Top 20 Federal Universities in Nigeria Offering Nursing Programs for 2024/2025
Nigerian federal universities that offer nursing prepare graduates to be globally competent healthcare professionals.
Prospective nursing students from within and outside the country should consider enrolling in these schools.
Nursing schools allow students to specialise in various nursing disciplines, resulting in a diverse group of nursing professionals.
You can train to be an oncology, orthopaedic, cardiac, ERN, urgent care, family, neonatal, or anaesthetist nurse.
Other nursing professions include nurse educator, gerontology nurse practitioner, paediatric nurse practitioner, and so on. The article provides you with essential details about these 20 federal universities that offer nursing in Nigeria.
- University of Port-Harcourt
- University of Maiduguri
- University of Nigeria
- University of Lagos
- University of Jos
- University of Ilorin
- University of Ibadan
- University of Benin
- University of Abuja
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University
- National Open University of Nigeria
- Federal University, Birnin Kebbi
- Bayero University, Kano
- Ahmadu Bello University
- Federal University, Birnin-Kebbi
- University of Calabar
- Usman Danfodio University
- University of Uyo
- Federal University of Health Sciences Ila-Orangun
These federal universities in Nigeria that offer nursing are accredited by NUC and have been producing world-class graduates and professionals for decades.
These schools teach students how to save, care for, and improve their health.
List of federal universities offering nursing in Nigeria
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has accredited 41 state universities in Nigeria, including nursing schools.
Nursing can be studied as a foundation for a more advanced medical career, such as surgeon or doctor.
Here’s a list of Nigerian universities that offer nursing programmes:
1. The University of Port-Harcourt
- Founded: 1975
- Location: Choba in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
- Telephone: +234 803 708 4400
- Email: helpdesk@uniport.edu.ng
- Website: www.uniport.edu.ng
The University of Port Harcourt was founded in 1975. Potential nursing students attend the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, which has nursing as one of its 22 departments.
In other words, the faculty offers numerous courses leading to various nursing career specialisations.
2. The University of Maiduguri
- Founded: 1975
- Location: Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
- Telephone: +234 803 467 1898
- Email: info@unimaid.edu.ng
- Website: www.unimaid.edu.ng
The University of Maiduguri boasts one of Nigeria’s best nursing schools. Its College of Medical Sciences houses eight departments, including Nursing Science.
The college was founded as a faculty in 1978, three years after the federal university was officially established. Today, the faculty has established itself as a college that offers a Bachelor of Nursing degree.
3. The University Of Nigeria, Nsukka
- Founded: 1955
- Location: Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
- Telephone: +234 806 360 7400
- Website: www.unn.edu.ng
Nursing lecturers at the University of Nigeria are respected medical professionals. This means that students can learn far more than what textbooks cover. Nursing is a combination of practical and theoretical knowledge.
In other words, you can apply to UNN to study Nursing Science, gain experience, and become a true professional in your field of study.
4. The University of Lagos
- Founded: 1962
- Location: Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
- Telephone: +234 1 280 2439
- Email: communicationunit@unilag.edu.ng
- Website: unilag.edu.ng
The University of Lagos is one of the best nursing schools in Lagos. Its Faculty of Clinical Sciences includes a Nursing Science department, which offers a variety of courses.
The faculty has a long history of growth and improvement. It began as the School of Clinical Science before receiving NUC approval as a Faculty in 2009. Furthermore, being taught by experienced practitioners at the University of Lagos is a huge advantage.
5. The University of Jos
- Founded: 1975
- Location: Jos, Plateau, Nigeria
- Telephone: +234 803 058 0255
- Email: enquiries@unijos.edu.ng
- Website: www.unijos.edu.ng
The University of Jos is one of Nigeria’s top nursing schools. Nursing courses are offered through the Faculty of Medical Science. Lecturers have extensive experience in both theoretical and practical skills. Most alumni have no regrets about studying here.
6. The University of Ilorin
- Founded: 1975
- Location: Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
- Telephone: +234 810 565 7675
- Email: info@unilorin.edu.ng
- Website: uilugportal.unilorin.edu.ng
The University of Ilorin was founded in 1975. Its College of Health Sciences comprises two faculties.
The Faculty of Clinical Sciences provides sufficient learning materials and facilities for its students.
The faculty has approximately ten departments.
7. The University of Ibadan
- Founded: 1948
- Location: Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
- Telephone: +234 802 325 5741
- Email: info@unilorin.edu.ng
- Website: www.ui.edu.ng
You should consider enrolling in the University of Ibadan‘s 5-year nursing programme.
The school encourages students to practise their skills while studying. Additionally, research programmes are available.
