If you want to study Nursing in Nigeria in 2026, one of the first things you must confirm is whether the school you are applying to is approved. Nursing is not a course you should study in just any school because the profession is regulated. Before you pay for any form, acceptance fee, hostel fee or school fees, you must be sure that the institution is recognised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
Many candidates make the mistake of choosing a nursing school only because the school is popular online or because someone promised them quick admission. That is risky. If a nursing school is not properly approved, students may face serious problems when it is time for professional examinations, indexing, licensing, employment or verification.
This guide explains the list of approved Schools of Nursing in Nigeria and their estimated fees for 2026. It also shows the difference between School of Nursing, College of Nursing Sciences and university Nursing Science programmes. You will also learn the admission requirements, how much you should budget, and how to avoid fake nursing admission offers.
Quick Answer: How Much Is School of Nursing Fee in Nigeria 2026?
School of Nursing fees in Nigeria for 2026 can range from about ₦100,000 to over ₦1,500,000 per year depending on the school, programme, ownership and location.
State and federal nursing schools are usually more affordable, while private Colleges of Nursing Sciences and private university Nursing Science programmes are usually more expensive. Apart from tuition, students may also pay for acceptance fee, uniforms, hostel, medicals, indexing, practicals, ICT, examination and clinical posting.
Because there is no single fixed fee for all nursing schools in Nigeria, candidates should always confirm the exact fee from the school’s official portal before making payment.
What Is an Approved School of Nursing?
An approved School of Nursing is a nursing training institution that has been recognised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. This means the school has been inspected and allowed to train students for nursing or midwifery programmes.
Approved nursing institutions in Nigeria may include:
- Schools of Nursing
- Colleges of Nursing Sciences
- Schools of Midwifery
- Post Basic Nursing Schools
- University Departments of Nursing Science
- Community Nursing programmes
- Community Midwifery programmes
The name of a school alone does not mean it is approved. A school may call itself a College of Nursing Sciences, but you still need to check whether the programme you want is approved.
For example, a school may be approved for Midwifery but not Nursing. Another school may be approved for Nursing but not Post Basic Nursing. This is why candidates must confirm the exact programme before paying.
Why Accreditation Matters Before Choosing a Nursing School
Accreditation is very important in nursing education. Nursing is a professional health course, so students must be trained in recognised institutions before they can become licensed nurses or midwives.
If you attend an unapproved school, you may face problems such as:
- Your certificate may not be recognised
- You may not be allowed to write professional nursing examinations
- You may not be indexed properly
- You may have difficulty getting licensed
- You may not be accepted for employment in standard hospitals
- You may waste money and years of study
- You may have problems with verification if you want to work abroad
That is why every serious applicant should check approval status first before asking about fees.
Types of Nursing Programmes in Nigeria
Before choosing a school, you should understand the type of nursing programme you want to study.
Basic Nursing Programme
Basic Nursing is usually for candidates who want to become Registered Nurses. It is commonly offered by Schools or Colleges of Nursing Sciences. The programme usually takes about three years, depending on the school structure.
Basic Midwifery Programme
Basic Midwifery is for candidates who want to become Registered Midwives. It also takes about three years in many schools.
ND/HND Nursing Programme
Many Colleges of Nursing Sciences now run National Diploma and Higher National Diploma Nursing programmes. This route may require JAMB, Post UTME and school screening.
BNSc Nursing Science
BNSc Nursing Science is a university degree programme. It is usually offered by universities through a Faculty or Department of Nursing Science. UTME candidates may spend five years, while Direct Entry candidates may spend fewer years depending on the university.
Post Basic Nursing Programme
Post Basic Nursing is for already qualified nurses or midwives who want to specialise. Areas may include perioperative nursing, paediatric nursing, psychiatric nursing, ophthalmic nursing, public health nursing, accident and emergency nursing, intensive care nursing and other specialties.
Community Nursing and Community Midwifery
Community Nursing and Community Midwifery programmes are designed to train health workers who can serve in community-based health settings. Admission requirements and duration may be different from Basic Nursing.
