Nursing programs are typically offered by universities, colleges of nursing, and some polytechnics. But polytechnics offering nursing? That’s not very common. Polytechnics usually focus on ND and HND programs in technical fields, while nursing is more aligned with medical training under universities or specialized colleges.
In case you might be confused about the types of institutions offering nursing in Nigeria or you might think polytechnics have nursing programs, but actually, most are either universities or schools of nursing. I will clarify this distinction in this article. If you are a prospective student looking for alternative pathways into nursing, maybe someone who couldn’t get into a Nigeria university and you are exploring polytechnics as an option. Or perhaps you’re looking for programs with a more practical, technical approach, assuming polytechnics offer that.
From various resourses, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) accredits nursing programs and the accredited institutions to run these programs. But polytechnics? Some polytechnics like Federal Polytechnic Ilaro and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic have been mentioned in relation to nursing, but are those actual nursing programs? Some polytechnics offer ND/HND in Public Health or Community Health, which might be confused with nursing.
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Polytechnics Offering Nursing Programme in Nigeria
Some years back, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria signed a memo with the National Board for Technical Education for the take-off of Higher National Diploma in Nursing (HND Nursing) in Nigeria. The program is aimed at giving academic quantification to Nursing education in the Nigeria Polytechnics. But ever since and at the moment, there is NO Polytechnics offering Nursing programme or has been approved to start HND Nursing in Nigeria. if you must go for Nursing, you will have to look up to other options.
Since there’s NO Polytechnics offering Nursing programme in Nigeria, we shall give a deeper understanding on how to find accessible nursing education options. Also to explain the difference between nursing and other health-related programs. So, explaining the distinction between Registered Nurse (RN) programs and other health diplomas is crucial. The need for guidance on accredited pathways to become a licensed nurse in Nigeria is crucial.
To clarify the common misconception on the topic “Polytechnics offering Nursing programme in Nigeria”, here is the list of polytechnics with health-related programs, but emphasizing they aren’t nursing programme:
- Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos
- Kaduna Polytechnic (KADPOLY), Kaduna
- Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro (ILAROPOLY), Ogun
- Federal Polytechnic, Nekede (NEKEDEPOLY), Imo
- Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi
- Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun
- Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIPO), Owo, Ondo
- Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Ikorodu
- Osun State Polytechnic (OSUNPOLY), Iree
- Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo
- The Polytechnic, Ibadan (IBADAN POLY), Oyo
- Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra
Apart from the above institutions, there are alternatives programs outside universities like schools of nursing. In Nigeria, nursing programs outside universities are typically offered by Schools of Nursing, which are often affiliated with teaching hospitals or state health ministries. These schools award diplomas or certificates, not degrees. Students may not be aware of the distinction between university degrees and these diplomas, these programs are registered under the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), which is essential for practicing as a nurse.
Apart from polytechnics, There are Schools of Nursing that offer HND in Nursing. The list of Nursing schools are vary from Federal Schools of Nursing, State Schools of Nursing, and Private Schools of Nursing. Each has different affiliations and admission processes.
It is important to clarify that these Schools of Nursing award Diplomas (e.g., Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Midwife (RM), Registered Public Health Nurse (RPHN)) or Certificates, NOT Bachelor’s degrees (B.Nsc). The Graduates from these Schools of Nursing are Registered Nurses licensed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and can practice professionally.
Here is a detailed list of Schools that are offering HND Nursing programs in Nigeria outside the university system, along with specific examples and crucial information:
List of Schools that are Offering HND Nursing Programs in Nigeria
1. Schools of Nursing (Affiliated to Teaching Hospitals)
These are the most common and prestigious Nursing Schools in Nigeria. They are typically attached to Federal or State Teaching Hospitals, Federal Medical Centres (FMCs), or Specialist Hospitals. They offer the 3-year Basic General Nursing Program (RN). These schools are accredited by the NMCN. Admission into thse schools are highly competitive. Requires O’Levels (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB), UTME (JAMB) score, and passing the school’s entrance exam and interview.
Examples of Nursing Schools at Federal level include:
- School of Nursing, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State
- School of Nursing, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos State
- School of Nursing, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, Enugu State
- School of Nursing, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Shika-Zaria, Kaduna State
- School of Nursing, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State
- School of Nursing, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, Osun State
- School of Nursing, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Port Harcourt, Rivers State
- School of Nursing, National Hospital, Abuja, FCT
- School of Nursing, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun State
- School of Nursing, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Keffi, Nasarawa State
- School of Nursing, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Gombe, Gombe State
- School of Nursing, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, Delta State
- School of Nursing, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri, Imo State
- School of Nursing, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yola, Adamawa State
- School of Nursing, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano, Kano State
- School of Nursing, Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Jos, Plateau State
Examples of Nursing Schools at the State level (Numerous exist, often attached to State Specialist/General Hospitals) include:
- School of Nursing, Adeoyo Maternity Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State
- School of Nursing, Ife Hospital Unit, Ile-Ife, Osun State
- School of Nursing, Sacred Heart Hospital, Lantoro, Abeokuta, Ogun State
- School of Nursing, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
- School of Nursing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State (Note: Affiliated to a Uni, but the School itself is hospital-based and awards a Diploma)
- School of Nursing, Maryam Abacha American University of Niger (MAAUN) Teaching Hospital, Kano, Kano State (Private Uni Teaching Hospital)
- School of Nursing, State Specialist Hospital, Akure, Ondo State
- School of Nursing, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State
- School of Nursing, Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, Sokoto State
- School of Nursing, Yobe State Specialist Hospital, Damaturu, Yobe State
- School of Nursing, Niger State Specialist Hospital, Minna, Niger State
- School of Nursing, Kebbi Medical Centre, Kalgo, Kebbi State
- School of Nursing, Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH), Orlu, Imo State (State Uni Teaching Hospital, awards Diploma)
- School of Nursing, Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba, Abia State (State Uni Teaching Hospital, awards Diploma)
2. Schools of Basic Midwifery
These schools focus specifically on midwifery. They offer a 3-year program leading to the Registered Midwife (RM) qualification. Often attached to general hospitals, maternity hospitals, or sometimes co-located with Schools of Nursing in Nigeria. Some schools offer combined RN/RM programs. The school accreditation is done by NMCN.
