You want to become a registered nurse. The bills look absolutely terrifying. I hear this exact panic from my students every single day. Finding the Top 20 Cheapest School Of Nursing In Nigeria solves this massive headache completely. This post gives you exact tuition ranges, admission facts, and insider advice for the current academic year. We break down the most affordable federal and state nursing institutions so you can study without bankrupting your family.
Here is a quick snapshot of the 20 most affordable options we will cover:
Ogun State College of Nursing Sciences
Department of Nursing Sciences, UNICAL
College of Nursing Sciences, Ogoja
College of Nursing Sciences, Obudu
School of Nursing, Murtala Muhammed Hospital, Kano
School of Nursing, General Hospital, Maiduguri
School of Nursing, General Hospital, Katsina
College of Nursing Sciences, UCTH
School of Nursing, ABUTH, Zaria
College of Nursing Sciences, Itigidi
Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Eleyele
Army College of Nursing, Yaba
School of Nursing, UNTH, Enugu
School of Nursing, UBTH, Edo
School of Nursing, UITH, Kwara
School of Nursing, FMC, Abeokuta
School of Nursing, FMC, Gwagwalada
Abia State School of Nursing and Midwifery
School of Nursing, UCH, Ibadan
Lagos State College of Nursing (LASCON)
How Did We Make This List?
We ranked these institutions based on approved 2025/2026 tuition data from state governments, federal hospital boards, and direct student receipts. Our criteria prioritize mandatory tuition over optional hostel fees. Every listed school holds active, verifiable accreditation from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).
Coaching SS3 students right here in Ikorodu for years taught me one recurring lesson. Parents hide their intense financial anxiety. Last year, a brilliant girl from my tutorial centre scored 260 in her JAMB. Her father almost asked her to drop out. They only checked private university fees and saw millions. I sat them down. We reviewed state and federal options instead. She is happily in her first year today. You need hard facts, not neighborhood rumors. Affordable nursing education exists. You just have to know where to look.
The Top 20 Cheapest School Of Nursing In Nigeria
Ogun State College of Nursing Sciences
The Ogun State College of Nursing Sciences requires an estimated tuition of ₦50,000 for indigenous students and ₦70,000 for non-indigenes annually. It holds full NMCN accreditation. This makes it the absolute lowest-cost recognized nursing training center currently operating in the southwestern region of Nigeria.
They do not joke with discipline here. State government subsidies keep the fees incredibly low. I always advise candidates from Ogun State to claim their indigene status early to enjoy the ₦50,000 rate. The competition is fierce. You need solid O’level credits in one sitting to stand a strong chance.
Department of Nursing Sciences, University of Calabar (UNICAL)
UNICAL’s Department of Nursing Sciences charges a highly subsidized estimated tuition ranging from ₦80,000 to ₦200,000 annually. As a federal university, it combines affordable federal fee structures with a comprehensive five-year Bachelor of Nursing Science degree program and extensive local clinical exposure.
Getting a B.NSc degree for under ₦200,000 a year is a massive win. Federal universities simply offer unbeatable value. The variance in fees depends heavily on your specific level and whether you require campus accommodation. UNICAL ranks high on this list because of the pure academic weight a university degree carries compared to basic nursing certificates.
College of Nursing Sciences, Ogoja, Cross River State
The College of Nursing Sciences in Ogoja sets its estimated tuition between ₦80,000 and ₦280,000 per session. Managed by the Cross River State government, this institution provides highly subsidized healthcare education specifically designed to boost the rural nursing workforce across the South-South region.
You will love the hands-on clinical training at Ogoja. The state heavily backs this school to ensure they produce enough nurses for local hospitals. Non-indigenes tend to pay closer to the ₦280,000 mark. The lower end of that fee spectrum is strictly reserved for locals.
College of Nursing Sciences, Obudu, Cross River State
Estimated tuition at the College of Nursing Sciences, Obudu ranges from ₦80,000 to ₦280,000 per academic year. Sharing a similar fee structure with its sister campus in Ogoja, this state-run facility offers fully accredited nursing and midwifery programs backed by steady government funding.
Obudu offers a very serene learning environment. The climate alone makes studying less stressful. Their fee structure mirrors Ogoja perfectly. Many students applying to this Top 20 Cheapest School Of Nursing In Nigeria overlook Obudu, which actually makes their admission slightly less saturated.
