Nursing is a regulated profession in Nigeria, so entry into the programme follows fixed academic and legal rules. This guide explains the admission requirements for nursing school in Nigeria for the 2026/2027 session, covering the O’Level results, JAMB subjects, minimum scores, documents and screening steps that apply to universities and colleges of nursing.
The core rules are similar across the country, but each institution publishes its own details. A candidate should therefore treat the points below as the general pattern and confirm the exact figures on the admission page of the chosen school.
Types of Nursing School in Nigeria
Nursing training is offered in more than one type of institution, and the requirements differ slightly between them.
| Type of School | Programme | Typical Duration | Admission Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| University | B.NSc Nursing Science | 5 years | UTME through JAMB CAPS, or Direct Entry |
| College of nursing sciences | ND or HND nursing, basic nursing | 3 to 4 years | School’s own form, usually with a JAMB score |
| School of nursing (teaching hospital or state) | Basic nursing (RN) | 3 years | School’s own entrance process |
| School of midwifery | Basic midwifery (RM) | 18 months to 2 years | School’s own entrance process |
A graduate of any approved route sits the licensing examination of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) before practising. Only schools accredited by the council produce candidates who can be licensed, which makes accreditation the first thing to verify.
O’Level Requirements for Nursing
The central O’Level rule is five credit passes in the sciences and English. The usual subjects are English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Some institutions allow Physics to be replaced by Health Science or Agricultural Science, while others insist on all five.
- Minimum of five credits (grade C6 or better) in WAEC, NECO or NABTEB.
- English Language and Mathematics must be among the credits.
- Biology, Chemistry and Physics are the standard science subjects.
- Results must come from not more than two sittings in most schools. A few teaching hospitals accept only one sitting, so combined results are not valid there.
An applicant without the required credits in the science subjects is not considered, however high the JAMB score is. Candidates who still need a credit should register for the next WAEC or NECO examination before applying.
JAMB Subject Combination for Nursing
For universities, the UTME subjects for Nursing Science are English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The candidate must choose Nursing Science correctly on the JAMB registration form, together with the right university, because a wrong subject combination makes the candidate ineligible for that course.
| UTME Subject | Status |
|---|---|
| Use of English | Compulsory |
| Biology | Required |
| Chemistry | Required |
| Physics | Required |
Colleges of nursing sciences that use JAMB scores generally ask for the same science subjects, and some require the college to be the candidate’s first choice. The notice of each school states this clearly.
JAMB Score Required for Nursing
The national minimum approved for nursing in universities and colleges of nursing sciences for 2026 is 150. Many schools set a higher departmental mark because nursing is competitive. Marks published by colleges of nursing for recent sessions range from about 140 to 180, depending on the school and the number of applicants. A separate guide on the JAMB cut off mark for nursing 2026 explains the difference between the national minimum and a school’s own cut off.
Meeting the cut off mark only qualifies a candidate for screening. Admission is finally decided on merit, quota and catchment rules.
Direct Entry Requirements for Nursing
Direct Entry allows a candidate to join the programme in a higher year without sitting the full five years. The common qualifications are:
- A Registered Nurse (RN) certificate with a valid NMCN licence, for candidates applying to a post-basic or B.NSc bridge route.
- A good Diploma or Higher National Diploma in a related health field, depending on the university.
- A pass in the required A-Level subjects where the university accepts them.
Each university states which qualifications it accepts for Direct Entry. A holder of an RN certificate usually needs to show a current licence as well.
Age Requirement for Nursing Admission
The NMCN sets a minimum entry age of 16 for the basic nursing and basic midwifery programmes. Universities follow the general age policy for admission, and a candidate must also be able to meet the health and character standards of the profession. Some colleges state a maximum age on their advert, which a candidate should check before paying for a form.
Documents Needed for Nursing Admission
The documents requested at screening and registration are similar everywhere:
- O’Level result (WAEC, NECO or NABTEB), with the original ready for inspection.
- JAMB result slip and admission letter for university candidates.
- Birth certificate or declaration of age.
- Certificate of state of origin or local government identification.
- Passport photographs.
- Medical fitness report from a recognised hospital.
- Reference or character letters where the school asks for them.
