In Nigeria, schools of nursing run by federal or state governments and teaching hospitals offer a 3‑year diploma leading to Registered Nurse (RN) certification.
Fees vary widely based on ownership, location, and facilities.
Federal schools are generally the most affordable, state-run institutions fall in the middle, and private nursing schools charge the highest fees due to better infrastructure and training facilities.
What do federal nursing schools charge yearly?
Federal schools typically charge ₦150,000 to ₦220,000 per year, covering tuition and basic training costs. Sample fees include:
- UCH, Ibadan: ₦150k–₦200k
- LUTH, Lagos: ₦200k–₦250k
- ABUTH, Zaria: ₦180k–₦220k
- UBTH, Benin: ₦160k–₦200k
- UNTH, Enugu: ₦170k–₦210k
- OAUTHC, Ile‑Ife: ₦150k–₦180k (turn0search4, turn0search9)
Admission is competitive, and schools officially accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) are reliable.
How much do state-run nursing schools cost?
State nursing schools charge ₦100,000 to ₦180,000 annually, though rates vary. Examples:
- Ogun State (Ijebu-Ode, Abeokuta): ₦100k–₦150k
- Lagos State School of Nursing (Igando): ₦200k–₦250k
- Oyo State School of Nursing & Midwifery: ₦120k–₦160k
- Edo, Enugu, Osun, Delta, Anambra, Kaduna: ₦130k–₦200k (turn0search4)
These schools prioritize state indigenes but also permit higher fees for non-indigenes.
What do private nursing schools charge per year?
Private Schools of Nursing charge between ₦350,000 and ₦550,000 annually, depending on reputation and facilities. Key examples include:
- Babcock University School of Nursing: ₦600k–₦800k per session
- Bowen University SON: ₦500k–₦700k
- Afe Babalola University SON: ₦700k–₦1M
- Madonna University: ₦500k–₦800k
- Igbinedion University SON: ₦650k–₦900k
- Lead City University SON: ₦450k–₦700k
- PAMO University: ₦700k–₦950k (turn0search0)
Other private schools like Achievers, Chrisland, Caleb, Spiritan offer similar fees.
Do the programmes differ in duration by school type?
Yes. Duration may vary by institution:
- Federal/State schools typically offer the Basic Nursing Programme which lasts 3 years, leading to RN certification (diploma, not degree).
- Private university-based programmes typically deliver a 5-year B.Sc Nursing, awarding a degree plus RN license (turn0search0).
Be sure to distinguish between diploma and degree-level nursing schools when comparing fees.
What other costs should students budget for?
Beyond school fees, expect extra charges such as:
- Uniforms and nursing tools (approximately ₦50k–₦80k)
- Books and study materials (₦40k–₦60k annually)
- Professional registration (NMCN): ₦25,000
- Accommodation and transportation especially if the school is far from home
Factor these into your budget alongside annual fees.
Why are private nursing schools so much more expensive?
Private schools justify higher fees by offering:
- Modern facilities and clinical labs
- Smaller class sizes
- Access to affiliated hospitals for placements
- Online or blended learning platforms in some cases
Because of this higher cost of training, these institutions charge ₦400k–₦950k per session.
How should I choose between federal, state, and private schools?
- Federal schools (₦150–₦220k): Ideal if you seek affordability and can meet high admission requirements.
- State schools (₦100–₦180k): Good middle ground—often accessible to indigenes at lower rates.
- Private schools (₦350–₦950k): Provide quality and comfort, but cost more.
Always verify that the school is NMCN‑accredited. Also check duration (3‑year vs 5‑year), accreditation (diploma vs degree), and hidden costs like uniforms, registration, and accommodation.