School of Nursing, Murtala Muhammed Hospital, Kano
Students at the School of Nursing, Murtala Muhammed Hospital in Kano pay an estimated tuition of around ₦100,000. This rate is highly subsidized for Kano State indigenes. The institution focuses on producing culturally competent nurses to serve the massive healthcare demands of Northern Nigeria.
Northern state schools offer incredible bargains for locals. The state government intentionally drives down the cost. They want to encourage more youth to enter the medical field. If you are from Kano, this should be your first choice.
School of Nursing, General Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno
The School of Nursing at the General Hospital in Maiduguri charges an estimated tuition of about ₦100,000 annually. Borno State heavily subsidizes this program for local indigenes to rebuild and strengthen their regional healthcare workforce following years of local systemic challenges.
This school represents pure resilience. They train tough, highly capable nurses. Borno State understands the assignment. By keeping fees near ₦100,000, they remove the financial barrier for passionate local students.
School of Nursing, General Hospital, Katsina
Estimated tuition at the School of Nursing, General Hospital, Katsina hovers around ₦100,000 per session. Thanks to substantial state government subsidies specifically aimed at indigenous students, this institution remains a primary hub for affordable, high-quality nursing and midwifery education in the northwest.
State backing is everything here. Katsina invests heavily in healthcare infrastructure. The hospital attachment gives students massive practical experience. Very few places let you learn on the job so affordably.
College of Nursing Sciences, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH)
The College of Nursing Sciences at UCTH requires an estimated tuition between ₦130,000 and ₦350,000 yearly. Operating independently from the main university’s degree program, this teaching hospital-based college provides direct, rigorous clinical nursing certificates at very competitive federal pricing.
Teaching hospitals breed the best practical nurses. Period. You are in the wards constantly. The fee varies because first-year students pay higher acceptance and uniform fees. Returning students pay much closer to the ₦130,000 baseline.
School of Nursing, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria
ABUTH School of Nursing in Zaria charges an estimated tuition ranging from ₦140,000 to ₦200,000. Affiliated with one of Nigeria’s largest federal teaching hospitals, this school provides elite medical training and unmatched clinical exposure at incredibly low federal government-regulated prices.
ABUTH is legendary. Graduates from this school rarely struggle to find jobs. The reputation is massive. Paying under ₦200,000 to attach your name to Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital is a steal.
College of Nursing Sciences, Itigidi, Cross River State
The College of Nursing Sciences in Itigidi maintains an estimated tuition block of ₦150,000 to ₦450,000 annually. This state-owned institution recently upgraded to a full college status, offering National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) nursing programs with modernized training equipment.
The upgrade to ND/HND status changed the game for Itigidi. You are not just getting a basic certificate anymore. You get a recognized diploma. The upper fee limit usually covers the intense first-year registrations, indexing, and specific practical kits.
Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Eleyele, Ibadan
Estimated tuition at the Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery in Eleyele ranges from ₦150,000 to ₦250,000. Known historically as one of the pioneer nursing institutions in Nigeria, it provides stellar medical education subsidized by the Oyo State government.
Eleyele is a household name in the southwest. If you mention you train there, people respect it instantly. The state has done a great job keeping the fees manageable.
Quick Eleyele Admission Checklist:
Five O’level credits (Math, English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics).
Must pass the specific CBT entrance exam.
Oral interview performance is highly weighted.
Army College of Nursing, Yaba, Lagos
The Army College of Nursing in Yaba charges an estimated tuition between ₦150,000 and ₦200,000. Managed by the Nigerian Army Medical Corps, this strict, highly disciplined institution offers affordable nursing education to both military dependents and qualified civilian applicants alike.
You do not need to be a soldier to attend. Civilians are totally welcome. The discipline here is unmatched. You will graduate with a work ethic that private hospitals practically fight over. Plus, being located in Lagos makes that tuition bracket extremely rare.
School of Nursing, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu
UNTH School of Nursing in Enugu sets its estimated tuition between ₦150,000 and ₦250,000. Leveraging the vast resources of the University of Nigeria’s federal teaching hospital, students receive top-tier, research-backed medical training at a fraction of the cost of private institutions.
The federal subsidy makes UNTH highly attractive. Competition is notoriously stiff. First-year fees peak around ₦250,000 due to basic nursing equipment purchases. Subsequent years drop significantly.
School of Nursing, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Edo
Estimated tuition at the UBTH School of Nursing in Edo State ranges from ₦150,000 to ₦250,000 per session. It stands out in the South-South region for its incredibly strict academic standards and massive federal hospital complex, offering students world-class clinical practicum affordably.
