If you’ve decided you want to become a nurse in Nigeria, congratulations! But before you get to the ward, you have to get through the admissions process, and that starts with knowing exactly what nursing schools in Nigeria expect from you in 2026.
Whether you’re targeting a diploma at a School of Nursing or a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc.) degree at a university, this guide covers everything you need to know concerning Nursing schools in Nigeria requirements; from O’Level results to JAMB cut-off scores, medical fitness, NMCN indexing, and the licensing exam.
Three Nursing School in Nigeria Entry Tracks in 2026
The Nigerian nursing landscape now has three distinct entry routes, and your requirements depend entirely on which one you’re taking.
- Schools of Nursing / Colleges of Nursing Sciences (Basic Nursing – RN/RM): 3-year diploma programmes affiliated with teaching hospitals. Admission is through the school’s own entrance exam and screening. JAMB is generally not required.
- ND and HND Nursing Programmes: A growing track. Several Colleges of Nursing Sciences now hold NBTE approval to run 2-year ND and 4-year HND programmes. Some of these do require a JAMB score of typically 150 and above, so confirm requirement for your school of choice.
- University BNSc. Degree: A 4–5 year degree programme. JAMB UTME is compulsory. This route opens the widest doors, including postgraduate study and international opportunities.
O’Level Requirements for Nursing Schools in Nigeria
The NMCN-approved entry requirement applies across all three tracks:
Minimum five (5) credit passes in WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB. Required subjects include; English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Obtained in not more than two sittings.
Some competitive federal universities enforce the one-sitting rule. UNILAG is a strong example of universities that enforce this rule. If your results span two sittings, confirm the target school’s policy before applying.
Candidates with foreign examination results must submit an evaluation report from the Federal Ministry of Education, plus a verification request to the issuing body.
2026 JAMB Admission Requirements for Nursing Schools in Nigeria
Following JAMB’s May 2026 Policy Meeting, the national university minimum is now 150. But nursing departments set their own higher cut-offs;
- Top federal universities cutoff starts between (UNILAG, UI, OAU, UNN, ABU Zaria) 260 to 290,
- State universities: Generally between 200 to 250
- Private universities: Often from 160 upward
- JAMB-requiring Colleges of Nursing: Typically between 150 to 200.
- Lagos State College of Nursing and LUTH at 200; Nigerian Army College of Nursing at 180
For BNSc. applicants, your UTME subject combination must be English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Most strong nursing programmes also require Post-UTME screening, many candidates who pass JAMB are cut here, so prepare thoroughly. READ: How to Prepare for Post UTME 2026
Age and Documents Requirements for Nursing Schools in Nigeria
The minimum admission age for Nursing Schools in Nigeria is16. Most schools expect applicants to be 16 years at the time of application. Some set the minimum at 16 or 18. Check the specific school age requirements before applying as being below the stated age can disqualify an otherwise strong application.
Standard documents required for Nursing School Admission (originals and photocopies)
- O’Level result(s): WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB
- Birth certificate or sworn age declaration
- State of origin / LGA certificate (where required)
- Secondary school leaving certificate or testimonial
- Recent passport photographs and valid ID
- Medical fitness certificate from a recognised hospital
- Application form receipt / proof of payment
- JAMB result slip (for ND/HND and BNSc. applicants where required)
- Medical Fitness and Entrance Exams
A medical fitness certificate is compulsory at most nursing schools in Nigeria. Some schools also require proof of vaccination, commonly Hepatitis B and Tetanus, before clinical postings. Disclose any chronic conditions early; concealing a condition that later affects clinical training can lead to withdrawal of admission.
For diploma schools; college of Nursing, the selection process usuall followsthis order: written entrance exam (English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, general reasoning) ===== shortlisting ===== interview.
For BNSc. programmes, it’s UTME ===== post-UTME screening ===== departmental selection.
NMCN Requirements Nigeria: Indexing, Licensing, and 2026 Updates
All nursing licensing in Nigeria is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).
Here’s the post-admission journey:
Indexing: This is usually done online at portal.nmcn.gov.ng after admission. Your school officer clears the application; you pay via Remita and receive your Index Number. Keep it safe because you need it for the next steps.
The Licensing Exam: After completing your programme, you must pass the NMCN Final Professional Qualifying Examination. As of 2026, it is fully CBT format, multiple-choice questions only, no essays. Applications go through the portal using your Index Number, school clearance, passport photograph, and exam fees.
Registration: On passing, you pay the registration fee (currently ₦42,967 via Remita) and receive your registration number and licence. Nurses applying more than five years after qualifying must first complete a minimum four-week refresher course at an accredited institution.
2026 specialist update:
The NMCN has moved all post-basic specialist registrations to a digital Professional Update Form (PUF) system. Specialisations such as Perioperative Nursing, Occupational Health, ICU/Critical Care, and Nurse Anaesthesia now require completion of an accredited 12–18 month programme plus PUF submission. These specialties are currently in the highest demand.
2026 Nigerian Nursing Schools Application Checklist
- Five O’Level credits in English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics (max two sittings)
- Original certificates and photocopies
- Birth certificate or age declaration
- Completed application form and payment receipt
- Passport photographs and valid ID
- Medical fitness certificate and vaccination records
- (Colleges/Polytechnics) JAMB result with min. 150, confirm your institution cut-off.
- (BNSc. applicants) JAMB UTME (English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics) target 200+ minimum, but 270+ for top federal universities.
Here is a complete list of all NMCN accredited Nursing Schools in Nigeria in 2026 (State by state arrangement). Click Here
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get into nursing school without JAMB?
Yes, most Schools of Nursing running basic diploma programmes admit through their own entrance exams and do not require JAMB. However, BNSc. university programmes always require it.
What JAMB cut off for nursing 2026?
The national university minimum is 150, but in reality, you need much more. Most state universities want 180–220 minimum; top federal universities like UNILAG, UI, and OAU typically require 250–290 minimum, so aim as high as possible.
Do I need to register with NMCN before applying to nursing school?
No. NMCN indexing happens after you gain admission, not before. You register with the Council after completing your programme and passing the licensing exam.
What is the NMCN licensing exam like in 2026?
It is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) consisting entirely of multiple-choice questions across your clinical subjects. Applications are submitted online through portal.nmcn.gov.ng. There are no essay or short-answer sections.
Can I study nursing with results from two O’level sittings?
Most schools accept results from two sittings. However, some competitive federal universities enforce a one-sitting rule. Always confirm the target school’s policy before applying.
What happens if I trained abroad and want to practise Nursing in Nigeria?
You must go through the NMCN’s foreign-trained nurse process. Qualifications must be at least four years in duration; three-year qualifications require a mandatory 12-month adaptation programme. You also need an evaluation letter from the Federal Ministry of Education.
Conclusion
The path into nursing schools in Nigeria is competitive but very achievable with the right preparation. The core requirements haven’t changed: five O’Level credits, medical clearance, and knowing whether JAMB applies to your route. What’s new in 2026 is the revised JAMB cut-off landscape, the expansion of ND/HND tracks, and the NMCN’s move to fully digital indexing, CBT licensing, and a new specialist registration system.
Always confirm requirements from the school’s official admission notice. Keep up with Exam Scholars for up-to-date admission forms, NMCN news, and school listings across all 36 states.
Keywords: Nursing Schools in Nigeria, College of Nursing, NMCN requirements Nigeria, Nursing School Admission Requirements
