After qualifying as a registered nurse, many Nigerian nurses consider a post-basic programme to specialise, increase their earning potential and open doors at home and abroad. This guide explains the main post-basic options, typical entry requirements and how to choose the right one.
Programmes, schools and requirements are approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and can change. Always confirm current details with NMCN and the specific school before applying.
What is a post-basic nursing programme?
A post-basic programme is specialist training for nurses who already hold a basic registered nurse (RN) qualification. On completion, you sit an NMCN professional examination in that specialty and, if successful, you’re registered with an additional qualification, for example RN, RM (midwifery) or RN, RPN (psychiatric).
Common post-basic specialties in Nigeria
Midwifery (post-basic)
One of the most popular choices. Midwives care for women during pregnancy, labour and after birth. Dual RN/RM qualifications are valued in primary health care, maternity units and internationally. Post-basic midwifery for registered nurses is commonly around 18 months.
Perioperative (theatre) nursing
Training in scrub, circulating and recovery roles in the operating theatre. In demand in teaching hospitals and private surgical centres.
Psychiatric / mental health nursing
Care of people with mental illness in hospitals and the community. Mental health nurses are in short supply in Nigeria and abroad.
Paediatric nursing
Specialist care of infants, children and adolescents, including neonatal care in some programmes.
Accident and emergency nursing
Training in triage, trauma and emergency care.
Intensive care / critical care nursing
Care of critically ill patients, including ventilator management and invasive monitoring. Highly valued in Gulf countries and private hospitals.
Anaesthetic nursing
Supports anaesthesia care in theatre. Scope of practice varies by setting.
Ophthalmic nursing
Care of patients with eye conditions and eye surgery.
Orthopaedic nursing
Care of patients with bone, joint and musculoskeletal conditions, including trauma.
Cardiothoracic nursing
Care of patients with heart and chest conditions, including cardiac surgery.
Burns and plastic surgery nursing
Specialist wound care and rehabilitation for burns and reconstructive surgery.
Nephrology nursing
Care of patients with kidney disease, including dialysis.
Public health nursing
Community health, health promotion, immunisation and disease prevention.
Ear, nose and throat (ENT) nursing and occupational health nursing
Offered in some institutions.
Availability of each specialty varies by school and year. Check NMCN’s list of accredited post-basic schools.
Typical entry requirements
- Registration as a nurse with NMCN and a current practising licence
- O’level credits in relevant subjects (as specified by the school)
- Post-registration experience, often at least one year, depending on the programme
- Passing the school’s entrance examination and interview
- Medical fitness and other documents required by the school
Duration
Most post-basic programmes run between 12 and 18 months, depending on the specialty and NMCN’s curriculum. Ask the school for the current duration.
How to choose the right specialty
- What do you enjoy? Think about the patients and settings where you feel most fulfilled.
- Job market at home: midwifery, perioperative, critical care, A&E and psychiatric nurses are often in demand.
- Plans abroad: regulators like the UK NMC register midwives separately from nurses, and Gulf countries often hire experienced ICU, theatre and emergency nurses. Check whether your specialty is recognised in your target country.
- Further education: post-basic qualifications can complement a BNSc or master’s degree later.
- Cost and sponsorship: some employers sponsor staff or give study leave. Ask your HR department.
Post-basic vs BNSc: which should you do first?
It depends on your goals. A BNSc (degree) improves your academic qualification and may be needed for some senior roles, further study or international pathways. A post-basic programme gives you clinical specialist skills quickly. Many nurses do one, then the other. If you plan to work abroad, check whether your target regulator prefers a degree.
Tips for getting admitted
- Watch for adverts from teaching hospitals and schools, usually published on their websites and in national newspapers.
- Prepare for the entrance exam by revising core nursing, anatomy and physiology.
- Get your documents and licence renewal up to date in advance.
- Beware of anyone offering “guaranteed admission” for money.
- Confirm that the school is NMCN-accredited for that specialty and year.
Specialising is one of the best investments you can make in your nursing career. Choose based on your passion and your long-term plans, and you’ll enjoy the journey.