UBTH pushes you hard. They do not tolerate academic laziness. The low fees are a federal privilege, but the work you put in is intense. It earns its spot easily on any Top 20 Cheapest School Of Nursing In Nigeria list.
School of Nursing, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Kwara
The UITH School of Nursing in Kwara State charges an estimated tuition between ₦150,000 and ₦250,000 annually. This federally funded institution is famous for its uninterrupted academic calendar and deep integration with the primary University of Ilorin medical ecosystem.
UITH rarely experiences strikes. That alone saves you money in the long run. You finish exactly when you are supposed to. Kwara State’s cost of living is also fairly low, making your overall student life much cheaper.
School of Nursing, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta
Students at the FMC Abeokuta School of Nursing pay an estimated tuition ranging from ₦150,000 to ₦250,000. Located within a bustling federal medical center, this school offers deep, hands-on clinical experience right in the heart of Ogun State at controlled federal rates.
Federal Medical Centres are fantastic places to learn. You see everything. Cases from all over the state end up there. Paying a maximum of ₦250,000 to learn inside a primary federal facility is a brilliant financial move.
School of Nursing, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Gwagwalada, Abuja
The School of Nursing at FMC Gwagwalada charges an estimated tuition between ₦150,000 and ₦250,000. It provides an exceptionally affordable route to nursing certification right within the Federal Capital Territory, avoiding the inflated educational costs typically associated with Abuja institutions.
Schooling in Abuja is normally a nightmare for your wallet. FMC Gwagwalada is the ultimate cheat code. You get federal pricing inside the capital city. Accommodation outside the hospital might be pricey, so fight hard for a hostel space.
Abia State School of Nursing and Midwifery, Umuahia
Estimated tuition for the Abia State School of Nursing and Midwifery in Umuahia sits at a flat ₦215,000. The state government recently reviewed this figure downward to alleviate the economic burden on parents and encourage local enrollment in critical healthcare sectors.
That downward review was a huge relief for parents this year. Fixed tuition is easier to plan for. You know exactly what you are paying. Umuahia is relatively peaceful, creating a great atmosphere for the heavy reading nursing demands.
School of Nursing, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan
The UCH School of Nursing in Ibadan requires an estimated tuition ranging from ₦250,000 to ₦350,000 annually. As Nigeria’s premier teaching hospital, UCH offers globally recognized nursing certificates and unparalleled clinical prestige, fully justifying its slightly higher federal fee bracket.
UCH is the gold standard. Every nurse knows UCH. The fees touch ₦350,000 in the first year because you pay for NMCN indexing, specialized uniforms, and procedural manuals.
| Feature | UCH Ibadan Benefit |
| Network | Massive alumni base globally. |
| Facilities | Oldest, most equipped federal wards. |
| Prestige | Instant respect in job interviews. |
Lagos State College of Nursing (LASCON), Igando
LASCON in Igando sets its estimated tuition at ₦300,000 per session. Fully backed by the Lagos State Government, this modernized college offers automatic internship placements and upgraded ND/HND nursing curricula for students studying within Nigeria’s most expensive metropolitan hub.
Lagos is expensive. A ₦300,000 tuition fee in Lagos State is actually a massive subsidy. Private nursing schools in Lagos easily charge over ₦1.5 million. LASCON guarantees you clinical placements in state-of-the-art general hospitals. My Ikorodu students always target this school first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which college has the lowest fees for BSC nursing?
Federal universities universally offer the lowest fees for a full B.NSc degree. Institutions like the University of Calabar (UNICAL) and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) charge highly subsidized federal tuition, often ranging between ₦80,000 and ₦200,000 per academic session depending on the specific student level.
Federal pricing simply cannot be beaten. State universities are cheap, but federal schools take the crown for degree-awarding programs.
What is the cheapest school to study nursing in Nigeria?
The Ogun State College of Nursing Sciences currently ranks as the cheapest school to study nursing in Nigeria. Indigenous students pay an estimated ₦50,000, while non-indigenes pay roughly ₦70,000 annually. It operates strictly under government subsidies and maintains full professional accreditation.
You really can’t beat ₦50,000. Just ensure your O’level results are spotless before applying.
How much are nursing fees per year?
Nursing school fees in Nigeria vary drastically based on ownership. Federal and state nursing schools generally charge between ₦50,000 and ₦350,000 per year. Conversely, private nursing universities demand tuition ranging anywhere from ₦800,000 to over ₦3,000,000 annually for the exact same curriculum.
Plan your budget around the federal and state options we listed. They save you millions over a three to five-year study period.
