When it comes to pursuing a career in nursing in Nigeria, one common source of confusion for many prospective students is the difference between a College of Nursing and a School of Nursing. Both institutions train nurses, both lead to rewarding careers, but they differ significantly in structure, admission requirements, certificates awarded, and career progression.
In this article, we’ll break everything down in a simple, student-friendly way so you can make the best decision for your future. Whether you’re a fresh secondary school graduate, a parent guiding your child, or even someone considering a career switch, this guide will serve as your compass.
- Understanding the Basics
Before going into the differences, let’s first understand what each of these institutions represents.
What is a School of Nursing?
A School of Nursing is a training institution usually attached to a teaching hospital or specialist hospital. It focuses on producing Registered Nurses (RN). The programme is largely hospital-based, meaning students spend more time in clinical wards than in classrooms.
Traditionally, Schools of Nursing in Nigeria award the RN certificate, which qualifies graduates to practice as nurses after passing the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) licensing exams.
What is a College of Nursing?
A College of Nursing, on the other hand, is a more modern and upgraded version of nursing training institutions. Most Schools of Nursing are currently being phased into Colleges of Nursing as part of Nigeria’s nursing education reform.
Colleges of Nursing award the National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Nursing, in affiliation with JAMB and NMCN. Graduates not only become Registered Nurses but also possess academic qualifications equivalent to those from polytechnics, making it easier to pursue a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) or further studies.
Major Differences Between Colleges of Nursing and Schools of Nursing
Here’s a clear tabular breakdown of the differences:
| Feature | School of Nursing | College of Nursing |
| Certificate Awarded | Registered Nurse (RN) certificate | ND & HND in Nursing + RN license |
| Admission Process | Direct application to the school; candidates sit for entrance exams | Through JAMB UTME + internal screening |
| Programme Duration | 3 years | 4–5 years (2 years ND + 2 years HND, plus 1-year internship in some cases) |
| Curriculum Style | More hospital/ward-based training with less emphasis on academic theory | Combination of classroom (academic) learning and hospital clinical rotations |
| Recognition | RN is accepted for clinical practice in Nigeria and abroad, but may need conversion for higher studies | ND/HND makes it easier to transition into universities for BNSc or postgraduate studies |
| Further Education | RN graduates often require bridging programmes (like Post-Basic Nursing or Direct Entry into universities) | HND graduates can go for NYSC, BNSc top-up, or postgraduate degrees directly |
| Affiliation | Mostly independent schools attached to hospitals | Often affiliated with universities and regulated by JAMB & NMCN |
| Entry Qualification | Minimum of 5 credits in O’level (English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | Same 5 credits + UTME subject combination (English, Physics, Biology, Chemistry) |
| Status | Traditional pathway, gradually being phased out | Modern pathway, considered the future of nursing education in Nigeria |
| Professional Scope | Limited academic progression without additional training | Wider academic recognition and international mobility |
Admission Requirements
Whether you choose a School of Nursing or a College of Nursing, the foundation remains the same: you must have strong science subjects in your O’level.
O’level Requirements (for both)
- 5 credits at not more than two sittings in:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
Specific Admission Process
For Schools of Nursing:
- Obtain the school’s application form (cost ranges from ₦10,000 – ₦20,000).
- Sit for an entrance examination conducted by the school.
- Shortlisted candidates attend oral interviews.
- Successful candidates gain admission into the 3-year RN programme.
For Colleges of Nursing:
- Register for JAMB UTME and choose the college as your first choice.
- Score at least the minimum cut-off (usually 150–180 depending on the institution).
- Participate in post-UTME screening or interview.
- If admitted, you begin with the National Diploma (ND) in Nursing, followed by HND.
Duration of Study
- Schools of Nursing: 3 years
- Colleges of Nursing: 4–5 years (ND + HND), with some requiring internship before full licensing
Certificates Awarded
- School of Nursing: Registered Nurse (RN) only
- College of Nursing: ND, HND, and RN (some also integrate Registered Midwife (RM) and Public Health Nursing certifications depending on specialization)
Career Opportunities After Graduation
Both pathways open doors to rewarding careers, but the College of Nursing route offers broader academic recognition.
- With RN (School of Nursing):
- Work as a staff nurse in hospitals, clinics, NGOs, or private practice.
- Pursue post-basic specialties like Midwifery, Public Health, Anaesthesia, Ophthalmic Nursing, etc.
- Apply abroad but may need to undergo bridging or conversion courses.
- With ND/HND + RN (College of Nursing):
- Eligible for NYSC service year (a big advantage in Nigeria).
- Can proceed for Direct Entry BNSc in universities.
- Easier access to postgraduate opportunities.
- Competitive advantage for international mobility (UK, Canada, USA, etc.).
Cost Implications
- School of Nursing: Generally cheaper (₦70,000 – ₦100,000 annually).
- College of Nursing: Slightly higher due to affiliation with JAMB and broader curriculum (₦100,000 – ₦180,000 annually).
Pros and Cons
School of Nursing
✅ Quicker (3 years)
✅ Cheaper fees
✅ Focused clinical training
❌ Limited academic progression
❌ Being phased out
College of Nursing
✅ Offers ND, HND, and RN
✅ Eligible for NYSC
✅ Wider career and academic opportunities
❌ Longer duration
❌ Higher fees
The Future of Nursing Education in Nigeria
It’s important to note that Schools of Nursing are gradually being phased out in line with global nursing standards. The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has directed most institutions to transition into Colleges of Nursing Sciences.
This means that in a few years, the College pathway will become the standard for nursing education in Nigeria, ensuring that nurses graduate not only with professional licenses but also with academic diplomas that meet international benchmarks.
Advice for Students
If you’re just starting out in 2025 and beyond, choosing a College of Nursing is the smarter option for long-term benefits. However, if you’re looking for a quicker route into practice with lower costs, the School of Nursing could still serve you—though with limited prospects in the near future.
Conclusion
Nursing is one of the most noble and respected professions, and whether you attend a School of Nursing or a College of Nursing, you are stepping into a career of care, compassion, and impact.
But times are changing. With global standards pushing for more academically trained nurses, the College of Nursing route is fast becoming the golden standard in Nigeria. Students, parents, and guardians should therefore plan carefully, considering not just immediate costs and duration but also future career growth, international opportunities, and academic progression.
Choosing the right pathway could be the difference between just practicing nursing and becoming a leader in the healthcare sector.
