In this article, you will learn about the best nursing schools in Nigeria, their requirements, tuition, and how to apply to any nursing school of your choice. Pursuing a nursing degree in Nigeria is a good choice because Nursing is a highly respected and rewarding profession that requires quality training and education.
Nigeria is a country with several institutions that offers nursing programs to both domestic and international students to help them to develop the skills and knowledge needed to provide high-quality care to patients.
These institutions provide quality education and training to aspiring nurses, the institutions are renowned for their state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculties, and quality/comprehensive nursing programs that cover everything from basic nursing care to advanced clinical skills.
Both public and private nursing institutions offer quality nursing programs, it does not matter if you attend a public or private school of nursing in Nigeria as both are set to provide students with a rigorous and rewarding education that will prepare them for a fulfilling career in the field of healthcare.
What is nursing?
Although we are conversant with the word NURSING, most people don’t know what nursing is all about or what it feels like to take up a career in Nursing.
Nursing is a healthcare profession that focuses on offering care to individuals, families, and communities in other to promote, maintain and restore health and wellness.
Graduates of nursing known and addressed as nurses are responsible for providing a wide range of healthcare services which include assessing patients, and health needs, developing care plans, administering medications, monitoring vital signs in patients, educating patients and their families about their conditions and treatments, and providing emotional support.
This profession encompasses a range of specialties such as critical care nursing, psychiatric nursing, and pediatric nursing among others which are carried out in a variety of healthcare settings which include clinics, schools, hospitals, and community health centers.
This course is challenging but highly rewarding, it offers opportunities for personal and professional, growth, to survive in this field you are expected to possess a wide range of skills and qualities such as compassion, critical thinking, communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.
What are the requirements of nursing schools in Nigeria?
The specific requirements for nursing schools in Nigeria may differ based on the institution, but the following are the general admission requirements;
1. Age: All applicants must be at least 16 years old and above.
2. Educational qualifications: Applicants must have at least five credit passes in their Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) or its equal. English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics should all be included.
3. Health requirements: Applicants must be in good physical and mental health, and a medical report may be needed to prove their fitness.
4. Entrance Exam: Candidates must pass the admissions test for the nursing school to which they are applying. The entrance exam may include questions about general knowledge, fundamental nursing concepts, and critical thinking abilities.
5. Character requirements: Applicants must be of excellent character and may be asked for character references.
6. Language proficiency: Applicants may be required to show English language proficiency, particularly if applying to an English-speaking nursing school.
Top 15 Best List of the best Nursing Schools in Nigeria
Nursing is a highly regarded profession that necessitates a high degree of skill, knowledge, and commitment. Many nursing schools in Nigeria are well-known for producing skilled and competent nurses who make a positive influence on the healthcare industry. Here are some of Nigeria’s top nursing schools:
- University of Lagos College of Medicine
- Obafemi Awolowo University College of Health Sciences
- School Of Nursing, University Of Ibadan
- University of Abuja School of Nursing, Gwagwalada, Abuja
- Imo State School of Nursing Joint Hospital
- The University of Nigeria Nsukka, School of Nursing
- University of Benin (Uniben) School of Nursing
- School Of Nursing, Ahmadu Bello Teaching Hospital
- Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) School Of Nursing
- School Of Nursing, Akure
- Sokoto State College of Nursing
- Mater School Of Nursing
- School Of Nursing, Benin Kebbi
- College of Nursing and Midwifery, Eleyele, Ibadan
- School Of Nursing Ogbomosho (SONO)
#1. University of Lagos College of Medicine
The first on our list of the best nursing schools in Nigeria is the University of Lagos College of Medicine, this college of medicine is the foremost medical school in Nigeria. It is located in Idi-Araba, a suburb of Lagos State, Nigeria.
Unilag college of medicine was established in 1962 and it is currently affiliated with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) which is one of the major tertiary healthcare institutions in Nigeria.
This college offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate medical courses, it is accredited by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Their undergraduate program is 6 years which includes a one-year internship training. The university is highly reputable in Nigeria and its college of medicine has produced many noble and notable alumni in the field of medicine, medical research, and policy making.
