As of recent educational policies in Nigeria, most Nursing programs are predominantly offered at universities and colleges of nursing rather than polytechnics, due to the rigorous requirements set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).
No polytechnic in Nigeria currently offers a full-fledged nursing program that leads to the award of a Registered Nurse (RN) certificate.
However, some polytechnics offer health-related courses or basic nursing programs in partnership with colleges or through affiliated programs.
Below are some polytechnics in Nigeria known for health sciences and nursing-related programs along with typical admission requirements.
Polytechnics with Health Science or Nursing-Related Programs
1. Kwara State Polytechnic (Ilorin, Kwara State)
Program: Offers courses in health technology, but nursing-specific programs may be limited or in affiliation with nearby nursing schools.
Cut-Off Mark: Typically 150 – 160 for ND programs; specific health-related courses may require higher scores.
2. Ogun State Polytechnic of Health and Allied Sciences (Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State)
Program: Offers courses related to health sciences which may include community health and health technology programs, often partnered with nursing colleges.
Cut-Off Mark: Around 150 – 160, though competitive programs may have higher thresholds.
3. Federal Polytechnic Nekede (Owerri, Imo State)
Program: While not offering direct nursing programs, the polytechnic provides foundational health courses that can lead to nursing or other health fields.
Cut-Off Mark: Usually set at 150 for general courses, though health programs might be more competitive.
4. Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology (Port Harcourt, Rivers State)
Program: Offers nursing and other allied health programs with more direct links to the nursing profession, often through partnerships.
Cut-Off Mark: Generally 160 for health-related programs.
5. Delta State Polytechnic (Ozoro, Delta State)
Program: Offers health technology and related programs that can serve as a pathway to nursing.
Cut-Off Mark: Typically 140 – 150, depending on program competitiveness.
6. Lagos State College of Health Technology (Yaba, Lagos State)
Program: Known for its health-related programs, including community health, which can serve as a prelude to nursing.
Cut-Off Mark: Generally 150 for health science programs.
Important Considerations
Direct Nursing Programs: Most direct nursing degree programs are only fully available at universities or through specialized nursing schools.
If you are focused solely on becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in Nigeria, universities like the University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, and Ahmadu Bello University are better suited.
Admission Cut-Offs: These cut-off marks can vary slightly each year based on applicant numbers, program demand, and updated policy from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Alternative Routes
For students interested in nursing but facing challenges with direct polytechnic admission:
Consider enrolling in diploma programs in health sciences at polytechnics, then transferring or bridging to a full nursing program.
Look for School of Nursing programs affiliated with teaching hospitals, which typically have separate entry requirements and often require a similar JAMB score around 160 – 180.
