Nursing is a popular and competitive course in Nigeria. Many students want to become nurses and help provide good healthcare services. However, to study nursing at any Nigerian university, you must meet certain requirements and pass the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam.
In this blog post, we will explain the JAMB subject combination for nursing, the admission requirements, and some useful tips to help you prepare for the exam.
JAMB Subject Combination for Nursing
According to the JAMB brochure, the correct subject combination for nursing includes:
- Use of English (Compulsory)
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Physics
These four subjects are required for the JAMB Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) if you want to study nursing at any Nigerian university. Additionally, you must score at least 180 marks in the UTME to qualify for admission.
WAEC Requirements for Nursing in Nigeria
To study nursing, you must have the right subject combination in your West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC). The required subjects typically include:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- English Language
- Mathematics
Some students choose an extra subject based on their interests and strengths. Common options include Economics, Commerce, or Geography.
Top 10 Universities to Study Nursing in Nigeria
If you want to study nursing in Nigeria, here are 10 top universities known for their nursing programs along with their admission requirements:
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- Minimum JAMB score: 200+
- Required subjects: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- At least 5 credits in WAEC/NECO, including English and Mathematics
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- Minimum JAMB score: 200+
- WAEC/NECO: 5 credits in relevant science subjects
- Must pass Post-UTME screening
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- JAMB cut-off: 200 and above
- WAEC/NECO: 5 credits in core science subjects
- Post-UTME required
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- JAMB cut-off: 200+
- WAEC/NECO: 5 credits, including English and Mathematics
- Competitive Post-UTME
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- JAMB score: 180+
- WAEC/NECO: 5 credits in relevant subjects
- Post-UTME required
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- JAMB score: 200+
- WAEC/NECO: 5 relevant credits
- Competitive Post-UTME
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
- JAMB score: 180-200
- WAEC/NECO: 5 credits including English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- Post-UTME and screening
- University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
- JAMB cut-off: 180+
- WAEC/NECO: 5 required subjects
- Screening/Post-UTME required
- University of Calabar (UNICAL)
- JAMB cut-off: 180-200
- WAEC/NECO: 5 credits in core science subjects
- Post-UTME screening required
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)
- JAMB cut-off: 180+
- WAEC/NECO: 5 credits in required subjects
- Post-UTME and screening
Since admission requirements may change, it’s best to check each university’s official website for updates before applying.
How to Prepare for the JAMB Exam for Nursing
To pass the JAMB exam for nursing, you need to study both hard and smart. Here are some useful tips to help you prepare:
- Get the JAMB Syllabus and Brochure
- The JAMB syllabus lists all the important topics for each subject.
- The brochure helps you understand university requirements.
- You can download both from the JAMB website or visit an accredited JAMB center.
- Use Recommended Textbooks and Past Questions
- Read official textbooks for each subject.
- Solve past JAMB questions to understand the exam pattern.
- Use online resources like videos, podcasts, and blogs to learn better.
- Practice Mock Tests
- Take timed practice tests to improve your speed and accuracy.
- Use JAMB CBT (Computer-Based Test) practice apps for better preparation.
- Analyze your mistakes and work on weak areas.
- Revise Regularly
- Review your notes and key points often.
- Use mnemonics, flashcards, and summaries to remember important information.
- Join a Study Group or Tutorial Class
- Learn from others and exchange ideas.
- Seek help from teachers, mentors, or counselors if you have doubts.
- Take Care of Your Health
- Eat well, sleep well, and exercise regularly to stay focused.
- Avoid distractions like social media, games, and TV while studying.
- Be Prepared on Exam Day
- Arrive early at the exam center.
- Carry your JAMB slip, writing materials, and required documents.
- Follow the invigilators’ instructions and avoid any form of exam malpractice to prevent disqualification.
By following these steps, you can improve your chances of scoring high in JAMB and securing admission into a nursing program.
Nursing Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions asked by nursing aspirants in Nigeria:
- Can I study nursing without WAEC and NECO?
No, you cannot study nursing in Nigeria without a WAEC or NECO certificate. These are required for admission into nursing programs. You must have at least five credit passes, including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. - What is the first topic in nursing?
Most nursing programs begin with the history and evolution of nursing as a profession. This helps students understand how nursing has developed over time. Core nursing values, ethics, and basic medical concepts are also introduced early. - What faculty is nursing under?
Nursing is usually under the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Health Sciences, or Allied Health Sciences in most Nigerian universities. - What are the four branches of nursing?
The four main branches of nursing are:
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Critical Care Nursing
- Maternal-Child Nursing
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing
- How many years is nursing science?
A Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.N.Sc.) degree in Nigeria typically takes four to five years. Some universities offer a post-basic B.N.Sc program that takes two to three years for those with previous nursing qualifications. - Which course is best for nursing?
The best course for a nursing career is the Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.N.Sc.). This degree fully prepares students for nursing practice, employment, and further education. Nursing diplomas from schools of health technology are also an option. - What is a three-year nursing degree called?
A three-year nursing diploma is known as Registered Nursing (RN). It is offered by schools of nursing and health technology and qualifies graduates to work as staff nurses after registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). - What nursing job pays the most?
The highest-paying nursing job in Nigeria is Nurse Anesthetist, with salaries over nine million naira per year. Other high-paying roles include:
- Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Midwife
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Nurse Administrator
- Nurses working in oil and gas companies or abroad
- How many years is BSc Nursing in Nigeria?
A B.N.Sc. degree typically takes four to five years. For those with a diploma in nursing, the post-basic B.N.Sc program takes two to three years. - Do nurses go for NYSC?
Yes, graduates with a B.N.Sc. degree from Nigerian universities must participate in the one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, as long as they are under 30 years old. - How much is a nurse paid in Nigeria?
The average nurse’s salary in Nigeria ranges from 150,000 to 250,000 naira per month.
- Entry-level nurses earn between 100,000 and 150,000 naira in public hospitals.
- Private hospitals often pay more, sometimes up to 300,000 naira or more.
- Experienced nurses with specializations can earn over 300,000 naira monthly.
- Can a BSc nurse become a doctor in Nigeria?
No, a Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.N.Sc.) degree does not qualify you to be a doctor. To become a doctor, you must complete a six-year MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) degree and a housemanship. A nurse who wants to become a doctor must start the MBBS program from the beginning. - Does nursing school have matriculation?
Yes, nursing schools hold a matriculation ceremony for new students. This event marks their official admission and commitment to the nursing profession. - What is the lowest nursing degree?
The lowest nursing qualification is a Diploma in Nursing, obtained from a school of nursing or health technology. It takes three years and qualifies graduates to register as staff nurses with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). Higher nursing degrees include B.N.Sc., M.N.Sc., and Ph.D. in Nursing Science.
Conclusion
Nursing is a rewarding and fulfilling career that requires passion, dedication, and hard work. To study nursing in Nigeria, you must pass the JAMB exam and meet the admission requirements of your chosen university. By following the tips and guidelines in this post, you can prepare effectively for your journey into nursing.
