If you are searching for polytechnics that offer nursing in Nigeria, you are not alone.
Many Nigerian students type this into Google because they want a cheaper and more direct way to study nursing, especially through ND and HND programmes.
But the most important thing you must understand is this:
Not every school claiming to offer nursing is approved.
In Nigeria, nursing training is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). Only schools approved by NMCN can train students to become licensed nurses.
So in this guide, you will find the most legit institutions that truly offer nursing, including colleges of nursing sciences that many people mistakenly call polytechnics.
You will also see the realistic cut-off marks and where to apply.
How cut-off marks work for Nursing in Nigeria
There is no single fixed cut-off mark for nursing in Nigeria.
JAMB sets a general minimum cut-off mark, but each school decides its own competitive score depending on the number of applicants.
For Colleges of Nursing Sciences, the minimum benchmark is usually around 140, but in reality, you should target 160 to 200 if you want a strong chance.
Now, let us go straight to the schools.
20 Legit Institutions in Nigeria That Offer Nursing
These are approved nursing institutions listed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
Each of the options below is a real option for nursing candidates.
1. Ogun State College of Nursing Sciences (Abeokuta, Ijebu Ode, Ilaro)
Ogun State College of Nursing Sciences is one of the most organised state nursing colleges in Nigeria. It operates across multiple campuses and offers professional nursing programmes with JAMB-based admission.
This school is popular because it runs ND and HND nursing structures, which makes many students consider it a polytechnic-style nursing option.
Visit Ogun State College of Nursing Sciences official website for admission updates: ogcon.edu.ng
Cut-off mark expectation: Target 160 and above.
2. Lagos State College of Nursing Sciences (Igando)
Lagos State College of Nursing Sciences is one of the leading nursing institutions in Lagos. It trains students in professional nursing and is highly competitive due to the large number of applicants in the state.
If you want nursing in Lagos, this is one of the top choices.
Visit Lagos State College of Nursing Sciences official website: lascon.edu.ng
Cut off mark expectation: Target 180 and above.
3. Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery (Eleyele, Ibadan)
This is one of the most popular nursing colleges in the South West. The school is known for producing well-trained nurses and has remained a strong option for students seeking nursing admission in Oyo State.
Visit Oyo State College of Nursing official website: oysconme.edu.ng
Cut off mark expectation: Target 160 and above.
4. Nigerian Army College of Nursing Sciences (Yaba, Lagos)
This is a federal military-owned nursing college located in Lagos. It offers high-standard training and attracts candidates nationwide.
Admission is competitive because of its reputation and structured learning environment.
Visit Nigerian Army College of Nursing official website: nacon.edu.ng
Cut off mark expectation: Target 180 and above.
5. LUTH College of Nursing Sciences (Idi Araba, Lagos)
The Lagos University Teaching Hospital College of Nursing is one of the most respected teaching hospital nursing colleges in Nigeria.
Students here benefit from clinical training in one of Nigeria’s top hospitals.
Visit LUTH official website for nursing information: luth.gov.ng
Cut off mark expectation: Target 180 and above.
6. College of Nursing Sciences, Oke Ode (Kwara State)
This is an approved nursing college in Kwara State offering professional nursing programmes for students who want to study within the North Central region.
Visit Kwara State College of Nursing official website: kwcons.edu.ng
Cut off mark expectation: Target 160 and above.
7. College of Nursing Sciences, Ilorin
This college is another recognised nursing institution in Kwara State, providing quality nursing education and clinical exposure.
Visit College of Nursing Ilorin official website: conilorin.edu.ng
Cut off mark expectation: Target 160 and above.
8. UITH College of Nursing Sciences (Ilorin)
University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital College of Nursing offers nursing training backed by a strong teaching hospital system.
It is highly respected and competitive.
Visit UITH official website: uithilorin.org.ng
Cut off mark expectation: Target 170 to 190.
9. Osun State College of Nursing Sciences (Osogbo)
This is the major state nursing college in Osun. It provides professional training and remains a strong option for students in the South West.
Visit Osun College of Nursing official website: osuncon.edu.ng
Cut off mark expectation: Target 160 and above.
10. OAUTHC College of Nursing Sciences (Ilesa)
Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex College of Nursing in Ilesa is a top teaching hospital nursing institution.
It offers strong clinical training opportunities.
Visit OAUTHC official website: oauthc.com
Cut off mark expectation: Target 170 and above.
11. OAUTHC College of Nursing Sciences (Ile Ife)
This is another branch of the OAUTHC nursing programme located in Ile Ife, offering professional nursing education.
Visit OAUTHC official website: oauthc.com
Cut off mark expectation: Target 170 and above.
12. EKSUTH College of Nursing Sciences (Ado Ekiti)
Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital College of Nursing is one of the approved nursing schools in Ekiti.
It provides both academic and clinical nursing training.
Visit EKSUTH official website: eksuth.org.ng
Cut off mark expectation: Target 160 and above.
13. College of Nursing Sciences, Benin City
This is a recognised nursing college in Edo State with strong training and a long-standing history in nursing education.
Visit Edo College of Nursing official website: edocons.edu.ng
Cut off mark expectation: Target 160 and above.
14. UNTH College of Nursing Sciences (Enugu)
University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital College of Nursing is one of the most competitive nursing colleges in the South East.
It offers professional nursing education with strong hospital exposure.
