You should not attend a school that is not accredited. That’s why we bring you the list of accredited nursing schools in Nigeria so you can apply to the right school.
Nursing is one of the most respected and needed careers in Nigeria today. Every year, thousands of young Nigerians try to get into nursing schools to start caring for others and build a career. But here’s where many people make mistakes – they apply to schools that are not approved.
Not all schools that offer nursing in Nigeria is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). If you attend an unapproved school, your certificate may not be accepted for work or further studies. That means all your time, effort and money will be wasted.
In this 2025 updated guide you will find the full list of approved nursing schools in Nigeria, why approval matters and how to choose the right school for you.
Why Approval Matters in Nursing
And now, before we proceed with the list, let me take you through a small rundown of why approval is very important:
- The Valid Certificate: Only those graduates of approved nursing schools can be licensed by NMCN.
- NYSC qualification: You may not be eligible to go for NYSC in case your school is not approved.
- Employment: Nurses will be unable to work in most hospitals and health organizations due to unapproved schools.
- International standards: in case you will be working internationally at a later date, your school must be internationally recognized.
List of Approved Nursing Schools in Nigeria (2025 Edition)
The list below contains federal, state and private nursing schools that are approved by NMCN as of 2025. We have grouped them by states for easier reference.
2025 List of Accredited Nursing Schools in Nigeria (By State)
| S/N | State | Name of Nursing School / Institution |
| 1 | Lagos State | School of Nursing, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba |
| School of Nursing, Igando | ||
| School of Nursing, Military Hospital, Yaba | ||
| School of Post Basic Nursing, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba | ||
| 2 | Abuja (FCT) | School of Nursing, Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital |
| School of Nursing, National Hospital, Abuja | ||
| 3 | Rivers State | School of Nursing, Port Harcourt |
| School of Post Basic Nursing, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital | ||
| School of Post Basic Midwifery, Elelenwo | ||
| 4 | Oyo State | School of Nursing, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan |
| Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Eleyele | ||
| School of Post Basic Nursing, Psychiatric Hospital, Aro | ||
| 5 | Cross River | School of Nursing, Calabar |
| School of Basic Midwifery, Calabar | ||
| School of Post Basic Nursing, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital | ||
| 6 | Enugu State | School of Nursing, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla |
| School of Basic Midwifery, Uwani | ||
| School of Nursing, Bishop Shanahan Hospital, Nsukka | ||
| 7 | Kano State | School of Nursing, Kano |
| School of Nursing, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital | ||
| School of Post Basic Midwifery, Dambatta | ||
| 8 | Anambra State | School of Nursing, Iyi-Enu Mission Hospital |
| School of Nursing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi | ||
| School of Midwifery, Nkpor | ||
| 9 | Kaduna State | School of Nursing, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria |
| School of Post Basic Nursing, 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna | ||
| School of Nursing, Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna | ||
| 10 | Edo State | University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) School of Nursing, Benin City |
| School of Midwifery, Benin | ||
| School of Psychiatric Nursing, Uselu | ||
| 11 | Ogun State | School of Nursing, Abeokuta |
| Ogun State College of Nursing Sciences, Ijebu-Ode and Abeokuta Campuses | ||
| 12 | Delta State | School of Nursing, Warri |
| School of Nursing, Agbor | ||
| School of Nursing, Eku |
Types of Nursing Programmes
1. Basic General Nursing
- 3 years
- O’Level with 5 credits in English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
2. Basic Midwifery
- 3 years
- Child delivery and maternal health.
3. Post Basic Nursing
- For registered nurses who want to specialize (e.g. perioperative nursing, psychiatric nursing, pediatric nursing etc.)
- 1 year.
4. B.NSc
- Offered in universities
- 5 years
- NYSC after graduation.
Admission Requirements
Before applying make sure you meet the following:
- Age: 17 and older.
- O Level: Minimum 5 credits in each single sitting and a maximum of 6 in two-sittings which should include English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
- UTME: In case of university based nursing programmes.
- Entrance Exam: Most of schools administer their entrance examinations and interviews.
Factors to Consider Before selecting a Nursing School
Selecting the choice of nursing school is not only about location.
These are what to consider:
- Accreditation Status: Please check NMCN web site.
- Facilities and Equipment: Ordinary libraries and labs.
- The Strength of Staff: Trained teachers.
- Best Area to Live: There are regions where the cost of living is cheaper than other places.
- Success Rate in Licensing Exams: Find out how past students performed.
How to Apply
- Check Admission Advert: Newspapers, school website, notice boards.
- Buy Application Form: Online or physical.
- Submit Documents: O’Level results, birth certificate, passport photograph etc.
- Write Entrance Exam
- Go for Interview (If Invited)
- Check Admission List
- Pay Acceptance and School Fees
Why Attend an Accredited Nursing School
- You will be legally licensed to work in Nigeria.
- You can go for NYSC, work in public and private hospitals.
- You are eligible to take foreign tests such as the CBT, IELTS, and NCLEX.
- improved employment prospects upon graduation.
- easier professional advancement through choices for specialization.
FAQs On Nigerian Accredited Nursing Schools (2025)
Is it possible for me to apply to multiple nursing schools simultaneously?
You can, indeed. To improve their prospects of admission, most students will apply to two or three different schools.
Are there good private nursing schools?
Yes, if they are accredited. Some private schools have better facilities than the public ones.
Does JAMB need School of Nursing?
No, most schools of nursing do not require JAMB. But in university-based nursing programmes (B.NSc) one must pass JAMB.
What is the school fee of nursing school in Nigeria?
Fees vary. Private schools cost between 250,000 to 500,000 naira per year while public schools cost between 70,000 to 150,000.
How do I know if a nursing school is accredited?
Contact the school or visit the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria’s website.
ALSO READ: Top 20 Courses That Guarantee Jobs in Nigeria After NYSC
Conclusion
Make sure the school you visit is approved by Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) whether you are going for basic nursing certificate or full B.NSc.
A nursing degree is not just a paper; it’s a means of saving lives and having a good career. Your journey will be easy if you choose the right school and you can present your certificate in universities and in jobs.
So relax take your time and enjoy this guide. And if you attend the right school you can achieve your dream of being a nurse.