School of Nursing Fees in Nigeria 2026 by Category
The table below gives a realistic fee guide for candidates and parents.
| Type of Institution | Estimated Fees for 2026 |
|---|---|
| Federal Schools of Nursing | ₦150,000 – ₦700,000 |
| State Schools of Nursing | ₦100,000 – ₦600,000 |
| Teaching Hospital Schools of Nursing | ₦150,000 – ₦800,000 |
| Mission Schools of Nursing | ₦300,000 – ₦900,000 |
| Private Colleges of Nursing Sciences | ₦500,000 – ₦1,500,000 |
| Private University Nursing Science | ₦800,000 – ₦2,500,000 |
| Public University Nursing Science | ₦150,000 – ₦1,000,000 |
| Post Basic Nursing Programmes | ₦150,000 – ₦800,000 |
These amounts are estimates. Some schools may charge lower or higher depending on their official fee schedule.
List of Approved Schools of Nursing in Nigeria and Estimated Fees 2026
The table below gives a state-by-state guide to popular approved nursing institutions in Nigeria and their estimated fee ranges. The official accreditation status of schools can change, so always confirm from the NMCN list and the school portal before applying.
| State | Approved Nursing Schools and Colleges to Check | Estimated Fees 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Abia | Faculty of Nursing Science, Abia State University; College of Nursing, Umuahia; College of Nursing, Amachara; ABSUTH Nursing Training Institutions, Aba; Archbishop Charles Heerey Memorial College of Nursing Sciences, Aba; Gregory University Department of Nursing; Clifford University Department of Nursing; Rhema University Department of Nursing | ₦150,000 – ₦1,500,000 |
| Adamawa | College of Nursing Science, Adamawa State; College of Nursing Sciences, Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital, Yola | ₦120,000 – ₦600,000 |
| Akwa Ibom | College of Nursing, Anua-Uyo; College of Nursing, Eket; College of Nursing, Ikot-Ekpene; College of Nursing, Ituk-Mbang; Maurid College of Nursing Sciences, Uyo; Sure Foundation College of Nursing Sciences, Ikot Akai; Department of Nursing Sciences, University of Uyo | ₦150,000 – ₦1,200,000 |
| Anambra | Department of Nursing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University; College of Nursing Sciences, Ihiala; College of Nursing Sciences, Iyi-Enu; NAUTH College of Nursing Sciences, Nnewi; College of Nursing Sciences, Adazi-Nnukwu; College of Nursing Sciences, Amichi; St Charles Borromeo College of Nursing, Onitsha; Millennium College of Nursing Sciences, Awka; Apex College of Nursing Sciences, Igbo-Ukwu | ₦200,000 – ₦1,300,000 |
| Bauchi | Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare; Aliko Dangote College of Nursing Sciences, Bauchi; College of Nursing Sciences, ATBUTH, Bauchi; Adamu Adamu College of Nursing Sciences, FMC Azare; Sa’ad Zungur College of Nursing Sciences; Al-Huda College of Nursing; Mama Yelwa College of Nursing Sciences | ₦100,000 – ₦900,000 |
| Bayelsa | Bayelsa State College of Nursing Sciences, Tombia; Faculty of Nursing, Niger Delta University; Department of Nursing Sciences, Bayelsa University of Medicine | ₦150,000 – ₦1,000,000 |
| Benue | Benue State University Nursing; Makurdi College of Nursing Sciences; NKST College of Nursing Sciences, Mkar; Benue State College of Nursing Sciences, Makurdi | ₦150,000 – ₦900,000 |
| Borno | Department of Nursing, University of Maiduguri; Borno State College of Nursing Sciences, Maiduguri; UMTH Nursing Training Institutions; Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital School of Psychiatric Nursing; Zenith College of Nursing Sciences; Mustapha Umar College of Nursing Sciences; College of Nursing Sciences, Monguno; College of Nursing Sciences, Gwoza | ₦100,000 – ₦900,000 |
| Cross River | Department of Nursing, University of Calabar; Arthur Jarvis University Nursing; UCTH Nursing Training Institutions; College of Nursing Sciences, Itigidi; St Margaret’s Hospital College of Nursing Sciences, Calabar; College of Nursing Sciences, Obudu | ₦150,000 – ₦1,200,000 |
