Are you searching for the list of accredited private School of Nursing in Nigeria for the 2026/2027 academic session? You have come to the right place. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about private nursing institutions approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).
Nursing remains one of the most rewarding healthcare professions in Nigeria today. The demand for qualified nurses continues to grow across hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities nationwide. If you want to become a professional nurse, choosing an accredited institution is your first critical step toward success.
Private nursing schools offer several advantages over their government counterparts, including smaller class sizes, modern facilities, and uninterrupted academic calendars. This guide covers the list of accredited private School of Nursing in Nigeria, their school fees, admission requirements, and everything prospective students need to make informed decisions.
Why Choose a Private Nursing School in Nigeria?
Private nursing institutions offer unique benefits that attract thousands of students each year. These schools typically maintain better student-to-teacher ratios, ensuring personalized attention during training. Unlike public institutions that often face strikes and disruptions, private schools run consistent academic calendars, allowing students to graduate on time.
Many private nursing schools invest heavily in modern laboratories, simulation centers, and clinical equipment. Students gain hands-on experience using state-of-the-art medical technologies, preparing them for real-world healthcare environments. Additionally, private institutions often maintain strong partnerships with teaching hospitals, providing students with quality clinical exposure.
The list of accredited private School of Nursing in Nigeria includes institutions spread across different states, making quality nursing education accessible to students regardless of their location. Whether you reside in the South, North, East, or West, you can find an accredited private nursing school within reasonable distance.
Importance of Choosing an Accredited Nursing School
Accreditation is not just a formality; it determines whether you can practice as a nurse after graduation. The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) is the regulatory body responsible for accrediting nursing training institutions in the country. Schools must meet strict standards regarding faculty qualifications, facilities, curriculum, and clinical training capacity.
Students who attend non-accredited schools face serious consequences. They cannot sit for the professional licensing examinations, meaning they cannot obtain the Registered Nurse (RN) certificate. Without this certification, you cannot legally practice nursing in Nigeria or abroad. This makes verifying accreditation status absolutely essential before enrollment.
The NMCN grants two types of accreditation: full accreditation lasting five years and provisional accreditation lasting two years. Both types allow schools to train students and award certificates recognized for licensing examinations. Always confirm a school’s current accreditation status directly from the NMCN website before applying.
Complete List of Accredited Private School of Nursing in Nigeria
The following list of accredited private School of Nursing in Nigeria contains institutions approved by the NMCN as of 2025. These schools offer basic nursing programmes, midwifery programmes, or both. Each institution has met the council’s requirements for quality nursing education.
Mission-Based Private Nursing Schools
Religious organizations operate some of the oldest and most respected private nursing schools in Nigeria. These institutions combine quality healthcare training with strong ethical foundations. Here is the list of mission-based schools on the list of accredited private School of Nursing in Nigeria:
| School Name | State | Programmes |
|---|---|---|
| Holy Rosary College of Nursing Sciences, Emekuku | Imo | Nursing, Midwifery |
| St. Anthony College of Nursing Sciences, Aba | Abia | Nursing, Midwifery |
| Archbishop Charles Heerey College of Nursing Sciences, Aba | Abia | Nursing, Midwifery |
| Sacred Heart College of Nursing Sciences, Lantoro | Ogun | Nursing |
| St. Gerard College of Nursing Sciences, Kakuri | Kaduna | Nursing, Midwifery |
| St. Louis College of Nursing Sciences, Zonkwa | Kaduna | Nursing, Midwifery |
| St. Luke College of Nursing Sciences, Wusasa | Kaduna | Nursing, Midwifery |
| NKST College of Nursing Sciences, Mkar | Benue | Nursing, Midwifery |
| St. Mary College of Nursing Sciences, Amaigbo | Imo | Nursing, Midwifery |
| Seventh-Day Adventist College of Nursing Sciences, Ile-Ife | Osun | Nursing |
| ECWA College of Nursing Sciences, Egbe | Kogi | Nursing, Midwifery |
| Bishop Shanahan College of Nursing Sciences, Nsukka | Enugu | Nursing, Midwifery |
| Mater Misericordiae College of Nursing Sciences, Afikpo | Ebonyi | Nursing, Midwifery |
| St. Camillus College of Nursing Sciences, Uromi | Edo | Nursing, Midwifery |
| St Charles Boromeo College of Nursing Sciences, Onitsha | Anambra | Nursing, Midwifery |
Non-Mission Private Nursing Schools
Beyond mission-based institutions, several privately-owned nursing schools operate across Nigeria. These schools offer quality training with modern facilities and flexible admission processes. Below are additional entries on the list of accredited private School of Nursing in Nigeria:
| School Name | State | Programmes |
|---|---|---|
| Millennium College of Nursing Sciences, Awka | Anambra | Nursing, Midwifery |
| Apex College of Nursing Sciences, Igbo-Ukwu | Anambra | Nursing, Midwifery |
| Central Washington College of Nursing Sciences, Enugu | Enugu | Nursing, Midwifery |
| Princess College of Nursing Sciences, Mgbinrichi | Imo | Nursing, Midwifery |
| Merit College of Nursing Sciences, Orlu | Imo | Nursing, Midwifery |
| Ezeala College of Nursing Sciences, Okwudor | Imo | Nursing, Midwifery |
| International Christian College of Nursing Sciences, Owerri | Imo | Nursing, Midwifery |
| Anchor College of Nursing Science, Asaba | Delta | Nursing, Midwifery |
| Mary Martha College of Nursing Sciences, Oleh | Delta | Nursing, Midwifery |
| Achievers College of Nursing Sciences, Akure | Ondo | Nursing |
| Peacock College of Nursing Sciences, Akure | Ondo | Nursing, Midwifery |
| Mercy College of Nursing Sciences, Ido-Osun | Osun | Nursing, Midwifery |
| Jafad College of Nursing Sciences, Oru-Ijebu | Ogun | Nursing |
| Royal College of Nursing Sciences, Ebonyi | Ebonyi | Nursing |
| Blessed Martins College of Nursing Sciences, Ohatekwe | Ebonyi | Nursing, Midwifery |
Private Universities Offering Nursing Science
Several private universities in Nigeria offer Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.NSc) programmes accredited by NMCN. These degree programmes provide comprehensive theoretical and practical training. Students graduate with both academic degrees and professional nursing qualifications.
