The best universities in Nigeria for nursing are schools that give you strong training, real hospital experience, and a safe place to learn. Many young people in Nigeria want to study nursing because it is a respected career that allows you to help people and also gives you job opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and even in other countries.
When you want to choose a nursing school, it is important to look at the quality of teachers, the school’s nursing facilities, accreditation, and how well their students perform in real medical work. These things help you know if the school will prepare you for the future.
In this guide, you will see the top nursing universities in Nigeria, their strengths, and why they stand out. This list will help you choose the right place to study nursing with confidence and make the best decision for your future.
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Best Universities in Nigeria for Nursing
Choosing the right university for nursing is a very important decision. Nursing is a practical and caring profession, so students need a school that offers both theory and real practice. In Nigeria, some universities stand out because they have strong nursing faculties, good hospital connections, and proper accreditation from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). Below are the top schools you should consider.
1. University of Lagos (UNILAG) – College of Medicine, Idi-Araba
UNILAG is one of the most respected universities in Nigeria, and its Nursing Science program is well-known for high academic standards. The school has well-trained lecturers, good classrooms, and easy access to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where students do their clinical training.
Students at UNILAG learn important nursing skills, such as patient care, emergency care, medical ethics, and communication. The school also encourages research, making it a great place for anyone who wants a strong foundation in nursing.
2. University of Ibadan (UI)
The University of Ibadan is another top choice when searching for the best universities in Nigeria for nursing. UI is Nigeria’s oldest university and has a long record of producing excellent health professionals.
UI’s Department of Nursing trains students with modern teaching methods. They learn both practical and theoretical knowledge using real-life hospital situations. Their teaching hospital, UCH (University College Hospital), is one of the best medical centers in West Africa.
UI’s nursing graduates are respected both in Nigeria and abroad.
3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife
OAU is known for its high academic discipline and strong medical programs. The Nursing Science department offers a complete program that covers pediatric nursing, adult health nursing, public health, and mental health.
Students also have access to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), where they gain valuable clinical experience.
Many nursing students choose OAU because the school teaches them to be confident, skilled, and ready to work in real hospitals.
4. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
UNN has one of the oldest and most structured nursing schools in Nigeria. Their nursing department focuses on producing well-trained nurses who can serve in hospitals, communities, and special health centers.
UNN offers modern courses like community health nursing, maternal care, and clinical nursing. Students also train at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), where they learn from experienced doctors and nurses.
5. Lagos State University (LASU)
LASU has grown to become one of the best places to study nursing in Nigeria. Their nursing school offers a high-quality training environment and experienced lecturers.
LASU students benefit from practical work at LASUTH (Lagos State University Teaching Hospital). The school uses a student-friendly teaching method that makes learning easier and more enjoyable.
LASU also has some of the best nursing facilities in the state.
6. Babcock University
Babcock University is one of the top private universities offering Nursing Science in Nigeria. Their program focuses on moral training, professional ethics, and strong academic knowledge.
The school has modern facilities, clean classrooms, and updated medical equipment. Many parents choose Babcock because it provides a safe environment and teaches students to be responsible and confident nurses.
7. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
UNILORIN’s nursing program is known for its discipline, quality teaching, and well-organized classes. The school has a good record of producing nurses who do well in the NMCN exams.
Their partnership with teaching hospitals gives students solid clinical training. UNILORIN graduates are known to be hardworking, focused, and skilled.
8. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
ABU is one of the largest universities in Nigeria, and it offers a strong Nursing Science program. ABU has modern labs, good lecturers, and access to a big teaching hospital.
Many students in the northern part of Nigeria choose ABU because it offers a peaceful environment and high-quality nursing education.
9. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
UNIBEN is another excellent choice for nursing students. Their nursing department is well-structured, and students are taught by experienced lecturers.
UNIBEN’s teaching hospital gives students real-life experience in emergency care and daily hospital activities. Graduates from this school are known for being confident and caring nurses.
10. Delta State University (DELSU)
DELSU offers a good Nursing Science program that is well-respected, especially in the southern part of Nigeria. Students are trained using both theory and practical sessions in real hospitals.
The school focuses on community health, maternal care, and general nursing. Many students who finish here easily find jobs in clinics and hospitals.
How to Choose the Best University for Nursing in Nigeria
When choosing the best university in Nigeria for nursing, you need to check the following:
1. Accreditation
Make sure the school is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). This ensures your certificate will be accepted anywhere in Nigeria.
2. Quality of Lecturers
The best universities have experienced, well-trained nursing lecturers who teach with passion and care.
3. Clinical Training
A good nursing school must have strong partnerships with teaching hospitals. This gives students hands-on experience.
4. Learning Environment
Look for universities with clean classrooms, updated equipment, and safe hostels.
5. Graduate Success Rate
This shows how well past students perform in exams and real-life hospital work.
Why Nursing Is a Great Career in Nigeria
Nursing is a profession that allows you to help people every day. It offers good job opportunities, both in Nigeria and abroad. Many Nigerian nurses get jobs in countries like the UK, Canada, and the US because they receive strong training at home.
Nursing also teaches you patience, kindness, and confidence. It is a stable career with a high demand for skilled workers.
Conclusion
The best universities in Nigeria for nursing are schools that provide strong teaching, real hospital practice, and proper accreditation. Whether you choose UNILAG, UI, OAU, UNN, ABU, UNIBEN, Babcock, LASU, UNILORIN, or DELSU, you will get a solid education that prepares you for a successful career.