Choosing where to study nursing is one of the biggest decisions a Nigerian student faces after secondary school. If you have been searching for a reliable list of accredited private school of nursing in Nigeria and their fees, you are in the right place. This guide breaks down verified private nursing institutions, real fee ranges, admission requirements, and practical tips to help you make a confident choice for the 2026/2027 academic session.
Nursing remains one of the most respected and in-demand careers in Nigeria and beyond. With hospitals constantly seeking qualified Registered Nurses, many students now prefer private institutions because of shorter waiting times, better facilities, and more flexible admission processes. Below is a detailed list of accredited private school of nursing in Nigeria and their fees, carefully researched to guide your application.
Why This List of Accredited Private School of Nursing in Nigeria and Their Fees Matters
Before paying any acceptance fee, every prospective student must confirm that a school appears on the official register of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). This body regulates all nursing training in the country. Attending a school that lacks NMCN approval means your certificate will not be recognized, and you cannot sit for the licensing examination. This is exactly why a trustworthy list of accredited private school of nursing in Nigeria and their fees is so important — it protects your time, money, and future career.
Private nursing education in Nigeria generally falls into two categories:
- University-based programs that award a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) degree, regulated jointly by NMCN and the National Universities Commission (NUC).
- Standalone hospital-based schools that award a Basic Nursing Certificate (RN), regulated solely by NMCN and typically completed in three years.
Understanding this difference helps you interpret any list of accredited private school of nursing in Nigeria and their fees correctly, since university programs usually cost more but award a higher qualification.
Top Accredited Private Universities Offering Nursing
Several private universities in Nigeria run fully accredited BNSc nursing programs. Here are the most recognized names students consistently search for.
Babcock University, located in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, runs a well-structured five-year BNSc program supported by its own teaching hospital. Students benefit from hands-on clinical exposure early in their studies, and the institution is known for strong discipline and academic values.
Bowen University in Iwo, Osun State, offers an NMCN-accredited nursing science program with an emphasis on community health alongside clinical training. Many students consider it moderately priced compared to other private options.
Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) in Ado-Ekiti stands out because of its large teaching hospital, giving nursing students direct access to real patients from their early years. Fees here are on the higher side, but facilities are considered top-tier.
Madonna University, with campuses in Elele and Okija, holds both NMCN and NUC accreditation. It remains a popular choice for students in the Southeast because of its moderate fee structure and long-standing reputation.
Landmark University in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, combines nursing training with entrepreneurship modules, preparing graduates for both clinical practice and healthcare business opportunities.
Igbinedion University, Benin City, runs its nursing program under the College of Health Sciences with a functional clinical skills laboratory that supports practical learning before hospital posting.
List of Accredited Private School of Nursing in Nigeria and Their Fees (Estimated Table)
Fees change often, so always confirm directly with the institution before making payment. The table below gives you a realistic estimate for planning purposes.
| Institution | State | Program Type | Duration | Estimated Fee (Per Session) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babcock University | Ogun | BNSc | 5 years | ₦1,200,000 – ₦1,800,000 |
| Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) | Ekiti | BNSc | 5 years | ₦1,800,000 – ₦2,500,000 |
| Bowen University | Osun | BNSc | 5 years | ₦900,000 – ₦1,400,000 |
| Madonna University | Rivers/Anambra | BNSc | 5 years | ₦700,000 – ₦1,100,000 |
| Landmark University | Kwara | BNSc | 5 years | ₦1,000,000 – ₦1,500,000 |
| Igbinedion University | Edo | BNSc | 5 years | ₦900,000 – ₦1,300,000 |
| Standalone Hospital Schools (e.g., St. Louis, Holy Rosary) | Various | Basic Nursing (RN) | 3 years | ₦250,000 – ₦600,000 |
This table gives a quick snapshot, but a complete list of accredited private school of nursing in Nigeria and their fees should always be cross-checked with the NMCN portal since accreditation status is reviewed periodically.
