Nursing Science needs no introduction, especially among Science students, as it is one of the most prestigious courses anyone will be proud to study. The opportunities are vast, making it a valuable field to consider. Admission can be competitive as the number of selected students is usually very low compared to most courses, so it’s crucial to review the requirements thoroughly.
The course is open to O’Level and Direct Entry students. O’Level students require WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB results, while Direct Entry students can apply with a National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or Bachelor’s degree.
What is Nursing?
Nursing Science is a study that teaches the scientific side of nursing. It covers biology, psychology, and social aspects of healthcare. Students learn about the body, medications, and other sciences to provide good nursing care. The aim is to train individuals to become skilled healthcare professionals who help patients recover and stay healthy.
These professionals are called Nurses and they work in places like hospitals, clinics, and schools, and they are important for looking after patients, providing treatments, and giving health advice. They work together with doctors and other healthcare experts to make sure people are well and prevent sickness.
Why Should I Study Nursing Science as a Course?
You should study Nursing Science because it helps you learn how to provide good healthcare. It’s a fulfilling career where you can help people stay healthy, prevent sickness, and take care of patients. Nursing Science also opens up various job opportunities and lets you contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities.
Note: Please be aware that the requirements listed below may vary in some schools. In such cases, referring to the PDF version of the JAMB Brochure for accurate information is recommended.
O’Level Requirements to Study Nursing
The O’Level Requirement for Nursing/Nursing Science in Nigeria includes five (5) SSCE credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics.
Direct Entry Requirements to Study Nursing
- Two (2) ‘A’ level passes in Biology/Zoology, Chemistry, and Physics plus three (3) other ‘O’ level credit passes in Mathematics, Physics and English Language.
- NRN or its approved equivalent plus five (5) ‘O’ level credit passes in English Language and four (4) Science subjects chosen from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Human Anatomy, Physiology and Hygiene, Health Science, Further Mathematics, and General Science.
- National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in relevant programmes with either an upper or lower credit respectively.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification with a minimum of Lower Credit.
Jamb Subject Combination for Nursing
- English
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
Universities that Offer Nursing
- AAU – Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State
- ABSU – Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State
- ABU – Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State
- ABUAD – Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
- ACHIEVERS – Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State
- AUE – Augustine University, Ilara, Lagos State
- BABCOCK – Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State
- BAYERO – Bayero University, Kano, Kano State
- BENIN – University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State
- BOWEN – Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State
- CALABAR – University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State
- DELSU – Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State
- EBSU – Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State
- EDSU – Edo State University, Uzairue, Edo State
- FED-KEBBI – Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State
- IBADAN – University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State
- IGBINEDION – Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State
- ILORIN – University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State
- JOS – University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State
- LAGOS – University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State
- LASU – Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State
- LAUTECH – Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo/Osun States
- MADONNA – Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State
- MAIDUGURI – University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State
- NDU – Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State
- NOUN – National Open University of Nigeria
- OAU – Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State
- OSUMS – Osun State University, Osogbo, Osun State
- PHC – University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
- UDU – Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Sokoto State
- UNIOSUN – Osun State University, Osogbo, Osun State
- UNIZIK – Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State
- UNN – University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Nursing a Science course?
Yes, Nursing is basically a Science course. In most Nigerian Universities, it falls under the Faculty of Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Health Sciences.
Can Commercial or Arts Students Study Nursing?
No, Commercial or Art Students will not be able to study Nursing due to the requirements in relevant science subjects. Nevertheless, students aspiring to pursue the course, regardless of whether they come from a commercial or arts background, should review the university’s unique entry criteria to which they intend to apply to. Some institutions may stipulate specific subject requirements for admission, and candidates may meet these criteria in the special consideration tab.
What Jobs can I apply for after studying Nursing?
After studying Nursing, you can apply for various positions such as Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Public Health Nurse, Pediatric Nurse, and Critical Care Nurse, among other rewarding roles in the healthcare sector.
How many years does it take to Study Nursing?
It takes a minimum of 5 years to earn a degree in Nursing. However, if you are a direct entry student, this should take at least 4 years since you are more likely to start from the 200 Level.
How challenging is it to gain admission to study Nursing at Nigerian universities?
Nursing is highly competitive. Admission into these programs is usually based on a combination of high academic performance, particularly in the relevant science subjects, as well as success in entrance examinations like the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and sometimes post-UTME screenings conducted by the individual universities.
What is the cut-off mark for Nursing?
Students who score at least a minimum of 140 in the JAMB UTME are eligible to participate in the POST UTME as part of the requirements for applying to study Nursing in their chosen universities.
Note: Understand that the conditions mentioned above might differ in some universities. In such instances, it is advisable to check the PDF version of the JAMB Brochure for precise details. You can also access Jamb Subject Combination for other courses.
