5 Best Universities to Study Nursing In Nigeria

University of Ibadan (UI)
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
University of Lagos (UNILAG)
University of Calabar (UNICAL)

1. University of Ibadan (UI) – Best University For Research Excellence

The University of Ibadan (UI) stands out as one of the top universities to study Nursing in Nigeria due to its longstanding reputation for academic excellence and comprehensive training programmes.

The Faculty of Nursing at UI provides a robust curriculum that integrates both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring you are well-prepared for the demands of the healthcare field.

As a nursing student at the University of Ibadan (UI), you have the privilege of training at the renowned University College Hospital (UCH), one of Nigeria’s top teaching hospitals, where you can gain priceless clinical experience.

Additionally, UI’s commitment to research and innovation is going to further enhance your learning experience, positioning you for success in healthcare and making UI an outstanding choice for a world-class education and career.

School fees	₦60,000 to ₦120,000 per session
Accreditation	Fully Accredited
Address	UI Road, Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria
Email	mediaresources@mail.ui.edu.ng
Website	https://www.ui.edu.ng/
Cut-Off Mark	250+

What We Think

Pros:

Offers a robust and comprehensive nursing curriculum that integrates theory and practice.
Fosters cutting-edge research and innovation initiatives within the nursing field.
Has a very strong alumni community and experienced faculty members.
Enjoys the prestige of being one of Nigeria’s oldest and highly reputable universities.

Cons:

Faces high competition for admission due to the university’s prestige and popularity.
Experiences the pressures and challenges of a rigorous academic and clinical programme.
Fosters inconvenience of traveling for clinical placements.
Has a higher tuition and associated costs compared to some other universities.
Deals with limited accommodation options on campus.
Offers a large class sizes, which can sometimes affect personalized attention and learning

2. University of Nigeria (UNN) – Best University For Quality education

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) stands out as a premier institution for nursing education in Nigeria, thanks to its comprehensive and dynamic nursing programme.

The Faculty of Nursing Science at UNN offers a holistic curriculum that combines theoretical foundations with extensive practical training, empowering you with the necessary skills and knowledge for successful nursing careers.

UNN has a strong emphasis on research, community health initiatives, and state-of-the-art facilities, UNN offers you enriching opportunities for hands-on learning and professional growth.

The experienced faculty and a robust network of healthcare partnerships further reinforce UNN’s reputation as a premier institution for nursing excellence.

School fees	₦110,800 to ₦120,550 per session
Accreditation	Fully Accredited
Address	University of Nsukka Enugu State, Nigeria.
Email	consultancy.unn@unn.edu.ng
Website	https://www.unn.edu.ng/
Cut-Off Mark	250+

What We Think

Pros:

Provides a strong academic reputation and rigorous curriculum.
Offers practical experience through well-equipped teaching hospitals.
Fosters diverse research opportunities and projects.
Grants access to experienced and knowledgeable faculty members.
Offers community health programmes and outreach initiatives.

Cons :

Fosters large class sizes that can limit individual attention.
Faces potential strikes and disruptions common in public universities.
Lacks modernized infrastructure and facilities.
Experiences administrative delays in processing academic and logistical matters.

3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – Best University For Academic Excellence

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) stands out as a leading institution for nursing education in Nigeria, thanks to its rigorous and practice-based nursing programme that equips you with the knowledge, skills, and attitude required to excel in the field.

The university’s Department of Nursing Science boasts experienced faculty, modern facilities, and a strong clinical network, providing you with a comprehensive learning experience that prepares them for successful careers in healthcare.

OAU’s commitment to academic excellence, research, and community engagement further enhances its reputation as a top choice for nursing you seeking a high-quality education and a strong foundation for professional success.

School fees	₦130,000 – ₦150,000 per session
Accreditation	Fully Accredited
Address	Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife, Osun State Nigeria
Email	contact@oauife.edu.ng
Website	https://www.oauife.edu.ng/
Cut-Off Mark	250+

What We Think

Pros:

Offers a comprehensive nursing programme with a strong focus on clinical practice
Provides access to modern facilities and equipment for hands-on training
Exposes you to diverse clinical settings and experiences
Fosters a supportive learning environment with experienced faculty
Encourages research and community engagement opportunities
Prepares you for successful careers in healthcare
Facilitates networking opportunities with healthcare professionals

Cons:

Requires rigorous academic work and long study hours
Demands significant financial investment for fees and materials
Offers high-pressure clinical rotations.
Has Limited social life and extracurricular activities due to demanding schedule

4. University of Lagos (UNILAG) – Best University For Comprehensive Training

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) offers a prime nursing education in Nigeria, preparing you for successful healthcare careers through its comprehensive and well-structured programme.

