Nursing Schools in Nigeria

There are two known educational routes to becoming a nurse in Nigeria. The first is through Nursing School and the other is through the University.

We are going to look at the list of accredited nursing schools in Nigeria, how to prepare and get admission into nursing school.

Also, check out Law Schools in Nigeria.

Nursing School

A nursing school is an educational institution that specifically focuses on teaching and training students on theoretical and practical knowledge concerning nursing.

Nursing School Vs University

Numerous students are confused about making decisions about whether to apply for nursing school or go through university to study nursing. If you must know both choices are great and will eventually land you your dream job of becoming a nurse. However, there are a few differences between the two cases.

The differences between the two cases are:

Period of program

It takes 3 years to complete a program at a nursing school while going to university will take you 5 years to obtain your degree in nursing.

Practical Knowledge

The teachings of nursing schools are more practical than theory while in university you start with theoretical knowledge first before getting promoted to clinical postings where you get the practical knowledge.

Certificate

After three years in nursing school, you will get the registered nurse certificate (RN) and license after passing the final professional exams. However, in University, you will get a B.Nsc degree together with the RN certificate.

List of Accredited Nursing Schools In Nigeria

According to the Nursing and Midwife Council of Nigeria (NMC), the total number of accredited nursing schools in Nigeria is 400. However, more departments and schools are still awaiting approval and accreditation.

Once they get accredited, the list will be updated as soon as possible. Some of the schools are owned by the Government, some by the state, and some by private individuals, usually missionaries.

The popular nursing schools in Nigeria include the following:

ECWA SCHOOL OF NURSING, EGBE
MATER SCHOOL OF NURSING, EBONYI
BASIC SCHOOL OF NURSING, FEDERAL TEACHING HOSPITAL
SCHOOL OF NURSING, OGBOMOSHO
ONDO STATE SCHOOL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY, AKURE
SCHOOL OF NURSING, JOINT HOSPITAL, MBANO
OYO STATE COLLEGE OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY
SOKOTO STATE COLLEGE OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY
FCT SCHOOL OF NURSING
SCHOOL OF NURSING BIRNIN KEBBI
SCHOOL OF NURSING SOKOTO
SCHOOL OF NURSING- USMANU DANFODIYO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL
SCHOOL OF NURSING UNIVERSITY COLLEGE HOSPITAL IBADAN
SCHOOL OF NURSING UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL (UBTH)
UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA SCHOOL OF NURSING
SCHOOL OF NURSING, OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL
LAGOS UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL

Click here to see the full list of the school of nursing nationwide.

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How to apply for nursing school

Getting admission into nursing school is a little bit different from getting admission into a university. The latter requires the applicant to write Jamb while the former does not. All you need is to obtain the nursing form for the school of your choice. Fill them out properly and submit them before the deadline alongside other required documents.

The next step in the admission process is the entrance examination. Each school has different modes and schedules for conducting its examination. However, the entrance examinations are major questions to test your knowledge of O’ level. Once you ace the exams, you are ready for the interview

The interview involves one on one evaluation of the applicants. Each student will be questioned to determine how prepared and brilliant the applicants are before granting them admission. Most schools conduct oral interviews to evaluate their applicants. It is noteworthy that acing your interview increases your chances of getting admission into the nursing school.

Furthermore, you must do the following if you want to pass your interview.

Be polite

The panel of interviewers is not only going to evaluate you based on your academic qualifications alone. They will assess how polite you are and if you are anything short of that then your admission chances become slim.

Being polite requires that you greet as soon as you enter, sit when you are permitted, and speak when you are required.

Be confident

It is normal to be nervous bout the interview but you need to gather yourself together during the interview. Let your sitting posture and discussion exude confidence. You can not afford to be timid in the presence of the panels.

However, overconfidence will not do you any good just as no confidence. Therefore, moderation is key in knowing when to draw the line so that you will not appear rude or egoistic.

Stick to relevant things

When you are answering questions, please stick to relevant things for your answers. Nothing more, nothing, no less and you will be just fine.

Prepare for the interview

It is easy to perform woefully when you go unprepared for the interviews but you cannot if you are prepared. Get information from other applicants and the present students in the school on their experiences and preparation for the interview.

You will be amazed at how much you will discover from creating this kind of network. In addition, review likely questions and rehearse them well.

Dress Well

The first impression matters a lot because your outward appearance will say so much about you to the panel of interviewers even before you open your mouth to speak to them. I am sure you do not want them to fail you at the first glance they have of you.

Admission Requirements

Each school of nursing has its admission requirements but there are certain specifics you must have to get admission into nursing school in Nigeria. The following requirements include

At least five credits in Mathematics, English, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry in either WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or GCE. Also, you can combine results in no more than two sittings for admission. However, you must make your findings as some nursing schools do accept the combination of results.
Age Requirements: The minimum age requirement to gain admission into nursing schools is sixteen (16) years of age. Nevertheless, you must check with the school to know the age requirements specified by the school.

Finally, if you are admitted, you will need the following documents:

Original WAEC Certificate
Testimonial
State of Origin Certificate
Passport Photographs
Admission Letter
Application Form’
Letter of Recommendation/Attestation

Follow up on the school website or information channel to know the necessary documents that you need for the admission process.

How long is nursing school?

The period for the nursing school program is three years and after that, you will get your certificate as a registered nurse.

Cost of admission into nursing school

The cost of admission varies from school to school. There are a lot of factors that come into play in the determination of school fees. However, the average cost for the purchase of the application form is the sum of ten thousand (N10,000).

Is Nursing School Hard?

I would not say yes or no to this, however, I can tell you one thing for sure it is tasking. You will get ahead if you have the passion and discipline to work hard to achieve the best during your program.

Furthermore, getting admission into nursing school is very competitive because of the small quota of students that the school will offer admission to. Therefore, you need to be at the top of your game to gain admission.

Final Notes on Nursing Schools in Nigeria

There are two paths to becoming a nurse: nursing school and college. Either path will give you the necessary credentials to practice nursing. In Nigeria, there are 400 nursing schools, including the department of nursing and the college of nursing.

To learn how to apply to nursing school, the criteria for admission, and a list of programs, read the article.

Before you go, check out The Richest Banks in Nigeria.