Think nursing education is only available in universities? Think again! Nigeria’s polytechnic system offers an increasingly popular pathway to becoming a registered nurse through ND (National Diploma) and HND (Higher National Diploma) nursing programs. This route is gaining momentum as a practical, affordable alternative that gets you into the healthcare workforce faster.
If you’re looking for a hands-on approach to nursing education with lower JAMB requirements and shorter study duration, polytechnic nursing programs might be exactly what you need.
Understanding ND/HND Nursing Programs
The ND/HND Nursing program is a relatively new but rapidly growing pathway in Nigerian nursing education. This is a four-year uninterrupted program (2 years for ND and 2 years for HND) designed to facilitate seamless academic progression within Nigeria’s existing education framework and aligned with the 2016-approved scheme of service for Nurses.
What Makes Polytechnic Nursing Different?
Practical Focus: Polytechnics emphasize hands-on training and real-world applications, making graduates immediately job-ready.
Lower Entry Requirements: JAMB cut-off marks for nursing at polytechnics range between 150 to 180, compared to 230-280 required by universities.
Shorter Duration: Four years total compared to 5 years in most universities.
Professional Recognition: Upon completion, graduates are eligible to write the registered nursing exam to qualify as Professional Registered Nurses, with the HND equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in the United States.
Complete List of Polytechnics and Colleges Offering Nursing Programs
Federal Polytechnics with Nursing Programs
1. Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State
- Programs: Health Technology with nursing affiliations
- JAMB Cut-off: 150-160
- Notable Features: Well-established health sciences department
2. Federal Polytechnic Idah, Kogi State
- Programs: ND/HND Nursing Science
- JAMB Cut-off: 150-170
- Duration: 4 years uninterrupted
3. Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State
- Programs: Health-related courses with nursing partnerships
- JAMB Cut-off: 150-165
- Specialization: Community health focus
State Polytechnics Offering Nursing
4. Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH)
- Programs: Health Technology, affiliated nursing programs
- JAMB Cut-off: 160-180
- Location: Multiple campuses across Lagos
5. Ogun State Polytechnic
- Programs: Various health science programs
- JAMB Cut-off: 150-170
- Affiliations: Partners with local nursing schools
6. Kaduna Polytechnic
- Programs: Health Technology with nursing pathways
- JAMB Cut-off: 150-165
- Strengths: Strong clinical partnerships
7. Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos
- Programs: Health-related technology courses
- JAMB Cut-off: 170-185
- Notable: Leading polytechnic with health science focus
Private Colleges and Polytechnics
8. Lily College of Nursing Sciences
- Programs: ND/HND Nursing (full program)
- Features: Strategically designed for seamless academic progression
- Accreditation: Fully accredited nursing program
9. Okunland College
- Programs: HND in Nursing
- Duration: 4-year direct uninterrupted course
- Recognition: Graduates eligible for registered nursing exam
10. Havarde College of Science, Business and Management Studies, Ogun State
- Programs: Nursing among other professional courses
- Status: Polytechnic offering nursing and other degree programs
Specialized Institutions
11. Federal College of Health Technology, Idah
- Programs: Community Health, Basic Nursing
- Specialization: Rural and community healthcare
12. Federal College of Health Sciences, Kwara
- Programs: Health Technology with nursing track
- Focus: Medical laboratory and nursing sciences
13. College of Health Technology, Calabar
- Programs: Community health and basic nursing
- Strength: Clinical training partnerships
14. College of Health Technology, Offa
- Programs: Health information management, basic nursing
- Features: Technology-integrated healthcare education
15. Bauchi State College of Health Technology
- Programs: Community health with nursing pathways
- Location: Strategic northern location
Admission Requirements for Polytechnic Nursing Programs
Basic Requirements
- JAMB Score: 150-180 (varies by institution)
- O’Level Results: 5 credits including English, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry
- Age Limit: Usually 16-25 years
- Medical Fitness: Pass medical examination
Direct Entry Requirements
- ND in related health field
- Nursing certificate with good grades
- Relevant work experience may be considered
Additional Requirements
- Pass institutional screening/interview
- Meet state of origin requirements (for state institutions)
- Pay required fees and documentation
Program Structure and Duration
The ND/HND Nursing is a four-year uninterrupted program lasting four years to earn ND/HND Nursing degrees.
Year 1-2: National Diploma (ND) Phase
- Basic nursing sciences
- Anatomy and physiology
- Fundamentals of nursing
- Community health
- Clinical rotations begin
Year 3-4: Higher National Diploma (HND) Phase
- Advanced nursing practices
- Specialized clinical areas
- Research methodology
- Leadership and management
- Extended clinical placements
Certificates and Professional Recognition
Upon successful completion, graduates receive:
- National Diploma (ND) in Nursing – After 2 years
- Higher National Diploma (HND) in Nursing – After 4 years
- Professional Registration Eligibility – Can write NMCN exams
- Registered Nurse (RN) Certificate – After passing professional exams
Professional Standing
Graduates must pass professional exams from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) to practice as registered nurses.
Application Process
Step-by-Step Application
- Choose Institutions: Select 3-5 polytechnics offering nursing
- JAMB Registration: Register for UTME and select chosen institutions
- Meet Cut-off: Ensure your score meets minimum requirements
- Post-JAMB Screening: Prepare for institutional screening
- Document Submission: Gather all required certificates
- Interview Preparation: Prepare for oral interviews where required
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can HND Nursing graduates work abroad? A: Yes, with additional certifications and meeting destination country requirements.
Q: Is ND/HND Nursing recognized by NMCN? A: Yes, graduates can write NMCN professional exams for full registration.
Q: Can I upgrade from HND to degree level? A: Yes, many universities accept HND holders for direct entry into degree programs.
Q: What’s the difference between polytechnic and university nursing? A: Polytechnics focus more on practical training, while universities emphasize theoretical knowledge.
Q: Are there part-time nursing programs in polytechnics? A: Most programs are full-time, but some institutions offer flexible schedules.