As of December 2025, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) had approved 290 nursing training institutions, including Colleges of Nursing Sciences, Schools of Midwifery, Post-Basic Nursing Schools, and university Departments of Nursing Sciences.
This comprehensive guide ranks some of the best nursing schools in Nigeria for 2026, explains their estimated school fees, admission requirements, accreditation status, and what makes each institution stand out.
How We Ranked These Nursing Schools
This ranking considers several important factors:
- NMCN accreditation
- Academic reputation
- Clinical training opportunities
- Teaching hospital affiliations
- Graduate employability
- Research output
- Facilities and laboratories
- Student support services
- Affordability
- Professional licensing success
Understanding Nursing Education in Nigeria
Before diving into the rankings, it is essential to understand the structure of nursing education in Nigeria. Nursing programs are offered at various levels:
- Basic Nursing Programs – 3 years, leading to a Registered Nurse (RN) certificate
- Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) – 5 years, university-based degree program
- Post-Basic Nursing Programs – 18 months to 2 years
- Specialized Nursing Programs – 1 to 2 years
All programs must be approved by the NMCN, and graduates must pass the NMCN qualifying examination to practice as registered nurses in Nigeria
Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Nigeria 2026
#1 University of Ibadan (UI) – The Gold Standard
Location: Ibadan, Oyo State
Program: BNSc (5 years)
JAMB Cut-Off: 200
Annual Fees: ₦218,050 – ₦355,550
Nigeria’s finest university, the University of Ibadan, is ranked as the best institution for nursing education in Nigeria. The University College Hospital (UCH) is one of Nigeria’s largest and most respected teaching hospitals and provides world-class clinical training for its rigorous academic nursing program.
Why it’s #1:
- Nigeria’s Most Oldest & Prestigious University
- Excellent clinical training at UCH Ibadan
- The entrance process is highly competitive, resulting in high quality student influx
- Good performance in NMCN qualification examinations
- Great career opportunities for grads
The School of Nursing, UCH Ibadan (founded in 1952) is linked to the University of Ibadan and runs a distinct 3-year Basic Nursing curriculum that leads to RN Certification with costs ranging from ₦250,000 to ₦300,000 for new students (excluding a ₦10,000 acceptance fee).
#2 University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – The Eastern Powerhouse
Location: Nsukka, Enugu State
Program: BNSc (5 years)
JAMB Cut-Off: 200
Annual Fees: Approximately ₦243,900
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has one of the best rated nursing programs in Nigeria at one of the most recognized federal universities. The College of Nursing Sciences at UNN has full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Why It’s #2:
– Highly reputable nursing program
– Strong reputation and high academic standards
– Full clinical training at UNTH Enugu
– Highly competitive but very rewarding admission process
Fee Breakdown: Costs for students of Nursing Science at UNN are approximately ₦189,240 for the 100 level. For 200 to 400 level students the fees are about ₦172,200, and the final year fees are about ₦180,000+.
#3 Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – The Western Jewel
Location: Ile-Ife, Osun State
Program: BNSc (5 years)
JAMB Cut-Off: 200
Annual Fees: ₦128,200 – ₦190,000
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) is one of the most beautiful universities in Nigeria and one of the most academically challenging. The nursing program is well established, and students complete their clinical training at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTHC).
Why It’s #3:
– Excellent academic reputation
– Modern teaching hospital providing clinical exposure
– Relatively low fees for a federal university
– Good alumni network
#4 University of Lagos (UNILAG) – The Urban Advantage
Location: Lagos, Lagos State
Program: BNSc (5 years)
JAMB Cut-Off: 200
Annual Fees: ₦140,250 – ₦190,250
UNILAG has one of the best nursing programs in Nigeria’s commercial capital and a choice placement for many students as it provides easy access to LUTH (Lagos University Teaching Hospital) for clinical training.
Why It’s #4:
– Access to the best urban clinical training networks
– Located in the largest city in Nigeria, with the most diverse healthcare
– Modern facilities and equipment
– Strong career connections with the healthcare industry
#5 Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) – The Northern Giant
Location: Zaria, Kaduna State
Program: BNSc (5 years)
JAMB Cut-Off: 180
Annual Fees: ₦74,000 – ₦78,875
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) provides one of the best-value federal nursing programs in Nigeria, with quality nursing education. Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) provides excellent clinical nursing education and training.
