If you’re planning to study nursing in Nigeria, you may be wondering if polytechnics offer nursing. The simple answer is:
Most polytechnics in Nigeria do not offer the core nursing program that leads to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN).
Instead, nursing is mainly offered in:
Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery
Teaching hospital-based nursing schools
However, there are a few exceptions, and some polytechnics or health technology institutions that function like polytechnics offer Health Science programs related to nursing.
Do Polytechnics Offer Nursing in Nigeria?
Regular polytechnics do not usually offer the Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.NSc) or the Registered Nursing Certificate (RN). These are only awarded by:
Universities – for the B.NSc
Schools of Nursing & Midwifery – for the RN, RM (Registered Midwife), and other diplomas
See>>> Schools of Nursing Without JAMB in Nigeria (Including Lagos)
Polytechnics/Health Tech Schools With Nursing-Related Programs
While traditional nursing may not be available, the following institutions (often classified as health tech or specialized polytechnics) offer nursing-related or health programs:
1. Pogil College of Health Technology, Ijebu Ode (Ogun State)
- Offers Community Health, Public Health Nursing, and other related courses.
- Works with accredited nursing institutions.
2. Shehu Idris College of Health Sciences and Technology, Makarfi (Kaduna State)
- Offers Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW) and Health Education.
- Not direct nursing, but related to health services.
3. Federal School of Dental Technology and Therapy, Enugu
- Offers degree programs in partnership with universities.
- Not general nursing, but related to health professions.
4. College of Health Technology, Calabar (Cross River)
Offers Public Health Nursing and similar courses.
5. Millennium College of Nursing Sciences, Akwa (Anambra State)
Not a polytechnic, but often confused as one due to its diploma-style structure.
6. Bowen University Teaching Hospital, School of Nursing (Oyo/Ogun border)
Offers a professional nursing program and is sometimes mistaken for a polytechnic due to the teaching hospital setup.
See>>> Nursing as a Course in Nigeria: Why You Should Consider It
Note
If your goal is to become a Registered Nurse (RN) or pursue a B.NSc, it’s best to:
- Apply to Schools of Nursing or Midwifery
- Consider Universities with accredited Nursing departments (e.g., UNILAG, UNN, OAU, ABU)
Final Advice
If you’re currently at a polytechnic or planning to attend one, and you’re serious about becoming a nurse, consider transferring to a College of Nursing or a University with a Nursing program. Polytechnics may prepare you in related fields like Health Tech, but they don’t directly train you as a registered nurse.
