and practise as nurses anywhere in Nigeria.
As a government-owned nursing school, the College of Nursing, Amachara maintains a fee structure considerably lower than what most private nursing colleges charge, since it benefits from Abia State government funding support. This funding arrangement also extends to a monthly stipend the state provides to Abia State indigenes enrolled in the Basic General Nursing programme, which further eases the financial pressure on students from within the state.
Programmes Offered at the College of Nursing, Amachara
Candidates interested in the College of Nursing, Amachara can choose from three main training pathways, each with a different duration, entry requirement, and professional qualification at the end.
| Programme | Duration | Entry Requirement | Qualification Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic General Nursing | 3 years | SSCE/NECO holders | Registered Nurse (RN) |
| Post-Basic Midwifery | 2 years | Registered Nurses (RN) | Registered Midwife (RM) |
| Post-Basic Nursing Specialties | 18 months – 2 years | Registered Nurses (RN) | Specialty Certificate |
The Basic General Nursing programme remains the most popular route, drawing intake every September, and is open to secondary school leavers who meet the O’Level entry requirements. The Post-Basic Midwifery programme, by contrast, is restricted to candidates who already hold a Registered Nurse certificate and typically begins intake in March each year.
College of Nursing, Amachara School Fees for Fresh Students
Fresh students admitted into the Basic General Nursing programme at the College of Nursing, Amachara pay tuition that generally falls within the range of ₦180,000 to ₦250,000 per session. This figure covers core academic charges but excludes hostel accommodation and several one-time charges tied specifically to first admission, such as the acceptance fee, medical examination, and initial uniform purchase.
Fresh students entering the Post-Basic Midwifery programme should expect a higher fee range, typically between ₦200,000 and ₦280,000 per session, reflecting the more specialized nature of midwifery training built on top of an existing nursing qualification. Candidates entering any of the Post-Basic Nursing Specialty programmes, which run for periods between 18 months and two years, should similarly budget within the ₦200,000 to ₦300,000 range for their first session.
| Programme / Student Category | Duration | Estimated Fee (₦/Session) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic General Nursing (Fresh students) | 3 years | 180,000 – 250,000 |
| Basic General Nursing (Returning students) | 3 years | 150,000 – 200,000 |
| Post-Basic Midwifery (Fresh students) | 2 years | 200,000 – 280,000 |
| Post-Basic Midwifery (Returning students) | 2 years | 150,000 – 220,000 |
| Post-Basic Nursing Specialties (Fresh students) | 18 months – 2 years | 200,000 – 300,000 |
College of Nursing, Amachara School Fees for Returning Students
Returning students at the College of Nursing, Amachara generally pay less than fresh students each session, since the one-time charges tied to first admission do not apply again once a candidate has progressed past their first year. For the Basic General Nursing programme, returning students should expect a session fee between ₦150,000 and ₦200,000, while returning Post-Basic Midwifery students should budget between ₦150,000 and ₦220,000 per session.
The gap between what fresh students and returning students pay comes down almost entirely to the absence of acceptance fees, medical examination costs, and initial uniform and clinical material purchases in the returning student’s fee breakdown, since these represent one-time costs incurred at the point of first admission rather than recurring annual charges.
Other Mandatory Fees and Charges
Tuition alone does not represent the full cost of attending the College of Nursing, Amachara. Candidates need to budget for several additional charges that apply across both fresh and returning student categories:
| Fee Category | Estimated Amount (₦) |
|---|---|
| Application form (Basic Nursing) | 7,500 |
| Application form (Post-Basic Midwifery) | 8,500 |
| Acceptance fee | 15,000 – 25,000 |
| Medical examination fee | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Uniform and clinical materials | 20,000 – 35,000 |
| Library and ICT fee | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Caution fee (refundable) | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Examination fee (per semester) | 10,000 – 15,000 |
| Hostel accommodation (off-campus estimate) | 80,000 – 120,000 |
On-campus hostel space at the Amachara campus is limited, so many students arrange off-campus accommodation nearby, which typically costs between ₦80,000 and ₦120,000 per year, including agency and agreement charges. Beyond accommodation, students should also plan for feeding, textbooks, transportation, and general personal expenses, which together can add another ₦100,000 to ₦200,000 per session depending on individual lifestyle and spending habits.
