Many Nigerian students who want to become nurses often ask: Can I study Nursing without JAMB?
This question is very important because nursing admission in Nigeria can be confusing. Some students hear that School of Nursing does not require JAMB, while others hear that every nursing candidate must write JAMB before getting admission.
The truth is that the answer depends on the type of nursing programme and the institution you want to apply to.
If you want to study Nursing Science in a university, you need JAMB.
If you want to study ND/HND Nursing in a College of Nursing, JAMB is usually required.
If you are applying for some Basic Nursing programmes, the school may conduct its own entrance examination, depending on the institution and the current admission system.
So, before you apply, you must know the exact nursing route you want and confirm the requirements from the school’s official admission notice.
This guide explains whether you can study Nursing without JAMB in Nigeria, the nursing programmes that may require JAMB, the ones that may not require JAMB, and the WAEC/NECO requirements you must meet.
Can I Study Nursing Without JAMB in Nigeria?
Yes, it may be possible to study Nursing without JAMB in Nigeria, but only through some nursing admission routes and some institutions.
Some traditional Schools of Nursing or Basic Nursing programmes may admit candidates through entrance examination and interview instead of JAMB. However, this is not the same for every school.
Many Colleges of Nursing now run ND/HND Nursing programmes, and those usually require JAMB because National Diploma admission is normally processed through JAMB.
Therefore, the safest answer is:
You can study Nursing without JAMB only if the school and programme you are applying for allow direct entrance examination without JAMB.
Do not assume. Always check the official admission advert of the school.
Why Are Students Confused About Nursing and JAMB?
Students are confused because there are different ways to study Nursing in Nigeria.
Some nursing programmes are university-based. Some are college-based. Some are traditional hospital-based Basic Nursing programmes. Some are ND/HND Nursing programmes. Each route may have different admission requirements.
This is why one person may say, “You need JAMB for Nursing,” while another person may say, “You can enter School of Nursing without JAMB.”
Both statements can be true depending on the programme.
Nursing Admission Routes in Nigeria
Before asking whether you can study Nursing without JAMB, you need to understand the main nursing admission routes.
1. University Nursing Science
University Nursing Science is a degree programme usually offered by universities.
Candidates who study Nursing Science in a university usually graduate with a Nursing degree, depending on the school’s programme structure.
For this route, JAMB is required.
You will normally need:
- JAMB/UTME
- Correct JAMB subject combination
- Good JAMB score
- Post-UTME or screening
- Five O’level credit passes
- Admission through JAMB CAPS
If your goal is to study Nursing Science in a university, you cannot avoid JAMB.
2. ND/HND Nursing in Colleges of Nursing
Many Colleges of Nursing now offer ND/HND Nursing programmes.
For ND/HND Nursing, JAMB is usually required because ND admission is linked to JAMB admission processing.
Some colleges clearly state that applicants for ND Nursing must have written JAMB and obtained the required score. For example, some College of Nursing admission notices require JAMB result, change of institution, and O’level upload on CAPS as part of the screening process.
If you want ND/HND Nursing, prepare for JAMB.
3. Basic School of Nursing
Some Basic Nursing programmes may still admit candidates through the school’s own entrance examination.
In this case, the school may sell an admission form, conduct an entrance exam, invite candidates for interview, and later release an admission list.
This is the route many students refer to when they ask about studying Nursing without JAMB.
However, not every school still follows this route, so you must confirm before applying.
4. Basic Midwifery
Basic Midwifery is another nursing-related route. Some schools may conduct entrance examinations for Basic Midwifery admission, while others may have different requirements.
Always check the specific school’s admission notice.
5. Post-Basic Nursing Programmes
Post-Basic Nursing programmes are usually for people who already have a nursing qualification and want to specialize.
Examples may include:
- Post-Basic Midwifery
- Post-Basic Psychiatric Nursing
- Post-Basic Perioperative Nursing
- Post-Basic Ophthalmic Nursing
- Post-Basic Accident and Emergency Nursing
These programmes may have different requirements and may not be for fresh secondary school leavers.
Which Nursing Programmes Require JAMB?
JAMB is usually required for:
- University Nursing Science
- ND Nursing
- HND Nursing
- Colleges of Nursing running ND/HND programmes
- Any nursing programme where the school specifically asks for JAMB
- Admission routes processed through JAMB CAPS
If the school says candidates must write JAMB, then you need JAMB.
Which Nursing Programmes May Not Require JAMB?
Some Basic Nursing or Basic Midwifery programmes may not require JAMB if the institution conducts its own entrance examination.
These schools may require candidates to:
- Buy the school’s nursing form
- Meet O’level requirements
- Sit for entrance examination
- Pass interview
- Complete screening
- Pay acceptance fee if admitted
But this depends on the school.
Can I Enter School of Nursing Without JAMB?
Yes, you may be able to enter some Schools of Nursing without JAMB if the school runs a direct entrance examination for Basic Nursing.
However, you must confirm from the school’s official portal or admission office.
Do not depend only on old information because nursing admission requirements can change.
Can I Enter College of Nursing Without JAMB?
It depends on the programme.
