Last Updated on 6 months ago by Haruna Ayuba
Abia State, located in Nigeria’s Southeast geopolitical zone, is a hub of educational excellence, ranking among the top five states for academic performance according to the Nigeria Board of Education. Known for its vibrant commercial city, Aba, and its capital, Umuahia, Abia State offers robust opportunities for nursing education. With a strong emphasis on healthcare training, the state hosts several accredited nursing schools and universities that prepare students for rewarding careers in nursing and midwifery.
This blog post provides a comprehensive, verified list of all accredited nursing schools in Abia State, as approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) as of September 2026. Whether you’re aiming for a Registered Nurse (RN) certificate, a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) degree, or specialized training in midwifery or public health nursing, this guide covers all options, admission requirements, and key details to help you make an informed decision.
Why Choose a Nursing School in Abia State?
Abia State is an excellent choice for nursing education due to its strong academic and professional environment. Key reasons include:
- High Academic Standards: The state ranks among Nigeria’s most literate, with a robust educational infrastructure.
- Accredited Institutions: All listed schools are approved by the NMCN, ensuring qualifications are recognized nationally and internationally.
- Diverse Programs: Options range from 3-year diploma programs to 5-year BNSc degrees, catering to various career goals.
- Career Opportunities: Nursing is a high-demand, well-paying profession in Nigeria, with roles in hospitals, clinics, public health, and education.
Important Note: Always verify a school’s accreditation status with the NMCN to ensure your training meets professional standards.
List of Accredited Nursing Schools in Abia State
Below is a complete list of NMCN-approved nursing schools, colleges, and university departments offering nursing and midwifery programs in Abia State as of September 2026. Each entry includes program details, accreditation status, admission requirements, and contact information.
1. Department of Nursing Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu
- Program Offered: Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc)
- Duration: 5 years + 1-year mandatory internship (6 years total for certification)
- Accreditation Status: Provisional accreditation (since April 2021, admission quota of 75 students)
- Description: Abia State University (ABSU) offers a comprehensive BNSc program combining theoretical coursework with clinical practice. The curriculum covers medical-surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, community health, and research methodologies. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in healthcare and are eligible for the NMCN licensing exam.
- Admission Requirements:
- Five O’Level credits (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB) in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, obtained in not more than two sittings.
- Acceptable score in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by JAMB.
- Post-UTME screening and/or interview as required by ABSU.
- Minimum age: 16 years.
- Contact: Visit www.abiastateuniversity.edu.ng or contact the university’s admissions office.
- Location: Uturu, Abia State.
2. Department of Nursing, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike
- Program Offered: Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc)
- Duration: 5 years + 1-year internship (6 years total)
- Accreditation Status: Full accreditation (admission quota not specified)
- Description: The Department of Nursing Sciences at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (MOUAU) emphasizes hands-on training through its simulation lab and clinical placements in healthcare facilities. The program prepares nurses for roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings, focusing on quality care delivery.
- Admission Requirements:
- Five O’Level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB, not more than two sittings).
- JAMB UTME score meeting MOUAU’s cut-off for nursing.
- Post-UTME screening and/or interview.
- Minimum age: 16 years.
- Contact: Check www.mouau.edu.ng or contact the Department of Nursing Sciences.
- Location: Umudike, Abia State.
3. School of Nursing, Umuahia
- Programs Offered: Basic General Nursing (RN), Basic Midwifery
- Duration: 3 years (Basic Nursing), 3 years (Basic Midwifery)
- Accreditation Status: Full accreditation (admission quota not specified)
- Description: Located in Umuahia, this school offers 3-year diploma programs in general nursing and midwifery, preparing students for NMCN licensing exams to become Registered Nurses (RN) or Registered Midwives (RM). The program includes clinical rotations in various healthcare settings.
- Admission Requirements:
- Five O’Level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (WAEC/NECO, not more than two sittings).
- Entrance examination conducted by the school (JAMB not required).
- Minimum age: 17½ years. Pregnant candidates are not eligible.
- Contact: Visit abianursingschools.edu.ng or the Nursing Services Department, Ministry of Health, Block B, New Secretariat, 4th Floor, Umuahia.
- Location: Umuahia, Abia State.
4. School of Nursing, Amachara
- Programs Offered: Basic General Nursing (RN), Basic Midwifery
- Duration: 3 years (Basic Nursing), 3 years (Basic Midwifery)
- Accreditation Status: Full accreditation (admission quota not specified)
- Description: The School of Nursing, Amachara, is a government-owned institution offering diploma programs in nursing and midwifery. It has a strong reputation for producing skilled nurses through rigorous theoretical and practical training.