The admission is a Similar O’Level requirements, often requires UTME, school exam/interview.
Examples of basic midwifery nursing schools include:
- School of Midwifery, Sacred Heart Hospital, Lantoro, Abeokuta, Ogun State
- School of Midwifery, St. Gerard’s Catholic Hospital, Kakuri, Kaduna, Kaduna State
- School of Midwifery, Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, Sokoto State
- School of Midwifery, Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Afikpo, Ebonyi State
- School of Midwifery, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State
- School of Midwifery, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar, Cross River State
- School of Midwifery, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Irrua, Edo State
- School of Midwifery, State Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State
- School of Midwifery, Bishop Shanahan Hospital, Nsukka, Enugu State
- School of Midwifery, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala, Anambra State
3. Schools of Post-Basic Nursing
The Schools of Post-Basic Nursing offers specialized programs for nurses who are ALREADY registered (RN). Programs are usually 1-2 years and lead to additional qualifications like Registered Public Health Nurse (RPHN), Registered Perioperative Nurse, Registered Paediatric Nurse, Registered Ophthalmic Nurse, etc. Attached to tertiary hospitals. This school accreditation is done by NMCN. To get admission Requires current RN license, O’Levels, relevant work experience (sometimes), and passing school entrance exam/interview.
Examples of Schools of Post-Basic Nursing include:
- School of Post-Basic Nursing (Psychiatric), Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Kaduna, Kaduna State
- School of Post-Basic Nursing (Perioperative), University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State
- School of Post-Basic Nursing (Ophthalmic), University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, Enugu State
- School of Post-Basic Nursing (Paediatrics), Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos State
- School of Post-Basic Nursing (Anaesthesia), National Hospital, Abuja, FCT
- School of Post-Basic Nursing (Accident & Emergency), Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Shika-Zaria, Kaduna State
- School of Post-Basic Nursing (Critical Care), University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Port Harcourt, Rivers State
- School of Post-Basic Public Health Nursing, Federal Ministry of Health, Lagos (or other designated centers)
Private Schools of Nursing / Midwifery
Private Schools of Nursing / Midwifery are privately owned and operated institutions offering Basic Nursing (RN), Basic Midwifery (RM), or sometimes Post-Basic programs. Admission requirements include (O’Levels, UTME, school exam/interview), fees are usually higher.
Examples Private Schools of Nursing / Midwifery are:
- School of Nursing, Madonna University Teaching Hospital, Elele, Rivers State (Private Uni Teaching Hospital, awards Diploma)
- School of Nursing, Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State (Private Uni Teaching Hospital, awards Diploma)
- School of Nursing, Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State (Private Uni Teaching Hospital, awards Diploma)
- School of Nursing, Seventh-Day Adventist Hospital, Ile-Ife, Osun State
- School of Nursing, Ecwa Goodnews Hospital, Kafanchan, Kaduna State
- School of Nursing, St. Luke’s Hospital, Anua, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
- School of Nursing, Iyi-Enu Mission Hospital, Ogidi, Anambra State
- School of Nursing, Bishop Shanahan Hospital, Nsukka, Enugu State (Also offers Midwifery/Post-Basic)
- School of Nursing, Mercy Hospital, Aba, Abia State
- School of Nursing, Divine Mercy Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State
How to Apply for Schools of Nursing in Nigeria
It is paramount always check the current list of accredited institutions on the official Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) website or contact their headquarters/offices before applying or paying any fees. Unaccredited programs is a waste of time and money.
General Admission Requirements: O’Level Results include; Minimum of 5 credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in not more than two sittings (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB). NABTEB must be combined with WAEC/NECO, not two NABTEB sittings.
UTME (JAMB): Most schools require candidates to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and select the school as their choice (or apply for change of institution later). You must meet the school’s UTME cut-off mark. School Entrance Examination/Interview: Shortlisted candidates must pass a competitive written exam and often an oral interview conducted by the school.
Cost: Fees vary significantly. Federal schools are generally the cheapest. State schools are moderately priced. Private schools are usually the most expensive. Inquire directly about current tuition, accommodation, and other fees.
