Choosing a nursing career in Nigeria is one of the smartest moves a student can make in 2026. The demand for qualified nurses is at an all-time high — both locally and abroad — and nursing graduates continue to enjoy strong employment prospects. Yet, for many families, the cost of nursing education feels like the biggest barrier. That is exactly why this guide exists. If you are searching for the Cheapest Nursing School in Nigeria and their fees, this article delivers the most current, detailed, and honest breakdown available. From federal universities to teaching hospital-based Schools of Nursing, every affordable option is covered here for the 2026/2027 academic session.
By the time you finish reading, you will know exactly which schools charge the least, what their fees cover, what entrance requirements look like, and how to maximise your chances of securing a spot. Nigeria has more nursing pathways than most students realise — and many of them are surprisingly affordable.
What Makes a Nursing School Affordable?
Affordability in nursing education is about total cost — not just tuition. When you evaluate the Cheapest Nursing School in Nigeria and their fees, you need to factor in acceptance fees, clinical training levies, laboratory charges, library dues, examination fees from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), and accommodation costs.
Federal universities attract the lowest fees because they receive heavy subsidies from the Federal Government. State universities occupy the middle tier, while private universities charge the highest fees but sometimes bundle additional services — such as hostel accommodation and clinical materials — into their fee structure, which affects the final comparison.
Federal Universities Offering the Cheapest Nursing Programmes
Federal institutions are consistently the top destination for students hunting the Cheapest Nursing School in Nigeria and their fees. Government subsidies keep tuition remarkably low, and the nursing programmes at these schools carry strong national recognition.
Below are the leading federal universities with active nursing programmes and their estimated 2026/2027 session fees:
| University | State | Annual Fee Range (₦) | Programme Duration |
| University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) | Enugu | ₦80,000 – ₦120,000 | 5 Years |
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) | Lagos | ₦100,000 – ₦150,000 | 5 Years |
| Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | Osun | ₦75,000 – ₦110,000 | 5 Years |
| University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) | Kwara | ₦70,000 – ₦100,000 | 5 Years |
| Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria | Kaduna | ₦65,000 – ₦95,000 | 5 Years |
| University of Benin (UNIBEN) | Edo | ₦85,000 – ₦125,000 | 5 Years |
| University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) | Rivers | ₦90,000 – ₦130,000 | 5 Years |
These fees cover basic tuition and standard institutional charges. Note that NMCN examination and registration fees are billed separately, typically between ₦25,000 and ₦50,000 depending on the stage of training.
State Universities with Affordable Nursing Programmes
State universities offer a mid-range entry point for students searching for the Cheapest Nursing School in Nigeria and their fees. While fees run slightly higher than federal options, they are far more affordable than private alternatives — and in many states, indigenes pay a discounted rate.
| University | State | Annual Fee Range (₦) | Duration |
| Lagos State University (LASU) | Lagos | ₦150,000 – ₦200,000 | 5 Years |
| Rivers State University (RSU) | Rivers | ₦120,000 – ₦180,000 | 5 Years |
| Delta State University (DELSU) | Delta | ₦100,000 – ₦160,000 | 5 Years |
| Kogi State University (KSU) | Kogi | ₦90,000 – ₦140,000 | 5 Years |
| Osun State University (UNIOSUN) | Osun | ₦110,000 – ₦160,000 | 5 Years |
| Ebonyi State University (EBSU) | Ebonyi | ₦95,000 – ₦150,000 | 5 Years |
State universities also offer direct entry for holders of the Basic Nursing Certificate from a School of Nursing, allowing qualified nurses to upgrade to a B.Sc. Nursing degree — often at a reduced fee.
Private Universities with Nursing and Their Fees
Private institutions charge considerably more, but a few still make the list of the Cheapest Nursing School in Nigeria and their fees within the private sector. Some private schools include hostel and clinical equipment costs in their published fees, which narrows the gap with state universities when you calculate true all-in costs.
| University | State | Annual Fee Range (₦) | Duration |
| Achievers University, Owo | Ondo | ₦350,000 – ₦600,000 | 5 Years |
| Crawford University, Igbesa | Ogun | ₦400,000 – ₦700,000 | 5 Years |
| Benson Idahosa University (BIU) | Edo | ₦500,000 – ₦900,000 | 5 Years |
| Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) | Ekiti | ₦700,000 – ₦1,100,000 | 5 Years |
| Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo | Ogun | ₦600,000 – ₦1,200,000 | 5 Years |
Schools of Nursing (SCHON): The Most Affordable Option
If you want the absolute lowest fees, teaching hospital-based Schools of Nursing (SCHON) are unbeatable. When listing the Cheapest Nursing School in Nigeria and their fees, SCHON institutions consistently sit at the top of the affordability chart. These schools run 3-year Basic Nursing programmes fully recognised by the NMCN.
| School of Nursing | Affiliated Hospital | Session Fee Range (₦) |
| School of Nursing, UCH Ibadan | University College Hospital | ₦45,000 – ₦75,000 |
| School of Nursing, LUTH Lagos | Lagos University Teaching Hospital | ₦50,000 – ₦80,000 |
| School of Nursing, National Hospital Abuja | National Hospital Abuja | ₦55,000 – ₦85,000 |
| School of Nursing, AKTH Kano | Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital | ₦40,000 – ₦70,000 |
| School of Nursing, UBTH Benin | University of Benin Teaching Hospital | ₦45,000 – ₦75,000 |
| School of Nursing, UITH Ilorin | University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital | ₦42,000 – ₦72,000 |
SCHON graduates earn a Basic Nursing Certificate. Many proceed to upgrade programmes at universities — a smart two-stage strategy that keeps total education costs low. These schools conduct their own entrance examinations separate from JAMB.
