Top 20 Schools of Nursing in Nigeria 2024/2025

Finding the right nursing school can be a big decision, but it’s much easier when you know your options. Did you know Nigeria has some of the best nursing schools in Africa? With over 250 institutions offering nursing programs, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 20. These schools not only provide quality education but also give you the practical skills needed to succeed in the healthcare industry.

Whether you’re aiming to work locally or internationally, graduating from one of these schools can open up many doors. Let’s dive into the best nursing schools in Nigeria for 2024/2025.

Employment Opportunities for Nurses in Nigeria

Nursing offers numerous job opportunities across various settings, making it a stable and in-demand profession in Nigeria. The following roles highlight the versatility of this field:

1. Critical Care Nurse Specialist: Works in adult or pediatric ICU units.

2. Pediatric Nurse: Specializes in pediatric ICU care.

3. General Nurse: Operates across medical and surgical departments.

4. Perioperative Nurse: Assists surgeons in the operating room.

5. Anaesthetic Nurse: Administers anaesthesia in critical care and post-surgery recovery.

6. Midwives & Public Health Nurses: Provide maternal care in community health centers.

7. Renal Nurse: Works in dialysis centers and kidney transplant units.

8. Occupational Health Nurse: Operates in industrial clinics to manage workplace injuries.

Beyond clinical practice, nurses can also advance into health insurance roles, research positions, or become educators in nursing institutions.

Can Men Study Nursing?

Yes, men can absolutely pursue nursing! The notion that nursing is a female-only profession is outdated. In fact, men now make up over 12% of registered nurses in the U.S. according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The opportunities are the same, regardless of gender.

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Specializations in Nursing

Nurses in Nigeria can specialize in a wide range of fields, including:

• Accident and Emergency Nursing
• Anaesthetic Nursing
• Orthopaedic Nursing
• Mental Health Nursing
• Midwifery
• Cardiothoracic Nursing
• Renal Nursing
• Critical Care Nursing
• Pediatric Nursing
• Public Health Nursing

These programs generally last between one to two years and require certification as a registered nurse before enrollment.

Program Duration in Accredited Schools of Nursing

Nursing programs in Nigeria vary depending on the degree:

1. Three (3) years for Basic General Nursing Program

2. Three (3) years for Basic Midwifery Training

3. Five (5) years for a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BN.Sc.)

Admission Requirements for Schools of Nursing in Nigeria

To secure admission into nursing schools, candidates must meet the following requirements:

1. General Nursing Program: 17 years old minimum, five credits in English, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics in SSCE or equivalent.

2 Post Basic Midwifery: Must be a registered nurse with required qualifications.

3. Bachelor of Nursing Science (BN.Sc.): Five credits in relevant subjects, including Biology and Physics, in not more than two sittings.

4. Post Basic Psychiatric Nursing: Registered nurse certification is mandatory.

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Top 20 Schools of Nursing in Nigeria 2024

Here’s the list of the top 20 nursing schools in Nigeria for 2024/2025:

1. UniAbuja School of Nursing, Gwagwalada

2. UCH Ibadan School of Nursing

3. Basic School of Nursing, Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki

4. UNTH School of Nursing, Enugu

5. School of Nursing, Joint Hospital, Imo State

6. ECWA School of Nursing, Egbe

7. School of Nursing, Ahmadu Bello Teaching Hospital

8. School of Nursing, Ogbomoso

9. College of Nursing and Midwifery, Eleyele, Ibadan

10. Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) School of Nursing

11. OAU Teaching Hospital, School of Nursing

12. Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, School of Nursing

13. School of Nursing, Akure

14. School of Nursing, Benin Kebbi

15. Mater School of Nursing, Sokoto State

16. Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Nkpor

17. Oyo State School of Nursing

18. Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, School of Nursing

19. Ondo State School of Nursing

20. School of Nursing, Benin

The Rigors of Pursuing a Nursing Career

The path to becoming a nurse demands rigorous academic and practical training, requiring dedication and resilience. Nursing programs are intensive, covering a broad range of medical knowledge and skills. Students face challenging coursework, hands-on clinical rotations, and long hours of study.

The emotional and physical demands of the profession are equally significant. Nurses often work in high-pressure environments, dealing with life-and-death situations and providing critical care around the clock. Balancing this responsibility with personal life can is sometimes tough, requiring exceptional time management and emotional strength.

Despite these challenges, the rewards of nursing—such as making a tangible difference in patients’ lives—make the journey worthwhile for those committed to the profession.

Wrapping Up

Nursing is not just a career—it’s a calling that brings fulfillment through service to humanity. By choosing any of the top nursing schools in Nigeria, you’re setting yourself on a path to success in one of the most important professions. Select wisely and prepare for a bright future ahead!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which University Has the Lowest Cutoff Mark for Nursing in Nigeria?  

Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU) has the lowest cutoff mark for nursing, set at 140.

Which School of Nursing Was the First in Nigeria?  

The first school of nursing in Nigeria is the School of Nursing Eleyele.

How Many Schools of Nursing Are There in Nigeria? 

Nigeria has 290 approved schools of nursing.

How Many Nurses Are There in Nigeria?

Currently, there are 180,709 registered nurses in Nigeria.