University of Lagos College of Medicine comprises three faculties, the faculty of Medical Sciences, the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, and the Faculty of Dental Sciences, they offer postgraduate training in Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Public Health.
#2. Obafemi Awolowo University College of Health Sciences
This college of health science is located at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The college was established in 1988 at the university to provide quality education to students who are interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare sector. The school is a prestigious school known for its excellence in teaching, research, and community service.
This college of health sciences offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in different health science disciplines which include medicine, medical rehabilitation, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, and nursing.
These programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in their respective fields, the education offered is a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
Students get to learn from highly qualified professionals who are experts in their respective fields at Obafemi Awolowo University College of Health Sciences in a very conducive learning environment that encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
Studying nursing at Obafemi Awolowo University College of Health Sciences is a good choice because this university college of health sciences is well equipped with modern facilities which include a state of the art laboratories, research centers as well as teaching hospitals that enable students to gain practical experience and also apply their knowledge to real-life situations.
#3. School Of Nursing, University Of Ibadan
The school of nursing at the university of Ibadan is among the best nursing schools in Nigeria, the school offers one of the best nursing education and training in Nigeria.
It was established in 1952 as a department within the university college hospital, Ibadan, and later became a full-fledged school in 1976. The school of nursing offers a four-year bachelor program of Nursing Science (BNSc) program.
The school of nursing at the University Of Ibadan curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in nursing theory, as well as practical experience in various healthcare settings.
The school of Nursing is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) which is a known body in Nigeria that ensures that the education and training provided by the school of nursing meet national standards.
This university is a top-notch institution that provides students with quality education and learning experiences which makes it a top choice for students seeking to pursue a career in the nursing profession.
#4. University of Abuja School of Nursing, Gwagwalada, Abuja
University of Abuja School of Nursing is the fourth on our list of the best nursing schools in Nigeria, the school of nursing is one of the faculties in this university, and it offers a three-year basic nursing program that leads to the award of a Registered Nurse (RN) certificate.
This school of nursing offers quality nursing programs to its students which provide them with the skills, knowledge, and attitude they need to function well in a variety of healthcare settings as competent nurses.
The programs are been taught by professionals in the field of healthcare who are experienced and extremely qualified. These professionals not only lecture students but involve them in research and community service activities which help them to improve the quality of healthcare in the region.
If you are a resident of Abuja and interested in pursuing a career in nursing, this school of nursing is the best choice for you as it will prepare you for a career in nursing.
#5. Imo State School of Nursing Joint Hospital
This school of nursing is located in Umulogho Obowo, Imo State, Nigeria. It is among the best nursing schools in Nigeria that are dedicated to providing quality nursing education to individuals who aspire to pursue a career in nursing.
The School of Nursing Joint Hospital offers a three-year Basic Nursing program that provides students with the knowledge and skills they need for a successful career in the field of healthcare.
#6. The University of Nigeria Nsukka, School of Nursing
This is one of the best schools of nursing in Nigeria, this school of nursing is located in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. This school of nursing provides students with quality education which help them to do better in the healthcare setting.
University of Nigeria Nsukka, School of Nursing was established in 1972 as a part of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. They offer a four-year undergraduate program in Nursing Science.
The school has produced notable alumni who are professionals and experts in the field of healthcare, the curriculum of education at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, School of Nursing is designed to provide aspiring nursing students with a strong foundation in nursing theories, and concepts as well as practical s skills.
This curriculum covers a wide range of topics which include anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, psychology, medical-surgical nursing, gynecology, community health nursing, obstetrics, pediatrics, mental health nursing, and nursing research.
Graduates of this nursing school are highly sought after in Nigeria and foreign countries because of the level of education and skills they are equipped with which enables them to work in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, clinics, and community health centers.
#7. University of Benin (Uniben) School of Nursing
The seventh on our list of the best nursing schools in Nigeria is the University of Benin (Uniben) School of Nursing, this school of nursing is located in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The nursing school is among the leading nursing schools currently in Nigeria.
