10 Best Nursing Schools in Nigeria

Nursing is a noble profession that requires a high level of skill, compassion, and dedication. Nurses play a vital role in the healthcare system, providing care to patients of all ages and backgrounds. If you are considering a career in nursing, Nigeria has many excellent nursing schools to choose from.

This blog post will list the 10 best nursing schools in Nigeria, based on their academic reputation, clinical facilities, and NMCN accreditation. Without further ado, let’s jump in.

Types of Nursing Schools in Nigeria

There are three main types of nursing schools in Nigeria:

1. Degree-Awarding Nursing Schools/Universities

These schools offer Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.NSc) programs, which are four years long. Graduates of these programs are qualified to register as professional nurses with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).

2. Diploma-Awarding Nursing Schools

These schools offer Basic Nursing programs, which are three years long. Graduates of these programs are qualified to register as registered nurses with the NMCN.

3. Nursing Assistant Certificate Programs

These programs are typically one year long and prepare students to work as nursing assistants. Nursing assistants provide basic care to patients under the supervision of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses (LPNs).

Requirements for Nursing School in Nigeria

To kickstart your nursing career in Nigeria, it’s essential to understand the specific prerequisites for different nursing programs. Here’s what you need to join nursing schools in the country:

• Educational Qualifications: For most nursing programs, including Assistant Nursing Certificate programs, you must have at least five O’level credit passes in subjects like Mathematics, English, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics.
• Age Requirement: Typically, you should be at least 16 years old, though age criteria can vary between institutions.
• Medical Fitness: A crucial requirement is a clean bill of health, confirmed through a medical examination, to ensure you are physically and mentally fit for the nursing profession.
• Character Reference: You may need a letter of good conduct or character reference from a reputable source.
• Application Fee: Be prepared to pay a non-refundable application fee; the amount may differ from one school to another.

For Assistant Nursing Certificate programs, the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is not a compulsory requirement. Additionally, the need for interviews varies by institution, so it’s a good idea to check with the specific school you’re interested in.

10 Best Nursing Schools in Nigeria

If you possess the right qualifications for nursing school, here are the 10 best nursing schools in Nigeria to consider applying to.

1. University of Ibadan School of Nursing

The University of Ibadan School of Nursing is one of the oldest and most prestigious nursing schools in Nigeria. It was founded in 1952 and offers a five-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.NSc) program. The school has a strong academic reputation and its graduates are highly sought-after by employers.

2. Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital School of Nursing

The Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital School of Nursing is another highly respected nursing school in Nigeria. It was founded in 1960 and offers a five-year B.NSc program. The school has a strong focus on clinical training and its graduates are well-prepared for the rigors of nursing practice.

3. University of Nigeria School of Nursing

The University of Nigeria School of Nursing is another excellent nursing school in Nigeria. It was founded in 1961 and offers a five-year B.NSc program. The school has a strong academic reputation and its graduates are highly sought-after by employers.

4. University of Benin Teaching Hospital School of Nursing

The University of Benin Teaching Hospital School of Nursing is a well-respected nursing school in Nigeria. It was founded in 1975 and offers a five-year B.NSc program. The school has a strong focus on clinical training and its graduates are well-prepared for the rigors of nursing practice.

5. Lagos University Teaching Hospital School of Nursing

The Lagos University Teaching Hospital School of Nursing is a popular nursing school in Nigeria. It was founded in 1962 and offers a five-year B.NSc program. The school has a strong academic reputation and its graduates are highly sought-after by employers.

6. Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital School of Nursing

The Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital School of Nursing is a well-respected nursing school in Nigeria. It was founded in 1972 and offers a five-year B.NSc program. The school has a strong focus on clinical training and its graduates are well-prepared for the rigors of nursing practice.

7. University of Port Harcourt School of Nursing

The University of Port Harcourt School of Nursing is a popular nursing school in Nigeria. It was founded in 1980 and offers a five-year B.NSc program. The school has a strong academic reputation and its graduates are highly sought-after by employers.

8. College of Nursing and Midwifery, Eleyele, Ibadan

The College of Nursing and Midwifery, Eleyele, Ibadan is a well-respected nursing school in Nigeria. It was founded in 1954 and offers a three-year Basic Nursing program. The school has a strong focus on clinical training and its graduates are well-prepared for the rigors of nursing practice.

9. ECWA School of Nursing, Egbe

The ECWA School of Nursing, Egbe is a popular nursing school in Nigeria. It was founded in 1957 and offers a three-year Basic Nursing program. The school has a strong religious affiliation and its graduates are highly sought-after by Christian hospitals and clinics.

10. Mater School of Nursing, Enugu

The Mater School of Nursing, Enugu is a well-respected nursing school in Nigeria. It was founded in 1958 and offers a three-year Basic Nursing program. The school has a strong focus on clinical training and its graduates are well-prepared for the rigors of nursing practice.

Conclusion

Choosing the right nursing school is an important decision. You should consider the school’s academic reputation, clinical facilities, and NMCN accreditation. You should also consider the type of nursing program you want to pursue and the cost of tuition before making the jump.