So you’re interested in becoming a nurse? Excellent choice. Nurses are always in high demand, and the nursing field offers a rewarding career helping others. If you live in Lagos, you have many great options for nursing schools. But how do you choose? There are a lot of programs out there, and you want to make sure you’re getting the best education.
We’ve compiled a list of the 7 best accredited nursing schools in Lagos. These schools offer top-notch programs that will set you up for success as a nurse. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of each school, including the program offerings and fees. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to choose the nursing school that’s right for you.
An Overview of Nursing in Nigeria
Nursing is a rewarding career in Nigeria. As a nurse, you get to help people and save lives every day. Nigeria has over 350,000 nurses and midwives, with the highest number of nurses in Lagos state.
To become a nurse in Nigeria, you must attend an accredited nursing school and obtain either a diploma in nursing, a B.Sc. in Nursing, or a Post-Basic Nursing certificate. The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) regulates nursing education in Lagos State. The NMCN is in charge of developing nursing education standards and accrediting nursing schools in Nigeria.
The highest-paid nurses are Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Practitioners, and Clinical Nurse Specialists. These advanced practice nurses can earn 500,000 Naira or more per month.
With Nigeria’s growing population comes an increasing demand for healthcare services and nurses. Nursing offers job security, competitive pay, and opportunities for career growth. If you want a career that makes a real difference, nursing could be for you.
How Much is a Nurse Paid in Nigeria?
So, how much can a nurse expect to earn in Nigeria? According to recent surveys, the average monthly pay for a Registered Nurse in Nigeria is around ₦100,000, which works out to over ₦2 million per year. Actual pay will vary based on factors like:
- Location and employer: Nurses in government hospitals typically earn 10-30% more than those in private facilities. Pay is also generally higher in large cities like Lagos and Abuja.
- Level of education: Nurses with a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) tend to earn higher pay than those with just an associate’s degree. Advanced practice nurses, like nurse practitioners, earn the most.
- Years of experience: An entry-level nurse can expect to earn ₦70,000-150,000 per month, while a nurse with 10+ years of experience could make ₦200,000 or more.
So, if you’re looking for a rewarding career in healthcare, nursing in Nigeria can be quite lucrative.
About Nursing Education in Lagos
To become a nurse in Lagos, you must complete an accredited nursing education program. There are three levels of nursing education in Lagos:
- Diploma in Nursing: 2-3 years. Offered by schools of nursing. Qualifies you as a registered nurse (RN).
- Post-basic nursing programs: These are one-year programs for registered nurses who seek to specialize in a field such as midwifery, pediatrics, or critical care.
- Bachelors of Nursing: 4-5 years. Offered by universities. It leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
- Masters of Nursing: 2 years post-bachelor’s. For advanced practice nurses like nurse practitioners.
Nursing education focuses on both theory and practical components. Students take classes on anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and nursing skills. They also complete supervised clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities to gain hands-on experience.
Upon graduation, all nurses must pass the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria exam to become licensed. Continuing education is required to maintain an active nursing license.
7 Best Accredited Schools of Nursing in Lagos
There are several excellent nursing schools in Lagos recognized for providing quality education and training. These nursing schools offer various nursing programs at affordable fees. The schools provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become competent nurses.
Some of the top accredited schools of nursing in Lagos include:
School of Nursing, Lagos University Teaching Hospital
The Lagos University Teaching Hospital School of Nursing is one of the top-rated nursing schools in Lagos. Their tuition is between ₦150,000 to ₦180,000 per session. The program lasts four (4) years and leads to the certifications of Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Midwife (RM), or Registered Public Health Nurse. The school is led by the Director of Nursing Education/Principal. Currently, the School is one of the best certified and recognized nursing schools in Nigeria. It is well renowned for its flexibility, facilities and modern technology, high profile of good performance in the Council Examination, as well as a safe, and comfortable environment in which students may live and study.
Contacts
- Address: Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Mushi L.G.A., Lagos
- Phone: +234 0805655 9417
- Email: info@sonluth.com
Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, UNILAG
The Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, popularly known as UNILAG, is one of the most prestigious nursing schools in Nigeria. The school offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Nursing.
Candidates can Apply to this school through JAMB, Diploma or Direct Entry; their curriculum lasts for about 5 years, after which you graduate with a B.N.Sc. The school fee is around ₦100,000, including other fees.