Ranking #5 is justified due to:
– Best value federal nursing program
– Excellent clinical training at ABUTH Zaria
– Best northern Nigerian nursing school
– Affordable and good value program
ABUTH School of Nursing, basic nursing is a 3-year program, and tuition per academic session is between ₦100,000 to ₦180,000.
#6 University of Benin (UNIBEN)
Location: Benin City, Edo State
Program: BNSc (5 years)
JAMB Cut-Off: 200
Annual Fees: ₦88,250 – ₦119,200
The University of Benin (UNIBEN) is one of the best nursing universities with strong clinical training at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
Ranking #6 is justified due to:
– Excellent clinical training with UBTH
– Affordable federal university nursing program
– Good NMCN exam performance
– Good standing in health education
#7 Bayero University Kano (BUK)
Location: Kano, Kano State
Program: BNSc (5 years)
JAMB Cut-Off: 180
Annual Fees: ₦140,500 – ₦151,300
Bayero University Kano (BUK) is a top-rated Nigerian university in the North West, with excellent nursing and health education.
Ranking #7 is justified due to:
– Established federal university with good standards
– Important Northern Nigerian training hub
– Affordable fees
– Developing clinical training facilities
#8 Babcock University – The Private Sector Leader
Location: Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State
Program: BNSc (5 years)
JAMB Cut-Off: 170
Annual Fees: ₦1.15 million – ₦1.48 million
Babcock University is one of the most prestigious Private universities in Nigeria. One of the major advantages of their Nursing program is the presence of Christian values, posh and modern nursing facilities, and exceptionally well-done clinical training.
Reasons why it is ranked #8:
- One of the best Private universities in Nigeria
- Modern facilities and equipment
- Focus on ethical and professional values
- Good international recognition
#9 Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) – The Premium Choice
Location: Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
Program: BNSc (5 Years)
JAMB Cut-Off: 180
Annual Fees: ₦2.6 million – ₦3.3 million
Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) is one of the top 3 most expensive Private universities in Nigeria, and for good reasons. Their nursing program is very well done, and has one of the best supportive facilities of all Private universities in Nigeria.
Reasons why it is ranked #9:
- World-class facilities and infrastructure
- Excellent clinical training opportunities
- Strong focus on research and innovation
- High graduate employability
#10 Nile University of Nigeria
Location: Abuja, FCT
Program: BNSc (5 Years)
JAMB Cut-Off: 180
Annual Fees: > ₦2.5 million
At the premium end of Private Nursing Education is Nile University of Nigeria. They offer a very well supported modern academic environment for their nursing students, and a fast tracked educational process in a highly supportive and resource rich environment.
Reasons why it is ranked #10:
- Modern academic environment
- International partnerships and global exposure
- Advanced facilities
- Programs designed to compete on a global level for nursing careers
Official Fee: Nile University’s B.Sc. Nursing Sciences costs ₦3,500,000 for the entire 5 years.
Key Admission Requirements (General)
For most nursing programs in Nigeria, you will need:
- Five O’Level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (in not more than two sittings)
- JAMB UTME with English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (for university-based programs)
- A competitive JAMB score (typically 180–200+ for federal universities)
- Successful performance in the institution’s post-UTME screening or internal entrance examination
Fees Comparison Table (2026)
Notable Schools of Nursing (Hospital-Based Programs)
In addition to university-based BNSc programs, Nigeria has numerous hospital-based Schools of Nursing that offer 3-year Basic Nursing programs leading to RN certification. These are often more affordable and provide excellent clinical exposure.
Nursing Schools That Don’t Require JAMB
For students who prefer to bypass the JAMB UTME process, several accredited nursing schools offer admission through internal entrance examinations rather than JAMB scores.
Top Options Without JAMB
- Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Eleyele – First-year costs: ₦250,000 – ₦350,000
- Taraba State College of Nursing, Jalingo – First-year costs: ₦180,000 – ₦250,000
- Aliko Dangote College of Nursing Sciences, Kano – First-year costs: ₦65,000 – ₦110,000
- Mercy College of Nursing, Iwo, Osun State – Fully accredited private institution
These institutions typically require O’Level credits, an internal computer-based exam, and an interview for admission.
Conclusion
Making the right choice of nursing school is a key milestone in your career. The year 2026 is proving to have a multitude of quality options. World-class, affordable, public and private options exist in the likes of the University of Ibadan (UI), the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and state colleges.
Always remember; the only way to reach your end goal of qualifying as a nurse, is to choose a NMCN-accredited program.
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