Course at a glance
| Degree awarded | Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 years, then NYSC |
| Faculty / college | Faculty of Nursing Sciences |
| Regulatory body | Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) |
| Professional body | National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) |
| UTME subjects | Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Competitiveness | Competitive and highly employable |
On this page
- What Nursing Science is about
- A brief history of the discipline
- What you will study
- Why study Nursing Science & who it suits
- Careers & where graduates work
- Salary outlook in Nigeria
- Where it’s offered
- Is it a good course?
- Skills you’ll gain
- Licensing, professional bodies & further study
- How to get in (UTME requirements)
- Practise the UTME subjects free
- Related & alternative courses
- Frequently asked questions
What Nursing Science is about
Nursing is the profession dedicated to caring for individuals, families and communities — promoting health, preventing illness, and supporting people through treatment and recovery. It combines solid clinical and scientific knowledge with compassion, communication and teamwork.
A brief history of the discipline
Modern nursing was professionalised in the 19th century (associated with Florence Nightingale) and has grown into a highly skilled, science-based discipline. In Nigeria, the university BNSc produces graduate nurses who are registered and licensed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).
What you will study
Study covers anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology and pharmacology, then core nursing: medical-surgical nursing, maternal and child health, community health and mental-health nursing — with extensive supervised clinical postings. Graduates sit the NMCN licensing examination.
Why study Nursing Science & who it suits
Nursing suits caring, resilient people with good communication and teamwork, a strong stomach for clinical work, and genuine concern for others. Strong Biology helps.
Careers & where graduates work
Registered nurses work in hospitals, clinics and community health, and can specialise (theatre, intensive care, paediatrics, midwifery, public health), become nurse educators or move into administration. Nursing is in strong demand both in Nigeria and internationally.
Salary outlook in Nigeria
Nurses’ pay depends heavily on employer (federal vs state vs private), and demand abroad means many experienced nurses earn far more overseas.
| Career stage | Typical monthly pay (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry (registered nurse) | ₦80,000 – ₦200,000 |
| Experienced | ₦200,000 – ₦450,000 |
| Senior / specialist (much higher abroad) | ₦450,000+ |
Figures are rough approximations (monthly gross) as of 2026, drawn from Nigerian salary aggregators. Actual pay varies widely by sector (oil & gas, fintech and multinationals pay far above the public service), employer, location (Lagos and Abuja pay more) and experience — treat these as a guide, not a guarantee.
Where it’s offered: notable universities
Nursing Science is offered by many Nigerian universities. Well-regarded, widely-recognised programmes include the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Benin, University of Ilorin and the University of Port Harcourt, among others.
This is not a ranked or exhaustive list — always confirm the current institutions and their requirements in the official JAMB brochure, or use our subject combination checker and the Nursing Science admission guide.
Is Nursing Science a good course to study in Nigeria?
Nursing is one of the most employable and internationally mobile degrees in Nigeria — arguably the fastest route to working abroad — with strong, steady demand.
Why it’s a strong choice:
- Very high demand in Nigeria and, especially, abroad: the UK, US, Canada and the Gulf actively recruit Nigerian nurses.
- One of the quickest, most reliable routes to a career overseas.
- Meaningful, people-centred work with a clear licensing path (NMCN) and many specialisations.
- Job security — skilled nurses are always needed.
Challenges to weigh:
- Demanding, shift-based work that is physically and emotionally tiring.
- Local public-sector pay can be modest, which is a major reason many nurses “japa”.
- Competitive admission for the university (BNSc) route.
- High-responsibility work with little room for error.
It suits compassionate, resilient people with good communication and a genuine desire to care for others.
Skills you’ll gain
Beyond subject knowledge, Nursing Science builds transferable skills valued across many careers:
- Patient care and clinical skills
- Communication and empathy
- Composure under pressure
- Teamwork and coordination
- Attention to detail
- Health education and advocacy
Licensing, professional bodies & further study
BNSc degree (5 years) → NMCN licensing examination and registration → NYSC → practice. You can then specialise or pursue postgraduate study.
How to get in: Nursing Science UTME requirements
The JAMB UTME combination for Nursing is Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, with five O’Level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Nursing is competitive, so aim well above the national minimum and prepare for Post-UTME.
Practise the UTME subjects free
Prepare with free official-syllabus notes and timed CBT practice for your UTME subjects:
Related guides
- How to choose the right course for JAMB
- Good courses you can study with a low JAMB score
- Understanding the JAMB brochure & subject combinations
- How to use the JAMB eligibility checker
- How to change your course or institution on JAMB
Related & alternative courses
If you like Nursing Science, you may also want to explore these related courses:
Frequently asked questions
How long is Nursing in Nigerian universities?
The BNSc takes 5 years, followed by the one-year NYSC. Graduates also sit the NMCN licensing examination.
What degree do you get from Nursing?
The Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc); after NMCN licensing you practise as a registered nurse.
What are the JAMB subjects for Nursing?
Use of English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, with O'Level credits in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Is Nursing a good course to study?
Yes — it is one of the most employable degrees, with strong demand in Nigeria and abroad and many ways to specialise.
What is the difference between university Nursing and college Nursing?
University Nursing awards the BNSc degree; there are also college/hospital-trained registered nurses. Both must be licensed by the NMCN to practise.
Is Nursing a good course to study in Nigeria?
Yes — it is highly employable and one of the fastest routes to working abroad, with strong demand everywhere; the trade-offs are demanding shift work and modest local public pay.
Can Nigerian nurses easily work abroad?
Yes. There is very high international demand; after the required licensing (for example the NMC route for the UK or the NCLEX for the US), Nigerian nurses migrate readily.
What is the difference between university Nursing (BNSc) and School of Nursing?
University Nursing awards the BNSc degree; Schools of Nursing award a registered-nurse certificate/diploma. Both must be licensed by the NMCN, but the degree offers broader career and academic progression.
Do nurses earn well in Nigeria?
Local pay is moderate and depends heavily on the employer (federal, state or private), but earnings rise with experience and specialisation — and are far higher abroad.
Sources: Programme structure and licensing summarised from Nigerian faculties of nursing and the NMCN; admission requirements from the official JAMB UTME brochure. Last checked: 22 Sept 2026. Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB, the NUC or any professional body. Programme structure, duration and requirements vary by university — always confirm details with your chosen institution and the official JAMB brochure.