If the College of Nursing is offering ND/HND Nursing, JAMB is usually required.
If the College is offering Basic Nursing or Basic Midwifery through entrance examination, JAMB may not be required.
Because many nursing institutions now use the title College of Nursing Sciences, you must check the exact programme before applying.
Can I Study Nursing Science Without JAMB?
No, you cannot study Nursing Science in a Nigerian university without JAMB through the normal UTME route.
Nursing Science is a university degree programme, and admission is usually processed through JAMB.
If you want university Nursing, you need JAMB, correct subject combination, good score, O’level credits, and post-UTME or screening.
Also Read: Does School of Nursing Require JAMB in Nigeria? Full Guide for 2026/2027 Admission
Can I Study ND/HND Nursing Without JAMB?
In most cases, no.
ND/HND Nursing usually requires JAMB because it follows the National Diploma and Higher National Diploma structure.
Candidates applying for ND/HND Nursing are often expected to register for JAMB, score the required mark, choose or change to the institution, and participate in screening.
WAEC and NECO Requirements for Nursing in Nigeria
Whether you use JAMB or not, you still need the correct O’level subjects.
The common O’level requirement for Nursing is five credit passes in:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
These credits may be from WAEC, NECO, NABTEB or approved equivalent examinations, depending on the institution.
Most nursing schools require these subjects at not more than two sittings.
Can I Study Nursing With Awaiting Result?
Some schools may allow candidates to apply with awaiting result, but the result must be available before final admission.
If you are using awaiting result, make sure your WAEC, NECO or NABTEB result will be released before the school completes admission processing.
Some institutions do not accept awaiting result for certain admission cycles, so always check the school’s advert.
Can I Use Two Sittings for Nursing?
Yes, many nursing institutions may accept two sittings, but it depends on the school and programme.
Two sittings means combining two O’level results, such as WAEC and NECO, to complete the required subjects.
For example, a candidate may use WAEC for English, Mathematics and Biology, then use NECO for Chemistry and Physics.
However, some schools may have stricter rules, so confirm before applying.
Can I Use NABTEB for Nursing Admission?
Some schools may accept NABTEB, but policies can differ.
If you want to use NABTEB for Nursing, check whether your preferred school accepts it and whether it can be combined with WAEC or NECO.
Some schools may only allow NABTEB to be combined with NABTEB.
Can I Study Nursing With D7 in Chemistry, Physics or Biology?
In most cases, no.
Nursing usually requires credit passes in Chemistry, Physics and Biology. A D7 is not a credit pass.
If you have D7 in one of the required subjects, you may need to:
- Rewrite WAEC or NECO
- Combine results if the school accepts two sittings
- Apply for another related course
- Choose a programme where your result meets the requirement
Do not apply blindly if your O’level result is incomplete.
Can I Study Nursing Without Physics?
In most cases, Physics is required for Nursing.
Most nursing schools and universities require English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
If you do not have Physics, your admission may be affected.
Can I Study Nursing Without Chemistry?
Chemistry is also required in most nursing institutions.
Nursing is a health science programme, so Chemistry is an important subject.
If you do not have credit in Chemistry, you may need to rewrite the subject or combine results if allowed.
Can Art or Commercial Students Study Nursing?
Art or Commercial students can study Nursing only if they have the required science subjects.
You need English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
If you studied Art or Commercial in secondary school but also wrote and passed the required science subjects, you may be eligible.
Age Requirement for Nursing Admission
Age requirement depends on the institution and programme.
Some schools may require candidates to be at least 16 years old, while some may set higher age requirements for certain programmes.
Always check the school’s official admission notice before applying.
How Many Years Is Nursing Without JAMB?
The duration depends on the programme.
Basic Nursing may take about three years in many institutions.
ND/HND Nursing follows the ND and HND structure.
University Nursing Science may take about five years.
Always confirm from the specific institution because programme duration can vary.
How to Find Schools of Nursing That Do Not Require JAMB
To find schools that may not require JAMB, follow these steps:
1. Search for Basic Nursing Admission Forms
Look for schools advertising Basic Nursing or Basic Midwifery admission forms.
These are more likely to use entrance examination than ND/HND Nursing.
2. Read the Official Admission Advert Carefully
Check whether the advert mentions JAMB, UTME, CAPS, change of institution, post-UTME or ND/HND.
If JAMB is mentioned, then you likely need JAMB.
3. Confirm the Programme Name
Check whether the programme is:
- Basic Nursing
- Basic Midwifery
- ND Nursing
- HND Nursing
- Nursing Science
- Post-Basic Nursing
Do not confuse them.
4. Contact the School Directly
Use the official phone number, email or admission office contact from the school’s website.
Ask whether JAMB is required for the exact programme.
5. Check Approval Status
Make sure the school is approved and recognized.
Do not apply to unknown or unapproved nursing schools.
Examples of Schools or Routes That May Use Entrance Exam
Some Basic Nursing and Basic Midwifery programmes may conduct entrance exams instead of JAMB, depending on the school’s current policy.
However, you should not rely on old lists online because requirements change.
