Have you always dreamed of wearing that crisp white uniform and making a difference in people’s lives as a nurse? If your JAMB score didn’t quite make the cut for university admission, here’s some good news that might just change everything for you.
You don’t need to give up on your nursing dreams. Across Nigeria, there are over 100 Schools of Nursing and Colleges of Nursing Sciences that welcome students based on their WAEC results and entrance exams – no JAMB score required. These institutions have been quietly producing some of the most skilled and dedicated nurses working in hospitals today.
The Path Less Talked About: Nursing Schools vs Universities
Here’s something many people don’t realize: there are actually two main routes to becoming a registered nurse in Nigeria. Most students only hear about the university pathway, but there’s another route that’s often more accessible and just as rewarding.
The University Route: Requires JAMB, takes 4-5 years, awards a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNS) degree.
The Nursing School Route: No JAMB needed, takes 3 years, awards professional certificates (RN for Registered Nurse, RM for Registered Midwife).
Both routes lead to the same destination – you become a fully licensed, professional nurse. The difference? Nursing schools focus heavily on practical, hands-on training that prepares you to hit the ground running in any healthcare setting.
Complete List of Schools of Nursing Without JAMB
National Level Schools
Federal Teaching Hospital Schools:
- Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital School of Nursing
- University of Benin Teaching Hospital School of Nursing
- School of Nursing, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH)
- School of Nursing, Lagos University College Hospital (LUCOH)
- School of Nursing, Military Hospital, Yaba
- School of Nursing, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH)
Private and Mission Schools:
- Mercy College of Nursing, Iwo, Osun State
- Bowen University Teaching Hospital School of Nursing, Ogbomosho, Oyo State
- Unity College of Nursing Science, Bwari, Abuja
- Ibadan College of Nursing
- Ibadan College of Health Technology
- Eucharistic Health College, Orba, Nsukka
- Emirates College of Nursing and Midwifery, Kano State
- Pogil College of Health Technology, Ijebu Ode
State-by-State Breakdown
Abia State Schools of Nursing (No JAMB Required)
- School of Nursing, Umuahia
- School of Post Basic Midwifery, Umuahia
- School of Nursing, Amachara
- School of Basic Midwifery, Amachara
- School of Nursing, (ABSUTH), Aba
- School of Post Basic Midwifery, (ABSUTH), Aba
- School of Post Basic Midwifery, Abiriba
- School of Psychiatric Nursing, Aba
- Archbishop Charles Heerey Memorial College of Nursing Science, Ogbor-Hill, Aba
Adamawa State Schools of Nursing
- School of Nursing, Yola
- Community Nursing Program
- School of Midwifery Yola
- Community Midwifery Program
- School of Peri-operative Nursing, Federal Medical Center, Yola
Akwa Ibom State Schools of Nursing
- School of Nursing, Anua, Uyo
- School of Nursing, Eket
- School of Nursing, Ikot-Ekpene
- School of Nursing, Ituk-Mbang
- School of Post Basic Midwifery, Anua, Uyo
- School of Post Basic Midwifery, Iquita-Oron
- School of Post Basic Midwifery, Ituk-Mbang
- School of Post Basic Midwifery, Urua-Akpan
- School of Psychiatric Nursing, Eket
Anambra State Schools of Nursing
- School of Nursing, Ihiala
- School of Basic Midwifery, Ihiala
- School of Nursing, NAUTH, Nnewi
- School of Nursing, COOUTH, Nkpor
- School of Midwifery COOUTH, Nkpor
- School of Nursing, Adazi
- School of Basic Midwifery, Adazi
- School of Nursing, Amichi
- School of Nursing, Borromeo
- School of Midwifery, Waterside Onitsha
- School of Basic Midwifery Iyi-Enu
- Millennium College of Nursing, Akwa
Bauchi State Schools of Nursing
- School of Nursing, ATBU, Bauchi
- School of Basic Midwifery, ATBU
- College of Nursing Science ATBU Bauchi State
Borno State Schools of Nursing
- School of Nursing, Maiduguri
- School of Midwifery, Maiduguri
- College of Nursing Sciences Maiduguri
Cross River State Schools of Nursing
- Cross River College of Nursing
- College of Nursing Ogoja
Ebonyi State Schools of Nursing
- Ebonyi State College of Nursing Uburu
Gombe State Schools of Nursing
- School of Nursing, Gombe
- School of Midwifery, Gombe
Imo State Schools of Nursing
- College of Nursing Science Orlu