This school of nursing offers quality education in the field of nursing which makes it one of the best destinations for students who aspire to become professional nurses. The school of nursing was established in 2001.
University of Benin (Uniben) School of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) program which is a four years undergraduate program that prepares students to become professional nurses both in Nigeria and abroad.
The programs are handled by highly qualified and professional lecturers that are experienced in the field of healthcare, the curriculum covers a wide range of topics including anatomy, pharmacology, physiology, obstetrics, etc.
UNIBEN School of Nursing is a highly prestigious institution in Nigeria that prepares students to become competent nurses in any environment they find themselves both in their home country and abroad.
#8. School Of Nursing, Ahmadu Bello Teaching Hospital
Ahmadu Bello University School of Nursing is one of the most prestigious schools of nursing in Nigeria, the school is located in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The school of nursing was established in 1962 and they offer a three-year Basic General Nursing program.
ABUTH prepares students for a successful career in the field of nursing, their academic curriculum covers a wide range of topics including anatomy, pharmacology, psychology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, gynecology, community health nursing, nursing research, etc.
The school of nursing is equipped with modern facilities such as a library, well-equipped classrooms, a skills laboratory, and clinical facilities in Ahmadu Bello Teaching Hospital and other healthcare institutions in Nigeria.
#9. Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) School Of Nursing
The ninth on our list of the best nursing schools in Nigeria is the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) School Of Nursing, this school of nursing is among the leading and top nursing schools in Nigeria. The school of nursing is popular in Nigeria.
Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) School Of Nursing is located in Idi-Araba, Lagos State, Nigeria, it was established in 1962. The school of nursing offers a three-year Basic General Nursing program and its curriculum covers a wide range of healthcare courses incusing anatomy, physiology, and pediatrics among others.
LUTH as it is called also offers a Post Basic Nursing program in 5 specialties which include Perioperative Nursing, Ophthalmic Nursing, Cardiothoracic Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, and Accident and Emergency Nursing, these programs are prepared to offer quality education and training to nurses who already hold a basic nursing qualification.
#10. School of Nursing, Akure
School of Nursing Akure is among the best and leading nursing schools in Nigeria, this school is a government-owned nursing school. It is located in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.
School of Nursing Akure was established in 1981 with the common aim of training and producing professional nurses who will provide quality healthcare and services to the healthcare settings spread all over the country be it public or private.
This school offers a three-year basic nursing program that leads to the award of a Registered Nurse (RN) certificate., their curriculum is designed to provide students with the theory and practical knowledge and skills they need to become professionals in the field of nursing.
Admission into this school is highly competitive and based on merit because this school is a reputable institution in the country and its graduates are highly sought after in the healthcare industry, they have a track record of providing excellent healthcare services to patients.
#11. Sokoto State College of Nursing
This is one of the best nursing schools in Nigeria, Sokoto State College of Nursing was established in 1977 as a government-owned institution. It is located in Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria, and has been offering quality education in the field of nursing since its inception.
This college offers a three-year basic nursing program that leads students to the award of a Registered Nurse (RN) certificate which is the most recognizable certificate in the field of nursing in Nigeria and every graduate is expected to present this certificate when applying for a job in any healthcare settings in the country.
This college of nursing involves its students in hands-on experience through their well-equipped clinical facilities, laboratories, and classrooms and they focus on some of the popular and well-sought-after courses which include anatomy, physiology, medical surgical nursing, pharmacology, maternal and child health nursing, community health nursing and nursing research.
#12. Mater School of Nursing
Mater School of Nursing is a very famous school of nursing in Nigeria and one of the leading schools of nursing in the country. This school made it to the list of the best nursing schools in Nigeria because of the quality of education it possesses in the field of nursing.
This great school of nursing is located in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, It was established in 1954 by the catholic church to produce highly educated and competent nurses for the country who can serve in the healthcare settings established in the country and provide quality healthcare services to the people of Nigeria.
