Requirements to Study in School of Nursing in Nigeria

In this comprehensive guide, let’s look into the detailed requirements for enrollment in nursing schools across Nigeria. Nursing is an exceptionally valuable profession that significantly contributes to the growth of a country’s healthcare system.

Qualified nurses are not just highly sought after but also well-compensated for their pivotal role in the healthcare sector. If you’re considering a career in nursing within Nigeria, understanding the admission prerequisites is key to ensuring a smooth and successful application process.

What are the Requirements for School of Nursing in Nigeria?

Here, I’ll provide a detailed breakdown of the requirements for pursuing a nursing career in Nigeria.

Firstly, it’s important to differentiate between studying nursing at a university and attending a school of nursing. Universities offer a degree program in Nursing, typically spanning five years, while a school of nursing, under hospital management, offers Registered Nursing (RN) programs lasting three years.

For a university degree in Nursing (BSN), the application process typically involves taking the JAMB examination and attaining the required cutoff mark for your preferred university.

However, for General Nursing, leading to the Registered Nursing title, JAMB is not a requirement. Here are the stipulated requirements for enrollment in the School of Nursing in Nigeria:

General Nursing Program

This program, lasting three years, grants successful candidates the title of Registered Nurse upon completion. The current approved entry requirements include securing five (5) O’level credit passes including:

1. Mathematics
2. English Language
3. Physics
4. Chemistry
5. and Biology, not exceeding two (2) sittings from the West African Examination Council (WAEC) or National Examination Council (NECO). Please note that NABTEB results are presently not accepted.

Students with foreign examination board results are required to submit an evaluation report from the Federal Ministry of Education alongside their results. Also, the acceptable age range for admission into the Basic Nursing and Basic Midwifery Training programs is between 18 – 35 years.

Post Basic Midwifery Program

Once you acquire the Registered Nurse (RN) certification, you can opt for a Post-Basic Midwifery program to become a registered midwife. This advanced certification allows nurses to receive a practicing license, enabling them to engage in a work-study program involving a year of professional on-the-job training.

Subsequently, they can specialize in various clinical programs lasting a year, except for the Nurse Anesthetist program, which spans 18 months.

Bachelor of Nursing Sciences (BNSc)

Alternatively, aspiring nurses can opt for a five-year Bachelor’s in Nursing Sciences Degree in various Nigerian universities. The prerequisite for this program includes obtaining at least five (5) credit level passes at not more than two (2) sittings in subjects such as:

1. English Language
2. Biology or Health Science
3. Chemistry
4. Mathematics
5. Physics or any other science subject.

Additionally, certain universities accept additional qualifications from health-related disciplines such as Community Health Officer Training Certificate (CHO), NCE (Physical/Health Education, Science Education, Nutrition, Home Economics), and others.

Masters or Doctorate Degree in Nursing

While not many Nigerian universities offer Nursing studies at the Masters or Doctorate levels, a select few universities provide these advanced programs. Notably, the Universities of Ibadan and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, are among the institutions that offer these advanced degrees.

To further assist prospective students, here’s a list of some top-notch universities in Nigeria that offer Nursing at various levels:

• University of Lagos
• University of Port Harcourt
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka
• University of Jos
• University of Ilorin
• University of Ibadan
• University of Benin
• University of Abuja
• Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
• Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife
• Federal University, Birnin Kebbi
• Bayero University, Kano
• National Open University

Finally, regarding the age limit for nursing in Nigeria, applicants seeking to study nursing in Nigerian universities should ideally be between the ages of 18 to 35 years old. These guidelines aim to facilitate a smooth and informed application process for aspiring nurses, ensuring that they meet the necessary prerequisites for their chosen career path in the noble field of nursing.