If you are planning a career in healthcare, this guide is exactly what you need. The List of accredited private School of Nursing in Nigeria is the most important resource a prospective nursing student in Nigeria can have before committing to an institution. Not all private nursing schools carry the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) accreditation that makes your certificate valid for nursing practice.
This article presents the complete List of accredited private School of Nursing in Nigeria, their school fees for 2026/2027, entry requirements, application steps, and career prospects after graduation. Read this carefully before you pay any acceptance fee or sit for any entrance examination.
What NMCN Accreditation Means and Why It Matters
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) is the statutory body responsible for regulating all nursing and midwifery education and practice in the country. Every school on the List of accredited private School of Nursing in Nigeria must hold a current NMCN approval certificate. Without it, a school’s nursing qualification is legally invalid for nursing practice in Nigeria or abroad.
Graduating from a school on the List of accredited private School of Nursing in Nigeria qualifies you to sit the NMCN qualifying examinations, complete your one-year internship, and register as a licensed Registered Nurse (RN). NMCN accreditation also opens doors internationally — the UK (NMC), Canada, Ireland, and the USA (NCLEX) all require proof of NMCN registration before validating your credentials.
There are two categories of private nursing schools in Nigeria: university-based BNSc programmes (5 years, degree) and standalone private schools of nursing offering the Basic Nursing certificate (3 years, RN). Both categories appear below.
University-Based Private Schools of Nursing in Nigeria
University-based nursing programmes award a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) — a higher qualification than the Basic Nursing certificate. These schools are jointly regulated by NMCN and the National Universities Commission (NUC). Below is the List of accredited private School of Nursing in Nigeria for university-based institutions.
| University | State | Programme | Duration | Accreditation |
| Babcock University | Ogun | BNSc Nursing Science | 5 years | NUC / NMCN |
| Bowen University | Osun | BNSc Nursing Science | 5 years | NUC / NMCN |
| Benson Idahosa University | Edo | BNSc Nursing Science | 5 years | NUC / NMCN |
| Madonna University | Anambra | BNSc Nursing Science | 5 years | NUC / NMCN |
| Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) | Ekiti | BNSc Nursing Science | 5 years | NUC / NMCN |
| Landmark University | Kwara | BNSc Nursing Science | 5 years | NUC / NMCN |
| Lead City University | Oyo | BNSc Nursing Science | 5 years | NUC / NMCN |
| Igbinedion University, Okada | Edo | BNSc Nursing Science | 5 years | NUC / NMCN |
| Redeemer’s University | Osun | BNSc Nursing Science | 5 years | NUC / NMCN |
*Accreditation is subject to periodic review. Confirm directly with NMCN before applying.
School Profiles: What Each University Offers
Babcock University – Ogun State
Babcock University runs one of the strongest private nursing programmes in Nigeria, backed by its own teaching hospital. The BNSc programme spans five years with structured clinical postings. It is a top choice for students who want a degree in nursing grounded in strong moral and academic values.
Bowen University – Osun State
Bowen University in Iwo, Osun State, offers an accredited BNSc Nursing Science programme with a growing healthcare faculty. The university emphasises community health nursing alongside clinical practice, and fees are moderate for a private institution.
Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) – Ekiti State
ABUAD’s School of Nursing benefits from the university’s world-class 500-bed teaching hospital. Students gain direct clinical exposure from early in the programme. Fees are on the higher end, but the training facilities are arguably the best among all private nursing schools in Nigeria.
Madonna University – Anambra State
Madonna University, with campuses in Okija and Elele, offers a comprehensive BNSc Nursing programme with hospital affiliations. It holds NMCN and NUC accreditation and remains popular among students in Southeast Nigeria, particularly for its moderate fee structure.
Landmark University – Kwara State
Landmark University in Omu-Aran offers a BNSc Nursing programme within a faith-based academic environment. A distinctive feature is the integration of entrepreneurship training into the curriculum, helping graduates think beyond bedside nursing into health business and management.
Benson Idahosa University – Edo State
BIU in Benin City runs its nursing programme under the College of Health Sciences with a functional clinical skills lab. Hospital affiliations in Edo State support student practicals. It is among the more accessible private nursing universities in South-South Nigeria.
Lead City University – Oyo State
Lead City University offers one of the more affordable BNSc nursing programmes among private institutions. As a school on the List of accredited private School of Nursing in Nigeria, it attracts applicants from Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos. Clinical postings are arranged with affiliated hospitals across Ibadan.
Igbinedion University – Edo State
Igbinedion University Okada is one of Nigeria’s oldest private universities. Its nursing programme under the College of Health Sciences is NUC and NMCN accredited with structured clinical components in affiliated Edo State facilities.
