Looking for Federal universities that offer Nursing in Nigeria? You’re in the right place
Studying Nursing in Nigeria is one of the smartest careers you can choose today.
Nursing is in high demand, not only in Nigerian hospitals but also in countries like the UK, USA, Canada, and Saudi Arabia.
Many students dream of becoming registered nurses because the course offers job security, international opportunities, and a chance to save lives.
If you want to study Nursing in a federal university, this post will help you understand everything you need to know, the universities that offer Nursing, their admission requirements, cut-off marks, school fees, and why these schools are among the best in the country.
Let’s get started as you learn all.

What Is Nursing Science?
Nursing Science is a professional health course that trains students to become registered nurses who can work in hospitals, community health centers, clinics, and even internationally.
As a Nursing student, you will learn:
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Patient care
- Pharmacology
- Nursing ethics
- Clinical practice in teaching hospitals
Studying Nursing requires hard work, but the results are worth it.
Check Also: Most Affordable Universities in Nigeria
Federal Universities That Offer Nursing in Nigeria (Full List)
Here are the federal universities that currently offer a fully accredited Nursing Science program:
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
- University of Calabar (UNICAL)
- Bayero University Kano (BUK)
- Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA)
- Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO)
Now let’s break them down in detail, one after the other.

1. University of Ibadan (UI)
UI is one of the best federal universities that offer Nursing in Nigeria.
The school has good reputation for health-related courses and offers world-class training through the University College Hospital (UCH), one of Africa’s top teaching hospitals.
Why UI is great for Nursing:
- Very experienced lecturers
- Strong clinical practice
- Internationally recognized degree
UI Cut-off Mark for Nursing:
Generally 250 and above.
School Fees (Estimated):
₦35,000 to ₦60,000 per session
2. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
UNILAG offers Nursing under the College of Medicine, located in Idi-Araba.
The school has excellent clinical facilities and produces highly skilled nurses.
Why choose UNILAG:
- Located in Lagos with many clinical opportunities
- Strong academic performance
- Good exposure to practical work
Cut-off Mark:
250 to 270+ (very competitive)
Fees:
₦65,000 to ₦90,000 per session
3. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
UNN is among the Federal Universities that offer Nursing in Nigeria, it produces professional, confident nurses each year.
And the best part is that, students receive clinical training at UNTH Enugu.
Cut-off Mark:
245 and above
Fees:
₦45,000 to ₦75,000
4. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
OAU has a reputable College of Health Sciences and a top-class teaching hospital.
Their Nursing program is intensive and well-organized for everyone who want to study nursing in Nigeria.
Cut-off Mark:
250 and above
Fees:
₦35,000 to ₦55,000
5. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
ABU offers Nursing with strong academic and practical training.
It is one of the most affordable federal universities that offer nursing in Nigeria.
Cut-off Mark:
240 to 250
Fees:
₦25,000 to ₦45,000
6. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
UNIBEN is a major center for health training in Nigeria.
UNIBEN students gain hands-on experience at UBTH.
Cut-off Mark:
240 to 250
Fees:
₦43,000 to ₦70,000
7. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
UNILORIN has a stable academic calendar and a well-respected College of Health Sciences.
Cut-off Mark:
240 and above
Fees:
₦25,000 to ₦45,000
8. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
UNIPORT Nursing program is under the Faculty of Health Sciences.
The school has good lecturers, clean and calm learning environment, and clinical training facilities.
Cut-off Mark:
240 to 250
Fees:
₦55,000 to ₦85,000
9. University of Calabar (UNICAL)
UNICAL’s Nursing program is fully accredited and offers quality clinical practice.
Cut-off Mark:
220 to 240
Fees:
₦35,000 to ₦65,000
10. Bayero University Kano (BUK)
If you want to study nursing, BUK is one of the top federal universities that offer nursing in Nigeria.
It offers Nursing under the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences and provides very strong health training.
Cut-off Mark:
240 and above
Fees:
₦40,000 to ₦70,000
11. Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA)
Here is another federal universities in Nigeria to consider if you want to study nursing.
FUHSA is a new federal university designed specifically for medical and health courses.
Cut-off Mark:
200 to 220
Fees:
₦70,000 to ₦120,000
12. Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO)
Another specialized health university with modern labs and good facilities.
FUHSO is ideal for students who want premium nursing education at an affordable cost
Cut-off Mark:
200 to 220
Fees:
₦70,000 to ₦120,000
Read Also: Top Medical Schools Abroad for Nigerian Students

General JAMB Requirements for Nursing in Federal Universities
To study Nursing in Nigeria, you must:
- Choose Nursing Science as your course in JAMB.
- Select the correct JAMB subjects:
- Use of English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Score above 230 (higher for competitive schools like UI, UNILAG, OAU).
- Register early and choose a federal university as first choice.
O’level Requirements for Nursing (WAEC / NECO / GCE)
You must have at least 5 credit passes in:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
All must be in not more than two sittings.
Direct Entry Requirements for Nursing in Federal Universities
If you want to enter through Direct Entry (DE), you must have one of the following:
- Registered Nursing Certificate (RN)
- Registered Midwifery (RM)
- ND or HND in Nursing
- A’level passes in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
Notw that Direct Entry usually takes you into 200 level or 300 level, depending on the university.
See Also: Best Countries to Study Abroad for Nigerian Students

Best Federal Universities that Offer Nursing in Nigeria (Ranking)
Here is a short ranking based on quality, reputation, facilities, and competitiveness:
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
All federal universities are good, but these seven(7) consistently stand out.
FAQs for Federal Universities that Offer Nursing in Nigeria
Q1. Is Nursing a good course to study in Nigeria?
Yes. Nursing is one of the best courses for students who want job security and international opportunities.
Q2. What is the JAMB cut-off mark for Nursing Science?
Most federal universities accept 230 to 250 and above, depending on competition.
Q3. Which federal university is the best for Nursing?
The University of Ibadan (UI) is currently the best, followed by UNILAG, OAU, and UNN.
Q4. What is the duration of Nursing Science in Nigeria?
It takes 5 years plus 1 year of internship.
Q5. Is Nursing difficult to study?
Yes, Nursing requires hard work and seriousness, but it is very rewarding at the end.
Final Thoughts
Studying Nursing in a federal university gives you access to quality education, experienced lecturers, and affordable fees.
So whether you choose UI, UNILAG, UNN, OAU, or any of the federal health sciences universities, you will receive strong training that prepares you to work anywhere in the world.
If you truly want this dream, start early, study hard, and keep your eyes on your goal.
Your Nursing journey begins today after reading and knowing the Federal Universities that offer nursing in Nigeria.
Good luck!
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