Visit UNTH official website: unth.edu.ng
Cut off mark expectation: Target 170 and above.
15. Standard College of Nursing Sciences, Minna
This is an approved nursing institution in Niger State, offering nursing programmes for candidates in the North Central region.
Visit Standard College of Nursing official website: standardcon.edu.ng
Cut off mark expectation: Target 160 and above.
16. College of Nursing Sciences, UBTH Benin (University of Benin Teaching Hospital)
The University of Benin Teaching Hospital College of Nursing is one of the most respected nursing institutions in Nigeria. Because it is attached to a major teaching hospital, students get strong clinical training and exposure.
Admission is usually competitive due to its reputation.
Visit UBTH official website for more details: ubth.org
Cut-off mark expectation: Target 170 and above.
17. College of Nursing Sciences, UCH Ibadan (University College Hospital)
UCH Ibadan is one of the oldest and most prestigious teaching hospitals in Nigeria, and its College of Nursing is highly recognised.
Many candidates apply here every year, especially in the South West, so the competition is always high.
Visit UCH official website for nursing information: uch-ibadan.org.ng
Cut off mark expectation: Target 180 and above.
18. Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital College of Nursing (Zaria)
ABUTH College of Nursing is a major nursing training institution in Northern Nigeria. It provides professional nursing education backed by a strong teaching hospital environment.
It is a good option for candidates in Kaduna and nearby states.
Visit ABUTH official website: abuth.gov.ng
Cut off mark expectation: Target 160 and above.
19. College of Nursing Sciences, Federal Medical Centre Owerri
Federal Medical Centre Owerri College of Nursing is an approved nursing institution serving candidates in the South East.
It offers quality training and is becoming increasingly competitive as more students apply.
Visit FMC Owerri official website: fmcowerri.gov.ng
Cut off mark expectation: Target 160 and above.
20. College of Nursing Sciences, Federal Medical Centre Asaba
FMC Asaba College of Nursing is another recognised federal nursing institution. It provides nursing education with strong hospital-based clinical experience.
It is a good option for students in Delta State and surrounding areas.
Visit FMC Asaba official website: fmcasaba.gov.ng
Cut off mark expectation: Target 160 and above.
Schools People Often Call Polytechnics for Nursing
Many students search for nursing in polytechnics because they want ND or HND options.
However, it is important to know that most regular polytechnics do not run full professional nursing programmes.
What they usually offer are health-related courses, while nursing itself is handled by approved Colleges of Nursing Sciences.
Here are some schools people commonly mistake for nursing polytechnics:
Kwara State Polytechnic
Kwara State Polytechnic is a recognised polytechnic offering ND and HND programmes in many fields.
However, candidates who want nursing in Kwara should focus on the approved Colleges of Nursing Sciences in the state instead.
Visit Kwara State Polytechnic official website: kwarastatepolytechnic.edu.ng
Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology
This institution offers several health and medical-related programmes. Candidates must confirm if the nursing programme is currently approved and open before applying.
Visit Rivers State College of Health official website: rschst.edu.ng
Lagos State College of Health Technology (Yaba)
This school is popular for health technology courses, but students should not confuse it with a full nursing licensing college.
Visit Lagos State College of Health Technology official website: lascohet.edu.ng
How to Confirm Any Nursing School is Legit
Before applying anywhere, always do these three things:
Check that the school is listed as approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
Confirm whether admission is through JAMB or internal entrance exams.
Confirm whether the programme leads to RN licensing.
Our Final Advice
If your goal is to become a registered nurse in Nigeria, do not rely only on the word polytechnic.
Focus on approved Colleges of Nursing Sciences and Teaching Hospital Nursing Colleges, because those are the schools recognised for professional nursing training.
And if you want admission, do not aim for the minimum cut-off mark.
Try to score as high as possible, especially in competitive states.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This section answers the most common questions students ask when searching for nursing schools and cut off marks in Nigeria.
Can polytechnics offer nursing in Nigeria?
Most regular polytechnics do not offer full professional nursing programmes. Nursing is mainly offered by approved Colleges of Nursing Sciences and Teaching Hospital Colleges of Nursing.
That is why students should always confirm approval before applying.
What is the JAMB cut off mark for nursing in Nigeria?
The general minimum benchmark is often around 140, but nursing is competitive.
To have a strong chance, candidates should aim for 160 to 200 depending on the school.
Is nursing now an ND and HND course?
Yes, many Colleges of Nursing Sciences now run ND and HND Nursing programmes under the new structure, and admission is mostly through JAMB.
However, the programme must still be approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
How do I know if a nursing school is approved?
The safest way is to check if the school is listed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).
You should never apply to any nursing programme that is not officially recognised.
Can I study nursing without writing JAMB?
Some schools may still run internal entrance exams, but most recognised Colleges of Nursing Sciences now admit candidates through JAMB.
Always confirm from the school’s official website before applying.
What subjects are required for nursing in JAMB?
Most nursing schools require:
English Language
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Candidates should also have at least five O Level credits including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Which nursing school is the easiest to gain admission into?
No nursing school is truly easy because the course is competitive.
However, schools in less populated states may have fewer applicants compared to Lagos or Ibadan teaching hospital colleges.
What score is safe for nursing admission?
A safe score depends on the school, but generally:
160 is fair
180 is strong
200+ is excellent for highly competitive colleges
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