Contacts
- Address: University of Lagos, University Road, Akoka, Yaba Local Government, Lagos, Nigeria
- Phone: +234, 802 123 4567, +234, 802 123 4567
- Email: info@unilag.edu.ng
Lagos State College of Nursing (LASCON), Igando
The Lagos State College of Nursing (LASCON) Igando is one of the accredited schools of nursing in Lagos. Located in Igando, the school offers a 2-3 years basic nursing program leading to the award of Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Midwife (RM) and others.
To gain admission into LASCON Igando, you need 5 credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology at not more than two sittings in WASSCE/NECO. The tuition fee for fresh students is between N200,000 to N250,000 per session. In addition, students will need to pay for accommodation, books, uniforms, and other miscellaneous fees, which usually amount to N50,000 – N100,000 per session.
LASCON Igando aims to produce qualified, skilled and dedicated nurses to meet the health needs of the community. Upon graduation, students can work in government and private hospitals, nursing homes, health departments and more.
Contacts
- Address: Alimosho General Hospital, LASU / Isheri Road, Igando Lagos State, Nigeria.
- Phone: +2348033270037
- Email: info@lascon.edu.ng
School of Nursing Military Hospital, Yaba
The School of Nursing Military Hospital, Yaba, is one of the top nursing schools in Lagos. It offers a 3-year basic general nursing program. Tuition at the School of Nursing Military Hospital, Yaba, is between ₦25,000 to ₦30,000 per session.
Contact
Phone: 09162-993-014, 09162-993-014
National Orthopaedic Hospital Post-Basic Nursing School, Igbobi
National Orthopaedic Hospital Post-Basic Nursing School, Igbobi Lagos, is one of the leading accredited schools of nursing for orthopaedic nursing in Lagos. The 12-month program at NOHL Igbobi prepares registered nurses to become professionals in orthopaedic care.
As the name suggests, this nursing school is a specialized program that focuses solely on Orthopedic nursing. Unlike many others, this college exclusively accepts students who are already registered nurses. In addition, students must have at least 5 credits in relevant subjects in order to be admitted to the school.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are awarded a Post Basic Diploma in Orthopedic Nursing and are eligible to practice in hospitals, clinics and health centers.
The tuition fee at NOHL, Igbobi Nursing program is around N150,000.
Contacts
- Address: School of Post Basic Nursing Studies Dr. Francis Adedoyin, Owosina Building, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Lagos, 120/124, Ikorodu Road, Igbobi, Lagos, Nigeria; P.M.B. 2009, Yaba, Lagos
- Phone: 08029550776, 07069779040, 08057263574, 08055317551
- Email: pbns@nohlagos.com.ng
School of Mental Health Nursing, Federal Neuropsychiatric, Yaba
The School of Mental Health Nursing, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Yaba, Lagos, is one of the best accredited schools of nursing for mental health in Nigeria.
Tuition is around ₦100,000. The school offers a post-diploma program in Mental Health, preparing students to provide care for people with mental health issues and psychiatric disorders. Students learn through both classroom lectures and hands-on clinical experience at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital.
Upon completion, graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to assess patients’ mental health, provide therapeutic interventions, administer medications, and assist in rehabilitation and recovery. Job opportunities include working as a psychiatric nurse in hospitals, residential facilities, and community health centers.
The school has a strong reputation for excellence in psychiatric nursing education. Admission is competitive, but for those passionate about helping people with mental illness, the program provides high-quality training for an in-demand career.
Contacts
- Address: 8, Harvey Road, Yaba, Lagos
- Email: enquiried@spbpn.fnphyaba.gov.ng
School of Post-Basic Accident and Emergency Nursing, LUTH
The Lagos University Teaching Hospital has a dedicated school for Post Basic Accident and Emergency Nursing. It only concentrates on accidents and emergency-related courses.
The institution’s school fee is more than 150,000 Naira, while the application fee is 10,000 Naira. All applicants must be licensed nurses with a current license and be in practice.
Contacts
- Address: Ishaga Rd, Idi-Araba, Lagos
- Phone: +234 812 836 4824
- Email: info@luth.gov.ng, corpservices@luth.gov.ng,
General Admission Requirements of Nursing Schools in Nigeria
To gain admission into any nursing school in Nigeria, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 16 years of age.
- You must have at least five credits in English, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at the ‘O Level in not more than two sittings. To gain admission to the school, you can use your JAMB result or the school’s application form. This depends on the school’s requirements.
- Meet the UTME cut-off mark for admission into the Nursing program. The cut-off mark varies from school to school.
- Successful performance at the post-UTME screening exercise, which may include aptitude test and oral interview.
- Present a letter of good conduct from a recognized authority.
