Are You Searching for Universities That Accept Direct Entry for Nursing in Nigeria 2025? You’re not alone. Each year, many nursing aspirants in Nigeria hold qualifications like ND, NCE, or JUPEB but wonder:
Can I use Lower Credit for Direct Entry into nursing?
Will any school accept a Pass or Upper Credit in an ND certificate?
Which universities allow Direct Entry for nursing in 2025?
This complete guide will answer all these questions. We’ll list federal, state, and private universities that accept Direct Entry for the nursing program, break down requirements by grade level—Upper Credit, Lower Credit, and Pass and explain the detailed application process so you can gain admission smoothly into 200 level.
What Is Direct Entry Admission in Nigeria?
Direct Entry (DE) is a pathway that allows candidates with advanced qualifications such as ND, NCE, HND, JUPEB, or an A-level certificate to gain admission into the 200 level of a university without writing UTME.
Because nursing is a professional programme, Direct Entry candidates must meet both general university criteria and specific requirements of nursing schools, including grade levels, O’Level results, and relevant backgrounds in science or health.
Why Choose Direct Entry for Nursing?
There are strong reasons to use Direct Entry for nursing:
You skip 100 level, saving one full year.
Nursing courses are in high demand; DE offers a pathway if UTME misses cut-off scores.
DE programs may have smaller class sizes during admission season, improving chances.
With an ND or NCE in health-related fields, Direct Entry aligns well with your academic background.
Most universities accept both public and private DE applicants for schools of nursing.
Qualifications Accepted for Nursing Direct Entry
To apply for 200 level nursing in 2025, you typically need:
National Diploma (ND) in Nursing Sciences or related health fields (Upper Credit ≥2.50; some accept Lower Credit).
NCE in Science Education or Health with at least Merit/Upper Credit.
JUPEB / IJMB / Cambridge A-Level with pure science subjects.
HND in Nursing/Health-related field (usually Upper Credit).
At least 5 O’Level credits, with at least the following subjects:
English Language
Mathematics
Biology/Life Science
Chemistry
Physics
You must also register and get a Direct Entry number from JAMB.
Grade-Level Requirements (Upper Credit, Lower Credit & Pass)
Here’s how grade levels affect your Direct Entry eligibility for nursing:
Upper Credit (≥2.50 CGPA): Accepted by nearly all federal, state, and private universities.
Lower Credit (2.00–2.49 CGPA): Accepted by some state and private universities. Federal schools often require 2.50+.
Pass (2.00–2.49): Rarely accepted for nursing, except in a few private institutions with flexible policies.
Federal Universities That Accept Direct Entry for Nursing in 2025
These federal universities offer DE 200-level admission for nursing and accept applicable grades:
1. University of Ibadan (UI)
Requires JUPEB or A-Level with at least two science subjects.
Nursing DE admission often open in June–August each year.
Screening interview required.
2. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
Accepts ND (Upper Credit), NCE, or HND in relevant science fields.
Must have O’Level credits in five core subjects.
Post-DE screening usually includes an entrance test.
3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Accepts Direct Entry with ND (Upper Credit) or A-Level science.
Screening interview is competitive.
Nursing faculty may set additional selection quizzes.
4. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
Mandatory Upper Credit ND/NCE in science fields.
JUPEB stream also accepted.
Post-entry screening includes oral and written tests.
5. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
Accepts DE candidates with ND, NCE, or JUPEB science qualifications.
Grade: Upper Credit minimum.
O’Level and Direct Entry screening required.
6. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
Accepts ND, NCE, JUPEB (science-based).
Upper Credit is standard; some faculties accept Lower Credit.
Screening by faculty’s admission panel required.
State Universities That Accept Direct Entry for Nursing
These state-owned universities have active Direct Entry pathways into their nursing schools:
1. Lagos State University (LASU)
Accepts ND or NCE with at least Merit/Upper Credit.
DE screening includes test/interview.
2. Anambra State University (COOU)
DE entry with ND (Upper Credit) or NCE in related fields.
O’Level and transcript submission are required.
