NMCN List of Accredited Schools 2026:- If you want to study Nursing, Midwifery or any related nursing programme in Nigeria, one of the first things you must check is whether the school is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, commonly known as NMCN. Many candidates are now searching for the NMCN list of accredited schools 2026 because they want to avoid fake or unapproved nursing institutions.
The NMCN is the official regulatory body responsible for nursing and midwifery education and practice in Nigeria. This means that before you apply to any school of nursing, college of nursing sciences, department of nursing science or post-basic nursing school, you should confirm that the institution is on the approved list.
What Is the NMCN List of Accredited Schools?
The NMCN list of accredited schools is the official list of nursing training institutions approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. The list includes schools of nursing, schools of midwifery, post-basic nursing schools, community nursing programmes, community midwifery programmes and departments of nursing sciences.
According to the official NMCN approved schools page, the Council has approved nursing, midwifery, post-basic nursing and nursing science departments with their accreditation status and admission quota on a state-by-state basis. The NMCN page states that there are 290 nursing training institutions in Nigeria approved by the Council as at December 2025.
NMCN Accredited Schools 2026 Summary
The official NMCN approved schools page provides a summary of approved nursing training institutions by programme type. The categories include:
| Programme Category | Number Listed by NMCN |
|---|---|
| School of Nursing, Basic | 117 |
| Schools of Midwifery, Basic/Post Basic | 111 |
| Schools of Post Basic Nursing Specialties | 72 |
| Departments of Nursing Sciences | 43 |
| Community Midwifery Programme | 27 |
| Community Nursing Programme | 30 |
These figures come from the NMCN approved schools summary, which also states that the approved list is arranged on a state basis.
Is the 2026 NMCN List Available?
Yes. The NMCN has an official approved-schools page where candidates can view or download the approved list. The current official PDF available through the NMCN site is titled as a list of approved/accredited nursing training institutions in Nigeria and their approved programmes.
Candidates should note that accreditation lists can change. A school may be approved, placed under accreditation process, restricted, or affected by admission quota changes. That is why it is better to check the latest official NMCN list before buying any nursing form.
Examples of NMCN Accredited Schools in Nigeria
The official list contains many institutions across different states. Some examples include:
| State/FCT | Examples of Listed Institutions |
|---|---|
| Abia | College of Nursing Sciences, Amachara; College of Nursing Sciences, Umuahia; College of Nursing Sciences, ABSUTH, Aba |
| Adamawa | College of Nursing Sciences, Yola; College of Nursing Sciences, MAUTH, Yola |
| Akwa Ibom | College of Nursing Sciences, Anua-Uyo; College of Nursing Sciences, Ituk-Mbang; College of Nursing Sciences, Eket |
| Anambra | College of Nursing Sciences, Adazi-Nnukwu; College of Nursing Sciences, Ihiala; College of Nursing Sciences, Iyi-Enu; College of Nursing Sciences, COOUTH, Nkpor; College of Nursing Sciences, NAUTH, Nnewi |
| Bauchi | College of Nursing Sciences, ATBUTH, Bauchi; Aliko Dangote College of Nursing Sciences, Bauchi |
| FCT Abuja | College of Nursing Sciences, Gwagwalada; National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja; College of Nursing Sciences, National Hospital, Abuja; Unity College of Nursing Sciences, Bwari; Oasis College of Nursing Sciences, Kuje |
These examples are taken from the official NMCN PDF list, which begins with approved schools in Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra and Bauchi, and later lists FCT institutions such as Gwagwalada, National Hospital Abuja, Unity College of Nursing Sciences and others.
NMCN Approved Schools by Programme Type
Before choosing a school, candidates should understand that the school name alone is not enough. You must check the exact programme approved by NMCN.
For example, one institution may be approved for Nursing Programme and Midwifery Programme, while another may only be approved for Midwifery, Community Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, Perioperative Nursing, Paediatric Nursing, Oncology Nursing or another specialty.
The official NMCN PDF is titled List of Approved/Accredited Nursing Training Institutions in Nigeria and Their Approved Programme, meaning candidates should check both the institution and the approved programme before applying.
Schools Under Accreditation Process
Not every institution mentioned in the NMCN document is fully in the same category. The official PDF also contains a section for Departments of Nursing Under Accreditation Process. NMCN explains that such institutions have been visited in advisory capacity and were granted permission to admit based on available resources annually, pending accreditation by the Council.
This is very important for applicants. A school listed as under accreditation process should not be treated the same way as a fully approved programme. Candidates should confirm the current status directly from NMCN and the school before paying any admission fee.
Why NMCN Accreditation Is Important
NMCN accreditation protects students from wasting time and money on unapproved nursing schools. If a school or programme is not recognised, graduates may have problems with indexing, professional examinations, licensing or employment.
A nursing school may have a beautiful building, active social media pages and ongoing admission adverts, but that does not automatically mean the programme is approved. The safest step is to check the NMCN approved list before applying.
How to Check If a Nursing School Is Accredited by NMCN
To confirm whether a school is accredited, follow these steps:
- Visit the official NMCN website.
- Go to the approved schools section.
- Download the latest approved schools PDF.
- Search for the school name.
- Confirm the state and exact programme.
- Check whether the school is fully approved, under accreditation process or affected by any restriction.
- Contact the school or NMCN if anything is unclear.
Do not rely only on WhatsApp groups, admission agents or social media adverts. Always confirm from the official NMCN list.
General Requirements for Nursing Schools in Nigeria
Although each school may have its own admission process, most nursing programmes require candidates to have at least five O’Level credit passes in relevant science subjects. These usually include:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Candidates may also need to pass an entrance examination, oral interview, medical fitness check and document verification. For ND/HND Nursing and university Nursing Science, JAMB may also be required.
Warning Against Fake Nursing Schools
Many fake admission agents use the name of popular nursing schools to collect money from unsuspecting candidates. Some may also claim that they can secure admission without entrance examination, without O’Level requirements or without official screening.
Candidates should be careful. Do not pay into personal accounts. Do not trust anyone who promises automatic admission. Do not assume that a school is approved just because it is called a “College of Nursing Sciences.” Always confirm the school and programme on the NMCN list.
Conclusion
The NMCN list of accredited schools 2026 is the official list of nursing training institutions approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. According to NMCN, the Council has approved nursing, midwifery, post-basic nursing and nursing science departments with accreditation status and admission quota on a state-by-state basis. The official page states that there are 290 approved nursing training institutions in Nigeria as at December 2025.
Before applying for any nursing admission form in 2026, candidates should download the latest NMCN approved list, confirm the school name, confirm the exact approved programme and avoid paying through unofficial channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full meaning of NMCN?
NMCN means Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
How many nursing schools are approved by NMCN?
The official NMCN approved schools page states that there are 290 nursing training institutions approved by the Council as at December 2025.
Does NMCN approve colleges of nursing in Nigeria?
Yes. NMCN approves schools of nursing, schools of midwifery, post-basic nursing schools, community nursing and midwifery programmes, and departments of nursing sciences.
Is every college of nursing in Nigeria accredited?
No. Candidates should not assume that every college of nursing is accredited. Always check the official NMCN approved schools list before applying.
Can a school be listed but still be under accreditation process?
Yes. The NMCN PDF includes a section for departments of nursing under accreditation process, and such institutions should be checked carefully before applying.
What should I check before buying a nursing form?
Check the school name, state, approved programme, accreditation status, admission quota, official application portal and whether the programme requires JAMB.