| Delta | Department of Nursing, Delta State University; Department of Nursing, Novena University; Department of Nursing Sciences, Edwin Clark University; Delta State nursing college campuses and related approved nursing institutions | ₦150,000 – ₦1,300,000 |
| Ebonyi | Ebonyi State University Nursing; Alex Ekwueme Federal University-related nursing programmes where approved; Mater Misericordiae nursing-related institutions; approved Ebonyi nursing colleges | ₦150,000 – ₦1,000,000 |
| Edo | University of Benin Teaching Hospital College of Nursing Sciences; Igbinedion University Nursing; St Camillus College of Nursing Sciences, Uromi; Edo State College of Nursing Sciences; Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital nursing-related programmes where applicable | ₦200,000 – ₦1,500,000 |
| Ekiti | College of Nursing Sciences, EKSUTH, Ado-Ekiti; College of Nursing Sciences, Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti; Afe Babalola University Nursing Science | ₦150,000 – ₦2,000,000 |
| Enugu | University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Nursing Training Institutions; ESUTH School of Nursing, Parklane; Bishop Shanahan College of Nursing Sciences, Nsukka; Annunciation Specialist Hospital Nursing; other approved Enugu nursing colleges | ₦200,000 – ₦1,300,000 |
| Gombe | College of Nursing Sciences, Gombe; approved nursing programmes connected to Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe; Gombe State-approved nursing institutions | ₦100,000 – ₦700,000 |
| Imo | Imo State University Nursing; College of Nursing Sciences, Orlu; St Mary’s College of Nursing Sciences, Amaigbo; approved Imo nursing institutions | ₦150,000 – ₦1,200,000 |
| Jigawa | College of Nursing Sciences, Birnin Kudu; College of Nursing Sciences, Hadejia; approved Jigawa nursing and midwifery programmes | ₦80,000 – ₦500,000 |
| Kaduna | Ahmadu Bello University Nursing; ABUTH Nursing Training Institutions; Kaduna State College of Nursing Sciences; St Gerard’s College of Nursing Sciences, Kakuri; Nigerian Air Force College of Nursing Sciences, Kaduna | ₦150,000 – ₦1,200,000 |
| Kano | Bayero University Nursing; Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Nursing Training Institutions; Kano State College of Nursing Sciences; approved Kano nursing and midwifery programmes | ₦100,000 – ₦900,000 |
| Katsina | College of Nursing Sciences, Katsina; approved Katsina nursing and midwifery institutions | ₦80,000 – ₦600,000 |
| Kebbi | College of Nursing Sciences, Birnin Kebbi; approved Kebbi nursing and midwifery institutions | ₦80,000 – ₦600,000 |
| Kogi | ECWA College of Nursing Sciences, Egbe; College of Nursing Sciences, Obangede; approved Kogi nursing institutions and university nursing programmes where applicable | ₦150,000 – ₦1,000,000 |
| Kwara | University of Ilorin nursing-related programmes where approved; College of Nursing Sciences, Ilorin; College of Nursing Sciences, Oke-Ode; UITH Nursing Training Institutions; Kwara State College of Health Technology Public Health Nursing | ₦150,000 – ₦1,000,000 |
| Lagos | Department of Nursing Science, University of Lagos; Department of Nursing Science, Lagos State University; Lagos State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Igando; Nigerian Army College of Nursing, Yaba; College of Nursing Sciences, LUTH, Idi-Araba; National Orthopaedic Hospital College of Nursing Sciences, Igbobi; Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital School of Psychiatric Nursing, Yaba; Unique College of Nursing Sciences | ₦200,000 – ₦1,500,000 |
| Nasarawa | College of Nursing Sciences, Lafia; approved Nasarawa nursing and midwifery institutions | ₦120,000 – ₦800,000 |
