List Of Approved/Accredited Nursing Training Institutions in Nigeria and Their Approved Programme

List Of Approved/Accredited Nursing Training Institutions in Nigeria and Their Approved Programme

Nursing education in Nigeria has experienced rapid growth over the years due to the increasing demand for qualified healthcare professionals both within Nigeria and internationally. As a result, many universities, colleges of nursing sciences, schools of nursing, and specialized nursing institutions now offer different nursing and midwifery programmes across the country.

However, one of the biggest concerns for prospective students and parents is identifying institutions that are genuinely approved and accredited by the appropriate regulatory authorities. Studying in an unapproved institution can lead to loss of time, money, and inability to obtain professional licensing after graduation.

In Nigeria, the major regulatory body responsible for approving and accrediting nursing institutions is the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. The council regulates nursing education standards, accreditation, licensing examinations, and professional practice across the country.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of approved and accredited nursing training institutions in Nigeria, their approved programmes, categories of nursing education, accreditation status, admission requirements, and important information prospective students should know before applying.

What Is Accreditation in Nursing Education?

Accreditation is the official recognition granted to a nursing institution after it has met the required educational, clinical, infrastructural, staffing, and professional standards established by the regulatory authority.

In Nigeria, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria evaluates institutions based on:

• Availability of qualified lecturers
• Functional laboratories
• Clinical facilities
• Teaching hospitals
• Library standards
• Student admission quota
• Curriculum implementation
• Hostel and learning environment
• Professional examination performance

Institutions that meet these requirements receive accreditation approval to run specific programmes.

List Of Approved/Accredited Nursing Training Institutions in Nigeria and Their Approved Programme

Categories of Approved Nursing Training Institutions in Nigeria

The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria classifies approved institutions into several categories. According to the council, Nigeria currently has hundreds of approved nursing training institutions across different programme categories.

School of Nursing (SON)

These institutions offer the basic nursing programme leading to qualification as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Schools of Midwifery (SOMBP)

These schools offer basic and post-basic midwifery programmes leading to qualification as a Registered Midwife (RM).

Schools of Post-Basic Nursing Specialties (SOPN)

These institutions provide specialized nursing education in areas such as:

• Perioperative Nursing
• Accident and Emergency Nursing
• Paediatric Nursing
• Psychiatric Nursing
• Ophthalmic Nursing
• Orthopaedic Nursing
• Neonatal Nursing
• Public Health Nursing

Departments of Nursing Sciences (DON)

These are university-based nursing faculties offering:

• Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc)
• B.Sc Nursing
• Postgraduate nursing programmes

Community Nursing Programme (CNP)

These programmes train community health-focused nurses for rural and primary healthcare delivery.

Community Midwifery Programme (CMP)

These institutions train community midwives to improve maternal healthcare services in underserved communities.

Major Approved Nursing Training Institutions in Nigeria and Their Approved Programmes

Below are some of the accredited nursing institutions in Nigeria and the programmes approved for them by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.

List Of Approved/Accredited Nursing Training Institutions in Nigeria and Their Approved Programme

List Of Approved/Accredited Nursing Training Institutions in Nigeria and Their Approved Programme

List Of Approved/Accredited Nursing Training Institutions in Nigeria and Their Approved Programme

List Of Approved/Accredited Nursing Training Institutions in Nigeria and Their Approved Programme

List Of Approved/Accredited Nursing Training Institutions in Nigeria and Their Approved Programme

List Of Approved/Accredited Nursing Training Institutions in Nigeria and Their Approved Programme

List Of Approved/Accredited Nursing Training Institutions in Nigeria and Their Approved Programme

List Of Approved/Accredited Nursing Training Institutions in Nigeria and Their Approved Programme

List Of Approved/Accredited Nursing Training Institutions in Nigeria and Their Approved Programme

List Of Approved/Accredited Nursing Training Institutions in Nigeria and Their Approved Programme

Approved University Nursing Programmes in Nigeria

Several Nigerian universities are approved to run Bachelor of Nursing Science programmes. These universities award BNSc or B.NSc degrees upon graduation.

Some notable approved universities include:

• University of Nigeria Nsukka
• University of Ibadan
• University of Lagos
• Ahmadu Bello University
• University of Benin
• Bayero University Kano
• University of Port Harcourt
• Nnamdi Azikiwe University
• University of Calabar
• University of Jos

These universities are accredited to train professional nurses at degree level. Graduates are eligible to sit for the professional licensing examination conducted by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.

Specialized Nursing Programmes Approved in Nigeria

Apart from basic nursing, many institutions are accredited to offer specialized post-basic nursing programmes.

Perioperative Nursing

This programme trains nurses for operating theatre management and surgical procedures.

Approved institutions include:

• MAUTH Yola
• UPTH Port Harcourt
• National Orthopaedic Hospitals
• Teaching hospitals nationwide

Accident and Emergency Nursing

This programme focuses on emergency healthcare management and trauma care.

Neonatal Nursing

Neonatal nursing specializes in the care of newborn babies, especially premature and critically ill infants.

