Updated on 6 November 2026 · How we verify
Quick answer: Colleges of Nursing Sciences running NBTE-accredited ND/HND Nursing (and university BNSc programmes) admit through JAMB UTME with Use of English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Traditional schools of nursing/midwifery running the basic RN/RM programme, and all post-basic programmes, still admit directly through their own entrance exam and interview — the school’s advert tells you which applies. JAMB’s minimum for colleges of nursing sciences is 150 (2026/2027), and colleges set their own floor above JAMB’s 150 — e.g. CONMSIT 150, ECWA Egbe 160, LASCON 200 (2025/2026). Forms cost ₦10,000–₦25,000 and screening runs July–October, after the JAMB policy meeting.
Last updated: November 2026 · Academic session: 2026/2027 · UTME year: 2026
Which nursing route are you on?
| Programme | Admission route | Duration / award |
|---|---|---|
| College of Nursing Sciences — ND/HND Nursing (RN) | JAMB UTME (Use of English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics), college CBT + interview | Colleges of Nursing Sciences run a four-year non-terminal ND/HND Nursing programme (ND I–II, then HND I–II) leading to the RN licence |
| University — BNSc | JAMB UTME, university cut-off (200–280 in practice) + post-UTME | 5 years; RN/RM/RPHN |
| School of Nursing/Midwifery — Basic RN/RM (unconverted) | Direct: school form + entrance exam + interview (reported) | 3 years; being phased out as schools convert |
| Post-basic (midwifery, psychiatric, peri-operative, A&E, ophthalmic, paediatric, critical care, anaesthesia, public health) | Direct: RN/RM licence + experience + school exam | 12–18 months |
| Community nursing/midwifery | Direct: school form + exam (reported) | 2–3 years |
NMCN requirements (nmcn.gov.ng)
- Five o’level credits in english language, mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology (waec/neco/nabteb) in not more than two sittings; minimum age 16 for basic nursing/midwifery.
- After admission the school indexes you with the NMCN (an index number is required to sit the Council’s professional qualifying examination). Indexing is refused if your O’Level credits are incomplete or the school admits above its approved quota.
- NMCN professional qualifying examinations are held twice a year, in May and November (May 2026: 5–8 May). Portal: myportal.nmcn.gov.ng.
Costs to expect
- Form: ₦10,000–₦25,000 (2025/2026 adverts: ATBUTH ₦10,200, UITH ₦10,000, LASCON ₦15,000, UCTH/ECWA/FNPH Benin ₦20,000).
- School fees: roughly ₦150,000–₦400,000 per session at public colleges of nursing in 2025/2026 (e.g. Akwa Ibom State CONS ND I ₦220,750 indigene / ₦250,750 non-indigene; LASCON ₦300,000 + ₦100,000 acceptance), with private colleges ₦800,000–₦1,000,000.
- NMCN indexing (basic) about ₦8,300 plus bank charges; registration/licensing fees at qualification.
2026/2027 changes
- Nursing-college minimum raised from 140 to 150 at the 11 May 2026 policy meeting.
- On 9 September 2026 the NBTE directed that JAMB should process HND admissions in polytechnics, colleges of nursing sciences and health-technology institutions from the 2026/2027 session. Implementation details were still being published in November 2026 — check your polytechnic’s advert.
- New NMCN portal (myportal.nmcn.gov.ng) since November 2025; legacy portal.nmcn.gov.ng is being retired.
- Federal Government approved a centralised nurse-intern placement system (February 2026).
