Are you searching for the best nursing programs in Nigeria? If yes, then you are at the right place. In this blog post, we have provided you with a compilation of the best universities and nursing schools that offer quality nursing programs in Nigeria. We made this list based on the popularity of this schools, the quality and rigorousness of the nursing programs they offer.
in the past few days we have received tons of questions from people asking about the best nursing programs in Nigeria, how long these programs take, whether there are RN-BNSc pathways, if accelerated nursing programs are available in Nigeria and so forth. So, today we’ll do justice to these questions.
The nursing profession is a highly sought-after program in many universities and colleges worldwide. It is one of the prestigious professional courses not just in Nigeria, but in the world at large. Many families would want a nurse to be part of their families because of the value that comes with the nursing profession.
The Nigerian nursing council as of August 2022 approved about four hundred (400) nursing training institutions in Nigeria. They include:
School of nursing (SON) with about 117 schools running this program, School of midwifery (basic/post-basic) with 111 schools running this program, School of post-basic nursing specialties (SOPN) with 72 schools running this program, Departments of nursing sciences (DON) with 55 universities running this program, community midwifery program (CMP) with 27 schools running this program, community nursing program (CNP) with 30 schools running this program.
This is to show that different schools of nursing run different nursing programs and, at the end, will give different certifications, and before one can work in certain places, the person needs to acquire another or more certifications.
Depending on the program any nursing institution is running, their training durations will differ, same as the certifications. Although most nursing schools are affiliated with different schools, they must meet the necessary criteria and benchmarks set by the nursing council before they can be able to train nurses.
This post will help you to know the best 10 nursing programs in Nigeria and the certification they offer, like RN (registered nurse),ND nursing, degree, and HND nursing, and will provide, in the long run, the necessary information you need before you make a choice of program to enroll in.
Nursing Programs in Nigeria
Here are the 10 best nursing programs, the certifications they offer, their duration, and their location.
The University of Ibadan (UI)
The University of Ibadan is a prestigious university that offers a first-class nursing program accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. The nursing program at UI is divided into 10 semesters and upon the completion, graduates are awarded a bachelor’s of nursing science degree.
Visit the school website https://www.ui.edu.ng.
University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
UNN is a well-respected and popular federal university that runs a quality nursing program and offers a bachelor’s of nursing science degree. The nursing program at UNN lasts for 5 years and is accredited by Nigeria’s Nursing and Midwifery Council. Upon completing this program, graduates are awarded a bachelor’s of nursing science degree. Visit their website for more information: www.unn.edu.ng
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (OAU)
The third on our list of nursing programs in Nigeria is OAU Ile Ife. OAU Ile-Ife ranks as one of the prestigious universities that runs a top-notch nursing program in Nigeria. Upon completing the program, graduates will be given a bachelor’s of nursing science degree. The Faculty of Clinical Sciences at OAU has a long-standing reputation for producing exceptional nurse leaders in their field.
Visit their website for more info: www.oauife.edu.ng
The University of Lagos (UNILAG)
UNILAG, also known as the “University of First Choice,” offers a five-year Bachelor of Nursing Science program. This nursing program is recognized for its research focus and emphasis on well-rounded graduates and is accredited by National Universities Commision and the NMCN. UNILAG’s nursing program distinguishes itself by integrating a solid research foundation into its curriculum.
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) awka
The list of the best nursing programs in Nigeria wouldn’t be complete without mentioning this Nobel School. Since the establishment of NAU, popular known as Unizik, it has been offering a comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and extensive clinical exposure, producing highly skilled and competent nurses.
Upon completing the nursing program, a bachelor’s of nursing science degree is issued. Visit their website for more information: www.unizik.edu.ng.
Unizik is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
University of PortHacourt (UNIPORT)
Uniport is among the best schools to study nursing programs in Nigeria. The school is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. They run a rigorous nursing program and confer a bachelor’s of nursing science degree upon completion.
Visit their website for more information: www.uniport.edu.ng
Bayero University, Kano
Bayero University stands out as one of the schools in the big leagues in Nigeria that offers a nursing science program and is accredited to do so by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. Upon completion, you will be awarded a Bachelor of Nursing Science certificate.
Visit their website for more information: www.buk.edu.ng
University of Benin, UNIBEN.
Formally known as Uniben, the University of Benin is one of Nigeria’s most sought-after tertiary institutions. It offers a five-year bachelor of nursing program, is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
UNIBEN’s nursing program takes a comprehensive approach, emphasizing theoretical knowledge and practical skills and fostering critical thinking, communication, and ethical decision-making in its students.
Upon completion of this program, graduates are awarded a bachelor’s of nursing science degree.
For more information, visit their website.www.uniben.edu.ng
University of Ilorin (UI)
The University of Ilorin has a high-standard nursing science program compared to some other federal universities in the country. The National and Midwifery Council of Nigeria accredited the school to offer a five-year bachelor of nursing program that meets today’s healthcare needs.
Since its establishment in 1975, the University of Ilorin has graduated thousands of licensed nurses who work in several healthcare sectors within and outside the country. Their graduates are highly sought-after as they show professionalism in their skills.
Visit the school website at www.unilorin.edu.ng for more information
American University of Nigeria
The American University of Nigeria offers a five-year BSc in Nursing degree program and a four-year direct entry program for students with a Registered Nurse or Registered Midwife Certificate.