| Niger | College of Nursing Sciences, Minna; College of Nursing Sciences, Bida; Standard College of Nursing, Minna; Galaxy College of Nursing, Minna; Newgate University Department of Nursing Sciences; Sokodeke University Nursing | ₦150,000 – ₦1,200,000 |
| Ogun | Faculty of Nursing Science, Babcock University; Chrisland University Nursing; Olabisi Onabanjo University Nursing; Crescent University Nursing; McPherson University Nursing; Ogun State College of Nursing Sciences, Abeokuta; School of Nursing, Ijebu-Ode; School of Nursing, Ilaro; Sacred Heart Hospital College of Nursing Sciences, Lantoro; JAFAD College of Nursing Sciences, Oru-Ijebu; CHEP College of Nursing Sciences, Ota | ₦150,000 – ₦2,000,000 |
| Ondo | Achievers University Nursing; University of Medical Sciences, Ondo; College of Nursing Sciences, Akure; Elizade University Nursing; Peacock College of Nursing Sciences, Akure; Achievers College of Nursing Sciences, Owo | ₦150,000 – ₦2,000,000 |
| Osun | Obafemi Awolowo University Nursing; Osun State University Nursing; Bowen University Nursing; Adeleke University Nursing; Redeemer’s University Nursing; OAUTHC nursing-related programmes; approved Osun nursing colleges | ₦150,000 – ₦1,800,000 |
| Oyo | University of Ibadan Nursing; University College Hospital Nursing Training Institutions; College of Nursing Sciences, Eleyele; Baptist Medical Centre Nursing, Saki; Bowen University Teaching Hospital Nursing, Ogbomoso; approved Oyo nursing and midwifery institutions | ₦150,000 – ₦1,500,000 |
| Plateau | University of Jos Nursing; College of Nursing Sciences, Vom; Jos University Teaching Hospital Nursing Training Institutions; Our Lady of Apostles College of Nursing Sciences, Jos; Hill College of Nursing Sciences, Jos; Jibape Memorial College of Nursing Sciences; Adventist College of Nursing Sciences, Jengre | ₦150,000 – ₦1,200,000 |
| Rivers | University of Port Harcourt Nursing; Madonna University Nursing, Elele; PAMO University Nursing; Rivers State University Nursing; Rivers State College of Nursing Sciences; UPTH College of Nursing Sciences; Yitzhak College of Nursing Sciences, Port Harcourt; Gateway College of Nursing Sciences; St Anna College of Nursing, Port Harcourt | ₦200,000 – ₦1,800,000 |
| Sokoto | Usmanu Danfodio University Nursing; College of Nursing Sciences, Sokoto; College of Nursing Sciences, Tambuwal; UDUTH Nursing Training Institutions; Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital School of Psychiatric Nursing, Kware; Fatima College of Nursing Sciences, Sifawa | ₦80,000 – ₦900,000 |
| Taraba | School of Nursing, Jalingo; School of Basic Midwifery, Jalingo; Ideal College of Nursing Sciences, Jalingo; A.B Na’ibi College of Nursing Sciences, Lau | ₦100,000 – ₦900,000 |
| Yobe | Dr Shehu Sule College of Nursing Sciences, Damaturu; College of Nursing Sciences, FMC Nguru; Al-Ma’arif College of Nursing Sciences, Potiskum | ₦80,000 – ₦800,000 |
| Zamfara | School of Nursing, Gusau; School of Basic Midwifery, Gusau; Umar Bin Khaddabi College of Nursing Sciences, Kaura-Namoda; Ummul-Khair College of Nursing Sciences; Ba’illa College of Nursing Sciences | ₦80,000 – ₦800,000 |
| FCT Abuja | National Open University of Nigeria Nursing programme for registered nurses; Veritas University Nursing; FCT College of Nursing Sciences, Gwagwalada; University of Abuja Teaching Hospital Post Basic Nursing; National Hospital Abuja Post Basic Nursing; Unity College of Nursing Sciences, Bwari; Yagongwo College of Nursing Sciences, Kuje; Horizon College of Nursing Sciences; Sahad College of Nursing Sciences, Abuja; Oasis College of Nursing Sciences, Kuje; College of Nursing Sciences, Jahi | ₦200,000 – ₦1,800,000 |
Important Note About the Fees Listed Above
The fees in this article are estimated ranges, not final school fee schedules. Nursing school fees can change at any time because of new academic session charges, hostel fees, uniforms, clinical postings, medical examination, indexing fees and other approved payments.