Nursing schools and colleges by state
- Abia: School of Nursing, Abia State University, School of Nursing Umuahia, School of Post Basic Midwifery Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Umuahia School of Psychiatric Nursing, Nursing Schools In Abia State
- Adamawa: Nursing Schools in Adamawa State
- Akwa Ibom: School of Nursing Anua-Uyo, School of Nursing Eket, School of Post Basic Midwifery Anua-Uyo, School of Post Basic Midwifery Iquita-Oron
- Anambra: Nursing Schools in Anambra State, Dept. of Nursing Nnamdi Azikiwe University Nnewi, School of Nursing Ihiala, School of Post Basic Midwifery Ihiala, School of Post Basic Midwifery Waterside Onitsha, School of Basic Midwifery, Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, School of Nursing Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, School of Nursing, Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital
- Bauchi: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital Bauchi, School of Basic Midwifery Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, Nursing Schools in Bauchi State
- Bayelsa: Nursing Schools in Bayelsa State
- Benue: Nursing Schools in Benue State, School of Nursing Makurdi, School of Basic Midwifery Makurdi
- Borno: University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Nursing Schools in Borno State, Dept. of Nursing University Of Maiduguri, School of Basic Midwifery Maiduguri, School of Nursing Maiduguri, School of Nursing, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital
- Cross River: Nursing Schools in Cross River State, Dept. of Nursing University Of Calabar, School of Nursing Calabar, School of Nursing Itigidi, School of Nursing Ogoja, School of Nursing University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, School of Post Basic Midwifery Calabar, School of Post Basic Midwifery Ogoja
- Delta: Dept. of Nursing Niger Delta University Wilberforce Island, Nursing Schools in Delta State, School of Nursing Agbor, School of Nursing Warri, School of Post Basic Midwifery Asaba, School of Post Basic Midwifery Sapele, Dept. of Nursing, Delta State University Abraka
- Ebonyi: Nursing Schools in Ebonyi State, School of Nursing Afikpo, Dept, Of Nursing Ebonyi State University Abakaliki
- Edo: Nursing Schools in Edo State, Dept of Nursing University of Benin, School of Basic Midwifery Benin-City, School of Basic Midwifery St.Philo’s Hosp Benin-City, School of Basic Midwifery Zuma Memorial Hosp Irrua, School of Nursing Benin City, School of Nursing, Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital, Okada, School of Nursing, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin
- Ekiti: Federal Teaching Hospital Ido Ekiti School Of Nursing, Nursing Schools in Ekiti State, Dept. Of Nursing, Afe Babalola University, School of Nursing Ado-Ekiti, School of Nursing Ido-Ekiti, School of Post Basic Midwifery Ado-Ekiti, FMC Ido Ekiti School Of Nursing
- Enugu: School of Nursing, Bishop Shanahan Hospital Nsukka Parklane, Nursing Schools in Enugu State, School of Nursing, Enugu State University of Technology Teaching Hospital, School of Post Basic Nursing, Cardiothoracic, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, School of Post Basic Nursing, Ophthalmic, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, School of Post Basic Nursing, Burns & Plastic, National Orthopaedic Hospital, School of Post Basic Orthopaedic Nursing, National Orthopaedic Hospital, School of Nursing University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu
- FCT Abuja: Nursing Schools in FCT ABUJA, School of Basic Midwifery Gwagwalada, School of Nursing Gwagwalada, School of Post Basic Critical Care Nursing University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, FCT School of Nursing Gwagwalada (FCTSN), Abuja School of Nursing (FCT)
- Gombe: Nursing Schools in Gombe State, School of Basic Midwifery Gombe, School of Nursing Gombe
- Imo: Nursing Schools in Imo State, School of Basic Midwifery Aboh Mbaise, School of Nursing Amaigbo, School of Nursing Emekuku, School of Post Basic Midwifery Emekuku, School of Nursing Owerri, College of Nursing & Health Orlu, Dept. of Nursing Imo State University Owerri
- Jigawa: Nursing Schools in Jigawa State, School of Nursing Birnin-Kudu
- Kaduna: Nursing Schools in Kaduna State, Dept. Of Nursing, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria Provisional, School of Basic Midwifery Zonkwa, School of Post Basic Nursing Ear Nose and Throat Kaduna, School of Post Basic Nursing, Ophthalmic Nursing, Ahamadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, School of Post Basic Nursing, Paediatric, Ahamadu Bello, University Teaching Hospital, School of Post Basic Ophthalmic Nursing Kaduna National Eye Centre, School of Nursing Ahamadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria
- Kano: Community Midwifery Programme-School of Basic Midwifery, Nursing Schools in Kano State, School of Basic Midwifery Danbatta Kano, School of Basic Midwifery Kano, School of Nursing Kano, School of Post Basic Orthopaedic Nursing National Hospital Dala –Kano
- Katsina: School of Nursing Katsina
- Kebbi: School of Basic Midwifery Birnin-Kebbi, Nursing Schools in Kebbi State, School of Nursing Birnin-Kebbi
- Kogi: Nursing Schools in Kogi State, School of Nursing Obangede, School of Post Basic Midwifery Anyigba
