Nursing Programs in Nigeria

Overview of Nursing Programs in Nigeria

1. Basic Nursing Program: This program leads to the award of a Registered Nurse (RN) certificate and takes three years to complete.
2. Post-Basic Nursing Program: This program is designed for registered nurses who want to specialise in a particular area of nursing.

In Nigeria, there are two main paths to becoming a registered nurse (RN):

1. University Degree in Nursing (BNSc Nursing):

• Duration: Typically five years of full-time study.
• Focus: Offers a broader and more theoretical foundation in nursing science, public health, and research.
• Eligibility: Requires completion of your secondary school education (WAEC or NECO) with good grades in relevant science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics) and passing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
• Career Options: Graduates can pursue a wider range of nursing specialisations (critical care, paediatrics, midwifery) after obtaining their RN license and potentially work in research or education.
• Benefits: Offers a more in-depth understanding of nursing theory and prepares graduates for leadership roles and advanced practice.

2. Nursing School Diploma (RN):

• Duration: Typically three years of full-time study.
• Focus: Provides a more practical and hands-on approach to patient care skills and clinical training.
• Eligibility: Requires completion of your secondary school education (WAEC or NECO) with good grades in relevant science subjects but may not require a UTME score depending on the institution.
• Career Options: Graduates can work as registered nurses in various healthcare settings after obtaining their RN license. Some may pursue further education in specific nursing specialties later.
• Benefits: Quicker path to becoming a registered nurse and entering the workforce.

Here’s a table summarising the key differences:

Admission Requirements for Nursing

General Admission Requirements

you must meet the admission requirements for you to be admitted.

1. you must be at least 16 years old at the time of admission.
2. Completed Secondary School Education.
3.  Have a valid means of identification (NIN).
4.  Posses any of these O’Level certificate:

• • West African Examination Council (WAEC),
  • National Examination Council (NECO)
  • National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB)

O’Level Admission Requirements

The O’level admission requirement for the school of nursing and midwifery is five (5) O’level credit passes in

• Mathematics,
• English Language,
• Physics,
• Chemistry and
• Biology in not more than two (2) sittings from any of the following

JAMB Subject Combination For Nursing

For the UTME exams, you’ll need to select the following subjects:

• English Language
• Biology
• Physics
• Chemistry

JAMB Cut-Off Mark:

The general JAMB cut-off mark for all courses, typically ranging between 140 – 200.

However, for a competitive course like Medicine and Surgery, achieving the minimum cut-off will not guarantee admission.

In most cases, a significantly higher score (often exceeding 250) is necessary to be considered for the next stage.

Use Exam Scholars App to prepare for JAMB if you want to score high.

Direct Entry Admission Requirement

Direct Entry (DE)candidates must be

1. Registered Nurses (RN) with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
2. Candidates holding the Advanced level General Certificate of Education (GCE) with passes in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, in not more than two sittings are also eligible to apply.
3. Such candidates are expected to have satisfied the O’ level requirements of five credit passes in at least five subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Physics and Chemistry in not more than two sittings and passed the university screening test.
4. First degree holders in health related disciplines are also eligible to apply.
5. DE candidates admitted into the four year programme may be required, where applicable, to take specified courses to make up for deficiencies found in their academic background.

Score 300+ and above in your UTME exams using the Exam Scholars CBT app.

This app helps students achieve great scores in the  JAMB exams. The app consists of incredible features, such as mock mode, study mode, and practice mode. Also, the app gives answers and explanations to every question you come across in the app.

Additional points to consider:

• Both programs culminate in qualifying for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) which is required for practising as a nurse in Nigeria.
• University graduates with a BSc Nursing have an edge in competitive job markets or pursuing postgraduate studies.
• Some universities offer direct entry programs for registered nurses with a diploma to obtain a BSc Nursing degree, allowing them to upgrade their qualifications.

Ultimately, the best path depends on your goals, learning style, and desired career trajectory.

Related Posts:

1. Admission requirements for Nursing
2. List of universities offering nursing in Nigeria.
3. Admission requirements for school of nursing and midwifery in Nigeria
4. List of school of nursing and midwifery in Nigeria
5. Check for current updates