Choosing where to study nursing is not a decision you rush, especially when your future career, your clinical training quality, and your family’s budget all depend on it. If you have been searching for a reliable list of nursing schools in Nasarawa State and their school fees, you are likely a fresh SSCE graduate, a career-changer, or a parent trying to plan ahead before the next admission cycle opens. This guide answers that search directly, with real institution names, realistic fee ranges, and honest guidance you can act on.
Nasarawa State sits right beside the FCT, which makes it an attractive destination for nursing aspirants who want strong clinical exposure without relocating far from Abuja. Whether you are drawn to a state-run diploma programme, a federal specialist school, or a university-based BNSc route, this list of nursing schools in Nasarawa State and their school fees will help you compare your options before you commit.
Why Nasarawa State Is a Solid Choice for Nursing Training
Nasarawa’s nursing institutions sit close enough to Abuja’s referral hospitals that students often gain exposure to a wide range of clinical cases during their training. Lafia, the state capital, hosts several health training institutions, while Keffi and the Karu axis give students university-level and private options. This mix of state, federal, and private institutions is exactly why so many applicants search for a complete list of nursing schools in Nasarawa State and their school fees before deciding where to apply.
Nursing remains one of Nigeria’s most stable career paths — global demand for registered nurses keeps rising, and a certificate from an NMCN-accredited school in Nasarawa State opens doors both locally and abroad.
Full List of Nursing Schools in Nasarawa State
Here is a breakdown of the recognised institutions offering nursing and related health training programmes across the state.
1. Nasarawa State College of Nursing Sciences, Lafia (NASCNS)
This remains the state’s flagship nursing institution and the first name most applicants encounter. It runs Basic Nursing and Basic Midwifery programmes, with strong clinical attachment through Lafia’s general hospitals. Its motto, “Skill and Care,” reflects the practical, hands-on training style the college is known for.
2. Nasarawa State College of Health Science and Technology, Keffi
Located in Keffi, this college offers nursing-related health technology programmes and serves students who prefer the Keffi–Abuja corridor over Lafia. It provides a structured environment for students pursuing diploma-level health training.
3. School of Health Technology, Akwanga (Alushi Campus)
This institution trains students in community health and nursing-adjacent programmes. Its Akwanga location suits students from the northern senatorial zone of the state who want to study closer to home.
4. Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) — Department of Nursing Science
For candidates who want a full university degree rather than a diploma, NSUK’s Nursing Science department offers a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc). This route takes longer but gives graduates a university degree alongside their nursing licence eligibility.
5. Bingham University School of Nursing Sciences, Karu
As a private Christian university on the Abuja–Keffi expressway, Bingham University offers a five-year BNSc programme with modern facilities and smaller class sizes. It suits families who prioritise structured supervision and are able to afford private university tuition.
6. School of Psychiatric Nursing, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Keffi
This specialist federal institution trains students specifically in psychiatric and mental health nursing over a three-year diploma programme. It is ideal for candidates with a strong interest in mental health care rather than general nursing.
List of Nursing Schools in Nasarawa State and Their School Fees: Cost Breakdown
Now to the numbers you actually came for. Fees differ by institution type — state-owned schools remain the most affordable, federal specialist schools sit in the middle, and private universities charge significantly more.
State-owned nursing schools (like NASCNS, Lafia):
- Basic Nursing programme: around ₦160,000 in the first year, reducing slightly to roughly ₦140,000 by the third year
- Basic Midwifery programme: around ₦180,000 in the first year, reducing to about ₦160,000 by the third year
- Additional costs (uniforms, textbooks, hostel accommodation) can push total yearly spending to between ₦250,000 and ₦300,000
Federal specialist schools (like the School of Psychiatric Nursing, Keffi): Fees typically sit close to state-school rates but may include extra clinical practicum charges specific to psychiatric training.
University-based BNSc programmes (NSUK, Bingham University): Public university nursing fees stay more moderate for indigenes, often ranging from ₦150,000 to ₦300,000 per session depending on indigene status, while private options like Bingham University charge considerably more — often running into hundreds of thousands to over a million naira per session, given the private university funding model.
Because every list of nursing schools in Nasarawa State and their school fees changes slightly as institutions review charges yearly, always confirm current figures directly from each school’s admissions office or official website before making payment.
General Admission Requirements for Nursing Schools in Nasarawa State
Most institutions on this list of nursing schools in Nasarawa State and their school fees share similar baseline requirements:
- Five credit passes in SSCE, WAEC, or NECO, including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- Not more than two sittings for the required credits
- A minimum age requirement, usually 16 to 17 years at the point of admission
- Successful performance in the institution’s entrance examination and interview
- Medical fitness certification before final admission confirmation
University-based BNSc programmes additionally require a satisfactory JAMB UTME score and post-UTME screening performance, since they run as full degree programmes rather than diploma courses.
How to Apply to Nursing Schools in Nasarawa State
- Visit the official website or admissions office of your chosen institution to confirm the current application window.
- Purchase and complete the admission form, either online or in person, depending on the school’s process.
- Submit your credentials — WAEC/NECO results, birth certificate, local government identification, and passport photographs.
- Sit for the entrance examination where applicable, then attend the screening or interview stage.
- Pay your acceptance fee promptly once admitted, followed by your first-session school fees before registration closes.
Why Comparing Fees Before You Apply Matters
Many students rush into an application without checking the full list of nursing schools in Nasarawa State and their school fees, then struggle midway through the programme when costs rise unexpectedly. Comparing institutions early lets you plan realistically, apply for scholarships where available, and choose a school that matches both your academic goals and your household budget. A state-owned school might suit a tight budget, while a private university might make sense if you value smaller classes and modern facilities and can comfortably afford the tuition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the cheapest nursing school in Nasarawa State?
State-owned institutions like Nasarawa State College of Nursing Sciences, Lafia, generally offer the most affordable fees compared to private university options.
Do I need a JAMB score to attend a nursing school in Nasarawa State?
Diploma-level schools of nursing typically do not require JAMB, but university-based BNSc programmes like those at NSUK and Bingham University do.
How long does a nursing programme in Nasarawa State take?
Basic Nursing diploma programmes usually run for three years, while university BNSc degrees take about five years.
Are indigenes charged lower fees than non-indigenes?
Yes, most state-owned institutions charge indigenes lower fees than non-indigene applicants, especially at public university nursing departments.
Can I switch from a diploma nursing school to a university BNSc programme later?
Yes, many diploma graduates proceed to a BNSc programme through direct entry, though requirements vary by university.
Is accommodation included in the listed school fees?
No. Hostel accommodation, uniforms, and textbooks are usually billed separately from tuition.
Final Thoughts
Picking the right institution starts with accurate information, and this detailed list of nursing schools in Nasarawa State and their school fees gives you a realistic starting point for your planning. Nasarawa State offers a genuinely diverse range of nursing training options, from budget-friendly state institutions to specialist federal schools and private universities with modern facilities. Always confirm the latest fees directly with your chosen school before payment, since figures are reviewed periodically, and use this guide as your foundation for a confident, well-informed application.