- Be certified medically fit by a government hospital.
- Some schools may require additional requirements like reference letters. It is advisable to check the requirements for your school of choice.
What is the Admission Process For Nursing Schools in Lagos State
To get into a nursing school in Lagos, you must go through an admission process.
- Meet the admission requirements. This includes having the minimum entry qualifications like five credits at WASSCE/SSCE/ O’Level, including English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
- Apply to the school(s) you’re interested in. This is usually done through their website by filling out an online application form and submitting the required documents like your academic certificates, birth certificate, etc.
- Sit for an entrance exam. Most schools require applicants to take the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam and the school’s internal screening test. Prepare well to pass!
- Attend an interview. The schools will invite successful candidates for an interview with the admission committee. Be ready to articulate why you want to study nursing.
- Check admission lists. Schools publish lists of admitted students on their website and noticeboards. Check frequently to see if you’ve been offered admission.
- Accept your admission. Once offered admission, you must accept it on the school portal within the stipulated time to secure your spot. Failure to do so may lead to your admission being withdrawn.
- Resume as a student nurse! If all goes well, you’ll soon start your exciting journey to becoming a registered nurse.
The key is to start your application early, meet all deadlines and requirements, prepare adequately for your exams and interview, and accept your admission offer on time. If you follow these steps, you’ll gain admission into your dream nursing school.
Curriculum For A Three-year Basic Nursing Program At A Nursing School In Lagos
To become a registered nurse in Lagos, you’ll complete a 3-year basic nursing program. The curriculum covers both theory and practical aspects of nursing.
Theory
You’ll take courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, psychology, and pharmacology to build a strong knowledge base. You’ll also study nursing theory, learning about holistic care, legal and ethical issues, and the nursing process.
Practical
Hands-on experience in skills labs and clinical rotations at hospitals make up a large part of the program. You’ll develop competency in areas like administering medications, starting IV lines, wound care, and assisting doctors with examinations.
Specialties
In your final year, you can choose electives to focus on areas of interest like midwifery, critical care, or community health. Some schools offer additional certifications in specialties.
Upon completion, you’ll be awarded a diploma in nursing and be eligible to sit for the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria licensing exam. With a license, you can launch your career as an RN. across public and private hospitals, clinics, and home health agencies in Lagos.
Reasons You Should Pursue A Nursing Career in Lagos
There are several compelling reasons to pursue nursing as a career in Lagos.
Growing Demand
The demand for nurses is growing rapidly in Lagos due to an aging population and improved access to healthcare. Nursing jobs are abundant, and many offer competitive pay and benefits.
Job Security
Nursing provides excellent job security. Nurses will always be needed so you can feel confident in your job stability and future prospects.
Rewarding Work
A career in nursing is highly rewarding. You get to help people every day and make a meaningful difference in patient’s lives during difficult times. Seeing patients recover and regain health can be tremendously fulfilling.
Advancement Opportunities
Nursing offers many opportunities for career growth and advancement. You can start as an RN. and pursue additional education to become an NP, nurse educator, nurse manager or nurse researcher. The field of nursing has a career path for every level of education and experience.
Work-Life Balance
Nursing schedules typically provide a good work-life balance. While the work can be demanding, many nurses work 12-hour shifts, which provides more days off. Nursing also offers flexibility to work part-time, per diem or temporary assignments if desired.
Competitive Salaries
Nurses in Lagos earn very competitive salaries, especially given the level of education required. According to recent surveys, average RN. salaries in Lagos are ₦70,000 – ₦550,000 per month. Nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists can earn significantly more.
Job Diversity
There are many nursing career specialties and work environments to choose from. You can work in a hospital, doctor’s office, nursing home, school or community health center. You can specialize in areas like emergency, I.C.U., pediatrics, oncology or public health. There are endless options for any nursing interest or passion.
Do I Need a Degree in Nursing to Enroll in a Nursing School in Lagos?
No, to enroll in a nursing school in Lagos, you only need the basic entry requirements like a Senior Secondary School Certificate and a minimum of 5 credits, including English and Mathematics.
Conclusion
Any of these top-rated institutions would provide an excellent education and set you up for a successful career helping others. You have to go with what feels right for you and follow your instincts and your heart. The nursing field needs caring, compassionate, and highly skilled professionals, so take your time exploring all the options. Once you’ve enrolled, study hard and always keep the bigger picture in mind. Before you know it, you’ll be walking across that stage and receiving your degree, ready to get out there and make a real difference in people’s lives.