3. Plateau State University (PLASU)
Accepts Lower Credit on condition of full O’Level requirements and smaller class sizes.
DE interview required.
4. Ekiti State University (EKSU)
Accepts ND or NCE with Merit and at least 5 O’Level credits.
Screening conducted online annually.
5. Delta State University (DELSU)
Accepts DE candidates with ND (Upper Credit); sometimes Lower Credit considered.
Screening includes written test and document verification.
Private Universities That Accept Direct Entry for Nursing
Many private universities also admit nursing DE candidates:
1. Covenant University (Ota)
Accepts JUPEB, ND (Upper Credit), or HND in medical/health fields.
Screening includes spiritual and academic interviews.
2. Babcock University
Accepts ND, JUPEB, NCE with Upper Credit in science fields.
Post-DE screening involves merit assessment.
3. Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)
Accepts Upper Credit ND, JUPEB.
DE program is highly selective; screening includes oral interview.
4. Bowen University
Accepts Direct Entry for nursing with ND (Upper Credit).
Additional qualification in health or science background is valued.
5. Lead City University
Accepts ND (Lower Credit eligible in some sessions).
Flexible and quick DE screening.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Direct Entry into Nursing (2025)
Register on the JAMB Direct Entry portal during the registration window (January–April).
Choose nursing as your preferred course in the correct universities.
Upload O’Level results and advanced qualification (ND, NCE, JUPEB).
Post your academic transcript to the university’s admission office.
Monitor your admission status on JAMB CAPS.
Register for and attend the school’s faculty DE screening with required documents and credentials.
Await admission via JAMB and university portal (usually between July and September).
O’Level Requirements for Nursing Direct Entry
To qualify for Direct Entry in nursing, ensure your O’Level result has:
Credit passes in English Language and Mathematics
Credit in Biology (or Agricultural Science/Life Science)
Credit in Chemistry and Physics
At least 5 total credits, may include relevant science electives.
Some schools require a credit in Health Science or Biology only, depending on course outlines.
Placement by Grade Level for Nursing DE Admission
| Grade Type | Eligible Universities | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Credit | UI, OAU, UNILAG, UNIBEN, ABUAD | All major public & private schools |
| Lower Credit | EKSU, DELSU, LASU, Lead City | Select state & private schools |
| Pass | Few private schools only | Very rare – verify with school |
Pro Tips to Boost Your Nursing DE Admission
Apply early, especially for upper-credit routes at federal universities.
Ensure strict O’Level compliance, as missing core subjects can disqualify you.
Prepare for DE screening, which often includes aptitude tests and oral interviews.
Transmit transcripts early – delays cost you admission.
Choose universities carefully based on your qualification—Upper Credit holders have wider options.
Prepare mentally for competitive screening, especially for medicine/faculty of nursing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use Lower Credit for Direct Entry into nursing at federal universities?
A: In most federal universities, Upper Credit is required. Some state schools may allow Lower Credit.
Q: Will any school accept Pass in ND for nursing DE?
A: Generally no. A Pass grade is rarely accepted for nursing—occasionally in private universities with flexible entry policies.
Q: Do I need separate screening for nursing DE?
A: Yes. Nursing faculty typically hold post-DE screening or interviews once JAMB gives provisional admission.
Q: Can I apply with NCE for nursing?
A: Yes. Public universities and some private ones accept NCE with credentials in science or education fields.
Q: Will JUPEB holders gain advantage?
A: Yes. Since JUPEB is equivalent to A-Level, it's widely accepted for competitive courses like nursing across top universities.
Final Thoughts – Nursing Direct Entry in Nigeria 2025
Direct Entry is a smart, time-saving route into a nursing degree, especially for those with ND, NCE, JUPEB, or HND in science or health.
If you hold an Upper Credit, you qualify for admission into most federal, state, or private universities. For Lower Credit holders, a few state and private institutions are accessible. A Pass grade remains limited to select private schools.
Remember to meet O’Level requirements, register early on JAMB, transmit your transcript, and prepare for screening. Follow this guide and increase your chances of securing a DE nursing admission in 2025.