Top 10 Best States to Study Nursing in Nigeria and Their Fees 2025

Studying nursing in Nigeria can be a life-changing journey—especially when you choose the right location. Some states offer more affordable nursing schools, better accreditation, higher success rates in licensing exams, and more job opportunities after graduation. In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we’ll show you the top 10 best states to study nursing in Nigeria and their fees, while also helping you understand what makes each state a great choice.

Why Your Choice of State Matters in Studying Nursing

Choosing the best state to study nursing in Nigeria is not just about school fees. It affects:

• Cost of living

• Availability of accredited nursing schools

• Access to teaching hospitals

• Chances of getting internship placement

• Exposure to clinical experience

• Employment opportunities post-graduation

Some states invest heavily in healthcare and education, making them more suitable for aspiring nurses.

Summary Table: Best States to Study Nursing in Nigeria and Their School Fees (2025)

Lagos State – Best for Top-Tier Clinical Exposure

Lagos is the most developed state in Nigeria and hosts many of the top hospitals and nursing schools.

Top Nursing Schools in Lagos:

• Lagos State College of Nursing (LASCON)

• University of Lagos (UNILAG)

• Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Nursing School

Estimated Fees:

₦150,000 to ₦350,000 per session (depending on the institution)

Why Choose Lagos:

• Access to the best teaching hospitals

• Internships are more structured

• Employers prefer Lagos-trained nurses due to clinical exposure

Enugu State – Best for Academic Excellence

Enugu is the educational capital of the South East. It’s home to prestigious universities and state colleges.

Top Nursing Schools in Enugu:

• Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH)

• University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

Estimated Fees:

₦120,000 to ₦280,000 per session

Advantages:

• Stable academic calendar

• Reputable lecturers

• Modern laboratory and simulation equipment

Oyo State – Best for Teaching Hospital Experience

Oyo State, particularly Ibadan, is known for its University College Hospital (UCH), one of the oldest and best-equipped hospitals in Nigeria.

Nursing Schools in Oyo:

• University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan

• University of Ibadan (UI)

Estimated Fees:

₦100,000 to ₦250,000

Key Benefits:

• Strong mentorship from senior medical professionals

• High employability for UCH-trained nurses

Rivers State – Best for Modern Facilities

Rivers State offers well-funded institutions and quality nursing education in Port Harcourt and its surroundings.

Nursing Schools:

• Rivers State University (RSU)

• University of Science and Technology (UST) Port Harcourt

Estimated Fees:

₦130,000 to ₦300,000

Why Rivers Stands Out:

• Advanced nursing laboratories

• Good job placement after graduation

• Rich clinical exposure

Kaduna State – Most Affordable Option for Northern Students

Kaduna provides low tuition rates and strong academic programs, especially for those in Northern Nigeria.

Top Schools:

• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)

• School of Nursing Kafanchan

Estimated Fees:

₦90,000 to ₦200,000

Advantages:

• Subsidized by government

• Peaceful for study

• Popular with federal scholarships

Cross River State – Best for Serene Learning Environment

Calabar offers beautiful scenery, fewer distractions, and government-accredited institutions.

Institutions:

• University of Calabar (UNICAL)

• School of Nursing Calabar

Fees:

₦100,000 to ₦220,000

Why Choose Calabar:

• Ideal for focused study

• Accredited by NMCN

• Access to good hospitals

Edo State – Best for Internship Access

Edo State is home to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), a top-choice for practical training.

Nursing Schools:

• UBTH School of Nursing

• Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Ekpoma

Fees:

₦110,000 to ₦230,000

Highlights:

• Good student support services

• Plenty of clinical placements

• Internships available within the state

Plateau State – Peaceful and Student-Friendly

Jos offers a cool climate and a less competitive environment for nursing students.

Nursing Institutions:

• University of Jos

• School of Nursing, Jos

Estimated Fees:

₦90,000 to ₦210,000

Why It’s Ideal:

• Less congested classrooms

• Personalized learning

• Lower cost of living

Ogun State – Best for Private and Public Mix

Ogun has a good mix of public and private nursing schools, allowing students to choose based on budget.

Notable Schools:

• Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH)

• Babcock University School of Nursing

Estimated Fees:

₦150,000 to ₦350,000

Benefits:

• Access to modern facilities

• Flexible programs (full-time and part-time)

Anambra State – Best for Licensing Exam Success

Anambra consistently produces nursing graduates who excel in NMCN exams.

Nursing Institutions:

• Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH)

• Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU)

Estimated Fees:

₦100,000 to ₦270,000

Why Choose Anambra:

• Excellent academic coaching

• High pass rate in board exams

• Active alumni support

Key Things to Consider Before Choosing a Nursing State

• Accreditation of School: Check NMCN approval status.

• Teaching Hospital Access: Real clinical experience matters.

• School Fees: Choose within your budget but don’t compromise on quality.

• Accommodation: Consider cost and safety.

• Internship Prospects: Some states offer guaranteed internship slots.

FAQs About the Best States to Study Nursing in Nigeria and Their Fees

1. What is the cheapest state to study nursing in Nigeria?

Kaduna and Plateau states offer the most affordable nursing programs, starting from ₦90,000 per session.

2. Which state has the best government nursing schools?

Lagos, Oyo, and Enugu have highly rated government-owned nursing schools.

3. Can I study nursing without JAMB?

Yes, some schools of nursing (not universities) admit students without JAMB, through internal exams.

4. Which state has the best nursing facilities?

Lagos and Rivers states provide top-tier hospitals and clinical resources.

5. How long is a nursing program in Nigeria?

Typically 3 years for basic nursing (School of Nursing) and 5 years for BSc Nursing (University).

6. Is nursing school cheaper than university nursing?

Yes, School of Nursing programs are generally cheaper than university-based nursing degrees.

7. Are all these nursing schools approved by NMCN?

Most schools listed are NMCN-accredited, but always verify before applying.

8. Which state is best for internship opportunities?

Edo, Lagos, and Oyo offer great internship placements for fresh graduates.

9. Can I get a scholarship to study nursing?

Yes, some states and federal programs provide nursing scholarships (especially in rural health initiatives).

10. What are the admission requirements?

Generally 5 credits in WAEC/NECO including English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Some schools also require written tests or interviews.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best State to Study Nursing in Nigeria

Selecting the right state to study nursing in Nigeria goes beyond school fees. It’s about access to quality education, clinical experience, internship opportunities, and future employability. Whether you're looking for affordability, excellence, or balanced living, the 10 states listed here provide top choices in 2025.

Research each school, compare fees, and confirm their NMCN accreditation before applying. For those seeking the best return on their educational investment, states like Lagos, Enugu, and Oyo offer unmatched value.