UNILAG’s School of Nursing focuses on excellence, trains you clinically, and conducts research, producing highly skilled and competent nurses.

The university affiliates with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), providing hands-on experience in a renowned healthcare institution and exposing you to diverse clinical settings and cases.

Additionally, UNILAG’s experienced faculty, modern facilities, and strong healthcare partnerships enhance its reputation as a leading nursing education institution in Nigeria, ensuring you’re successful in your field of nursing.

School fees	₦90,000 to ₦120,000 per session
Accreditation	Fully Accredited
Address	Eyo Ita Crescent, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
Email	info@unilag.edu.ng
Website	https://unilag.edu.ng/
Cut-Off Mark	250+

What We Think

Pros:

Offers clinical experience at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), one of the top teaching hospitals in Nigeria.
Provides a diverse and dynamic urban environment, offering numerous healthcare settings for practical exposure.
Fosters a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on training.
Provides research opportunities, supported by UNILAG’s active research culture.
Offers a large community of healthcare professionals and peers, enhancing career prospects.

Cons:

Faces potential challenges with large class sizes, which can limit individual attention.
Has a higher living costs in Lagos compared to other universities in Nigeria.
Experiences occasional disruptions in academic schedules due to strikes or other institutional issues.

5. University of Calabar (UNICAL) – Best University For Guaranteed Excellence

Embark on a transformative nursing education at University of Calabar (UNICAL), where academic rigor, innovative research, and state-of-the-art clinical facilities help shape you as part of the next generation of nursing leaders.

With a low student-to-faculty ratio, you enjoy personalized mentorship and guidance from seasoned experts, while UNICAL’s cutting-edge clinical training platforms provide hands-on experience in diverse patient care settings.

Join a vibrant community of scholars and professionals committed to excellence, innovation, and collaboration, and discover a nursing education that prepares you for a lifetime of impact and success.

School fees	₦80,000 – ₦140,000 per session
Accreditation	Fully Accredited
Address	University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Email	info@unical.edu.ng
Website	https://www.unical.edu.ng/
Cut-Off Mark	250+

What We Think

Pros:

Offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers both theoretical and practical aspects of nursing.
Provides experienced faculty members who provide quality education and mentorship.
Fosters well-equipped laboratories and centers for hands-on learning.
Participates in clinical rotations at affiliated teaching hospitals for real-world experience.
Encourages engagement in research opportunities that contribute to advancements in nursing and healthcare.

Cons:

Faces overcrowding in classrooms and clinical settings due to high student enrollment.
Encounters limited resources and facilities compared to some other top universities.
Suffers occasional disruptions in academic schedules due to strikes or administrative issues.
Deals with varying levels of infrastructure quality, which can impact the learning environment.
Has challenges related to accommodation and transportation in a busy city like Calabar.

Overview of The Best 5 Universities to Study Nursing in Nigeria

Explore Nigeria’s finest institutions for Nursing education, where five universities excel in providing top-notch programmes, expert faculty, and immersive clinical experiences.

The University of Ibadan (UI), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Lagos (UNILAG), and University of Calabar (UNICAL) stand out for their comprehensive curricula, cutting-edge facilities, and commitment to fostering both theoretical expertise and practical proficiency.

These esteemed universities have earned a reputation for nurturing skilled nurses and visionary healthcare leaders, making them the go-to destinations for you who wants to become a Nursing professional in Nigeria.

