School of Nursing Requirements in Nigeria: Not everyone will take the university route with JAMB to become a nurse. And that’s perfectly okay. For many aspiring nurses, the School of Nursing offers a more direct, practical, and hands-on journey into one of the most noble and rewarding professions out there.
It’s a path that skips the complications of JAMB and focuses squarely on what really matters, learning to care for people and save lives. But before you start daydreaming about wearing that clean white uniform or walking hospital corridors, you need to know exactly what it takes to get in.
Whether you are a student trying to plan your next step regarding your future, this guide is your one-stop resource, simple and fully detailed to help you understand the whole process of applying to a school of nursing.
What Is a School of Nursing?
A School of Nursing is a specialized institution that trains individuals to become professional nurses. These schools are often attached to teaching hospitals or federal/state-owned medical centres.
They focus on practical training, hospital-based education, and clinical experience, making it different from university-based nursing programs. Graduates usually earn a Registered Nurse (RN) certificate after completing the 3-year basic nursing programme, which qualifies them to practice as professional nurses in Nigeria.
Why Choose School of Nursing Instead of a University?
Honestly, there are quite a few practical reasons why a lot of students choose a school of nursing over the university route, especially in Nigeria. Here’s why this path might be the better fit:
- No JAMB stress: Most nursing schools don’t require JAMB. For many students, that alone is a huge relief.
- More hands-on training: You’re not just reading textbooks, you’re learning by doing. From day one, you’re exposed to real-life medical situations.
- Faster admission process: Unlike universities where you might wait months for post-UTME and lists, many nursing schools offer quicker, more direct entry.
- Quicker path to earning: In just three years, you can become a Registered Nurse (RN) and start working, and earning, while your mates in university may still be in year two.
- Affordable and accessible: A lot of these schools are state-owned or mission-supported, making tuition more budget-friendly compared to private or federal universities.
So if your goal is to get into the medical field without unnecessary delays or complications, a school of nursing might be the smartest move you can make.
Types of Nursing Programmes in Nigeria
Before you apply, it’s important to understand the different nursing programmes available in Nigeria. Knowing which one suits your background and goals will help you meet the right requirements and make a better decision.
-
Basic Nursing Programme
- Duration: 3 years
- Qualification Awarded: Registered Nurse (RN)
- Eligibility: Candidates with O’Level results (WAEC/NECO/GCE)
- Why It’s Popular: This is the most common starting point for those just finishing secondary school and looking to kick-start their nursing career.
-
Post Basic Nursing Programme
- Duration: 1 to 2 years
- Eligibility: Already qualified Registered Nurses who want to specialize in specific areas like:
- Midwifery
- Psychiatric Nursing
- Public Health Nursing
- Anesthesia Nursing, etc.
This programme allows you to build on your general nursing qualification and move into more focused medical fields.
-
Midwifery Programme
- Duration:
- Basic Midwifery: 3 years
- Post Basic Midwifery: 18 months
- Eligibility: Women (mostly) interested in becoming licensed midwives to support maternal and child health.
If your passion is helping mothers deliver safely and caring for newborns, this is a great choice.
-
Community Nursing Programme
- Duration: 2 years
- Eligibility: Candidates who want to work in rural or underserved communities.
This programme is perfect for those committed to grassroots healthcare delivery and community service.
General Admission Requirements for Schools of Nursing in Nigeria
Whether you’re applying to a federal, state, or private nursing school, these are the general entry requirements you must meet:
- O’Level Results (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or GCE)
This is your foundation. You’ll need:
- At least 5 credits, including: English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics
- The credits must be obtained in no more than two sittings.
- NABTEB results can’t be combined with WAEC or NECO, only with another NABTEB.
- GCE is also accepted by many schools.
Pro Tip: Make sure the name on your result matches your birth certificate, ID, and other documents. Small errors like mismatched names can delay or even cancel your admission.
