Does School of Nursing require JAMB in Nigeria? Learn the difference between School of Nursing, College of Nursing, ND/HND Nursing and University Nursing Science, including JAMB, WAEC, NECO, age and admission requirements for 2026/2027.
Many students who want to become nurses in Nigeria often ask one important question: Does School of Nursing require JAMB?
This question is very common because nursing admission in Nigeria has changed over the years. Some nursing schools used to admit students mainly through entrance examination and interview, while many colleges of nursing now run programmes that may require JAMB, especially ND/HND Nursing programmes.
So, the simple answer is this: some nursing schools and colleges may require JAMB, while some may still conduct their own entrance examination depending on the type of programme and the institution.
If you want to study Nursing in Nigeria, you must understand the difference between School of Nursing, College of Nursing, ND/HND Nursing and University Nursing Science. This will help you know whether you need JAMB, what WAEC or NECO subjects you need, and how to apply correctly.
This guide explains everything you need to know about School of Nursing and JAMB for 2026/2027 admission.
Does School of Nursing Require JAMB in Nigeria?
Yes, many nursing programmes in Nigeria now require JAMB, especially ND/HND Nursing and University Nursing Science programmes.
However, some traditional basic nursing programmes may still conduct their own entrance examination, depending on the school and the admission route approved for that institution.
This means you should not assume that all nursing schools follow the same admission process.
Before applying, always check the official admission notice of the nursing school or college you want to apply to.
Why Are Students Confused About School of Nursing and JAMB?
Students are confused because nursing education in Nigeria has different routes.
Some candidates apply through JAMB for Nursing Science in universities. Some apply through JAMB for ND/HND Nursing in colleges of nursing. Others apply directly to schools of nursing that conduct entrance exams.
Because of this, one person may say “School of Nursing does not require JAMB,” while another person may say “School of Nursing requires JAMB.” Both may be correct depending on the programme they are talking about.
The most important thing is to know the exact nursing programme you want to apply for.
Types of Nursing Admission in Nigeria
There are different routes to becoming a nurse in Nigeria. Understanding them will help you know whether JAMB is needed.
1. University Nursing Science
This is Nursing studied in a university. It usually leads to a degree in Nursing Science.
For University Nursing Science, candidates normally apply through JAMB and must meet the university’s admission requirements.
You will need:
- JAMB/UTME
- Correct JAMB subject combination
- Strong O’level result
- Post-UTME or screening
- Good aggregate score
- Admission through JAMB CAPS
Nursing Science in universities is usually very competitive.
2. ND/HND Nursing in Colleges of Nursing
Many colleges of nursing now run ND/HND Nursing programmes.
For ND/HND Nursing, JAMB is usually required because National Diploma admission is processed through JAMB.
Candidates may need to:
- Register JAMB
- Choose the college of nursing in JAMB
- Write the correct UTME subjects
- Meet the required cut-off mark
- Apply for post-UTME or screening
- Check admission status on JAMB CAPS
If you are applying for ND/HND Nursing, you should expect JAMB to be part of the process.
3. Basic School of Nursing Programme
Some schools of nursing may still run basic nursing admission through entrance examination and interview.
In this case, the school may sell an admission form and conduct its own entrance exam. However, requirements can vary from school to school.
You must always check the latest official admission advert of the school.
4. Post-Basic Nursing Programmes
Post-basic nursing programmes are usually for people who already have a nursing or health-related qualification and want to specialize.
Examples may include:
- Midwifery
- Psychiatric Nursing
- Perioperative Nursing
- Ophthalmic Nursing
- Accident and Emergency Nursing
These programmes may have different entry requirements from basic nursing or ND/HND nursing.
What Is the Difference Between School of Nursing and College of Nursing?
Many students use the terms together, but there can be differences.
School of Nursing
A School of Nursing traditionally refers to an institution that trains students for professional nursing qualifications. Some may use entrance examinations and interviews.
College of Nursing
A College of Nursing may offer broader nursing programmes, including ND/HND Nursing, Basic Nursing, Basic Midwifery or other approved nursing programmes.
Many colleges of nursing now operate more structured programmes that may involve JAMB, especially for ND/HND Nursing.
Because names and programmes can differ, always check the school’s official admission notice.
Does College of Nursing Require JAMB?
In many cases, yes.
If the College of Nursing is offering ND/HND Nursing, then JAMB is usually required because ND admission normally goes through JAMB.
Candidates may need to select the college in JAMB, meet the required UTME score, and participate in screening.
However, if the college is offering another approved programme with a separate entrance process, the requirement may differ.
Can I Enter School of Nursing Without JAMB?