Redeemer’s University – Osun State
Redeemer’s University in Ede offers a BNSc Nursing programme backed by the Redeemed Christian Church of God. The school focuses on developing nurses with strong ethical foundations alongside clinical competence, and maintains working affiliations with government hospitals for practical training.
Standalone Private Schools of Nursing in Nigeria
Beyond university programmes, standalone private schools of nursing offer the Basic Nursing certificate (RN). These are hospital-based, take 3 years, and cost significantly less. The List of accredited private School of Nursing in Nigeria below covers the most recognised hospital-affiliated private schools currently holding NMCN approval.
| School Name | State | Affiliated Hospital / Owner | Programme |
| Reddington Hospital School of Nursing | Lagos | Reddington Hospital | Basic Nursing (RN) |
| Lagoon Hospitals School of Nursing | Lagos | Lagoon Hospitals Group | Basic Nursing (RN) |
| Sacred Heart Hospital School of Nursing | Ogun | Sacred Heart Hospital | Basic Nursing (RN) |
| St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing | Akwa Ibom | St. Luke’s Hospital | Basic Nursing (RN) |
| Sisters of Saint Joseph School of Nursing | Akwa Ibom | Catholic Mission | Basic Nursing (RN) |
| SDA Hospital School of Nursing | Osun | SDA Mission Hospital | Basic Nursing (RN) |
| OLA Hospital School of Nursing | Ogun | OLA Hospital | Basic Nursing (RN) |
| Baptist Medical Centre School of Nursing | Oyo | Baptist Mission | Basic Nursing (RN) |
*Confirm current NMCN approval for all standalone schools before making any payment.
School Fees for 2026/2027
Fees vary widely depending on whether you choose a university-based BNSc or a standalone nursing school. The table below provides estimated annual costs across all categories to help you plan effectively.
| Institution | Annual Fees (₦) | Acceptance Fee (₦) | Est. Total/Year (₦) |
| Babcock University | 800,000 – 1,200,000 | 50,000 – 100,000 | ~900,000 – 1,400,000 |
| Bowen University | 600,000 – 900,000 | 40,000 – 80,000 | ~650,000 – 1,000,000 |
| ABUAD | 900,000 – 1,500,000 | 80,000 – 150,000 | ~1,000,000 – 1,700,000 |
| Madonna University | 500,000 – 800,000 | 40,000 – 80,000 | ~550,000 – 900,000 |
| Landmark University | 500,000 – 850,000 | 40,000 – 75,000 | ~550,000 – 950,000 |
| Lead City University | 400,000 – 700,000 | 30,000 – 60,000 | ~450,000 – 780,000 |
| Reddington School of Nursing | 300,000 – 500,000 | 20,000 – 50,000 | ~330,000 – 560,000 |
| Lagoon Hospital School | 300,000 – 480,000 | 20,000 – 40,000 | ~320,000 – 530,000 |
| Mission Hospital Schools | 150,000 – 350,000 | 10,000 – 30,000 | ~160,000 – 380,000 |
*All fees are estimates. Accommodation, lab consumables, and NMCN registration attract additional charges. Confirm with each school.
Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for any school on the List of accredited private School of Nursing in Nigeria depend on the programme type. Below is a consolidated breakdown of what most schools require:
| Requirement | Details |
| JAMB UTME Subjects | Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Health Science |
| JAMB Cut-off Score | 150 – 200 (varies by school) |
| O’Level Credits (Min.) | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics |
| No. of Credit Passes | 5 credits in not more than 2 sittings |
| Post-UTME / Screening | Required by all university-based schools |
| Age Requirement | Minimum 17 years at point of admission |
| Medical Fitness | Certificate of medical fitness required |
| NMCN Registration | Completed after graduation via qualifying exam |
For standalone schools, JAMB may not be required. Most conduct their own entrance examinations in Biology, Chemistry, and English Language. Always confirm requirements directly with the school’s admissions office.
What Your Nursing School Fees Cover
Before committing to a school on the List of accredited private School of Nursing in Nigeria, understand the full cost structure. Annual fees typically cover tuition, clinical training charges, and examination registration. Below are the key cost components to budget for:
- Tuition fees — core academic instruction per session
- Clinical training and lab fees — consumables, PPE, simulation lab usage
- Acceptance fee — one-time non-refundable payment on admission
- Accommodation — hostel or off-campus rent, budgeted separately
- Examination and registration fees — applicable per semester
- Uniforms and ID — typically a one-time purchase per admission
- NMCN registration and qualifying examination fees — payable after graduation
Students in five-year BNSc programmes should additionally budget for textbooks, transport to clinical rotation sites, and student welfare levies in years three through five.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Applying to any school on the List of accredited private School of Nursing in Nigeria follows a clear process. The steps differ slightly between university-based and standalone programmes.