- Age Requirement
You must be at least 17 years old at the time of admission.
Some schools may accept candidates who are 16+, but 17 is the usual standard.
- Application Form
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, here’s what to do:
- Visit the official website of the nursing school you want to apply to.
- Purchase the application form, this typically costs between ₦5,000 and ₦15,000.
- Fill out the form carefully with your personal and academic details.
- Upload necessary documents like:
Passport photograph
Birth certificate
O’Level result
Local government ID or certificate of origin, etc.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
Note: Most schools begin their application process between March and June, and entrance exams usually follow not long after.
- Entrance Examination
Even if there’s no JAMB requirement, there will be an internal exam to determine your admission.
Subjects to Expect:
- English Language
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics (not always, but many schools include it)
- Some schools also test Current Affairs or General Knowledge
Study Tip: Go over your WAEC textbooks again. Some schools even sell past questions, get them to help you increase your chances of passing the exam.
- Oral Interview & Screening
This is the next step after you must have written and passed the exam
Oral Interview – You’ll be asked questions about your background, motivation, and maybe a few academic topics.
- Screening – This may include:
Checking your documents
Verifying your certificates
A basic medical checkup in some cases
This stage is also where your appearance, attitude, and communication skills really count. Be confident, stay polite, and show genuine interest in the nursing profession.
Note: Getting into nursing school might seem like a lot, but with the right preparation, it’s absolutely doable. The process is there to ensure only the best and most committed candidates get in, and that could be you.
Specific Requirements for Top Nursing Schools in Nigeria
While most nursing schools have similar general requirements, some have a few unique conditions or expectations you should be aware of. Here’s a quick breakdown of what some of the top schools expect:
LUTH School of Nursing (Lagos University Teaching Hospital)
- Requires 5 credits in WAEC or NECO: Biology, English, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics
- Minimum age is 17 years
- Application is done online via the LUTH portal
- Entrance exam is in CBT format, so you’ll need basic computer skills
UCH Ibadan (University College Hospital School of Nursing)
- Same 5 O’Level credits required
- Application fee is usually around ₦10,000
- Very strict on deadlines, so apply early
- They pay close attention during screening, especially to your documents and age
School of Nursing, Oshogbo (LAUTECH Teaching Hospital)
- Accepts both WAEC and NECO results
- You must provide a birth certificate, a recent passport photograph, and other personal documents
- Entrance exam typically holds around June or July, so keep an eye on announcements
UBTH School of Nursing (University of Benin Teaching Hospital)
- Offers the standard 3-year Basic Nursing Programme
- Requires 5 credits in relevant science subjects
- Credits must be obtained in no more than two sittings
- Important: You can’t combine WAEC with NABTEB, stick to one exam body
Documents You’ll Need for Your Nursing School Application
Before you start your application, make sure you have these important documents ready. Most schools will ask for both originals and photocopies, so it’s best to prepare ahead:
O’Level Result(s) – WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or GCE (original + photocopies)
Birth Certificate or Age Declaration
Recent Passport Photographs – 2 to 4 copies (preferably on a white background)
Local Government Identification Letter
Application Fee Payment Slip – Proof that you paid for the form
Certificate of State of Origin
Printed Copy of Your Completed Application Form
Extra Tip: Keep all these in a neat file. It shows you’re organized and makes the screening process easier when the time comes.
Conclusion
Choosing to apply to a School of Nursing in Nigeria is a smart and respected decision, especially if you’re someone who doesn’t want to go through the stress of writing JAMB, prefers hands-on and practical learning, wants to start working and earning earlier, or has a genuine passion for helping others through healthcare.
The application process may seem overwhelming at first, but it’s not as complicated as it looks. What it really takes is early preparation, paying close attention to details, and staying committed from start to finish.
Start asking questions, prepare your documents ahead of time, and take your entrance exam preparation seriously. Give yourself enough time to understand what each school requires and make sure you’re ready before the deadline arrives.