Yes, it may still be possible in some institutions, depending on the nursing programme.
Some schools may admit candidates through entrance examination without requiring JAMB. But this is not something you should assume.
Before buying any form, check:
- The school’s official admission advert
- Whether the programme is Basic Nursing, ND/HND Nursing or another route
- Whether JAMB is required
- Whether the school is approved
- Whether admission will appear on JAMB CAPS
- The O’level requirements
- The entrance exam date
If the school says JAMB is required, then you must follow that instruction.
Also Read: Can I Study Nursing Without JAMB in Nigeria? Schools and Requirements Explained
Can I Study Nursing Without JAMB in Nigeria?
It depends on the route.
For University Nursing Science, you need JAMB.
For ND/HND Nursing, you usually need JAMB.
For some Basic School of Nursing programmes, you may apply through entrance exam depending on the school.
So, if you want to study Nursing without JAMB, you must look for schools whose admission process allows direct entrance examination. But you must also make sure the school is approved and recognized.
Is JAMB Compulsory for Nursing Science in University?
Yes, JAMB is required for Nursing Science in Nigerian universities.
Nursing Science is a university degree programme, so candidates must apply through JAMB, choose the university, write the correct subjects, meet the cut-off mark, and pass post-UTME or screening.
Because Nursing Science is highly competitive, candidates usually need a strong JAMB score.
Is JAMB Compulsory for ND/HND Nursing?
Yes, JAMB is usually required for ND/HND Nursing.
ND means National Diploma, and admission into ND programmes is normally processed through JAMB.
If you want ND/HND Nursing, you should register for JAMB, choose the right college of nursing where possible, meet the cut-off mark, and follow the school’s screening instructions.
What Is the JAMB Cut-Off Mark for College of Nursing?
The general JAMB minimum score for Colleges of Nursing may be announced by JAMB and education stakeholders for each admission year.
However, this does not mean every College of Nursing will accept only the minimum score. Some colleges may set higher cut-off marks depending on competition and admission spaces.
Nursing is very competitive, so you should aim higher than the minimum score if possible.
What JAMB Score Is Good for Nursing?
A good JAMB score for Nursing depends on the school and the programme.
For Nursing Science in universities, candidates often need high scores because the course is competitive.
For Colleges of Nursing, the required score may depend on the school’s admission policy.
To increase your chance, aim for a strong score and prepare well for screening or post-UTME.
JAMB Subject Combination for Nursing
The common JAMB subject combination for Nursing is:
- English Language
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
English Language is compulsory in JAMB.
Before registration, always confirm the subject combination from the latest JAMB brochure or the school’s admission requirements.
WAEC and NECO Requirements for School of Nursing
To apply for Nursing in Nigeria, candidates usually need five O’level credit passes in relevant subjects.
The important subjects are:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
These credits are usually required in WAEC, NECO, NABTEB or equivalent examinations, depending on the school’s policy.
Can I Use Two Sittings for School of Nursing?
Yes, many nursing institutions may accept two sittings, but this depends on the school and programme.
Two sittings means combining two O’level results to meet the required subjects.
For example, a candidate may combine WAEC and NECO if the school accepts it.
However, some competitive institutions may prefer one sitting, so always check the school’s requirement before applying.
Can I Use Awaiting Result for School of Nursing?
Some schools may allow awaiting result during application, but the result must be available before final admission.
Awaiting result means your WAEC, NECO or NABTEB result is not yet released.
If you are applying with awaiting result, make sure the result will be released before the school completes admission processing.
Can I Study Nursing With D7 in Chemistry, Physics or Biology?
In most cases, no.
Nursing usually requires credit passes in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English Language and Mathematics.
A D7 is not a credit pass. If you have D7 in a required science subject, it may affect your admission.
You may need to rewrite WAEC or NECO, combine results if allowed, or consider another related course.
Can I Study Nursing Without Physics?
In most cases, Physics is required for Nursing admission in Nigeria.
If your O’level result does not include a credit pass in Physics, your admission may be affected.
Always check the requirement of your chosen school, but generally, Physics is one of the core science subjects for Nursing.
Can I Study Nursing Without Chemistry?
Chemistry is also very important for Nursing.
Most nursing schools and universities require a credit pass in Chemistry.
If you do not have Chemistry, it may be difficult to gain admission into Nursing.
Can Art or Commercial Students Apply for School of Nursing?
Art or commercial students may apply for Nursing only if they have the required science subjects.
Nursing is a science and health-related course. You need Biology, Chemistry and Physics, along with English Language and Mathematics.
If you studied Art or Commercial subjects but also passed the required science subjects in WAEC or NECO, you may be eligible.