- Admission Requirements:
- Five O’Level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (WAEC/NECO, not more than two sittings).
- School entrance exam (no JAMB required).
- Minimum age: 17½ years.
- Contact: Forms are available at abianursingschools.edu.ng or the Nursing Services Department, Ministry of Health, Umuahia.
- Location: Amachara, Abia State.
5. School of Nursing, Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba
- Program Offered: Basic General Nursing (RN)
- Duration: 3 years
- Accreditation Status: Full accreditation (admission quota not specified)
- Description: Established in 1948, the School of Nursing at ABSUTH is one of Nigeria’s oldest nursing schools. Located in Aba, it offers a 3-year diploma program focused on patient care, health promotion, and clinical skills. The school is part of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, ensuring access to modern healthcare facilities.
- Admission Requirements:
- Five O’Level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (WAEC/NECO, not more than two sittings).
- Entrance examination (no JAMB required).
- Minimum age: 17 years.
- Contact: Visit www.absuthng.org or contact the school at Hospital Road, Aba.
- Location: Aba, Abia State.
6. Archbishop Charles Heerey Memorial College of Nursing Sciences, Ogbor Hill, Aba
- Programs Offered: General Nursing (RN), Basic Midwifery, Public Health Nursing
- Duration: 3 years (General Nursing), 3 years (Basic Midwifery), 1–2 years (Public Health Nursing)
- Accreditation Status: Provisional accreditation (admission quota not specified)
- Description: This mission-owned institution is known for its modern nursing technology and conducive learning environment. It offers programs in general nursing, midwifery, and public health nursing, with hostel accommodations for out-of-state students.
- Admission Requirements:
- Five O’Level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (WAEC/NECO, not more than two sittings).
- Entrance exam (no JAMB required).
- Public Health Nursing candidates must be Registered Nurses or Midwives with a valid NMCN license.
- Age: 18–35 years.
- Contact: Contact the college directly at Ogbor Hill, Aba, or check for updates on their official website (if available).
- Location: Ogbor Hill, Aba, Abia State.
7. College of Nursing Sciences, Obohia-Ndoki
- Programs Offered: General Nursing (RN), Basic Midwifery, Public Health Nursing
- Duration: 3 years (General Nursing), 3 years (Basic Midwifery), 1–2 years (Public Health Nursing)
- Accreditation Status: Provisional accreditation (admission quota not specified)
- Description: The first of its kind in Abia State, this college collaborates with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to offer diploma and higher diploma programs in nursing and health sciences. It aims to produce world-class nurses and midwives through a modern curriculum.
- Admission Requirements:
- Five O’Level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (WAEC/NECO, not more than two sittings).
- Entrance exam (no JAMB required).
- Public Health Nursing requires RN/RM certification.
- Age: 18–35 years.
- Contact: Visit collegeofnursingobohia.edu.ng for details.
- Location: Obohia-Ndoki, Abia State.
8. Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Umuahia
- Programs Offered: General Nursing (RN), Basic Midwifery
- Duration: 3 years (General Nursing), 3 years (Basic Midwifery)
- Accreditation Status: Full accreditation (admission quota not specified)
- Description: Established in 1952, this is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious nursing schools. It offers diploma programs with extensive clinical rotations in medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric, and community health settings.
- Admission Requirements:
- Five O’Level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (WAEC/NECO, not more than two sittings).
- Entrance exam (no JAMB required).
- Minimum age: 17 years.
- Contact: Contact the college at Umuahia or check nmcn.gov.ng for updates.
- Location: Umuahia, Abia State.
9. School of Psychiatric Nursing, Umunato
- Program Offered: Psychiatric Nursing
- Duration: 3 years
- Accreditation Status: Provisional accreditation (admission quota not specified)
- Description: This specialized school focuses on training nurses to care for patients with mental health conditions and behavioral challenges. The program emphasizes both psychological and physical well-being, preparing graduates for roles in psychiatric hospitals and community health.
- Admission Requirements:
- Five O’Level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (WAEC/NECO, not more than two sittings).
- Entrance exam (no JAMB required).
- Minimum age: 17 years.
- Contact: Contact the school directly at Umunato or verify details via nmcn.gov.ng.
- Location: Umunato, Abia State.
10. School of Midwifery, Abiriba
- Program Offered: Basic Midwifery
- Duration: 3 years
- Accreditation Status: Full accreditation (admission quota not specified)
- Description: This school offers a 3-year midwifery program focused on maternal and child health. Graduates are eligible to take the NMCN licensing exam to become Registered Midwives (RM).
