Top Nursing Institutions in Nigeria 2025: Best Universities for BSc Nursing & Leading Schools of Nursing. As Nigeria’s healthcare sector faces a critical nursing shortage of over 200,000 professionals (NMCN, 2025), choosing the right nursing school or university can shape your entire career.
Whether you’re aiming for a prestigious BSc nursing degree or a fast-track diploma from a renowned school of nursing, accreditation, clinical exposure, licensure pass rates, and employability are key.
This 2025 ranking highlights the top 10 universities for BSc nursing and the top 10 schools of nursing in Nigeria — based on EduRank research output, NMCN professional exam performance, clinical training quality, graduate employment rates, and industry reputation.
Top 10 Universities for BSc Nursing in Nigeria (2025)
These institutions offer NUC-accredited BSc nursing programs with strong theoretical foundations, advanced clinical rotations, and pathways to leadership and international practice.
1. University of Ibadan (UI)
#1 in Nursing Research (EduRank 2025)
- NMCN Pass Rate: 95%
- Teaching Hospital: University College Hospital (UCH) – Nigeria’s premier medical center
- Why #1: Pioneering research in tropical diseases, community health, and maternal care. UI produces policy-shaping nurse leaders.
2. University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
Research Powerhouse
- Strength: Cutting-edge studies in oncology and infectious disease nursing
- Clinical Site: UNTH Enugu – a referral center for Southeast Nigeria
- Notable: First university in Nigeria to offer BSc nursing (1960s)
3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife
Strong Clinical Training at OAUTHC
- Focus: Evidence-based practice, simulation labs, rural health outreach
- OAUTHC: One of the best-equipped teaching hospitals in West Africa
4. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
Community & Public Health Focus
- Strength: Extensive rural clinical postings in Edo and Delta states
- Ideal for: Students passionate about primary healthcare and NGO roles
5. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
Northern Nigeria Leader
- Clinical Partner: ABUTH – largest referral hospital in the North
- Specialty: Trauma, conflict-zone nursing, and pediatric care
6. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
Urban Exposure & Innovation
- Location Advantage: Access to LUTH and private hospitals in Lagos
- Tech Edge: Early adopter of telehealth and digital health training
7. Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo
Top Private University for Nursing
- Global Alignment: Curriculum mirrors U.S./UK standards
- Bonus: High CGFNS/NCLEX prep success — ideal for “Japa” nurses
8. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
Affordable Excellence
- Low Fees: ~₦100,000/year for indigenes
- Clinical Site: UITH – stable, strike-resistant training environment
9. Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA)
Tech-Integrated Nursing
- Unique: Blends nursing with health informatics and medical tech
- Future-Proof: Training in AI-assisted diagnostics and e-health systems
10. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso
Practical Emphasis
- Strength: Hands-on training in high-patient-volume wards
- Clinical Partner: LAUTECH Teaching Hospital
Top 10 Schools of Nursing in Nigeria (2025)
These NMCN-accredited schools of nursing offer 3-year diploma programs (RN/RM) with intensive clinical training and near-100% employability.
1. UCH School of Nursing, Ibadan
The Gold Standard
- Employability: 98% within 6 months
- Why #1: Attached to UCH – Nigeria’s flagship hospital. Produces confident, skilled bedside nurses.
2. LUTH School of Nursing, Lagos
High-Volume Urban Training
- Daily Cases: 500+ patients
- Specialty: Emergency, critical care, and surgical nursing
3. UNTH School of Nursing, Enugu
Midwifery Excellence
- Strength: Top performer in RM certification
- Focus: Maternal and child health – critical for Nigeria’s high MMR
4. ABUTH School of Nursing, Zaria
Northern Hub
- Clinical Load: Serves 19 northern states
- Bonus: Military-grade discipline and trauma training
5. JUTH School of Nursing, Jos
Diverse Case Exposure
- Strength: Handles medical, surgical, and conflict-related injuries
- Location: Cool climate, focused learning environment
6. UPTH School of Nursing, Port Harcourt
Oil-Region Healthcare Focus
- Specialty: Occupational health, industrial injuries
- Industry Ties: Shell, NLNG hospital placements
7. FMC Owo School of Nursing
Most Affordable Federal Option
- Total Cost: ~₦350,000 for 3 years
- Quality: High NMCN pass rate, peaceful environment
8. Nigerian Navy Hospital School of Nursing, Kaduna
Military Discipline & Structure
- Perks: Stipend during training, job security post-graduation
- Ideal for: Patriotic students seeking stability
9. LASUTH School of Nursing, Ikeja
Lagos Urban Skills Mastery
- Strength: Exposure to private and public healthcare models
- Location: Heart of Lagos medical district
10. FMC Abeokuta School of Nursing
Research-Oriented Diploma
- Unique: Encourages student research and publication
- Pathway: Many grads pursue BSc nursing top-up at NOUN or UNILAG
How to Choose: University vs. School of Nursing
| Factor | BSc Nursing (University) | Diploma (School of Nursing) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 5 years | 3 years |
| Cost | ₦500K–₦2.5M | ₦300K–₦900K |
| Best For | Leadership, research, abroad | Quick entry, bedside mastery |
| Top-Up Option | N/A | Yes (to BSc in 2–3 years) |
Final Tips for Aspiring Nurses (2025)
Scholarships: Apply for TETFund, state bursaries, or hospital sponsorships.
Verify Accreditation: Check NMCN website before applying.
Prepare Early: JAMB (for universities) or entrance exams (for SON).
Consider Location: Urban for exposure, rural for affordability.
Plan for Japa? Prioritize BSc nursing from UI, UNN, or Babcock.