Age Requirement for School of Nursing
The age requirement may depend on the school and admission year.
Many tertiary admission processes in Nigeria use a minimum admission age, and individual nursing schools may also state their own age requirements.
Before applying, check the admission advert of the school you want.
How Many Years Is School of Nursing in Nigeria?
The duration depends on the programme.
Basic Nursing may take about three years in many institutions.
ND/HND Nursing may follow the National Diploma and Higher National Diploma structure, depending on the college.
University Nursing Science usually takes about five years.
Always confirm the duration from the specific school because nursing programmes may differ.
How to Apply for School of Nursing Admission
The application process depends on whether the school requires JAMB or entrance examination.
If JAMB Is Required
You may need to:
- Register for JAMB.
- Choose the correct institution and course.
- Write the correct UTME subject combination.
- Meet the required cut-off mark.
- Apply for the school’s screening or post-UTME.
- Upload your O’level result.
- Check your admission status on JAMB CAPS.
- Accept admission if offered.
- Complete school clearance.
If JAMB Is Not Required
You may need to:
- Visit the school’s official portal.
- Buy the nursing admission form.
- Fill the application form correctly.
- Upload required documents.
- Prepare for the entrance exam.
- Attend interview if required.
- Check the admission list.
- Complete clearance if admitted.
Documents Needed for School of Nursing Admission
Common documents may include:
- WAEC, NECO or NABTEB result
- Birth certificate or age declaration
- Local government identification
- Passport photographs
- JAMB result slip if required
- JAMB admission letter if required
- Application form printout
- Entrance exam slip
- Testimonial
- Medical fitness document if required
The exact documents depend on the school.
How to Know If a School of Nursing Is Approved
Before applying, confirm that the school is approved by the relevant nursing authority.
You should avoid unapproved nursing schools because their certificates may not be recognized.
To stay safe:
- Check official approval lists
- Visit the school’s official website
- Confirm from official nursing regulatory sources
- Avoid random social media adverts
- Do not pay into personal accounts
- Ask questions before applying
School of Nursing vs University Nursing: Which One Is Better?
Both can be good depending on your goal.
University Nursing Science gives a degree and may be better for students who want a university-based academic route.
School or College of Nursing may be more direct and practical depending on the programme.
The best option depends on your qualification, budget, school preference, career plan and admission chance.
Should I Choose School of Nursing or College of Nursing?
Choose based on:
- Approval status
- Admission requirement
- JAMB requirement
- School fees
- Location
- Programme type
- Certificate awarded
- Accreditation status
- Admission competition
- Your long-term career plan
Do not choose only because the school is popular. Choose a recognized and approved institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does School of Nursing Require JAMB?
Some nursing programmes require JAMB, especially ND/HND Nursing and University Nursing Science. Some traditional basic nursing programmes may use entrance examination depending on the school.
Can I Enter School of Nursing Without JAMB?
Yes, it may be possible in some schools, but you must check the school’s admission requirement before applying.
Does College of Nursing Require JAMB?
Many colleges of nursing require JAMB, especially for ND/HND Nursing programmes.
Is JAMB Required for Nursing Science?
Yes, JAMB is required for Nursing Science in universities.
What Subjects Are Needed for Nursing in JAMB?
The common JAMB subjects for Nursing are English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
What WAEC Subjects Are Needed for Nursing?
The main WAEC or NECO subjects needed for Nursing are English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Can I Use Two Sittings for Nursing?
Many schools may accept two sittings, but it depends on the institution and programme.
Can I Study Nursing With Awaiting Result?
Some schools may allow awaiting result, but your result must be available before final admission.
Can I Study Nursing Without Physics?
In most cases, Physics is required for Nursing.
Can I Study Nursing Without Chemistry?
In most cases, Chemistry is required for Nursing.
Can Commercial Students Study Nursing?
Only if they have the required science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and English Language.
What Is the Cut-Off Mark for College of Nursing?
The general minimum may be set by JAMB and education stakeholders, but individual colleges can set higher cut-off marks depending on competition.
Conclusion
So, does School of Nursing require JAMB in Nigeria?
The answer depends on the type of nursing programme and the institution.
If you are applying for University Nursing Science, JAMB is required. If you are applying for ND/HND Nursing in a College of Nursing, JAMB is usually required. But if you are applying for some traditional Basic Nursing programmes, the school may conduct its own entrance examination.
Before applying to any nursing school, confirm the admission route, O’level requirements, JAMB requirement, cut-off mark, age requirement and approval status of the school.
Nursing is a professional and competitive course, so do not apply blindly. Make sure your WAEC or NECO result is complete, choose the correct JAMB subjects if required, and follow only official admission instructions.