- Kwara: Nursing Schools in Kwara State, School of Nursing Ilorin, School of Nursing, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, School of Post Basic Midwifery Ilorin, School of Post Basic Nursing A. &E. University of Ilorin, School of Post Basic Nursing Paediatric University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara State College of Nursing and Midwifery (KWSCNMIL)
- Lagos: School of Post Basic Perioperative Nursing Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nursing Schools in Lagos State, School of Nursing, Military Hospital Yaba, School of Post Basic A&E Nursing Lagos University Teaching Hospital, School of Post Basic Midwifery Lagos University Teaching Hospital, School of Post Basic Midwifery Military Hospital Yaba, School of Post Basic Ophthalmic Nursing, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, School of Post Basic Orthopaedic Nursing NOH Igbobi Lagos
- Nasarawa: School of Nursing Lafia Nursing Schools in Nassarawa State
- Niger: School of Basic Midwifery Minna, School of Nursing Bida
- Ogun: School of Psychiatric Nursing Aro Abeokuta, Ogun State College Of Health Technology (OSCOHTECH), Nursing Schools in Ogun State, School of Nursing, Abeokuta, School of Nursing Ijebu-Ode, School of Nursing Ilaro, School of Nursing Lantoro, School of Post Basic Midwifery Abeokuta
- Ondo: Nursing Schools in Ondo State, School of Nursing Akure, School of Basic Midwifery Akure
- Osun: School of Nursing Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex Ilesa, Nursing Schools in Osun State, Dept. of Nursing Ladoke Akintola University Of Technology, School of Nursing Osogbo, School of Post Basic Midwifery Osogbo, Dept. Of Nursing, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, School of Nursing Seventh Day Adventist Hospital Ile-Ife, School of Post Basic Midwifery Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Ilesa
- Other: School of Post Basic Midwifery, School of Basic Midwifery Amachara, School of Nursing Amachara, College of Nursing & Midwifery Dept of Midwifery, College of Nursing & Midwifery Dept. of Nursing, School of Nursing Ikot-Ekpene, School of Post Basic Midwifery Ituk-Mbang, School of Post Basic Midwifery Urua-Akpan
- Oyo: Nursing Schools in Oyo State, School of Post Basic Nursing Occupational Health University College Hospital, Dept. Of Nursing University of Ibadan, School of Nursing Baptist Medical Centre Saki, College of Nursing and Midwifery Dept of Nursing Eleyele Ibadan, School of Nursing University College Hospital Ibadan, School of Basic Midwifery Muslim Hospital Saki, School of Post Basic Midwifery Baptist Medical Centre Saki
- Plateau: School of Nursing Jos University Teaching Hospital Jos (MMH), Nursing Schools in Plateau State, School of Nursing Vom Jos, School of Basic Midwifery Vom Jos, School of Post Basic Anaesthetic Nursing Jos University Teaching Hospital, School of Post Basic Critical Care Nursing Jos University Teaching Hospital, Dept. Of Nursing University of Jos, School of Post Basic Midwifery Our Lady of Apostles, Jos
- Rivers: School of Post Basic Paediatric Nursing AKTH, Nursing Schools in Rivers State, School of Nursing Port Harcourt, School of Post Basic Midwifery Port-Harcourt, School of Post Basic A&E Nursing, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Dept. Of Nursing, University Of Port-Harcourt
- Sokoto: Nursing Schools in Sokoto State, School of Nursing Sokoto, School of Basic Midwifery Sokoto, School of Nursing, Usuman Danfodio University Teaching Hospital Sokoto, Community Midwife Programme School of Basic Midwifery Sokoto, School of Post Basic Midwifery Usuman Danfodio University Teaching Hospital Sokoto
- Taraba: Nursing Schools in Taraba State, School of Nursing Jalingo of Basic Midwifery Jalingo
- Yobe: School of Nursing, Dr. Shehu Sule, Damaturu, School of Basic Midwifery Dr Shehu Sule, Damaturu
- Zamfara: Nursing Schools in Zamfara State, School of Basic Midwifery, Gusau, School of Nursing Gusau
Related JAMB guides
- JAMB Cut-Off Marks 2026/2027: Universities, Polytechnics, Nursing Colleges & Colleges of Education
- JAMB Subject Combination 2027 for All Courses (Official UTME Subject Guide)
- JAMB CAPS 2026/2027: How to Check Admission Status, Accept or Reject Admission
- JAMB Registration 2027: Expected Dates, Fee, Requirements & Step-by-Step Guide
- School Fees in Nigerian Universities, Polytechnics & Colleges 2026/2027: What You Will Pay
Frequently asked questions
Is JAMB compulsory for school of nursing?
For ND/HND Nursing at colleges of nursing sciences and for BNSc, yes. Unconverted basic schools, community programmes and all post-basic programmes are reported to still admit directly.
What is the JAMB cut-off for nursing?
150 for colleges of nursing sciences (2026/2027); colleges set higher floors (150–200). University BNSc needs far more.
What subjects do I need for nursing in JAMB?
Use of English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
How many years is nursing in Nigeria now?
ND/HND Nursing is four years (plus a supervised clinical year); BNSc is five years; post-basic specialties 12–18 months.
Can I study nursing with NABTEB?
The NMCN lists NABTEB, but some colleges do not accept it — confirm with the college.
Spotted a change JAMB has announced that is not reflected here? Drop a comment — this guide is reviewed after every JAMB announcement.