Babcock University, Illeshan-Remo
Babcock University is a very popular private university in Nigeria. The school offers an exquisite nursing program that is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. Upon completing this program, graduates will be awarded a bachelor’s of nursing science degree.
You can visit their website, www.babcock.edu.ng.
Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)
ABUAD is another great private university offers a compelling Bachelor of Nursing Science program. The school is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. Graduates of this program are awarded a bachelor’s of nursing science degree upon completion.
Visit their website, abaud.edu.ng.
Top 3-year Nursing Schools in Nigeria
If you are among those who prefer to get Registered Nurse certificates, here are the top 3-year nursing schools in Nigeria, offering quality education and training for aspiring nurses.
University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital School of Nursing (UTNTH), Enugu
Established in 1973, the UNTH School of Nursing Enugu is one of the oldest and most reputable nursing schools in Nigeria. The school has a strong reputation for producing highly skilled and competent nurses. The school’s curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to provide high-quality patient care.
Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) School of Nursing
LUTH School of Nursing is another top-notch nursing school in Nigeria. The school offers a comprehensive 3-year nursing program that covers both theoretical and practical aspects of nursing. LUTH faculty is made up of experienced and qualified nurses who are committed to mentoring and guiding students to achieve their full potential.
Mater School of Nursing, Ebonyi
Popularly known as SOMNMATER, stands as number 1 on the list. It is located in Ebonyi state. It is accredited and offers her students an RN certification upon completing this nursing program. nursing program takes a comprehensive approach, emphasizing theoretical knowledge and practical skills and fostering critical thinking.
Visit their website, www.matersomn.org.
University of Ibadan Teaching Hospital (UITH) School of Nursing, Ibadan
The UITH School of Nursing is a leading nursing school in Nigeria, known for its academic excellence and innovative teaching methods. The school’s curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to provide high-quality patient care in a variety of settings.
Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) School of Nursing, Zaria
The ABUTH School of Nursing is a reputable nursing school in Nigeria, known for its strong emphasis on clinical practice and community health nursing. The school’s faculty is composed of experienced and qualified nurses who are committed to mentoring and guiding students to achieve their full potential
ECWA School of Nursing Egbe
It is a missionary school of nursing in Kogi State, accredited and has an nursing program. It is an excellent choice for anyone looking to pursue a career in nursing, it’s commitment to academic excellence, strong reputation and user-friendly online portal make it a standout institution for nursing in Nigeria.
Upon completion of the program, you will be a qualified, well-trained RN. Visit the schools website www.esonegbe.net.
Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) School of Nursing, Jos
The JUTH School of Nursing is a top-notch nursing school in Nigeria, known for its academic excellence and innovative teaching methods. The school’s curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to provide high-quality patient care in a variety of settings
Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Eleyele
Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery offers high-quality education, experienced faculty, and excellent clinical practice opportunities in a serene environment.
oyostatecollegeofnursingandmidwifery.com
FCT Schools of Nursing
School of nursing situated in the FCT, Abuja. It is an accredited institute that offers a wonderful nursing program. Upon completion, you will be given an RN certification. Visit: fctson.net
RN to BNSc programs in Nigeria
RN stands for registered nurse. A registered nurse is a nurse who has completed his or her training in a school of nursing or has spent 18 months and has passed the council exams. Such persons can wish to get a degree certification of bachelor’s in nursing science. He or she would have to apply for a DE (direct entry) into the nursing programs in universities. The good thing here is that the transfer to tertiary institutions for a BSC in nursing is generally accepted. He or she would rather do a 4-year course as against the normal 5 years stipulated by the NUC.
Here are some tips to enable you to do this transfer successfully:
- Required documents like your transcript from your previous school of nursing
- At least 5 credits in the relevant science subjects in your WAEC/NECO
- Direct entry form
Meeting these necessary criteria will enable you to have an easy and stress-free transition from being only a registered nurse into being a BSC degree holder in the nursing program.
Accelerated Nursing Programs in Nigeria
Accelerated nursing programs are nursing programs that shorten the long-term study of nursing programs into a short term of 12 to 24 months. This program plan differs from schools, and the time frame might vary. Though they are not popular in Nigeria, they are actually possible. The downside is that they are more tedious and labor intensive, with much workload being pushed down at a go, which can be so overwhelming. Here are some requirements for accelerated nursing programs:
- Completing a certain number of university-level credits
- Meeting up with additional requirements such as writing a letter of intent
- Having a stipulated GPA
- Completing specific courses, such as human anatomy, microbiology, and physiology.
Upon completion of an accelerated nursing program, students can apply for nursing licensure and take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Those who do this program can have a career in community health practice.
Nursing Programs in Nigeria -FAQs
How Long are Nursing Programs in Nigeria
The duration of the nursing program varies from the type of nursing program being run. Bachelor of Nursing Sciences takes 4-5 years; ND nursing may take 2 years, while HND nursing takes 2 years. RN programs takes 3 years, while post-basic RN programs take18 months to 2 years to complete.
Conclusion
The nursing profession is indeed a noble profession; it requires dedication and resilience to attain such a milestone. Pursuing a nursing education in Nigeria can be a rewarding and challenging experience. With numerous great nursing schools in the state, aspirants can now achieve their dreams of becoming a nurse.
Good luck in your pursuit of the nursing profession. We are rooting for you. See you at the top.
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