For University-Based BNSc Programmes:
- Register for JAMB UTME and select Nursing Science as your course
- Choose your preferred private university as your first-choice institution
- Score above the departmental cut-off mark (most nursing departments accept 150+)
- Purchase the Post-UTME form from the school’s official admissions portal
- Sit for the school’s Post-UTME or CBT screening examination
- Upload your O’Level results (WAEC or NECO) to the admissions portal
- Check your admission status on JAMB CAPS and the school’s notice board
- Accept admission, pay the acceptance fee, and complete screening clearance
For Standalone Private Schools of Nursing:
- Obtain the entrance form directly from the school or hospital
- Sit the school’s entrance exam (Biology, Chemistry, English Language)
- Attend an oral interview if shortlisted
- Submit O’Level results and a certificate of medical fitness
- Pay the acceptance fee and register for the academic session
Career Prospects After Graduating
Graduating from any school on the List of accredited private School of Nursing in Nigeria opens a wide range of career paths in Nigeria and internationally. The global demand for qualified nurses continues to grow, and Nigeria’s nursing graduates are actively recruited abroad, particularly in the UK, Ireland, Canada, and the USA.
- Clinical nursing — government hospitals, private hospitals, and clinics
- Community health nursing — primary healthcare centres and NGOs
- International nursing — UK (NMC registration), Canada and USA (NCLEX-RN), Ireland, and Australia
- Nursing education — lecturing in accredited nursing schools after further qualification
- Nursing management — ward management, hospital administration, nurse-in-charge roles
- Specialisation — ICU, oncology, paediatric, mental health, and perioperative nursing
A BNSc degree additionally qualifies you for postgraduate studies in nursing, public health, or health administration, opening management, research, and policy career pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I confirm if a private school of nursing is NMCN-accredited?
Visit the NMCN official website at nmcn.gov.ng or contact the Council directly. NMCN publishes an updated list of accredited schools. You can also request the institution’s current accreditation letter before making any payment.
What is the difference between BNSc Nursing and Basic Nursing (RN)?
A BNSc is a five-year university degree regulated by both NUC and NMCN. Basic Nursing (RN) is a three-year certificate from a standalone school of nursing. Both qualify you to register as a Registered Nurse with NMCN, but the BNSc carries more academic weight and is required for postgraduate studies in nursing.
Which List of accredited private School of Nursing in Nigeria has the most affordable fees?
Mission hospital-affiliated schools such as Baptist Medical Centre (Saki), Sacred Heart Hospital (Abeokuta), and SDA Hospital (Ile-Ife) are the most affordable, with annual fees as low as ₦150,000 to ₦350,000. Among universities, Lead City University and Madonna University offer relatively lower fee structures.
Is JAMB required for admission into all private nursing schools?
JAMB UTME is required for university-based BNSc programmes. For standalone private schools of nursing, JAMB is generally not required — these schools conduct their own entrance examinations. Every institution on the List of accredited private School of Nursing in Nigeria has its own clearly stated admission pathway. Always confirm requirements directly before applying.
Can I practice nursing abroad after graduating from a Nigerian private nursing school?
Yes, provided your school holds NMCN accreditation and you pass the NMCN qualifying examinations to obtain your RN licence. For UK practice, you register with the NMC UK. For the USA and Canada, you must pass the NCLEX-RN. Your NMCN licence and academic transcripts are the key documents for any international nursing application.
How long does it take to complete a nursing programme in a private school?
University-based BNSc programmes take five years. Standalone Basic Nursing (RN) programmes take three years, followed by a mandatory one-year internship before NMCN full registration. Basic Midwifery is an additional 18-month post-basic programme after your RN.
Do private nursing schools in Nigeria offer scholarships?
A few faith-based institutions offer partial fee waivers or scholarships for outstanding students. Babcock University and Bowen University occasionally run scholarship schemes. Inquire directly with each school’s student affairs unit at the time of application for current opportunities.
What O’Level subjects are required for nursing admission?
You need a minimum of five O’Level credit passes in English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics (or Health Science), and Mathematics. This requirement applies across virtually all private nursing schools in Nigeria, whether university-based or standalone.
Conclusion
Choosing the right nursing school starts with knowing which schools are genuinely accredited. The List of accredited private School of Nursing in Nigeria in this guide covers every credible option — from five-year university BNSc programmes at Babcock, ABUAD, Bowen, and Madonna, to affordable hospital-affiliated standalone schools offering the RN certificate. What matters most is current NMCN accreditation. Use this guide as your starting point, verify every detail through official channels, and step into the nursing profession with confidence.