Pathways to Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in Nigeria

The ever-changing landscape of nursing education in Nigeria is a topic worth discussing, especially considering the rapid upgrades introduced by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) regarding both the curriculum and accredited institutions. Additionally, the persistent issue of quackery in Nigerian nursing needs urgent attention. Many people, particularly admission seekers and their parents, are unaware of these changes and the various opportunities available for studying nursing in Nigeria. This blog post will clarify these pathways and answer common questions regarding nursing education in the country.

Three Routes to Becoming a Registered Nurse in Nigeria

As of 2025, there are three primary routes to studying nursing in Nigeria and becoming a Registered Nurse:

1. The Basic General Nursing Programme (3 Years)

This is a three-year diploma programme that allow you to become a registered nurse without using JAMB UTME. It is one of the oldest pathways to nursing in Nigeria. A similar programme is the Basic Midwifery programme, which also lasts three years.

However, midwives differ from general nurses in that they focus on family, women, and child health. If you initially qualify as a midwife, you can still become a nurse later.

For both nursing and midwifery programmes, the basic admission requirements include a WAEC or NECO result. Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply, provided they are at least 16 years old. However, due to the recent upgrades by the NMCN, the Basic Nursing programme is gradually being phased out, though some schools still offer it.

Upon completing the three-year programme, you will be licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Midwife (RM). Further studies can enhance your qualifications, which will be discussed in a later article.

2. The ND/HND in Nursing Programme (4 Years)

This four-year programme is an upgraded version of the three-year diploma programme. It is managed by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and requires JAMB UTME for admission. Most schools offering this programme require a minimum JAMB score of 180 (some accept a score of 120-160).

The programme consists of uninterrupted, two years of National Diploma (ND) and two years of Higher National Diploma (HND) in Nursing, followed by one year of internship and one year of NYSC. The structure is continuous, meaning you cannot complete the ND and decide to discontinue the HND or transfer to another school.

After completing this programme, you will be licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) and may also qualify as a Registered Midwife (RM) or Registered Public Health Nurse (RPHN), depending on your school’s facilities and your area of interest. Thus, your final qualifications could be RN, RM/RPHN, and HND Nursing.

3. The Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) Programme (5 Years)

A Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc or BSN) is the standard university degree for nursing. Many people prefer this pathway due to its structured curriculum and broader career prospects. The admission process requires a JAMB UTME score of 200 and above.

After completing this five-year programme, followed by one year of internship and NYSC, graduates are licensed as Registered Nurses (RN), Registered Midwives (RM), and/or Registered Public Health Nurses (RPHN). They also receive an additional Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Science (BNSc).

Key Differences Between the Three Nursing Pathways

• Regardless of which route you choose, you will become a Registered Nurse (RN) and can legally practice.
• The Basic Nursing/Midwifery (3 years) programme only grants an RN or RM license without an educational degree, you can further into Post Basic Nursing/Midwifery (18 months) or apply for ODL BNSC Nursing Program (4 Years).
• The ND/HND Nursing (4 years) programme leads to an HND in Nursing and additional licenses, depending on school facilities.
• The BNSc Nursing (5 years) programme provides the standard academic qualification, awarding a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing Science (BNSc) alongside RN, RM, and RPHN licenses.
• The Basic Nursing and Basic Midwifery (3 years) programmes do not require JAMB UTME, whereas the ND/HND and BNSc programmes require JAMB UTME.

Competition and Exam Requirements

All pathways are competitive, with admission depending on location, JAMB scores, and the number of applicants and the institution’s admission quota.

Cost Implications

Let’s talk about tuition fees because, honestly, money matters! If you’re considering nursing school in Nigeria, the cost depends on where you enrol. Federal universities are the most budget-friendly option, with tuition hovering around ₦200,000+ per year. State and private nursing schools? They fall in the middle range, with fees anywhere between ₦400,000 – ₦900,000+. But if you’re looking at some top-tier private nursing schools, be prepared to pay about ₦1,000,000 or more in fees per year.

Since tuition can change from year to year, it’s always a good idea to check directly with your school of choice for the latest updates.

Furthering Your Nursing Education After Basic Nursing or ND/HND Nursing

After completing a Basic Nursing or Midwifery programme, you can either begin working as an RN/RM or pursue further certifications and degrees. Some available options include:

1. Post-Basic Nursing (18 Months)

• Allows midwives to qualify as general nurses.
• Offered by various Colleges of Nursing in Nigeria.

2. Open and Distance Learning (ODL) BNSc Programme (3-4 Years)

• Allows nurses or midwives to study for a BNSc degree while working.
• Hybrid learning (online and physical lectures) is available in schools like OAU, ABU and LAUTECH.
• Graduates receive the same BNSc certificate as full-time students.

3. Full-Time Nursing Degree (4 Years via Direct Entry)

• Allows diploma holders (Basic Nursing or Midwifery) to gain admission via JAMB Direct Entry (JAMB DE).
• Students enter at 200 Level and complete the BNSc programme in 4 years.
• People who have a degree in other relevant program apart from nursing are eligible for this.
• Unlike ODL, full-time nursing requires more on-campus presence but may have lower tuition fees.

Further Education Options After ND/HND Nursing

For ND/HND Nursing graduates, the following pathways are available:

1. Post-Basic Nursing Specialties – Specialization in fields such as Anesthesia, Mental Health, or Pediatrics (18 months).
2. Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Nursing – A one-year PGD is required before applying for a Master’s degree in Nursing.
3. BSN Degree Conversion Programme – A one-year programme allowing ND/HND holders to upgrade to BNSc.
4. Master’s Degree in Nursing – Available after completing a BNSc or equivalent qualification.

READ ALSO: Leadership Roles of Nurses: Clinical and Beyond by Nurse Adeleke Samuel

Wrapping Up

Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in Nigeria is achievable through multiple pathways. Whether you choose the Basic Nursing, ND/HND Nursing, or BNSc Nursing programme, each route has its unique advantages. Your choice should depend on your academic qualifications, financial situation, career aspirations, and long-term goals.

With the understanding of these pathways, you can make informed decisions and pursue a successful nursing career in Nigeria.

For more guidance on nursing education and career progression, stay tuned for more insightful articles from the Nursing Conception Initiative (NCI).

Writer:
AbdulAzeez Badmus
Virtual Assistant at NCI and Educational Consultant
+2348061783878