- Emekuku School of Nursing
Jigawa State Schools of Nursing
- School of Nursing, Dutse
- School of Midwifery, Dutse
Kaduna State Schools of Nursing
- School of Nursing, Kaduna
- School of Midwifery, Kaduna
- School of Nursing, Zaria
- School of Basic Midwifery, Kafanchan
Kano State Schools of Nursing
- School of Nursing, Kano
- School of Midwifery, Kano
- School of Nursing, Madobi
- School of Basic Midwifery, Danbatta
Katsina State Schools of Nursing
- School of Nursing, Katsina
- School of Midwifery, Katsina
- School of Basic Midwifery, Malumfashi
Kebbi State Schools of Nursing
- School of Nursing, Birnin-Kebbi
- School of Midwifery, Birnin-Kebbi
Lagos State Schools of Nursing
- Lagos State School of Nursing, Igando
- School of Nursing, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH)
- School of Nursing, Lagos University College Hospital (LUCOH)
- School of Nursing, Military Hospital, Yaba
- School of Nursing, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH)
Nasarawa State Schools of Nursing
- College of Nursing Sciences Lafia Nasarawa State
Niger State Schools of Nursing
- School of Nursing, Bida
- School of Midwifery, Bida
- School of Basic Midwifery, Minna
Ogun State Schools of Nursing
- School of Nursing Asaba
Sokoto State Schools of Nursing
- School of Nursing, Sokoto
- School of Midwifery, Sokoto
- School of Basic Midwifery, Tambuwal
Yobe State Schools of Nursing
- School of Nursing, Damaturu
- School of Midwifery, Damaturu
Zamfara State Schools of Nursing
- School of Nursing, Gusau
- School of Midwifery, Gusau
- College Of Nursing School Kaura Namoda
Specialized Military and Paramilitary Schools
- Nigerian Navy School Of Health Sciences, Kwara State
- Nigerian Air Force College Of Nursing Sciences, Kaduna
- Nigeria Airforce School Of Medical Science And Aviation Medicine
Basic Admission Requirements
To gain admission into these schools of nursing without JAMB, you typically need:
- WAEC/NECO Results: Five (5) credit passes including:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Age Requirement: Usually between 17-25 years
- Medical Fitness: Pass medical examination
- Entrance Examination: Pass the school’s entrance examination
- Interview: Successfully complete oral interview
Types of Programs Available
Basic Nursing Program
- Duration: 3 years
- Certificate: Registered Nurse (RN)
- Entry requirement: WAEC/NECO with required subjects
Basic Midwifery Program
- Duration: 18 months – 2 years
- Certificate: Registered Midwife (RM)
- Entry requirement: Must be a registered nurse or direct entry with WAEC
Post-Basic Programs
- Duration: 12-18 months
- Specializations available in various fields
- Entry requirement: Must be a registered nurse
Certificates You’ll Receive
Upon successful completion, graduates receive:
- RN Certificate (Registered Nurse)
- RM Certificate (Registered Midwife) – if applicable
- State Certificate from the school’s state
- Professional License to practice nursing in Nigeria
Advantages of Nursing Schools Over Universities
- No JAMB Requirement: Direct admission based on WAEC results and entrance exams
- Practical Focus: More hands-on clinical training
- Shorter Duration: 3 years compared to 4-5 years in universities
- Lower Fees: Generally more affordable than university programs
- Job Readiness: Graduates are work-ready immediately after certification
- Higher Acceptance Rate: Less competitive admission process
Career Opportunities After Graduation
With your nursing certificate, you can work in:
- Government hospitals and clinics
- Private healthcare facilities
- International organizations (WHO, UNICEF, etc.)
- Oil companies’ medical centers
- Schools as health officers
- Community health centers
- Military and paramilitary health services
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I work abroad with a nursing school certificate? A: Yes, but you may need additional certifications depending on the country’s requirements.
Q: Can I upgrade to a degree later? A: Yes, many universities accept RN certificate holders for direct entry into nursing degree programs.
Q: Do these schools accept 194 JAMB score? A: You can use a 194 JAMB score to apply for schools of nursing, but not government universities.
Q: Is there NYSC for nursing school graduates? A: No, only degree holders are eligible for NYSC. However, you can pursue a degree later and then participate in NYSC.