Mater School of Nursing equips students with both theoretical and practical knowledge and skills they need to function as professional nurses in the healthcare sector. The school offers a three-nursing program which also leads to the award of a Registered Nurse (RN) certificate.
Admission is based on merit as the school is a very competitive and reputable institution. Their healthcare courses include mental health nursing, nursing research, maternal and child health nursing, pharmacology, physiology, and anatomy among others.
#13. School Of Nursing, Benin Kebbi
This School of Nursing is among the best nursing schools in Nigeria. It is a government-owned nursing school that is located in Benin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria. This school of nursing was established in 2015 to train and produce qualified nurses.
This school also offers a three-year basic nursing program, that leads to the award of a Registered Nurse (RN) certificate, students of this school learn from professionals and experts in the field of nursing and their curriculum involves both theoretical and practical learning which helps them to function as learned and professional nurses.
If you are a resident of Benin aspiring to study nursing in Nigeria, this school of nursing is a great choice for you as it will help you to achieve your goals. They have well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, and clinical facilities where students learn and also acquire hands-on experience by providing nursing care to patients.
#14. College of Nursing and Midwifery, Eleyele, Ibadan
This college of nursing is located in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. College of Nursing and Midwifery, Eleyele, Ibadan was established in 1948 as a midwifery school. The school produces skilled and professional midwives that contribute to reducing maternal and child mortality in Nigeria.
It is a highly prestigious college of nursing and midwifery in Nigeria that offers a variety of nursing and midwifery programs including basic nursing, post-basic nursing, and post-basic midwifery programs.
The basic nursing program is a three-year program while the post-basic nursing programs and post-basic midwifery program are one-year programs, the basic nursing program attracts award of Registered Nurse (RN) certificates, the post-basic nursing program leads to the award of specialized certificates in various fields of study while that of pst basic midwifery leads to the award of Registered Midwife (RM) certificate.
#15. School Of Nursing Ogbomosho (SONO)
This is a government-owned nursing established in 1957, School Of Nursing Ogbomosho is located in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria. It is among the best nursing schools in Nigeria and also a leading school of nursing in the country.
This school of nursing offers a three-year basic nursing program and interested students must undergo a selection interview before they can be admitted into the program this is because the program is highly competitive.
School Of Nursing Ogbomosho is a reputable institution that provides students who are enrolled with them quality nursing education in Nigeria. Graduates of the School Of Nursing Ogbomosho are highly sought after in the healthcare industry and have a track record of providing excellent healthcare services to patients.
Which school of nursing is the best in Nigeria?
The top 5 best schools in this piece and Nigeria includes;
1. School Of Nursing, University Of Ibadan
2. Obafemi Awolowo University College of Health Sciences
3. School of Nursing, LUTH, Idi Araba
4. The University of Nigeria Nsukka, School of Nursing
5. School of Nursing, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital
How long does it take to study nursing in Nigeria?
A Basic General Nursing Program, like a Basic Midwifery Training Program, takes three years to finish, but a Generic (BNSc) Nursing Program takes five years.
Which nursing school is the cheapest in Nigeria?
The expense of education varies depending on the school and location; however, the School of Nursing, Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State is thought to have the cheapest tuition among the best nursing colleges listed above.
Best Nursing schools in Nigeria without JAMB?
Some of the best schools of nursing in Nigeria to study in without JAMB include the School of Nursing, LUTH, Idi Araba, Lagos State, and Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Eleyele, Ibadan.
What is the salary of a nurse in Nigeria?
A nurse’s salary in Nigeria varies from N80,000 to N411,000 per month, with nurses working in public healthcare earning more than those working in private healthcare.
Which nursing school is accredited and approved in Nigeria?
All of the nursing schools mentioned in this piece are accredited and approved in Nigeria.
Conclusion
Many top-tier nursing schools in Nigeria provide quality nursing education and produce competent nurses; however, this article only includes the 15 best nursing schools in Nigeria that prepare students to meet the challenges of the nursing profession and make a positive impact in the healthcare industry. Make sure to thoroughly research each institution and consider your personal preferences before applying to make an informed choice.
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