Nursing remains one of the most popular courses in Nigeria, and for good reason: it offers a respected profession, job security and opportunities to work around the world. If you’re a secondary school leaver, a parent, or someone thinking of changing careers, this guide explains how to become a nurse in Nigeria step by step.
Admission requirements and programmes are regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), JAMB and individual institutions, and can change. Always confirm with NMCN and the school.
The main routes
Route 1: Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) at a university
- Duration: 5 years
- Admission: through JAMB (UTME) or direct entry
- Qualification: BNSc degree plus professional qualifications. Many university programmes prepare students for the NMCN RN examination and often midwifery or public health nursing as well.
- Pros: degree qualification, better progression into further study, often preferred for some international routes and senior positions.
- Cons: longer duration, highly competitive admission, possible ASUU strikes.
Route 2: College or school of nursing
- Duration: usually 3 years
- Admission: via the school’s entrance examination and interview. Many colleges of nursing now also require JAMB as they transition to the National Diploma/Higher National Diploma (ND/HND) pathway approved by NMCN.
- Qualification: Registered Nurse (RN) after passing the NMCN professional exam. Colleges running the newer programme may also award a diploma.
- Pros: shorter, highly clinical training, strong hospital exposure.
- Cons: fewer academic options without a degree. Many RNs later “top up” with a BNSc.
Route 3: Basic midwifery
Some schools offer basic midwifery programmes for people without a nursing qualification, leading to registration as a midwife (RM). Duration is usually about 3 years.
O’level requirements
Most programmes require five credit passes in not more than two sittings (some schools accept only one sitting) in:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
WAEC, NECO and NABTEB results are generally accepted. Check the specific school’s rules about sittings.
JAMB subjects for nursing
For UTME, the usual subject combination is:
- Use of English (compulsory)
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Nursing is competitive, so aim for a high JAMB score and confirm each university’s cut-off mark and post-UTME requirements.
Other requirements
- Minimum age (usually 16 or 17 at entry, depending on the school)
- Medical fitness certificate
- Birth certificate or age declaration
- Passport photographs and other documents requested by the school
How to choose a school
- Accreditation: make sure the school and programme are accredited by NMCN. Graduates of unaccredited schools may not be allowed to sit the professional exam or be indexed.
- Clinical exposure: schools attached to teaching hospitals or federal medical centres usually offer strong placements.
- Pass rate: ask about past NMCN examination results.
- Cost: fees vary widely between federal, state and private institutions. Ask for the full cost, including hostel, uniforms and exam fees.
- Location and safety: consider travel, accommodation and security.
What happens during training
- Theory: anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, maternal and child health, mental health, community health and more.
- Clinical placements in hospitals and communities.
- Indexing with NMCN in your first year.
- A final-year research project. The free guides at the Nursing Research & Data Institute (NRDI) explain topic selection, sample size, questionnaires and statistics step by step.
- School exams, then the NMCN professional examination in your final year.
After you qualify
- Pass the NMCN exam.
- Induction and the professional oath.
- Registration and licence with NMCN. Keep your licence renewed.
- Internship or first job in a hospital or primary health care centre.
- Further study: post-basic specialties (midwifery, perioperative, ICU, psychiatric and others), BNSc top-up, master’s degrees.
Is nursing in Nigeria a good career?
Nursing offers meaningful work and employment opportunities in public and private sectors, NGOs, industry and education. Many Nigerian nurses also go on to work in the UK, the US, Canada, Ireland, Saudi Arabia and other countries, though NMCN now requires newly qualified nurses to gain some post-registration experience before requesting verification for work abroad. Check NMCN’s current rules.
The job is demanding, with long shifts and emotional challenges, so it’s best suited to people who genuinely care about others, are resilient and enjoy science.
Avoid admission scams
- Admission is through official processes only. Don’t pay anyone promising “guaranteed admission”.
- Buy forms only from the school’s official website or office.
- Confirm admission lists on the school’s official channels.