A school may advertise tuition as ₦300,000, but when you add acceptance fee, hostel, uniform, medicals, ICT and practical charges, the total amount may become much higher. This is why candidates should ask for a full fee breakdown before accepting admission.
Cheapest Schools of Nursing in Nigeria 2026
The cheapest nursing schools in Nigeria are usually federal and state-owned nursing schools. These schools may charge lower tuition compared to private nursing colleges and private universities.
Some affordable options are usually found in northern states and government-owned nursing institutions. However, low fee should not be the only thing you consider. You should also check accreditation, admission quota, clinical facilities, hostel, location, safety, and the quality of hospital training.
A cheaper school that is not approved is not a good option. It is better to pay for a recognised programme than to waste years in a school with accreditation problems.
Most Expensive Nursing Schools in Nigeria 2026
The most expensive nursing options in Nigeria are usually private university Nursing Science programmes and private Colleges of Nursing Sciences. Some may charge over ₦1 million per year, especially when accommodation, uniforms, ICT, medicals and other fees are included.
Private schools may be more expensive because they depend mainly on tuition, private facilities, modern classrooms, hostel services and clinical partnerships. Parents and students should request a complete breakdown before paying.
Admission Requirements for Schools of Nursing in Nigeria
Most approved nursing schools in Nigeria require candidates to have five credit passes in relevant science subjects.
The common required subjects are:
English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
These subjects are usually accepted from WAEC, NECO or NABTEB, depending on the school. Many schools accept not more than two sittings, but some competitive schools may prefer one sitting.
Other requirements may include:
- Minimum age requirement
- Entrance examination
- Oral interview
- Medical fitness test
- JAMB result for ND/HND or university Nursing Science programmes
- Good moral conduct
- Correct subject combination
- Valid email address and phone number
Candidates should read the admission advert carefully before applying.
Does School of Nursing Require JAMB in Nigeria?
Some nursing schools require JAMB, while some do not. It depends on the programme.
Basic Nursing and Basic Midwifery may be handled directly by the school through entrance examination and interview. However, ND Nursing, HND Nursing and university Nursing Science programmes usually require JAMB.
If you want to apply for university Nursing Science, you must sit for JAMB and meet the school’s cut-off mark. If you are applying for a College of Nursing Sciences running ND/HND Nursing, you may also need JAMB.
Do not assume. Check the admission advert for the school you want.
How to Apply for School of Nursing Admission in Nigeria 2026
The application process may differ from one school to another, but most schools follow a similar pattern.
Step 1: Visit the official website of the school
Step 2: Read the admission requirements carefully
Step 3: Confirm that the programme is approved
Step 4: Generate application invoice where required
Step 5: Pay the application fee through the official portal
Step 6: Fill the application form with correct details
Step 7: Upload your O’level result and passport photograph
Step 8: Print your application slip
Step 9: Prepare for entrance examination or screening
Step 10: Check admission list when released
Never pay application fee into a personal account. Approved schools normally provide official payment channels.
Documents Needed for School of Nursing Admission
Before applying, prepare these documents:
- WAEC, NECO or NABTEB result
- Birth certificate or age declaration
- Local government identification letter
- Recent passport photographs
- Application form printout
- JAMB result where applicable
- Admission letter where applicable
- Medical fitness certificate where requested
- Payment receipts
- Valid email address and phone number
Some schools may request additional documents during screening or clearance.
How to Confirm If a Nursing School Is Approved
Before you apply, take these steps:
- Visit the official NMCN approved schools list
- Search for the name of the school
- Check the programme you want to study
- Confirm whether the school has full or provisional accreditation
- Check if there is any embargo or withdrawn accreditation notice
- Visit the school’s official website
- Call only official school numbers
- Avoid agents and unofficial WhatsApp groups
If the school is not on the approved list, do not rush to pay.
Difference Between Full Accreditation and Provisional Accreditation
Full accreditation means the school has met the required standard for a longer approved period. Provisional accreditation means the school has temporary approval and may need further assessment.
Both full and provisional accreditation can still be valid, but candidates must be careful to confirm the current status before applying. Accreditation status can change after review.
Embargo means the school may not be allowed to admit new students until identified problems are corrected. Withdrawn or denied accreditation is a serious warning sign.
