To become a registered nurse in Nigeria, you’ll need to complete both pre-clinical and clinical education at an accredited nursing school.
With so many different universities to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which school is best suited to your needs and interests.
There are many factors to consider when choosing which schools to apply to and what factors can affect your choosing decision, such as cost of attendance, academic program ranking, and student satisfaction.
Here are the top 10 universities that offer nursing in Nigeria in no particular order. Some of these higher institutions also offer graduate and undergraduate degrees in nursing or other medical fields such as medicine or pharmacy.
Top 9 Universities That Offer Nursing in Nigeria
1. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Formerly the University of Ife, the Obafemi Awolowo University is a federal government-owned high institution established in 1961.
OAU is situated in Ile-Ife, Osun, Nigeria, and is well-known for its high standards of education. The University has produced some notable alumni that have gone on to contribute positively to the Nigerian society.
These include CBN deputy governor Adebayo Adelabu, Akinwumi Adesina, Jimi Agbaje, Lai Mohammed, Olusegun Mimiko, Olajumoke Adenowo, and the Nigeria billionaire Femi Otedola.
OAU offers a 4-year nursing program leading to a bachelor’s degree. A graduate can then pursue further studies at the postgraduate level or work as a registered nurse.
2. University Of Calabar (UNICAL)
The University of Calabar is located in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Initially a campus of the University of Nigeria (UNN) until its establishment date.
It was established in 1975 and is also one of Nigeria’s second-generation federal universities. UNICAL architecture was designed by the prominent British architect, John Elliot.
At UNICAL, there are over 20 faculties. Some of them are faculty of arts, social sciences, pharmacy, dentistry, medicine, allied medical sciences, and social sciences to mention a few.
Amongst UNICAL alumni are Biko Agozino, Stacey B. Day, Eve Esin, Iyanya, Uche Jombo, and the former governor of Awka Ibom State Godswill Akpabio.
3. University Of Uyo (UNIUYO)
The University of Uyo is a Federal Government-owned and operated tertiary institution.
UNIUYO was formerly known as the University of Cross River State until it was declared a federal University and had a name change on 1 October 1991.
It is located in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria with an academic staff strength of 1,521, an Administrative staff of 4,128, 3,334 Postgraduates, and 25,676 Undergraduates.
Few of UNIUYO faculties are agriculture, vocational education, science, pharmacy, social science, law, engineering, medical science, and clinical science.
4. University Of Benin (UNIBEN)
The University of Benin was established in 1970. UNIBEN is a multi-campus university that offers 15 faculties on two Campuses namely Ugbowo and Ekehuan.
UNIBEN has a teaching hospital called the University of Bening Teaching Hospital (UBTH) that specializes in training and preparing individuals in various medical fields and units like medical records, SERVICOM, doctor, nursing, and many more.
Some of its notable alumni are the former Lagos state governor Babatunde Fashola, Tom Ilube, Darlington Obaseki, Basketmouth, Ovie Omo-Agege, and Interswitch CEO Mitchell Elegbe.
5. University Of Maiduguri (UMAID)
The University of Maiduguri (UMAID) has a history of producing some of Nigeria’s top brains. It was established in 1975 and is also a federal tertiary institution of Higher Learning situated in the capital city of Borno State, Maiduguri.
It is a university with a difference and has been established with the motive of it becoming Nigeria country principal higher-education university.
The University has grown tremendously since its inception and presently operates eleven Faculties with over 25,000 enrolled students.
A few of UMAID’s well-known alumni are the former Abia State governor Orji Uzor Kalu, Danladi Umar, Mele Kyari, Lt-Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai, Umar Buba Bindir, Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, Abubakar Sani Bello and Sen Bala Mohammed.
6. University Of Nigeria (UNN)
The University of Nigeria (UNN) is a federal university located in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. It was founded by Nigeria’s first president, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and established on 7 October 1960 as an amalgamation of three premier campuses.
UNN is an indigenous and full-fledged autonomous higher institution. There are 15 faculties, 102 academic departments in total, 211 postgraduate programs, and 108 undergraduate programs.
Some of these faculties are arts, basic medical sciences, medicine, pharmaceutical science, clinical sciences, engineering, and biological science to mention a few.
7. University Of Lagos (UNILAG)
The University of Lagos is a chartered public university in Lagos State, established by Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 1962
UNILAG is among the first generation universities in Nigeria and has been ranked high up on the world’s top university rankings for its work in major education publications.
UNILAG currently has three campuses: Two in Yaba and the main campus in Akoka. Its also home to over 57,000 enrolled students in various faculties.
A few UNILAG alumni are the award-winning actress Funke Akindele, former Lagos state governor Akinwunmi Ambode, former miss UNILAG Regina Askia-Williams, Rilwan Akiolu, Gbenga Adeyinka, and Ekiti state first executive governor Niyi Adebayo.
8. University Of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
Located in Ilorin, Kwara State, the University of Ilorin is one of Nigeria’s federal government-owned institutions with an estimated population of 55,000 students and over 500 academic staff.
UNILORIN was established by a federal military government in August 1975 and has since then provided the modern education needed for the rapidly growing Nigerian populace economy.
The school offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Medicine and Health Sciences. Students interested in nursing can choose to major in Clinical Medicine, Surgery, or Midwifery at UNILORIN.
9. University Of Ibadan (UI)
The University of Ibadan, also known as UI, is a public federal government-owned university located in Ibadan, Oyo State.
UI was founded in 1948 and became an independent university in 1962. It is also the oldest degree-awarding higher institution in Nigeria.
The school consists of 92 academic departments categorized under 17 faculties namely pharmacy, science, technology, law, clinical sciences, dentistry, and education among others.
Conclusion
There are many reputable universities in Nigeria that offer nursing programs. However, you want to make sure to only go for the best among the rest.
This list of universities that offer nursing in Nigeria consists of vetted and reputable institutions with modern nursing education methods only.
Choose one, make more research and apply if qualified.