8. The University of Benin
- Founded: 1971
- Location: Benin City, Edo, Nigeria
- Telephone: +234 52 600 553
- Email: registrar@uniben.edu
- Website: uniben.edu.ng
The University of Benin is also the best place to study nursing in Nigeria.
The school was established in 1970. The College of Medical Science has three learning centres for scholars (both local and international students).
You should also consider attending UNIBEN’s School of Basic Medical Sciences to further your education in healthcare.
9. The University of Abuja
- Founded: 1988
- Location: Abuja, Nigeria
- Email: info@uniabuja.edu.ng
- Website: www.uniabuja.edu.ng
The University of Abuja is the top nursing school in Nigeria’s capital.
The College of Health Sciences was established in 2007. It provides excellent study opportunities for both Nigerians and international students.
Because the university allows top-performing students to practise and develop their skills at Abuja Teaching Hospital, it has earned a reputation as one of the best nursing schools in Abuja.
10. Obafemi Awolowo University
- Founded: 1970
- Location: Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
- Telephone: +234 810 456 3456
- Email: info@oauife.edu.ng
- Website: oauife.edu.ng
Obafemi Awolowo University has a large Department of Nursing. The department is part of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, which has been around since 1993.
It houses a number of programmes designed to prepare students for various medical careers. Students at Obafemi Awolowo University learn in classrooms and practise in multidisciplinary laboratories.
11. Nnamdi Azikiwe University
- Founded: 1991
- Location: Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
- Telephone: +234 708 161 0453
- Email: info@unizik.edu.ng
- Website: unizik.edu.ng
The school provides courses at the 200 to 300 level, as well as a Nursing Science degree.
Nnamdi Azikiwe University previously had a Faculty of Medicine, but it now has a Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences. As a result, it is a trustworthy and dependable place to pursue higher education in nursing.
12. The National Open University of Nigeria
- Founded: 1983
- Location: Jabi, Abuja, Nigeria
- Call: +234 807 991 7938, +234 706 470 1747, +234 908 290 7092
- WhatsApp: +234 8079917938
- Email: centralinfo@noun.edu.ng
- Website: nou.edu.ng
The National Open University of Nigeria is located in Lagos City. The Faculty of Health Science welcomes students interested in research and practice.
Their Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) graduates who excel academically have a good chance of getting jobs in prestigious Nigerian clinics and hospitals.
13. The Federal University, Birnin Kebbi
- Founded: 2013
- Location: Kalgo, Kebbi, Nigeria
- Call: +234 8323 2430, +234 83 233 546
- Email: info@fubk.edu.ng
- Website: fubk.edu.ng
The Federal University of Birnin Kebbi has an excellent College of Health Science. Nursing programmes at FUBK prepare students for a promising future in a variety of nursing fields. Since its inception on February 18, 2013, the university has maintained an incredible reputation.
14. Bayero University, Kano
- Founded: 1964
- Location: Kano, Nigeria
- Telephone: +234 816- 0107510
- Email: registrar@buk.edu.ng
- Website: www.buk.edu.ng
Bayero University Kano (BUK) is also a top nursing school in Nigeria.
Nursing courses are available through the College of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences.
Bayero University was founded in 1977 as an extension of Ahmadu Bello College (established in 1960). The school is well-known for producing professionals who have a significant social impact.
15. Ahmadu Bello University
- Founded: 1962
- Location: Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
- Telephone: +234 69 50 691
- Email: helpdesk@abu.edu.ng
- Website: www.abu.edu.ng
Ahmadu Bello University established the Medicine Faculty in 1962.
It provides numerous medical-related courses, including Nursing Science. The school guarantees you a high-quality education, and you are likely to find a good job after graduation.
16. Ebonyi State University
- Founded: 1999
- Location: Abakaliki, Ebonyi, Nigeria
- Telephone: +234 806 408 7963
- Email: registrar@ebsu-edu.net
- Website: ebsu.edu.ng
Ebonyi State University is one of Nigeria’s best federal universities for medical and surgical studies.
The school also provides undergraduate programmes in nursing and health science. You can apply to nursing and other Ebonyi State University courses online.
17. The University of Calabar
- Founded: 1975
- Location: Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
- Telephone: +234 812 630 5234, +234 817 846 5080
- Email: registrar@buk.edu.ng
- Website: www.unical.edu.ng
The University of Calabar‘s mission is to pursue knowledge and serve humanity.
The college of medical science has four faculties.
The faculty of allied medical sciences includes courses in medical laboratory science, radiography, radiological sciences, nursing science, public health, and physical therapy.
18. Usman Danfodio University
- Founded: 1975
- Location: Sokoto, Nigeria
- Telephone: +234 7037574510
- Email: info@udusok.edu.ng
- Website: www.udusok.edu.ng
Usman Danfodio University understands the educational needs and aspirations of the people. It is a centre of excellence for education, research, and community service.
