If nursing is the career path calling you, Imo State is one of the best places in Nigeria to start that journey. Home to several accredited institutions supervised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), the state produces some of the country’s most competent registered nurses every year. This guide gives you a complete list of nursing schools in Imo State and their school fees for the 2026/2027 academic session, along with admission requirements, application tips, and answers to the questions students ask most.
Why Imo State Is a Top Choice for Nursing Education
Before diving into the list of nursing schools in Imo State and their school fees, it helps to understand why so many aspiring nurses choose this state. Imo State hosts a healthy mix of government-owned and mission/private institutions, giving candidates variety in cost, location, and learning environment. Many of these schools maintain strong pass rates in the NMCN licensing examination, and their clinical training partnerships with reputable hospitals give students real hands-on exposure long before graduation. For a student who wants quality training without travelling too far from home, Imo State genuinely delivers.
Types of Nursing Programmes Available
Understanding programme types helps you interpret school fees correctly, since costs differ by qualification level:
- Diploma in Nursing (RN/RM) – A three-year programme offered at colleges of nursing, leading to Registered Nurse or Registered Nurse-Midwife certification.
- Basic Midwifery – A separate diploma track focused on maternal and child healthcare.
- Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.NSc) – A four-year university degree offered at institutions like Imo State University.
- Post-Basic Nursing – Advanced two-year programmes for already-certified nurses who want specialization.
Full List of Nursing Schools in Imo State and Their School Fees
Here is the detailed list of nursing schools in Imo State and their school fees, based on the most recent fee schedules published by these institutions. Because fees are reviewed yearly, treat these figures as a working guide and confirm exact amounts directly with each school before making payment.
| Nursing School | Location | Approx. School Fees (Per Session) |
|---|---|---|
| Imo State College of Nursing Sciences, Orlu | Orlu | ₦100,000 – ₦150,000 |
| Department of Nursing Science, Imo State University | Orlu Campus | ₦150,000 – ₦250,000 |
| Ezeala College of Nursing Sciences | Okwudor | ₦100,000 – ₦140,000 |
| Merit College of Nursing Sciences | Orlu | ₦100,000 – ₦140,000 |
| Princess College of Nursing Sciences | Mgbirichi | ₦100,000 – ₦140,000 |
| St. Joseph College of Nursing Sciences | Mbaise | ₦100,000 – ₦150,000 |
| Holy Rosary College of Nursing Sciences | Emekuku | ₦100,000 – ₦150,000 |
| College of Nursing Sciences | Amaigbo | ₦100,000 – ₦140,000 |
| International Christian College of Nursing Sciences | Owerri | ₦110,000 – ₦150,000 |
| School of Nursing, Our Lady of Mercy Hospital | Umulogho, Obowo | ₦100,000 – ₦140,000 |
| School of Basic Midwifery | Aboh Mbaise | ₦90,000 – ₦130,000 |
This list of nursing schools in Imo State and their school fees shows a fairly consistent price range across most colleges, with university-based nursing programmes naturally costing more due to their longer duration and broader curriculum.
What the School Fees Typically Cover
Every fee structure in this list of nursing schools in Imo State and their school fees usually includes the following components:
- Tuition and academic registration
- Clinical posting and practical training charges
- Library, ICT, and laboratory access fees
- Examination and continuous assessment fees
- Identity card, medical screening, and departmental levies
On top of tuition, students should budget separately for accommodation, uniforms, textbooks, and feeding, since these are rarely included in the official school fees.
Admission Requirements for Nursing Schools in Imo State
Admission criteria are fairly uniform across the state, though slight variations exist by institution:
Academic qualification: A minimum of five credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in WAEC, NECO, or GCE, obtained in not more than two sittings.
Age requirement: Most schools expect candidates to be at least 16 to 17 years old at the point of admission.
UTME requirement: Government-owned schools of nursing typically require a JAMB UTME score, with cut-off marks generally ranging between 150 and 180, depending on the institution and admission year.
Entrance examination and interview: Many colleges conduct their own post-UTME screening, written test, or oral interview to assess suitability for the nursing profession.
Medical fitness certificate: Candidates must present a certificate confirming they are physically and mentally fit for nursing training.
How to Apply for Nursing Schools in Imo State (2026/2027)
- Choose your preferred school from the list of nursing schools in Imo State and confirm its accreditation status with the NMCN.
- Purchase the admission form either online through the school’s portal or physically at the campus, depending on the institution’s process.
- Meet the UTME cut-off mark, where applicable, and change your first-choice institution on JAMB if required.
- Submit your credentials, including O’Level results, birth certificate, and passport photographs.
- Attend the screening exercise, which may include a written test, oral interview, and medical examination.
- Pay your acceptance fee promptly once admitted to secure your place before the deadline.
Tips Before You Apply
- Always confirm accreditation status with the NMCN before paying any fee, since studying in an unaccredited school wastes both time and money.
- Compare the full list of nursing schools in Imo State and their school fees carefully, since a slightly higher fee sometimes reflects better facilities and higher pass rates.
- Apply early, as competitive schools with strong reputations fill their admission quota quickly.
- Keep proof of every payment and application document safely until you graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the cheapest nursing school in Imo State?
Government-owned schools of nursing, such as Imo State College of Nursing Sciences, Orlu, tend to be more affordable than private mission-based colleges.
Do I need UTME to gain admission into a nursing school in Imo State?
Yes, for most government-accredited schools. Some private colleges may accept direct screening without UTME, but confirm this with the specific school first.
How long does a nursing programme take in Imo State?
Diploma nursing programmes run for three years, while the Bachelor of Nursing Science degree at Imo State University takes four years.
Are all the schools in this list accredited by the NMCN?
Most schools mentioned hold full or provisional accreditation. Always verify current accreditation status directly with the NMCN before applying.
Can I switch from a diploma nursing school to a university nursing programme later?
Yes, many diploma-holding nurses proceed to a top-up Bachelor of Nursing Science programme after gaining registered nurse status.
When does the 2026/2027 admission form for nursing schools in Imo State come out?
Most schools release their admission forms between July and September, so check each institution’s official page or social media handle regularly.
Final Thoughts
Picking the right institution starts with having accurate information, and this list of nursing schools in Imo State and their school fees gives you a solid foundation to plan your admission journey for the 2026/2027 session. Take time to compare accreditation status, location, and fee structure before settling on a school, and always confirm the latest figures directly from the institution to avoid outdated or inaccurate information. With the right preparation and genuine passion for patient care, a rewarding nursing career in Imo State is well within your reach.