Nursing is one of the most sought-after professions in Nigeria due to its high employability, competitive salaries, and the opportunity for global practice. However, the path to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) starts with choosing the right institution. However, with the increasing number of institutions, finding the right School of Nursing in Nigeria that fits your budget and career goals can be overwhelming. You must choose school according to your budget.
In Nigeria, nursing education is primarily delivered through two pathways: Colleges of Nursing Sciences (which award an ND/HND) and Universities (which award a Bachelor of Nursing Science, BNSc).

This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the accredited schools of nursing across Nigeria, their current school fees for the 2026/2027 academic session, and the admission requirements you need to know.

Nursing education in Nigeria is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). There are three primary pathways to becoming a registered nurse (RN).

It’s important we understand the three main categories of nursing institutions:

• Federal Schools/Universities: Generally the most affordable. They are funded by the Federal Government.
• State Schools/Universities: Owned by state governments. Fees are moderate but often slightly higher than federal institutions.
• Private Schools/Universities: These offer the best facilities and faster academic calendars but come with significantly higher tuition fees. They are known as Schools of Nursing, Colleges Of Nursing, etc.

Types of Nursing Schools in Nigeria

• Basic Nursing: It could be Schools of Nursing across the Federation, and it’s a 3-year program leading to the Registered Nurse (RN) certificate.
• ND/HND Nursing (College-Based): This is a 4-year program that awards both a National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Nursing.
• B.N.Sc. Nursing (University-Based): A 5-year academic degree program leading to a Bachelor of Nursing Science, RN, and RM (Registered Midwife) certifications. That is, they could be either State or Federal Schools/Universities. They’re the most affordable. They are funded by the Federal Government.

Top Schools of Nursing in Nigeria and Their Estimated Fees

School fees for nursing programs vary significantly depending on whether the institution is federal, state, or private.

1. Federal Schools of Nursing

Federal schools are generally the most affordable due to government subsidies. They often have high standards and competitive admission processes.

• School of Nursing, University College Hospital (UCH) | Ibadan, Oyo | ₦150,000 – ₦250,000 |
• FCT School of Nursing, Gwagwalada  Abuja | ₦School of Nursing, 180,000 – ₦220,000 |
• University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) | Benin City, Edo | ₦150,000 – ₦200,000 |180,000 – ₦220,000
• 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 – ₦190,000

2. 5 Top Schools of Nursing And Their Fees

State-owned colleges/universities are slightly more expensive than federal ones but remain accessible for many residents.

• Ogun State College of Nursing Sciences | Abeokuta/Ilaro | ₦200,000 – ₦280,000 |
• Lagos State College of Nursing (LASCON) | Igando, Lagos | ₦250,000 – ₦350,000 |
• Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery | Eleyele, Ibadan | ₦180,000 – ₦240,000 |
• Kwara State College of Nursing | Ilorin | ₦150,000 – ₦210,000 |
• Delta State School of Nursing | Warri/Eku | ₦160,000 – ₦230,000 |

3. Private Nursing Schools and Universities

Private institutions offer faster academic calendars and modern facilities but come with significantly higher tuition fees.

• Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) | University | ₦2,500,000 – ₦3,300,000 |
• Babcock University | University | ₦650,000 – ₦900,000 |
• Igbinedion University | University | ₦850,000 – ₦1,200,000 |
• Lead City University | University | ₦650,000 – ₦800,000 |
• St. Gerard’s Catholic Hospital, School of Nursing | Hospital | ₦250,000 – ₦400,000

Admission Requirements for Nursing in Nigeria

To be eligible for admission into most nursing schools either government or private in Nigeria, you must meet the following criteria. Although, there are privates that do not require JAMB for admission, click here to see them.

• O’Level Results: You must have at least five (5) credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. These must be obtained in no more than two sittings (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB).
•   Age Limit: Most schools require applicants to be at least 16 or 17 years old at the time of application.
• Entrance Exam: For hospital-based schools, you must pass a written entrance examination covering English, Science, and General Knowledge.
•   JAMB (for Degree/ND Programs): If you are applying to a University or a College of Nursing for an ND/HND, you must sit for the UTME. The required subject combination is English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Top 5 Cheapest Schools of Nursing in Nigeria

If you are on a tight or low budget, these schools are known for being the most cost-effective:

1. School of Nursing, Maiduguri (Borno State): Fees range between ₦75,000 and ₦110,000.
2.   Kano State College of Nursing: Fees are approximately ₦70,000 to ₦115,000 for indigenes.
3. Katsina State School of Nursing: Known for heavy government subsidies, keeping fees below ₦100,000 for many students.
4. School of Nursing, ABSUTH (Abia State): Offers quality training with fees starting around ₦85,000.
5. School of Nursing, Umuahia: Another affordable option in the South-East with competitive rates.

What You Should Know Before Choosing a Nursing School

• Accreditation Status: Always check the NMCN official website to ensure the school is accredited. Graduating from an unaccredited school means you cannot be licensed to practice.
• Clinical Exposure: Schools attached to Teaching Hospitals (like UCH, UBTH, or LUTH) offer superior clinical experience because of the high volume of patients.
• Location: Consider the cost of living in the city where the school is located. Schools in Lagos or Abuja will have higher peripheral costs (feeding, transportation) than those in smaller towns.
• Hostel Facilities: Many nursing schools require students to live on campus for the first year or two. Check if the hostel fee is included in the tuition.

How to apply to school of nursing in nigeria

Step-by-Step guide to follow when applying to any schools of nursing.

• Monitor Official Portals: Most schools release their forms between March and July every year.
• Purchase the Form: This is usually done online via the school’s official portal or at a designated bank. Prices range from ₦10,000 to ₦20,000.
• Prepare for Exams: Focus on your O’level sciences and basic current affairs.
• Attend the Interview: If you pass the entrance exam, you will be invited for an oral interview. Dress professionally and be prepared to discuss your passion for nursing.

What you should know

Nursing is a high-demand profession both in Nigeria and abroad. While the fees vary, the quality of education in Nigerian nursing schools remains competitive. Whether you choose a federal, state, or private institution, ensure it aligns with your financial capacity and career aspirations.