Common Fees Nursing Students Pay Apart From Tuition
Many candidates ask only for school fees, but nursing students often pay more than tuition. Below are common charges:
- Application form fee
- Acceptance fee
- Tuition fee
- Hostel fee
- Uniform fee
- Medical examination fee
- Laboratory fee
- Clinical posting fee
- Indexing fee
- Examination fee
- ICT fee
- Library fee
- Student handbook
- Matriculation fee
- ID card fee
- Transport fee for clinical posting
Before accepting admission, ask the school whether the quoted fee includes these charges or not.
How to Avoid Fake Nursing Admission in Nigeria
Nursing admission is competitive, and this has created room for scammers. Many fraudsters claim they can help candidates gain admission into nursing school without exams or proper requirements.
To protect yourself:
- Do not pay money to admission agents
- Do not pay into personal accounts
- Do not believe automatic admission promises
- Do not use fake result
- Do not submit wrong information
- Do not apply through unofficial links
- Do not share your login details
- Do not ignore accreditation status
- Do not join fake WhatsApp groups asking for money
Real admission should come through the school’s official portal, admission office or recognised communication channel.
Best Nursing Schools in Nigeria: What to Look For
The best nursing school is not always the most expensive. A good nursing school should have:
- Valid accreditation
- Good teaching hospital or clinical facility
- Qualified lecturers and clinical instructors
- Good examination record
- Safe learning environment
- Good hostel or accommodation support
- Functional laboratories
- Transparent fee structure
- Strong student support system
- Clear admission process
Do not choose a school only because it is close to your house. Choose based on approval, training quality and affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many approved Schools of Nursing are in Nigeria?
Nigeria has many approved nursing training institutions, including Schools of Nursing, Schools of Midwifery, Colleges of Nursing Sciences, Post Basic Nursing Schools and university Departments of Nursing Science. The number can change after accreditation reviews.
How much is School of Nursing fee in Nigeria for 2026?
The estimated fee ranges from about ₦100,000 to over ₦1,500,000 per year depending on the school, ownership, programme and location.
Which School of Nursing is the cheapest in Nigeria?
Government-owned nursing schools are usually cheaper than private nursing schools. However, candidates should confirm the current fee and accreditation status before applying.
Are private Schools of Nursing approved in Nigeria?
Yes, some private nursing schools are approved. However, not every private nursing school is accredited. Always check the NMCN approved list before applying.
Can I study Nursing without JAMB?
Yes, some Basic Nursing and Basic Midwifery programmes may not require JAMB. However, ND/HND Nursing and university Nursing Science programmes usually require JAMB.
What subjects are required for Nursing in Nigeria?
The major required subjects are English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
How many years is School of Nursing in Nigeria?
Basic Nursing usually takes about three years. Basic Midwifery may also take about three years. BNSc Nursing Science in a university usually takes five years for UTME candidates.
Is Nursing Science better than School of Nursing?
Both routes can lead to a nursing career if the programme is approved. Nursing Science is a university degree route, while School or College of Nursing Sciences may offer professional nursing, midwifery, ND/HND or post-basic programmes.
Can I use two sittings for School of Nursing?
Many nursing schools accept two sittings in WAEC, NECO or NABTEB, but some schools may have stricter requirements. Always check the admission advert.
Can I work abroad after attending School of Nursing in Nigeria?
Yes, many Nigerian-trained nurses work abroad, but you must graduate from a recognised institution, obtain the required licence, and meet the registration requirements of the country where you want to work.
Conclusion
Choosing the right School of Nursing in Nigeria is a serious decision. Before you apply, confirm that the school and the exact programme are approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. Do not choose a school only because the fee is cheap or because someone promised you admission.
For 2026, nursing school fees in Nigeria can range from about ₦100,000 to over ₦1,500,000 per year depending on whether the school is federal, state, mission-owned, private or university-based. Apart from tuition, students should also budget for acceptance fee, hostel, uniforms, medicals, indexing, practicals and other charges.
The safest thing to do is simple: confirm accreditation, check the school’s official portal, request a full fee breakdown, avoid fake agents, and prepare your documents early. Nursing is a respected profession, but your journey must begin from an approved and recognised institution.