Standalone Private Nursing Schools Worth Considering
Aside from universities, many hospital-affiliated schools offer the Basic Nursing Certificate at a fraction of university fees. These programs run for three years and lead straight to the NMCN qualifying examination. Examples students frequently mention include Holy Rosary School of Nursing in Owerri, St. Louis School of Nursing in Zonkwa, and Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Abeokuta. These options are ideal for students who want to become Registered Nurses quickly without committing to a full university degree program.
Admission Requirements You Must Meet
Every school on this list of accredited private school of nursing in Nigeria and their fees shares a similar baseline entry requirement, though specific cut-off marks may differ.
- Five credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry, obtained in not more than two sittings (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB).
- A minimum age of 16 to 17 years at the point of application.
- For university-based programs, a JAMB UTME result is compulsory, usually with Biology, Chemistry, English, and Physics as required subjects.
- For standalone hospital schools, JAMB is often not required, but an internal entrance examination covering English, Science, and General Knowledge is standard.
- A satisfactory result from a post-UTME screening exercise, where applicable.
Meeting these requirements early gives you an edge when applications open, since many private schools admit on a rolling basis.
How to Choose the Right School From This List
With so many private options available, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. Consider these factors before making a final decision:
- Confirm current NMCN accreditation directly through the council, not just through the school’s website.
- Compare your budget against the full list of accredited private school of nursing in Nigeria and their fees, including hidden costs like accommodation, uniforms, and clinical materials.
- Consider the school’s teaching hospital or hospital affiliation, since practical exposure shapes your competence as a nurse.
- Check the distance from home, especially if you plan to commute rather than reside on campus.
- Ask current students or alumni about the actual learning experience, not just the marketing brochure.
Career Opportunities After Graduation
Graduating from any school on this list of accredited private school of nursing in Nigeria and their fees qualifies you to sit the NMCN licensing examination. Once you pass and complete a one-year internship, you become a fully Registered Nurse eligible to work in government hospitals, private clinics, humanitarian organizations, and even abroad after meeting additional certification requirements. Nigerian-trained nurses are increasingly recruited by healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Middle East, making this career path both locally relevant and globally competitive.
Common Mistakes Students Make When Choosing a Nursing School
Many students rush into paying acceptance fees without confirming a school’s accreditation status, only to discover the certificate is not recognized after years of study. Others focus solely on fees without checking the quality of clinical exposure the school provides, which affects real-world competence after graduation. A trustworthy list of accredited private school of nursing in Nigeria and their fees should always push you to verify both cost and credibility before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is nursing worth studying in a private institution in Nigeria? Yes, private nursing schools often offer shorter admission timelines, better facilities, and more consistent academic calendars, though tuition is generally higher than public schools.
How do I confirm a school is truly accredited? Visit the official NMCN website or contact their office directly to verify the current accreditation status of any school before paying fees.
Can I study nursing without JAMB in Nigeria? Yes, many standalone hospital-based nursing schools admit students through an internal entrance examination without requiring JAMB.
What is the cheapest way to become a Registered Nurse? Standalone hospital-affiliated nursing schools cost significantly less than university BNSc programs and still lead to full NMCN registration.
Do private nursing school fees include accommodation? No, most published fees cover tuition only. Accommodation, feeding, uniforms, and clinical consumables usually attract separate charges.
How long does a private BNSc nursing program take? Most university-based BNSc programs run for five years, while standalone Basic Nursing Certificate programs take three years.
Can I transfer from a standalone school to a university program later? Some universities accept direct entry for Registered Nurses into a BNSc top-up program, though policies vary by institution.
Final Thoughts
This list of accredited private school of nursing in Nigeria and their fees should serve as a starting point, not the final word. Fees and accreditation status change from session to session, so always confirm directly with your preferred institution and the NMCN before making any payment. Whether you choose a university-based BNSc program or a standalone hospital school, what matters most is graduating from an accredited institution that prepares you for a rewarding, globally respected nursing career.