- Admission Requirements:
- Five O’Level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (WAEC/NECO, not more than two sittings).
- Entrance exam (no JAMB required).
- Minimum age: 17½ years.
- Contact: Forms available at abianursingschools.edu.ng or Nursing Services Department, Ministry of Health, Umuahia.
- Location: Abiriba, Abia State.
Admission Requirements for Nursing Schools
Admission requirements vary slightly by institution and program type. Below are the general criteria for nursing programs in Abia State.
Diploma Programs (RN, Midwifery, Public Health Nursing)
- O’Level Results: Five credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB, obtained in not more than two sittings.
- Entrance Exam: Most colleges require passing an institution-specific entrance exam (JAMB not required).
- Age: Minimum of 17½ years for most programs; some schools (e.g., Archbishop Charles Heerey) set an age range of 18–35 years.
- Additional Requirements: For Public Health Nursing or Post-Basic programs, candidates must be Registered Nurses or Midwives with a valid NMCN license and at least one year of work experience.
BNSc Programs (Universities)
- O’Level Results: Five credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB, not more than two sittings).
- JAMB UTME: A competitive score meeting the university’s cut-off for nursing (typically 200+ for ABSU and MOUAU).
- Post-UTME: Passing the university’s screening test or interview.
- Age: Minimum of 16 years.
Note: Always check with the specific institution for exact requirements, application deadlines, and fees. For 2026/2027, the application fee for Abia State Schools of Nursing (e.g., Umuahia, Amachara) is N10,000.
How to Apply for Nursing Programs
The application process depends on the type of program and institution. Here’s a breakdown:
- Diploma Programs: Obtain forms from the school’s website (e.g., abianursingschools.edu.ng for Umuahia, Amachara, and Abiriba) or the Nursing Services Department, Ministry of Health, Umuahia. Complete the form, pay the non-refundable fee (e.g., N10,000), and submit by the deadline (e.g., March 8, 2026, for 2026/2027 midwifery programs).
- BNSc Programs: Apply through JAMB, select the university as your first choice, and participate in the Post-UTME screening. Visit the university’s website for specific instructions.
- Entrance Exams/Interviews: For diploma programs, prepare for entrance exams or interviews (e.g., March 13, 2026, for Abia State Schools of Midwifery).
Career Opportunities for Nurses in Abia State
Nursing is a highly rewarding profession in Nigeria, offering competitive salaries and diverse career paths. Graduates from Abia State’s nursing schools can pursue roles such as:
- Registered Nurses (RN): Work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices.
- Midwives (RM): Serve in maternity wards or community health programs.
- Public Health Nurses: Engage in government health initiatives or NGOs.
- BNSc Holders: Take on roles as nurse educators, researchers, health coaches, or administrators.
- Specialized Roles: Pursue psychiatric nursing, nephrology nursing, or other post-basic specialties after further training.
Nurses with BNSc degrees are eligible for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), while RN certificate holders are not. Salaries for nurses in Nigeria range from ₦100,000 to ₦300,000 monthly, depending on experience and employer (government, private, or international organizations).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Long Is the Nursing Program at Abia State University?
The BNSc program takes 5 years of study plus a 1-year internship, totaling 6 years for certification.
Do Nursing Schools in Abia State Require JAMB?
Diploma programs (e.g., Schools of Nursing Umuahia, Amachara) do not require JAMB, only an entrance exam. University BNSc programs (e.g., ABSU, MOUAU) require JAMB.
What Is the Cost of Application Forms?
For 2026/2027, the application fee for Abia State Schools of Nursing and Midwifery is N10,000. University application fees vary (check with ABSU or MOUAU).
Can Pregnant Candidates Apply?
Pregnant candidates are not eligible for diploma programs at schools like Umuahia and Amachara. However, some schools allow pregnant students to take study leave and resume after childbirth, per NMCN rules.
How Can I Verify a School’s Accreditation?
Check the NMCN’s official list of approved schools at www.nmcn.gov.ng.
Conclusion
Abia State offers a range of accredited nursing schools and universities, from diploma programs at institutions like the Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Umuahia, to BNSc degrees at Abia State University and Michael Okpara University. These programs are regulated by the NMCN, ensuring high-quality training that prepares graduates for successful careers in healthcare.
To pursue your dream of becoming a nurse, verify each school’s accreditation status, meet the admission requirements, and apply early. For the most up-to-date information, visit the schools’ official websites or contact the Nursing Services Department, Ministry of Health, Umuahia.
If you have further questions or need assistance with the application process, leave a comment below or contact the schools directly. Start your journey to a rewarding nursing career in Abia State today!