JAMB and Admission Requirements for Nursing in Nigeria
Admission into a university nursing programme requires a JAMB UTME score of at least 180–200 (varies by institution). Understanding entry requirements is important when comparing the Cheapest Nursing School in Nigeria and their fees because a higher JAMB score gives you access to cheaper federal universities.
Standard O’Level requirements for nursing include five credit passes in:
- English Language
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics (some universities accept Agricultural Science)
- Mathematics
Post-UTME screening is compulsory at most institutions. For SCHON admissions, candidates sit the school’s own entrance examination — JAMB is not required. Always verify each school’s current cut-off mark on the JAMB portal or the institution’s admissions page.
Practical Tips to Reduce Your Nursing School Costs
Locating the Cheapest Nursing School in Nigeria and their fees is only half the battle. These proven strategies help you stretch every naira further:
- Apply for Federal and State Scholarships Early. The Federal Government Scholarship Board and state bursary offices open applications annually — do not miss the deadlines.
- Start with a SCHON Programme. Complete your Basic Nursing Certificate at a teaching hospital school first, then upgrade to a degree at a state university. This phased approach costs far less overall.
- Explore Niger Delta Scholarships. If you are from an oil-producing state, the PTDF and some NDDC bursaries specifically support science and health students.
- Live Off Campus Where Possible. Federal university campuses in smaller cities like Zaria, Ilorin, and Nsukka have lower off-campus living costs compared to Lagos and Abuja.
- Verify Fees Before Acceptance. Some schools advertise base tuition but add clinical levies, departmental dues, and professional association fees at registration. Get the full breakdown before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which federal university has the cheapest nursing programme in Nigeria?
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria is among the most affordable federal options, with annual fees estimated at ₦65,000–₦95,000 for the 2026/2027 session. University of Ilorin follows closely at ₦70,000–₦100,000.
Q2. Is nursing school free in Nigeria?
No nursing school is entirely free, but federal university programmes and teaching hospital Schools of Nursing come very close due to substantial government subsidies. Total annual costs at some SCHON institutions can be as low as ₦40,000.
Q3. What is the Cheapest Nursing School in Nigeria and their fees for private institutions?
Among private universities, Achievers University in Owo currently offers one of the lowest nursing school fees — approximately ₦350,000–₦600,000 per session. Crawford University is the next most affordable private option.
Q4. Can I study nursing at a School of Nursing without JAMB?
Yes. Teaching hospital-based Schools of Nursing conduct their own entrance examinations independently of JAMB. You still need five O’Level credit passes including English Language and Biology, but UTME registration is not required.
Q5. How many years does nursing take in Nigeria?
University-based B.Sc. Nursing programmes run for 5 years. Teaching hospital Schools of Nursing (SCHON) run for 3 years leading to a Basic Nursing Certificate recognised by the NMCN.
Q6. Are Schools of Nursing cheaper than university nursing programmes?
Absolutely. When comparing the Cheapest Nursing School in Nigeria and their fees, SCHON institutions charge ₦40,000–₦85,000 per session, making them significantly cheaper than university-based programmes that start from ₦65,000 for federal schools and much more for private ones.
Q7. Does LUTH School of Nursing admit students every year?
Yes. The School of Nursing at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) runs annual admissions, subject to available spaces. Application notices appear on the LUTH official website and in national newspapers. Entry is competitive — prepare thoroughly for the entrance examination.
Q8. Which state university is cheapest for nursing in Nigeria?
Kogi State University and Delta State University are among the more affordable state university options. For students evaluating the Cheapest Nursing School in Nigeria and their fees, these two institutions offer session fees starting from ₦90,000 and ₦100,000 respectively, making them accessible entry points at the state level.
Q9. What NMCN fees do nursing graduates pay at registration?
NMCN registration fees change periodically. Based on the most recent available data, full registration costs approximately ₦25,000–₦50,000 depending on qualification category. Always confirm current figures on the NMCN official website before budgeting.
Q10. Is there a part-time nursing programme in Nigeria?
Several universities offer part-time or post-basic upgrade nursing programmes for qualified nurses seeking a degree. UNILAG, UNIBEN, and OAU are among the institutions with such options. For fresh candidates researching the Cheapest Nursing School in Nigeria and their fees, full-time UTME-based admission remains the primary route into a B.Sc. Nursing programme.
Conclusion
Every Nigerian student deserves a clear and honest roadmap to nursing education — without the confusion of hidden fees or misleading information. Whether you choose a federal university, a state institution, or a teaching hospital School of Nursing, affordable pathways genuinely exist. The Cheapest Nursing School in Nigeria and their fees covered in this guide represent the most reliable options available for the 2026/2027 academic session. Federal universities like ABU Zaria and UNILORIN remain the gold standard for affordability, while SCHON-affiliated teaching hospitals offer the absolute lowest entry costs. Start your application early, gather your O’Level results, confirm your JAMB score, and move decisively. A fulfilling, globally respected career in nursing is genuinely within your reach — and it does not have to cost a fortune.
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