| University | State | Programme |
|---|---|---|
| Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo | Ogun | B.NSc Nursing |
| Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti | Ekiti | B.NSc Nursing |
| Bingham University, Karu | Nasarawa | B.NSc Nursing |
| Igbinedion University, Okada | Edo | B.NSc Nursing |
| Madonna University, Elele | Rivers | B.NSc Nursing |
| Bowen University, Iwo | Osun | B.NSc Nursing |
| Achievers University, Owo | Ondo | B.NSc Nursing |
| Lead City University, Ibadan | Oyo | B.NSc Nursing |
| Benson Idahosa University, Benin | Edo | B.NSc Nursing |
| Wellspring University, Benin | Edo | B.NSc Nursing |
| Adeleke University, Ede | Osun | B.NSc Nursing |
| Redeemer’s University, Ede | Osun | B.NSc Nursing |
| Crescent University, Abeokuta | Ogun | B.NSc Nursing |
| Novena University, Ogume | Delta | B.NSc Nursing |
| Rhema University, Aba | Abia | B.NSc Nursing |
Private Nursing Schools in Northern Nigeria
Northern Nigeria hosts several private nursing institutions offering quality healthcare training. These schools serve students across the region and maintain NMCN accreditation. The following institutions appear on the list of accredited private School of Nursing in Nigeria from northern states:
| School Name | State | Programmes |
|---|---|---|
| Zenith College of Nursing Sciences, Maiduguri | Borno | Nursing, Midwifery |
| Iqra College of Nursing Science, Dutse | Jigawa | Nursing, Midwifery |
| Dansharif College of Nursing Sciences, Kano | Kano | Nursing, Midwifery |
| Hamdala College of Nursing Sciences, Kano | Kano | Nursing, Midwifery |
| Sudawa College of Nursing Sciences, Kano | Kano | Nursing, Midwifery |
| Emirate College of Nursing Sciences, Kano | Kano | Nursing, Midwifery |
| Bawo College of Nursing Sciences, Daura | Katsina | Nursing, Midwifery |
| Cherish College of Nursing Sciences, Batsari | Katsina | Nursing, Midwifery |
| North West College of Nursing Sciences, Katsina | Katsina | Nursing, Midwifery |
| Dako College of Nursing Sciences, Suleja | Niger | Nursing, Midwifery |
| Standard College of Nursing Sciences, Minna | Niger | Nursing, Midwifery |
| Adventist College of Nursing Sciences, Jengre | Plateau | Nursing, Midwifery |
| Hill College of Nursing Sciences, Jos | Plateau | Nursing, Midwifery |
| Florence Nightingale College of Nursing, Jos | Plateau | Nursing, Midwifery |
| Fatima College of Nursing Sciences, Sokoto | Sokoto | Nursing, Midwifery |
School Fees for Private Nursing Schools in Nigeria
Tuition fees for private nursing schools vary significantly based on location, facilities, and institutional policies. Understanding the cost implications helps families plan adequately for nursing education. Below is a general breakdown of fees you should expect.
Private Colleges of Nursing typically charge between ₦500,000 and ₦1,500,000 per academic session. This covers tuition, clinical training, and basic facilities. Private universities offering B.NSc programmes charge higher fees, ranging from ₦1,200,000 to ₦2,500,000 annually. These fees include accommodation, laboratory access, and comprehensive practical training.
Additional costs include registration fees, examination fees, uniform and equipment costs, hostel accommodation, and professional indexing with NMCN. Students should budget an extra ₦100,000 to ₦300,000 for these expenses. Some institutions offer payment plans, allowing students to spread fees across the session.