Paediatric Nursing

This programme trains nurses to care for infants, children, and adolescents.

Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing

This specialty focuses on mental healthcare services and psychiatric rehabilitation.

Public Health Nursing

Public health nursing trains professionals for disease prevention, health education, and community healthcare delivery.

Admission Requirements for Approved Nursing Institutions in Nigeria

Although admission requirements vary slightly between institutions, the general requirements include:

O’Level Requirements

Applicants must possess at least five credits in:

• English Language
• Mathematics
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics

Results are usually accepted in not more than two sittings.

List Of Approved/Accredited Nursing Training Institutions in Nigeria and Their Approved Programme

JAMB Requirement

Most colleges and universities now require JAMB scores for admission into nursing programmes.

Typical cut-off marks range from:

• 150–180 for colleges of nursing
• 200–280 for universities

Entrance Examination

Many schools conduct:

• CBT examinations
• Oral interviews
• Screening exercises

Age Requirement

Most institutions require candidates to be at least 16 years old.

Difference Between School of Nursing and University Nursing Programme

Many students are confused about the difference between these two systems.

School of Nursing

• Awards Registered Nurse (RN)
• Duration usually 3 years
• Controlled directly by Nursing Council
• More practical-oriented

University Nursing Programme

• Awards BNSc degree
• Duration usually 5 years
• Requires JAMB and UTME
• Includes broader academic coursework
• Provides easier pathway for postgraduate studies

Both pathways eventually lead to professional nursing licensure after passing the council examination.

Why You Must Attend an Approved Nursing Institution

Studying in an accredited institution is extremely important because:

Eligibility for Licensing

Only graduates from approved institutions can sit for professional examinations.

Employment Opportunities

Hospitals and healthcare organizations only recognize accredited qualifications.

International Recognition

Foreign nursing councils usually verify whether a Nigerian institution is accredited before evaluating credentials.

Avoidance of Fraud

Many fake nursing schools operate illegally without council approval.

How to Verify Approved Nursing Institutions in Nigeria

Before applying to any nursing school, students should verify accreditation status through:

Official NMCN Website

The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria regularly updates the approved institutions list.

Contact the Institution Directly

Ask for:

• Accreditation letter
• Approval status
• Programme approval year

Verify Through Teaching Hospitals

Many approved schools are affiliated with recognized teaching hospitals.

Check Admission Quota

The council gives approved student intake quotas to accredited institutions.

Challenges Facing Nursing Education in Nigeria

Despite improvements, nursing education in Nigeria still faces several problems.

Limited Admission Slots

Thousands apply yearly, but admission quotas remain limited.

Inadequate Infrastructure

Some schools lack modern laboratories and equipment.

High Tuition Fees

Private nursing schools can be very expensive.

Migration of Nurses

Many trained nurses relocate abroad, creating workforce shortages.

Accreditation Delays

Some institutions struggle to maintain accreditation standards.

Career Opportunities After Nursing Training in Nigeria

Graduates from approved nursing institutions can work in:

• Teaching hospitals
• Federal medical centres
• Specialist hospitals
• Private hospitals
• NGOs
• International healthcare organizations
• Public health agencies
• Military hospitals
• Schools and universities

They can also pursue careers abroad after meeting foreign licensing requirements.

List Of Approved/Accredited Nursing Training Institutions in Nigeria and Their Approved Programme

Best States for Nursing Education in Nigeria

Several states are known for strong nursing education infrastructure.

Lagos State

Home to:

• LUTH School of Nursing
• University of Lagos
• LASUTH nursing programmes

Oyo State

Known for:

• UCH Ibadan
• University of Ibadan
• Eleyele School of Nursing

Rivers State

Popular institutions include:

• UPTH
• University of Port Harcourt
• Rivers State College of Nursing

Enugu State

Hosts:

• UNTH
• University of Nigeria Nsukka

Kaduna State

Notable for:

• ABUTH
• Ahmadu Bello University

Future of Nursing Education in Nigeria

The future of nursing education in Nigeria appears promising due to:

• Growing international demand for Nigerian nurses
• Expansion of nursing faculties
• Increased government investment
• Digital learning integration
• More specialized nursing programmes
• Upgrading of schools to colleges of nursing sciences

Many former schools of nursing are now being upgraded into colleges capable of awarding ND and HND qualifications alongside professional nursing certification.

Conclusion

Nigeria has hundreds of approved and accredited nursing training institutions offering different nursing and midwifery programmes. These institutions are regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria to ensure quality education and professional standards.

Before applying for admission, prospective students should carefully verify the accreditation status of any institution they intend to attend. Choosing an approved institution guarantees eligibility for licensing examinations, professional recognition, employment opportunities, and career advancement both within Nigeria and internationally.

Whether pursuing basic nursing, midwifery, community nursing, or university-based nursing science programmes, attending a fully accredited institution is one of the most important decisions any aspiring nurse can make.

For the most current and complete list of approved institutions and programmes, candidates should consult the official Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria