UgoNursing is one of the most in demand courses in Nigeria. A degree in Nursing opens opportunities in the healthcare sector for aspiring Nurses in countries around the world.
However, one question many people might have about getting their Nursing degree is “how long does it take?”.
Whether you are a Nursing student in Nigeria or in another country around the world, this article would reveal the time it would take for you to bag that Nursing degree.
About Nursing in Nigeria
Nursing is generally known to be a caring profession. In Nigeria, it is one of the essential services in Nigeria that has been described as the backbone of the Nigerian healthcare system.
The profession is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). The NMCN was established by decree in 1979 and is responsible for maintaining standards of practice and enforcing discipline.
It also accredits education in Nursing, awards and verifies credentials of Nigerian Nurses in the country.
This doesn’t mean the profession hasn’t been plagued by its unique set of challenges.
In fact, according to the NMCN, over 15,000 nurses left the country in 2023 in search of greener pastures. And the reasons are not far fetched.
Nurses have complained about unemployment, poor working conditions and low pay. These problems have driven many of them to take advantage of better opportunities outside the country.
Which is better, nursing school or University?
To get a Nursing degree in Nigeria, you would have to spend 5 years studying in the university to earn a Bachelor in Nursing Science (BNSc).
Pursuing the Basic general Nursing Program in Nursing school takes only about 3 years, after which you can write your NMCN exam and qualify as a Registered Nurse.
As a registered Nurse you can work anywhere in the world. However, the fees for Nursing school are remarkably higher than those for federal universities. You can pay as much as N250,000 in a semester.
A BNSc would allow you to gain skills in different aspects of Nursing and qualify you to pursue a masters degree in addition to being a qualified Nurse.
A third route to become a Nurse in Nigeria is the Basic Midwifery Training programme which takes about 3 years. However, for you to qualify for most jobs you would probably have to go for an 18 months post basic general nursing course.
Generally, getting a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing in Nigeria is more beneficial because it offers higher earning potential, easier access to masters degree programmes and lower tuition if you are lucky enough to get into a federal university.
How many years is a Nursing degree in Nigeria vs Other countries?
If you are considering how long it might take to complete a BSc in Nursing program in Nigeria and other countries then you are in the right place.
I have compiled a list of countries with great Nursing programmes where Nigerians are also likely to travel for studies below.
| S/N | Country | Duration of Nursing Programme (Years) | Degree Awarded |
| 1 | Nigeria | 5 | BNSc |
| 2 | Philippines | 4 | BSN |
| 3 | USA | 4 | BSN |
| 4 | Canada | 4 | BSN |
| 5 | UK | 2 (APEL) – 4 | BN or BScN |
| 6 | Australia | 2- 3 | BSN |
| 7 | Ireland | 3 – 4 | BSc |
| 8 | Sweden | 3 | BSN |
| 9 | Netherlands | 3 – 4 | BSN |
| 10 | New Zealand | 3 | BNurs |
| 11 | Norway | 3 | BSN |
| 12 | Russia | 4 | BSN |
| 13 | Ghana | 4 | BSN |
| 14 | Hungary | 4 | BSc |
| 15 | South Korea | 4 | BSN |
| 16 | Guyana | 4 | BSN |
Note: Foreign trained graduates would have to apply to NMCN for Licence before they can practise in Nigeria.
Requirements for admission to study Nursing in Nigeria
In order to study Nursing in Nigeria, you have to meet the following requirements;
- You must have 5 credit passes in your O’ level which includes Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology. This must be achieved in not more than two sittings which means that you cannot combine more than two results.
- You must be between 18- 35 years of age.
- You must meet the UTME and other screening requirements of the University where you have applied
You can also check out recent cut off marks for Nursing here
Conclusion
Nursing is a great career path for people who love to provide care and support. In Nigeria, getting a Nursing degree usually takes 5 years. However, there are other paths to becoming a registered Nurse in the country such as the basic general nursing programme and basic midwifery training programmes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let us go over some frequently asked questions you might have about Nursing.
How many schools of Nursing do we have in Nigeria?
Currently, there are 235 higher institutions approved by the NMCN to offer Nursing in Nigeria.
What is the Name of the best Nursing School in Lagos?
School of Nursing, Lagos University Teaching Hospital offers an excellent Nursing programme and its campus is located in Lagos.
Is college of Nursing the same as school of Nursing?
Sometimes, the term ‘college of Nursing’ is used interchangeably with ‘school of Nursing’ but ‘college of Nursing’ is usually part of a university while ‘school of Nursing’ is not but instead is attached to a hospital.
What is the difference between a Nurse and a Midwife?
A Nurse has a generalised training for providing support to all kinds of patients while a midwife’s training is specialised towards providing support to pregnant women before, during and after pregnancy.
Can I study Nursing without WAEC?
Yes you can. If you want to study Nursing in Nigeria, you would need your O’ level results (either WAEC or NECO). So if you don’t have a WAEC result you can use your NECO.
If you have neither WAEC or NECO then you can seek admission abroad using either A’level or IGCSE qualifications.
Timeyin Mammah
Ugo
1 comment
It was awesome,a great lesson .