Before applying to any school, confirm:
- Whether the school is approved
- Whether the programme is Basic Nursing or ND/HND Nursing
- Whether JAMB is required
- Whether the form is currently out
- Whether the school conducts entrance exam
- The official school fees
- The correct application portal
How to Apply for Nursing Without JAMB
If the school does not require JAMB and uses entrance examination, the process may look like this:
- Visit the school’s official portal.
- Read the admission requirements.
- Confirm that JAMB is not required.
- Buy the admission form through the official channel.
- Fill your details correctly.
- Upload required documents.
- Print your application slip.
- Prepare for the entrance exam.
- Attend interview if invited.
- Check the admission list.
- Complete clearance if admitted.
How to Apply for Nursing With JAMB
If JAMB is required, the process may look like this:
- Register for JAMB.
- Choose the correct institution and programme.
- Write English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
- Score the required cut-off mark.
- Apply for the school’s post-UTME or screening.
- Upload O’level result on JAMB CAPS.
- Check admission status on JAMB CAPS.
- Accept admission if offered.
- Print admission letter when available.
- Complete school clearance.
Documents Needed for Nursing Admission
Common documents may include:
- WAEC, NECO or NABTEB result
- Birth certificate or age declaration
- Local government identification
- Passport photographs
- Application form printout
- Entrance exam slip
- JAMB result slip if required
- JAMB change of institution slip if required
- JAMB admission letter if required
- Medical fitness report if required
The exact documents depend on the school.
Is Nursing Without JAMB Better Than Nursing With JAMB?
Not necessarily.
Both routes can be good if the school is approved and the programme is recognized.
Nursing with JAMB may be required for university degree or ND/HND programmes. Nursing without JAMB may be possible through some Basic Nursing routes.
The better option depends on:
- Your qualification
- Your age
- Your budget
- Your career goal
- Your preferred school
- The programme’s approval status
- Whether you want degree, ND/HND or professional nursing route
Mistakes to Avoid When Looking for Nursing Without JAMB
1. Applying to Unapproved Schools
This is dangerous. Always confirm that the school is approved.
2. Believing Every Online List
Some lists online may be outdated. Requirements change often.
3. Ignoring O’level Requirements
Even without JAMB, you still need the correct WAEC or NECO subjects.
4. Paying Into Personal Accounts
Only pay through official school channels.
5. Confusing Basic Nursing With ND/HND Nursing
ND/HND Nursing usually requires JAMB. Basic Nursing may use entrance exam depending on the school.
6. Waiting Until Form Closes
Nursing admission forms can close quickly. Apply early once the form is officially out.
7. Not Preparing for Entrance Exam
If you are applying without JAMB, entrance exam may be your main selection test. Prepare well.
8. Ignoring Age Requirement
Check the age requirement before applying.
9. Using Wrong Subjects
Nursing requires science subjects. Do not apply if your O’level subjects do not match.
10. Trusting Fake Agents
Avoid people promising guaranteed admission.
Best Advice for Students Who Want Nursing Without JAMB
If you want to study Nursing without JAMB, focus on Basic Nursing or Basic Midwifery admission routes that still use entrance examination.
But before applying, confirm from the school directly.
You should also make sure your O’level result is strong because Nursing admission is competitive even when JAMB is not required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Study Nursing Without JAMB in Nigeria?
Yes, it may be possible through some Basic Nursing programmes, depending on the institution. But University Nursing Science and ND/HND Nursing usually require JAMB.
Which Nursing Programme Does Not Require JAMB?
Some Basic Nursing or Basic Midwifery programmes may not require JAMB if the school uses entrance examination. Always confirm from the school.
Does College of Nursing Require JAMB?
Many Colleges of Nursing require JAMB, especially for ND/HND Nursing programmes.
Does School of Nursing Require JAMB?
Some do, while some may not. It depends on the programme and the school’s current admission policy.
Can I Study Nursing Science Without JAMB?
No. Nursing Science in a university normally requires JAMB.
Can I Study ND Nursing Without JAMB?
In most cases, no. ND Nursing usually requires JAMB.
What Subjects Do I Need for Nursing?
You need English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics in your O’level result.
Can I Use Two Sittings for Nursing?
Many schools accept two sittings, but you must confirm from the school.
Can I Use Awaiting Result for Nursing?
Some schools may allow awaiting result, but the result must be available before final admission.
Can I Study Nursing With D7?
A D7 in a required subject may affect your admission because Nursing usually requires credit passes.
Can Commercial Students Apply for Nursing?
Only if they have the required science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English Language and Mathematics.
How Do I Know If a Nursing School Is Approved?
Check official nursing regulatory sources, the school’s official website, and official admission information before applying.
Conclusion
So, can you study Nursing without JAMB in Nigeria?
Yes, it may be possible through some Basic Nursing or Basic Midwifery programmes that use entrance examination. However, JAMB is usually required for University Nursing Science and ND/HND Nursing programmes in Colleges of Nursing.
Before applying, do not depend on rumors. Check the exact programme, school requirements, admission route, O’level subjects, age requirement and approval status.
Whether JAMB is required or not, Nursing remains competitive. Make sure you have credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and always apply through official school channels.
