In Nigeria, Colleges of Nursing offer diploma-level Nursing programs outside the university system, usually leading to the award of Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Midwife (RM), or Registered Public Health Nurse (RPHN).
These colleges are either affiliated with federal hospitals, state ministries of health, or missionary institutions, and they conduct their entrance exams separately from JAMB.
What is the general cut-off mark for Schools or Colleges of Nursing?
Unlike universities, most colleges of nursing do not use JAMB. Instead, they conduct internal entrance examinations.
The standard cut-off mark for these exams is usually between 50% and 65%, depending on the school’s admission capacity and competitiveness.
Some colleges also include oral interviews as part of the screening process.
Candidates must have at least 5 credits in WAEC/NECO, including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in not more than two sittings.
Which federal colleges of nursing have the highest cut-off marks?
Federal nursing colleges are the most competitive due to lower tuition fees and wider recognition.
Some of the top schools and their recent cut-off marks include:
- Federal Capital Territory College of Nursing, Gwagwalada (FCT CONHESS) – 65%
- Federal University Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti (FETHI College of Nursing) – 68%
- College of Nursing, Federal Medical Centre, Nguru – 60%
- Federal School of Nursing, Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA) – 62%
- Federal School of Nursing, Birnin Kebbi – 55%
- National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu (NOHE College of Nursing) – 60%
Each of these schools conducts CBT or pen-and-paper exams followed by an oral interview.
What are the cut-off marks for state Colleges of Nursing in Nigeria?
State-owned colleges typically accept scores between 50% and 60% in their entrance exams. Examples include:
- Lagos State College of Nursing, Igando – 58%
- Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Eleyele – 60%
- Kogi State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Obangede – 55%
- Osun State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Asubiaro – 60%
- Edo State College of Nursing Sciences, Benin City – 65%
- Rivers State College of Nursing – 60%
- Ekiti State College of Nursing Sciences – 60%
Some states like Oyo and Edo use CBT exams, while others may use paper-based tests with panel interviews.
Which missionary or private colleges of nursing have lower cut-off marks?
Missionary and private nursing schools tend to have slightly more flexible entry criteria but still maintain standard quality control. Examples include:
- Seventh-day Adventist School of Nursing, Ile-Ife – Internal screening, pass mark around 55%
- School of Nursing, Babcock University Teaching Hospital – 60%
- Baptist School of Nursing, Saki – 50–55%
- Mater School of Nursing, Afikpo – 55%
- ECWA School of Nursing, Egbe – 50%
- Our Lady of Lourdes School of Nursing, Ihiala – 55%
- School of Nursing, Sacred Heart Hospital, Lantoro, Abeokuta – 55%
These schools typically also conduct interviews and may prioritize candidates with strong moral or spiritual recommendations.
Do all Colleges of Nursing use the same entrance exam format?
No. Exam formats vary:
- CBT (Computer-Based Test) – Used by colleges like Edo, Ekiti, FCT, and Oyo
- Paper-Based Exams – Used by older institutions like Sacred Heart and Mater Afikpo
- Panel Interviews – Conducted after exams by nearly all schools
Subjects covered include English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Current Affairs.
Some schools also include personality and health-related questions during the oral interview.
Can I gain admission into a College of Nursing with a WAEC result only?
Yes. Most colleges accept either WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB, as long as you have five credit passes in the required science subjects.
Some schools may allow awaiting results, but they typically require proof of results before the final admission offer is issued.
What happens if I don’t meet the cut-off mark?
Candidates who fail to meet the cut-off mark may:
- Be placed on a waiting list (if they scored slightly below the threshold)
- Be advised to apply again next session
- Be given a chance to enroll in related Community Health or Auxiliary Nursing programs, depending on the school
- Be referred to Private Schools of Nursing with lower entry requirements
Some schools may also offer remedial or pre-Nursing foundation programs for candidates who were close to the cut-off.