Full List of Affordable Nursing Schools in Nigeria for 2026 Admissions
Full List of Affordable Nursing Schools in Nigeria for 2026 Admissions (Updated & Expanded Guide)
Getting into nursing school in Nigeria in 2026 is highly competitive, but it is also very achievable if you understand the system and apply early. With the growing demand for healthcare professionals and the expansion of approved Colleges of Nursing Sciences, more students now have access to affordable nursing education without paying the high fees associated with private universities.
What “Cheap Nursing Schools” Really Mean in Nigeria (2026)
In Nigeria, “cheap” nursing schools are not low-quality institutions. Instead, they are typically:
- State-owned Colleges of Nursing Sciences
- Federal teaching hospital schools of nursing
- Some accredited private colleges with subsidized programs
These schools are regulated by the (NMCN) and must meet strict training standards.
Typical Fee Range
- Application fee: ₦10,000 – ₦40,000
- Tuition per session: ₦20,000 – ₦200,000
- Total program cost: Still far cheaper than universities (₦500k – ₦1M+)
2026 Admission Requirements for Nursing Schools in Nigeria
Before applying, you must meet these basic requirements:
O’Level Requirements
- 5 credits in:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Not more than 2 sittings
JAMB Requirements
- Required for most ND/HND and university nursing programs
- Minimum cut-off:
- 140 for Colleges of Nursing
- 150+ for some institutions
- 180–200+ for competitive schools
Other Requirements
- Minimum age: 16–17 years
- Must be medically fit
- Must pass school entrance exam / interview
All admission processes follow guidelines from (JAMB)
Top Affordable Nursing Schools in Nigeria (2026 Updated List)
Below is a well-structured and expanded list of affordable nursing schools across Nigeria, grouped by category.
A. Federal Teaching Hospital Nursing Schools (Very Affordable & Highly Competitive)
1. University College Hospital (UCH) School of Nursing, Ibadan
- Location: Ibadan, Oyo State
- Type: Federal
- Courses: Basic General Nursing (RN)
- Fees: ₦80,000 – ₦120,000
- Requirement: JAMB (usually 180+), strong O’Level
- Admission: Highly competitive
- Affiliated with:
2. Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) School of Nursing
- Location: Zaria, Kaduna State
- Fees: ₦75,000 – ₦130,000
- Strong clinical training environment
- Affiliated with:
3. University of Lagos (LUTH) School of Nursing
- Location: Lagos
- Fees: ₦100,000 – ₦150,000
- Highly reputable
- Affiliated with:
B. State Colleges of Nursing Sciences (Cheapest Options in Nigeria)
These are the most affordable and most recommended options in 2026.
4. Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery (OYSCONME), Ibadan
- Courses: RN, RM, Post-Basic
- Fees: Very affordable (under ₦100k/session estimated)
- JAMB: 200+ often required
- Application Fee: ₦35,200
- Application Deadline (2026): April 13, 2026
- Portal: https://oysconme.edu.ng
5. College of Nursing Sciences, Sokoto
- Courses: ND/HND Nursing
- Fees: ₦28,000 – ₦91,000 (among the cheapest in Nigeria)
- JAMB: 160+
- Very affordable and widely recommended
6. School of Nursing, Abeokuta (Ogun State)
- Fees: ₦50,000 – ₦80,000
- Strong reputation in the Southwest
7. School of Nursing, Ilaro (Ogun State)
- Fees: ₦50,000 – ₦70,000
- Competitive but affordable
8. College of Nursing Sciences, Calabar (Cross River State)
- Fees: ₦60,000 – ₦120,000
- Growing demand due to quality training
9. College of Nursing Sciences, Maiduguri (Borno State)
- Fees: ₦30,000 – ₦90,000
- One of the cheapest in Nigeria
10. School of Nursing, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH)
- Fees: ₦80,000 – ₦150,000
- Good clinical exposure
11. School of Nursing, Umuahia (Abia State)
- Fees: ₦60,000 – ₦100,000
- Strong academic reputation
12. Lagos State College of Nursing Sciences
- Fees: ₦100,000 – ₦200,000
- Modern facilities and high competition
C. Affordable Private Nursing Schools in Nigeria
Private schools are more expensive, but a few are still relatively affordable.
13. Lily College of Nursing Sciences
- Programs: ND Nursing, Midwifery
- Fees: Application ₦20,200
- Known for structured and modern training
- Website: https://lilynursingcollege.com.ng
14. Trinity University Nursing Programme (Yaba, Lagos)
- Offers BNSc Nursing
- Flexible payment options
- Website: https://www.trinityuniversity.edu.ng
D. Universities Offering Nursing (Affordable Degree Options)
If you want a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc):
15. Gombe State University
- Fees: ₦22,500 (indigenes), ₦59,000+ (non-indigenes)
- Affordable university option
16. Bayero University Kano (BUK)
- Fees: Around ₦100,000 – ₦130,000
- Federal institution
17. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- Fees: Moderate and subsidized
- Highly competitive
Key Trends in Nursing Education in Nigeria (2026)
- Increase in ND/HND Nursing programs
- Expansion of nursing colleges approved by NMCN
- More emphasis on clinical training and practical experience
- High demand for Nigerian nurses abroad
- Growth in private and public training institutions
How to Apply for Nursing School in Nigeria (2026 Step-by-Step)
- Register for JAMB (if required)
- Choose your preferred nursing school
- Visit official school portal only
- Pay application fee
- Fill and submit application form
- Write entrance exam / attend interview
- Check admission list
- Accept admission and begin training
Conclusion
Affordable nursing schools in Nigeria for 2026 provide a real opportunity for students who want to build a career in healthcare without spending excessively.
The best options remain state and federal colleges, followed by a few private institutions that offer flexible and cost-friendly programs.
