For many Nigerians, especially working nurses or those in remote areas, earning a nursing degree through a traditional university may be difficult.
Online nursing programs now offer a convenient, flexible alternative.
Accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and the National Universities Commission (NUC), these programs allow registered nurses to upgrade to a B.Sc. Nursing while studying mostly online and completing practical components at approved hospitals.
Below are the leading online nursing degree options available in Nigeria for the 2025/2026 session, with current fee estimates.
Which federal universities offer online Nursing degrees?
Three federal universities offer accredited online nursing programs:
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU): Students complete theory online with periodic face‑to‑face clinical and laboratory sessions. Annual tuition ranges from ₦134,000 to ₦200,000 per session.
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria: Offers RN-to-BNSc fully online model with clinical placement at approved centres. Fee estimates align with OAU’s band .
- Delta State University (DELSU) via its Centre for Distance Learning: Offers B.NSc Nursing entirely online. Tuition ranges from ₦100,000 to ₦200,000 per session.
These institutions require applicants to be registered nurses, have requisite O’Level credits, and submit an application fee (~₦20,000).
Can I study Nursing online at a private university?
Yes, Miva Open University, Nigeria’s first fully online private university, offers B.Sc Nursing Science under its School of Allied Health Sciences.
Licensed by the NUC in 2023, Miva charges around ₦150,000 per semester (~₦300,000 per year) and allows flexible, self-paced study.
No JAMB is required; only O’Level and RN registration details are needed.
Can distance learning at traditional universities count as online nursing?
Yes. Some universities offer blended distance models:
- National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) offers an RN-to-BNSc via distance learning. Theory is delivered online; practical sessions take place at approved clinics. However, full fees are not publicly listed.
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Distance Learning Centre runs a B.Sc Nursing program. Cost components include ₦100,000 school fee plus ₦12,500 application, ₦30,000 acceptance, technology and sundry charges.
What are the entry requirements and additional costs?
Common requirements across these programs include:
- Must be a registered nurse or midwife under NMCN
- At least five credits in WAEC/NECO including English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths (no more than two sittings)
- Experience and current practice letter for direct entry students.
Extra costs may include application and acceptance fees (~₦15,000–₦20,000), platform charges, and travel for occasional practical sessions.
How long do online nursing degrees take?
Program duration varies:
- OAU and ABU deliver the degree over 4 years if beginning at 200 level as a registered nurse; otherwise, five years from scratch.
- DELSU online Nursing runs across 4 years.
- Miva Open University offers flexible timelines, often shorter due to trimester scheduling.
Are online nursing degrees accredited and recognized?
Yes. All programs mentioned are NMCN-accredited and certified by NUC.
Graduating with any of these B.Sc Nursing degrees allows you to register with NMCN and practice as a nurse in Nigeria and abroad.
How do online nursing fees compare with traditional programs?
| Institution | Mode | Annual Tuition Estimate (₦) |
| OAU / ABU / DELSU | Online Distance (federal) | ₦134,000 – ₦200,000 |
| NOUN / LAUTECH | Distance/blended | ₦100,000 + additional fees |
| Miva Open University | Fully online private | ~₦300,000 |
These fees are significantly lower than typical private university nursing costs, which can exceed ₦700,000 – ₦1,000,000 per session .