Usman Danfodio University provides human nutrition and dietetics, nursing science, optometry, physiotherapy, radiography, and other medical courses.
19. The University of Uyo
- Founded: 1983
- Location: Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
- Telephone: +234 814 6129 875 +234 701 774 7407
- Email: registrar@uniuyo.edu.ng
- Website: uniuyo.edu.ng
The University of Uyo began as a teachers’ college in 1983. The school now has four campuses and offers degree programmes in a variety of fields, including education, engineering, medicine, and law.
20. The Federal University of Health Sciences Ila-Orangun
- Founded: 2021
- Location: Ila-Orangun, Osun State, Nigeria
- Telephone: +234 806 569 6753, +234 903 025 2075
- Email: info@fuhsi.edu.ng
- Website: fuhsi.edu.ng
The Federal University of Health Sciences Ila-Orangun provides career-oriented programmes to motivated students.
This institution offers audiology, medical laboratory science, nursing, biochemistry, information technology and health informatics, microbiology, nutrition and dietetics, and other medical-related courses.
Which is the cheapest State University for Nursing Programs in Nigeria
You should compare tuition fees for BSc nursing in Nigeria from the following state universities to find an institution where you can afford to study:
- The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
- The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
- The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- The University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- The University of Jos (UNIJOS)
- The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- The University of Ibadan (UI)
- The University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- The University of Abuja (UNIABUJA)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK or NAU)
- The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
- The Federal University Birnin-Kebbi (FUBK)
- Bayero University, Kano (BUK)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
- The Federal University, Birnin-Kebbi
- The University of Calabar (UNICAL)
- Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUS)
- The University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
- The Federal University of Health Sciences Ila-Orangun (FUHSI)
Which federal university is the best to study nursing in Nigeria?
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) is the best place to study nursing in Nigeria.
Which university offers BSC nursing in Nigeria?
Nursing is a prestigious profession in Nigeria. A BSc. Nursing degree in Nigeria lasts five years.
The course provides numerous opportunities within and outside of Nigeria. Nursing Science undergraduate programmes are offered at the following Nigerian universities:
- Ambrose Alli University
- Abia State University
- Ahmadu Bello University
- Afe Babalola University
- Babcock University
- Bayero University
- The University of Benin
- The University of Calabar
- Delta State University
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University
- The University of Nigeria
- The National Open University of Nigeria
- Ebonyi State University
Which university is best for a nursing student?
When you consider salary rates and the amount of time spent on this degree, nursing is one of the best medical-related degree programmes in Nigeria. Here are some schools in Nigeria where you could pursue a BSc in nursing:
- The University of Ibadan
- Igbenidion University
- The University of Jos
- Imo State University
- The University of Ilorin
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
- The University of Lagos
- Madonna University
- The University of Maiduguri
- Niger Delta University
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- The University of Port-Harcourt
- Usman Dan Fodio University
Which is the best private school of nursing in Nigeria?
Private education costs far more than public education. Nonetheless, if you can afford it, enrol in any private nursing school.
Here are some accredited and approved private nursing schools in the country:
- School of Nursing, Ogbomoso (SONO)
- Mater School of Nursing
- Afe Babalola University
- Joint Hospital Mbano School of Nursing
- Bowen School of Nursing
- Lead City University
- Igbinedion University
- Madonna University
- Babcock University
- Baptist Medical Center, Oyo State
What is the cut-off mark for nursing in federal universities?
The cut-off score for each nursing college or university in Nigeria varies. The typical range is 250-230 points.
Do nurses go for NYSC?
After earning your nursing degree or ND/HND, you can enrol in the National Youth Service Corps programme.
However, if you are a Registered Nurse (RN), you are not eligible to serve in NYSC.
Registered Nurses or people enrolled in nursing school programmes (RN) are not allowed to serve at NYSC for the following reasons:
- The BSN or degree in Nursing and ND/HND takes five years, while a nursing program in a college takes three years.
- College nursing graduates receive the Registered Nursing (RN) certificate. Meanwhile, university nursing graduates get RN, Registered Midwifery (RM), and BSN certificates, and nursing graduates with ND/HND have RN, RM, and HND.
- Students from schools under JAMB can join NYSC because they can provide a JAMB registration number during NYSC admission. Schools/Colleges of Nursing are not under JAMB.
Nursing programmes at federal universities in Nigeria help to improve the country’s healthcare system by producing graduates with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
The profession pays well and offers a high level of job satisfaction.
Top 20 Federal Universities in Nigeria Offering Nursing Programs for 2024/2025