Admission Requirements for the College of Nursing, Amachara
Basic General Nursing Programme
Candidates applying for the Basic General Nursing programme need the Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE) or its equivalent from WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB, with a minimum of five credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology. These credits must be obtained in not more than two sittings. Candidates must also be at least 17 years old at the time of admission. Notably, the College of Nursing, Amachara does not require a JAMB UTME score for this programme; candidates apply directly through the ABSCONS admission portal and sit the school’s own entrance examination.
Post-Basic Midwifery Programme
Candidates applying for Post-Basic Midwifery must already hold a valid Registered Nurse (RN) certificate issued by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, along with current NMCN registration and a valid licence to practise. The same five O’Level credits required for the Basic General Nursing programme also apply here. All applicants, regardless of programme, sit a competitive entrance examination followed by an oral interview, and only candidates who pass both stages receive provisional admission.
The entrance examination for Basic General Nursing typically holds around June, following an application window that runs from November through January. The Post-Basic Midwifery examination usually takes place in December, with the application form going on sale between September and November.
How to Pay School Fees at the College of Nursing, Amachara
Payment of school fees at the College of Nursing, Amachara follows a structured process through the official ABSCONS portal:
- Visit the official ABSCONS website using a phone or laptop.
- Log in using the application number; new students without an application number should retrieve one using the email address provided during application.
- Confirm that personal information and fee details display correctly on the portal.
- Generate a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) invoice code for the payment.
- Take the RRR invoice to any commercial bank to complete payment, or pay directly online using a bank card or transfer.
- Print the payment receipt from the portal after successful payment and retain it for registration purposes.
Candidates should only make payments through the official ABSCONS portal and approved bank channels. The college does not authorize payment into personal accounts, and candidates approached by unofficial admission agents promising guaranteed placement should treat such offers with caution.
Why Candidates Choose the College of Nursing, Amachara
Beyond its relatively affordable fee structure, the College of Nursing, Amachara offers several advantages that make it a practical choice for nursing aspirants in southeastern Nigeria. Its NMCN accreditation means graduates hold a nationally recognized qualification that also supports pursuit of further study or international nursing opportunities. The curriculum blends classroom instruction with clinical exposure at government hospitals across Abia State, giving students hands-on training alongside theoretical coursework.
Abia State indigenes enrolled in the Basic General Nursing programme also benefit from a monthly government stipend throughout their training, which meaningfully reduces the overall financial burden compared to private nursing colleges that offer no such support. The Amachara area itself sits close to Umuahia, the Abia State capital, offering a relatively low cost of living and a calm environment suited to focused study, while remaining accessible by road from other major cities in the southeast.
FAQs
How much does the College of Nursing, Amachara charge fresh students in the Basic General Nursing programme?
Fresh students should budget between ₦180,000 and ₦250,000 per session, excluding hostel accommodation and one-time charges like the acceptance fee and medical examination.
Is the fee lower for returning students?
Yes. Returning students in the Basic General Nursing programme typically pay between ₦150,000 and ₦200,000 per session, since first-year-only charges no longer apply.
Does the College of Nursing, Amachara require JAMB for admission?
No. Candidates apply directly through the ABSCONS portal and sit the school’s own entrance examination and oral interview, though the standard five O’Level credits are still required.
Do Abia State indigenes get any financial support at this school?
Yes. Indigenes enrolled in the Basic General Nursing programme receive a monthly stipend from the Abia State government throughout their training.
Can school fees be paid in instalments?
Some flexibility may exist at the discretion of the school’s management, but the standard expectation is full payment before registration. Candidates should confirm current instalment options directly with the ABSCONS bursary office.