How to Get Into a School of Nursing in Nigeria Without JAMB – Complete Guide (2025)

If you want to study nursing in Nigeria, but you didn’t write JAMB (UTME) or you don’t want to use JAMB as part of your admission, this article is for you.

Here, you will learn:

• What “without JAMB” really means
• Why some nursing schools don’t require JAMB
• Which schools don’t require JAMB
• What requirements you do need
• How to apply
• Risks & things to watch out for
• Frequently asked questions

Let’s go step by step.

What “Without JAMB” Means

“Without JAMB” means that a school allows you to apply for their nursing or midwifery training without using your JAMB/UTME result. Usually, most degree programs and many colleges ask for JAMB scores. But some schools, especially some nursing training institutions, midwifery schools, colleges, or private nursing schools; accept applications using other credentials instead of JAMB.

These alternative credentials may include:

• WAEC / NECO / GCE / NABTEB (O-Level / SSCE) results with required subjects
• Basic midwifery certificate (for some post-basic programmes)
• Community nursing or other pre-nursing certifications

Why Some Nursing Schools Don’t Require JAMB

Here are some of the reasons:

1. Regulation differences: Not all training institutions are under the same regulatory requirement. Some are under health ministries or state boards rather than the same system that handles JAMB.
2. Programme type: Basic nursing or midwifery programmes (versus a full university Bachelor of Nursing Science) sometimes have simpler entry requirements.
3. Private vs public: Private nursing schools or smaller colleges might set their own admission rules, which can omit JAMB.
4. Demand and access: Some schools aim to widen access to healthcare training, so they remove JAMB to allow more people to apply who might not have met or taken UTME.
5. Duration or level: Post-basic or certificate courses often don’t need JAMB, as they are not degree programmes.

Key Requirements You’ll Still Need

Even if a school doesn’t require JAMB, it doesn’t mean there are no admission requirements. Here are what many schools do expect:

Requirement	Typical Expectations
Age	Usually 16-18 years old or older, depending on programme and state.
O-Level / SSCE / NECO / WAEC / GCE / NABTEB	At least five credit passes in relevant subjects. Usually you must have credits in: English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics. Sometimes you can combine two sittings.
Certificates	If you’ve done any related certificate or pre-nursing training (e.g. midwifery or community nursing), that might help especially for post-basic entry.
Screening / School Exam	Most schools will have their own test / screening exam or interview.
State of Origin / Birth certificate etc.	These are common documents schools will ask you to provide.

Schools in Nigeria That Don’t Require JAMB

Here is a list (not absolutely exhaustive) of schools / training institutions in Nigeria that are known not to require JAMB for certain nursing, midwifery, or post-basic nursing programs. Always confirm with the school because requirements change.

Some of the schools are:

• Ebonyi State College of Nursing, Uburu
• College of Nursing Science, National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu
• Mercy College of Nursing, Iwo, Osun State (private)
• Cai College of Nursing Science, Oyo State (private)
• Dakko College of Nursing Science, Suleja, Niger State
• Hill Top College of Nursing Science, Jos
• Okunland College of Nursing Science, Kogi State
• Sancta Maria College of Nursing Science, Edo State
• St Louis College of Nursing Science, Kaduna
• Yangwogwo College of Nursing Science, Kuje, Abuja

Things to Check Before Applying (Always Confirm)

Because rules change, and because some schools may claim “no JAMB required” but actually expect something similar, here are things you should verify with the school before applying:

1. Accreditation / Recognition: Is the school officially recognized by the Nursing & Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) or the relevant body in your state? Training at a non-accredited school may mean your certificate isn’t valid later.
2. Current Admission Notices: Visit the school’s official website or contact their admission office to see if the “no JAMB” rule is still in force, and whether the form is currently on sale.
3. Subject & Credit Requirements: Make sure you have the required five credits, in the correct subjects, and know how many sittings are allowed.
4. Tuition & Fees: Some private schools have high school fees. Even if you don’t pay for a JAMB registration, the school might have costlier fees or hidden costs.
5. Location and Facilities: Practical training is a big part of nursing. Make sure the school has good clinical facilities, labs, and qualified lecturers.
6. Exam / Screening: Be ready for the school’s own entrance exam or oral interview.

How to Apply (Without JAMB)

Here is a step-by-step approach you can follow:

1. List potential schools: From the list above and any you find locally. Try to pick 2-3 schools so if one doesn’t work, you have backup.
2. Check admission advert: Look for the school’s latest admission notice (on their website, notice board, or contact admissions). Find closing dates, fees, screening dates.
3. Gather your documents:
   • SSCE / WAEC / NECO / GCE / NABTEB results (5 credits in required subjects).
   • Birth certificate or age declaration.
   • State of origin certificate (if required).
   • Passport photos.
   • Any certificate for pre-nursing training, if applicable.
4. Buy / Collect the application form: Schools may sell forms online or at their premises. Pay the required fees, keep the receipt.
5. Take the screening test / exam: If required, prepare (past questions help). They might test you on the science subjects, English, or general knowledge.
6. Submit the form with all attachments: Ensure everything is filled correctly; missing documents can disqualify you.
7. Wait for approval / interview / selection list: After screening, schools will publish lists or contact successful candidates. Be attentive (check school notice boards, websites, and your phone/email).
8. Complete necessary health or credential checks: Some schools may require a medical exam or verification of your educational records.

Advantages & Disadvantages

To make a good decision, you should know both sides.

Advantages	Disadvantages / Risks
More access: If you didn’t write / pass JAMB, you get another route.	Possible lower recognition: Some “no JAMB” schools may not be as well recognized by employers or for further studies.
Less pressure on UTME: No need to worry about that exam.	Quality variance: Private schools or smaller ones may have less infrastructure or fewer clinical placements.
Faster entry in some cases, since you skip a large national exam.	Hidden costs: School fees, uniforms, etc. may still be high.
Opportunity for local students: Especially in states where access to JAMB exams or centres is limited.	Uncertainty: Admission rules might change; a school might start requiring JAMB later.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does “no JAMB” mean no exams at all?

No. “No JAMB” means no JAMB/UTME score is required. But almost always there is some screening or entrance exam or interview from the school.

2. Can someone with a degree do nursing without JAMB?

Possibly, through direct entry programmes, if the degree is in a related field or you have relevant nursing-certificate. But even direct entry into degree programmes often require JAMB. Needs careful checking with the school or university.

3. Will I be eligible to work anywhere in Nigeria or abroad with a “no JAMB” certificate?

If the school is accredited by NMCN and your certificate meets national standards, you can work in Nigeria. Abroad, it depends on the country — many accept recognized Nigerian certificates, but some may expect a degree.

4. Are there risks of fraud or misinformation?

Yes. Because many sites or people share lists of schools claiming “no JAMB” without verifying. Always check the official school’s announcement. Ask the school directly, or visit their admissions office.