How to Apply for Nursing School
For University Nursing Science
The candidate registers for UTME with the correct subjects, picks Nursing Science and the university as first choice, writes the examination, and then takes part in the post-UTME screening where the school holds one. Admission is processed on the JAMB CAPS portal, where the candidate accepts the offer.
For College of Nursing Sciences or School of Nursing
The candidate buys the school’s form on its own portal, uploads results and documents, takes the written or aptitude test, and attends an interview if invited. Many schools also ask for a JAMB result, so it is useful to write UTME even when aiming for a college.
Screening and Selection Process
Screening usually includes document verification, an aptitude test covering English and the science subjects, and sometimes an interview. Selection takes the aptitude score, the O’Level grades and the JAMB score into account, and the final list is limited by the quota approved for the school.
Candidates who are shortlisted must also complete a medical examination. A health condition that prevents safe clinical practice can affect the offer, so the report must be genuine and from an accepted hospital.
Admission Requirements for Nursing School in Nigeria at a Glance
The table below summarises the admission requirements for nursing school in Nigeria so a candidate can compare the main routes quickly.
| Requirement | University (B.NSc) | College or School of Nursing |
|---|---|---|
| O’Level credits | Five, including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics | Five, with the same core subjects in most schools |
| Sittings allowed | One or two, as stated by the university | Usually two; some accept one only |
| JAMB UTME | Required, with the four listed subjects | Required in some schools, not all |
| Minimum score | 150 national minimum, higher in practice | Set by the school, often between 140 and 180 |
| Extra screening | Post-UTME where the school holds one | Aptitude test and interview |
| Medical report | Needed at registration | Needed at registration |
Requirements for Candidates With Foreign or Older Results
A candidate who wrote an examination several years ago can still apply, since WAEC and NECO results do not expire for admission purposes. The result must be verifiable through the examination body, and the school may check it online during screening. A candidate with a foreign secondary certificate must have it assessed for equivalence, and the school will state which subjects must match the Nigerian science credits.
Candidates who already work in health care, such as community health workers, should note that practice experience does not replace the O’Level credits. The entry rules apply equally to every applicant.
Common Reasons Nursing Candidates Are Rejected
- Missing credit in English, Mathematics or one of the sciences.
- Using more O’Level sittings than the school allows.
- Choosing the wrong JAMB subjects or choosing the school as second choice when first choice is required.
- Applying to a school that is not accredited by the NMCN.
- Submitting forged or altered results.
Costs to Expect During Nursing Admission
Meeting the admission requirements for nursing school in Nigeria also involves some fees. Candidates should plan for the UTME registration fee, the post-UTME or entrance form fee, a medical examination fee and the cost of photocopying and certifying documents. Acceptance and registration fees come after an offer is made. The amounts differ by school, and the official portal is the only reliable place to read them. A payment requested outside that portal should be treated as suspicious.
Tips for Meeting the Admission Requirements
- Check the accreditation status of the school before paying any fee.
- Use the official admission portal only, and avoid agents who promise guaranteed placement.
- Prepare the original documents and several photocopies in advance.
- Aim for a JAMB score well above the minimum, since competition is strong.
- Register early, because most colleges close the sale of forms on a fixed date.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many credits are needed for nursing in Nigeria? Five credits are required, including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics in most schools.
- Can I study nursing without Physics? A few colleges accept a related science in place of Physics, but universities generally require it. Check the school’s own notice.
- What JAMB score is enough for nursing? The national minimum is 150 for 2026, but most competitive schools set a higher departmental score.
- Is JAMB compulsory for a college of nursing? Not in every case. Some colleges use their own entrance test, while others ask for a JAMB score.
- What is the minimum age for nursing school? The NMCN states 16 as the minimum entry age for basic nursing and midwifery programmes.
- How do I confirm that a nursing school is approved? Check the list of accredited institutions on the NMCN website or ask the council directly.
Final Thoughts
The admission requirements for nursing school in Nigeria come down to five O’Level credits including the sciences, the correct UTME subjects, a score above the school’s cut off mark and a clean set of documents. Candidates who prepare these items early, and who choose an accredited school, remove most of the common reasons for rejection.
Requirements and cut off marks change from session to session, so confirm the current details on the official portal of the school and on the JAMB and NMCN websites before applying.