Admission Requirements for Private Nursing Schools
Meeting admission requirements is essential for securing placement in any institution on the list of accredited private School of Nursing in Nigeria. While specific requirements may vary slightly between schools, most institutions share common criteria.
For basic nursing programmes at Colleges of Nursing, applicants need a minimum of five O’Level credits in relevant subjects obtained at one sitting. Required subjects include English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Some schools accept credits from WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB examinations. Age requirements typically range between 16 and 25 years at the time of application.
For B.NSc programmes at private universities, applicants must meet JAMB requirements. The cut-off mark for nursing typically falls between 180 and 250, depending on the institution. Post-UTME screening follows, where schools assess applicants through aptitude tests and interviews. Some universities require Direct Entry qualifications for advanced placement.
How to Apply to Private Nursing Schools
The application process for private nursing schools follows straightforward steps. First, identify your preferred school from the list of accredited private School of Nursing in Nigeria and confirm its current accreditation status. Visit the school’s official website or campus to obtain application details and deadlines.
Purchase the application form either online or from designated banks. Complete all sections accurately, ensuring your personal information matches your credentials. Attach required documents including O’Level results, birth certificate, and passport photographs. Submit the completed form before the deadline and prepare for entrance examinations. Many schools on the list of accredited private School of Nursing in Nigeria conduct entrance tests between July and September each year.
Successful candidates receive admission letters with instructions for registration. Complete the registration process by paying required fees and submitting original documents for verification. NMCN indexing follows, officially registering you as a nursing student under the council’s oversight.
Career Prospects After Nursing School
Completing your training at any institution on the list of accredited private School of Nursing in Nigeria opens doors to numerous career opportunities. Upon passing the NMCN licensing examination, nurses can work in government hospitals, private clinics, oil companies, international organizations, and abroad. Starting salaries range from ₦80,000 to ₦250,000 monthly, depending on the employer and location.
Specialization opportunities abound for ambitious nurses. Post-basic programmes in midwifery, perioperative nursing, pediatric nursing, psychiatric nursing, and critical care expand career options. Many nurses pursue additional degrees or international certifications, qualifying for positions in countries like the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and the Middle East.
Tips for Choosing the Right Private Nursing School
Selecting the right school requires careful consideration of multiple factors. First, verify the institution’s NMCN accreditation status. Schools with full accreditation offer greater stability than those with provisional status. Check the school’s track record by researching their licensing examination pass rates and graduate employment statistics.
Consider the school’s location relative to your home and support network. Evaluate available facilities including laboratories, libraries, and clinical practice sites. Research the quality of teaching staff and their professional experience. Compare fee structures across multiple schools and assess value for money rather than choosing based on cost alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do private nursing schools require JAMB?
Colleges of Nursing do not require JAMB for admission into basic nursing programmes. However, private universities offering B.NSc programmes require JAMB UTME scores for admission.
How long does nursing training take?
Basic nursing programmes at Colleges of Nursing take three years. B.NSc programmes at universities typically span five years, including clinical rotations and internship periods.
Can I work while studying nursing?
Nursing training requires full-time commitment due to intensive theoretical and practical components. The demanding schedule makes part-time work extremely challenging for most students.
Are scholarships available for nursing students?
Yes, several scholarship opportunities exist for nursing students. These include state government scholarships, NNPC/TotalEnergies scholarship, MTN Foundation scholarship, and various NGO grants. Check with your school’s student affairs office for available options.
What happens if I attend an unaccredited nursing school?
Graduates from unaccredited schools cannot sit for NMCN licensing examinations. This means you cannot obtain the Registered Nurse certificate and cannot legally practice nursing in Nigeria or internationally.
Can males study nursing in Nigeria?
Absolutely! Nursing programmes in Nigeria accept both male and female candidates. The profession has seen increasing numbers of male nurses over the years, and they enjoy equal opportunities in all nursing specialties.
How do I verify a school’s accreditation status?
Visit the official NMCN website at nmcn.gov.ng and download the current list of approved nursing training institutions. You can also contact the NMCN directly or visit your preferred school to request their accreditation certificate.
What is the difference between Registered Nurse (RN) and B.NSc?
RN certification comes from completing the basic nursing programme at a College of Nursing. B.NSc is a university degree that also qualifies graduates for RN certification. B.NSc holders have additional academic credentials useful for teaching, administration, and international opportunities.
Conclusion
This comprehensive guide provides the complete list of accredited private School of Nursing in Nigeria for the 2026/2027 academic session. Private nursing schools offer excellent alternatives to government institutions, providing quality training, modern facilities, and stable academic calendars.
Remember that accreditation is non-negotiable when choosing a nursing school. Only institutions approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria can award certificates recognized for licensing examinations. Take time to research your options, compare fees and facilities, and verify accreditation status before making your final decision.
Nursing offers a rewarding career path with excellent job prospects both locally and internationally. By choosing the right school from this list of accredited private School of Nursing in Nigeria, you take the first step toward a fulfilling career helping others and making a positive impact in healthcare.