Other Universities That Offer Nursing in Nigeria

If you’re curious about other universities in Nigeria offering Nursing , be rest assured that you have several options to choose from, including:

Federal Universities:

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
University of Benin (UNIBEN)
University of Jos (UNIJOS)
University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
University of Abuja (UNIABUJA)
Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
University of Sokoto (UOS)
And so on

State Universities:

Lagos State University (LASU)
Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)
Abia State University (ABSU)
Adamawa State University (ADSU)
Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA)
Ambrose Alli University (AAU)
Bauchi State University (BASU)
Osun State University (UNIOSUN)
And so on

Private Universities:

Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)
American University of Nigeria (AUN)
Babcock University (BU)
Benson Idahosa University (BIU)
Bingham University (BU)
Bowen University (BU)
Covenant University (CU)
Redeemer’s University (RUN)
And so on

How to Choose The Best University to Study Nursing in Nigeria

Choosing the best university to study Nursing in Nigeria depends on several factors. You need to:

Research the accreditation status of the university and its Nursing programme to ensure it meets national standards.
Evaluate the curriculum and course structure to confirm it covers essential theoretical and practical aspects of Nursing.
Consider the availability of modern facilities and clinical training resources, such as simulation labs and teaching hospitals.
Investigate the qualifications and experience of the faculty members to ensure quality education and mentorship.
Seek feedback from current students and alumni about their experiences, support systems, and opportunities for professional growth.
Examine the university’s partnerships with healthcare institutions for internships and job placements, enhancing real-world experience.

Based on these factors, here’s a brief comparison:

Make UI your number one choice for a prestigious Nursing programme with a strong alumni network and modern facilities.
Look out for UNN’s high-quality Nursing education, emphasizing real-world experience and practical training.
Choose UNILAG for a successful Nursing programme with strong industry partnerships and diverse clinical opportunities.
Ensure you feature OAU’s experiential learning environment that cultivates industry connections for its Nursing student body.
Consider UNICAL for its comprehensive Nursing programme, focusing on community health and extensive clinical exposure.

Course Combination For Studying Nursing In Nigeria

To pursue a Nursing degree in Nigeria, ensure you meet the admission requirements by selecting the right course combination: English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Additionally, fulfill the following eligibility criterias below:

Obtain 5 credits in your relevant O’level course within two sittings
Score at least 200 points in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME)
Possess a minimum of 3 A’s in your A’Level passes in relevant subjects (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) for direct entry
Be at least 16 years old

General Cut off mark for Nursing

The general cut-off mark for Nursing in Nigerian universities is typically around 250-270 points out of 400 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The following are factors that affect the cut-off mark for Nursing:

Institutional policy: Each university sets its own cut-off mark based on its admission criteria and the number of available spaces.
Number of applicants: The more applicants, the higher the cut-off mark.
UTME scores: The overall performance of applicants in the UTME exam affects the cut-off mark.
Post-UTME scores: The scores obtained in the Post-UTME screening exercise also influence the cut-off mark.
Catchment area: Some universities reserve a certain percentage of spaces for candidates from specific regions or states.
Merit: The university’s admission policy can prioritize candidates with higher scores or exceptional academic achievements.
Quota system: Some universities may have a quota system for Medicine and Surgery, limiting the number of students to be admitted.
Government regulations: Government policies and regulations can also impact the cut-off mark and admission process.

Nursing Duration

Typically, pursuing a Nursing degree in Nigeria takes 5 years to complete, which is the standard duration for most medical schools in the country and internationally. This five-year period allows for comprehensive training and preparation for a career in Nursing.

Pro Tips

Stay organized by creating a study schedule that balances coursework, clinical practice, and personal time.
Engage actively in lectures, discussions, and group study sessions to enhance your understanding and retention of material.
Utilize available resources such as libraries, online databases, and research facilities to support your learning and keep up-to-date with medical advancements.
Practice clinical skills regularly through simulations and hands-on training opportunities to build competence and confidence.
Seek feedback and mentorship from faculty members and experienced professionals to guide your academic and professional development.
Prioritize self-care by maintaining a healthy work-life balance, ensuring you get enough rest, nutrition, and relaxation to stay focused and energized.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, these five prestigious Nigerian universities offer a comprehensive Nursing education with unique strengths. University of Ibadan (UI) provides a research-intensive environment, fostering innovation and critical thinking, while University of Nigeria.

Nsukka (UNN) offers a robust clinical training programme, preparing you for real-world challenges.

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) gives you access to state-of-the-art facilities, expert faculty guidance, and a strong emphasis on community health.

University of Lagos (UNILAG) offers a diverse and inclusive learning environment, exposing you to various patient care settings and cultural perspectives.

University of Calabar (UNICAL) provides a strong foundation in theoretical and practical Nursing, with a focus on holistic patient care and professional development.

Each institution can empower you to succeed in your Nursing career, with a focus on academic excellence, clinical exposure, and personal growth.

Best Universities for Nursing in Nigeria