Choosing where to train as a nurse in Cross River State just got considerably easier, thanks to a wave of fresh accreditations expanding the state’s healthcare training capacity. This guide gives you a clear, well-researched list of nursing schools in Cross River State and their school fees for the 2026/2027 academic session, so you can compare your genuine options with confidence.
Cross River State, located in Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone, has invested significantly in nursing education, establishing multiple schools of nursing and midwifery across its three senatorial zones to widen access to healthcare training. In a genuinely notable development, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) recently granted full accreditation to the state’s Schools of Nursing in Calabar and Ogoja, the School of Midwifery in Obudu, and approved the College of Nursing Sciences in Itigidi, significantly increasing the number of students the state can now admit and train. This list of nursing schools in Cross River State and their school fees covers every recognised pathway currently available.
Why Cross River State’s Recent Accreditations Matter
Before diving into individual institutions, it helps to understand why this recent wave of accreditation genuinely matters. All nursing institutions in Cross River State fall under regulation from three key bodies: the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). The expanded accreditation across Calabar, Ogoja, Obudu, and Itigidi means significantly more prospective nursing students across the state can now access legitimate, licensed training than in previous years, directly widening the options covered in this list of nursing schools in Cross River State and their school fees.
1. Cross River State College of Nursing Sciences, Calabar and Ogoja
The Cross River State College of Nursing Sciences runs its National Diploma (ND) Nursing programme across multiple campuses, including Calabar, Ogoja, and Moniaya, following the college’s recent full NMCN accreditation. This expansion means candidates across different parts of the state can access ND Nursing training closer to home rather than travelling long distances.
Admission Requirements: Candidates need five O’Level credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, obtained in not more than two sittings, alongside a valid JAMB score meeting the college’s requirement and selection of the specific campus during JAMB registration.
School Fees: Application and screening charges apply per intake, released directly to admitted candidates, with tuition released alongside handling charges once admission is confirmed. This institution’s active, well-publicised admission calendar and strong state backing keep it near the top of any list of nursing schools in Cross River State and their school fees compiled for prospective students.
2. School of Midwifery, Obudu
The School of Midwifery, Obudu, holds full NMCN accreditation, training candidates specifically in midwifery practice as a distinct specialisation from general nursing. This institution serves the state’s northern senatorial zone, widening geographic access for candidates from that part of Cross River State.
Admission Requirements: Candidates typically need existing Registered Nurse (RN) qualifications or the standard O’Level credit requirements, depending on whether they’re pursuing Basic Midwifery or a Post-Basic specialisation.
School Fees: As with most state-run nursing and midwifery schools, fees vary by intake and specific programme, so candidates should confirm current charges directly through the school’s admissions office.
3. College of Nursing Sciences, Itigidi (CONMSIT)
The College of Nursing Sciences, Itigidi, received recent approval as part of Cross River State’s broader nursing education expansion. Notably, this institution’s training remains completely self-sponsored, meaning school fees and other charges are determined by the Governing Council and subject to periodic review, rather than following a fixed, standardised fee structure.
Admission Requirements: Candidates must fulfill NMCN entry requirements, including the standard O’Level credit passes, and pass both an entrance examination and an oral interview conducted by the school.
School Fees: Since fees here remain self-sponsored and subject to Governing Council review, candidates should confirm the exact current tuition directly through the college’s official channels before applying. This self-sponsored structure sets Itigidi apart from more heavily subsidised state institutions elsewhere on this list of nursing schools in Cross River State and their school fees.
4. University of Calabar (UNICAL)
For candidates who want a full university degree rather than a diploma-level qualification, the University of Calabar runs a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) programme, offering skills lab training, supervised clinical postings, and genuine research exposure through its Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences.
Admission Requirements: Candidates need a competitive JAMB score, along with the standard science-based O’Level credits required for nursing admission nationwide, and successful completion of UNICAL’s Post-UTME screening exercise.
School Fees: As a federal university, UNICAL keeps its tuition considerably more affordable than private alternatives, making it particularly attractive for students seeking a full BNSc degree with strong research orientation and a respected federal university brand behind their qualification.
5. University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) College of Nursing
The College of Nursing operating within the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital ecosystem offers a genuinely practical advantage: direct, immersive clinical exposure within a functioning federal teaching hospital environment from early in the training programme.
Admission Requirements: Candidates need the standard NMCN-recognised entry requirements, including relevant O’Level credits, alongside successful performance in the college’s entrance examination and screening process.
School Fees: Fees here generally align with comparable teaching-hospital-based nursing colleges nationwide, so candidates should confirm the current, specific figure directly through UCTH’s admissions office before applying.
Comparing the Institutions on This List
Each entry on this list of nursing schools in Cross River State and their school fees serves a slightly different type of student:
- Cross River State College of Nursing Sciences (Calabar, Ogoja, Moniaya) suits candidates who want an accessible ND Nursing pathway close to home.
- School of Midwifery, Obudu suits candidates specifically interested in midwifery specialisation within the state’s northern zone.
- College of Nursing Sciences, Itigidi suits candidates comfortable with a self-sponsored fee structure in exchange for a newly expanded training slot.
- University of Calabar suits candidates who want a full federal university BNSc degree with strong research exposure.
- UCTH College of Nursing suits candidates who want immersive, teaching-hospital-based clinical training from the outset.
General Admission Requirements Across Cross River Nursing Schools
While each institution sets its own specific criteria, most nursing schools in Cross River State share a common academic baseline:
- A minimum of five credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, obtained in not more than two sittings.
- A satisfactory JAMB score for university-based programmes, or a passing internal entrance examination for standalone nursing colleges.
- Successful completion of each school’s screening exercise, whether that involves a written test, an interview, or both.
- Confirmation of full NMCN accreditation status before enrollment, since this directly determines eligibility for professional licensing.
Budgeting Beyond Tuition
Tuition represents only part of the true cost of nursing training. When reviewing this list of nursing schools in Cross River State and their school fees, also plan for:
- Application and screening charges, which vary by institution and specific intake.
- Uniforms, clinical kits, and practical equipment required for hospital-based training.
- Textbooks, handouts, and departmental study materials.
- Feeding and transportation costs, particularly for students living off-campus.
- Professional association dues and licensing examination fees tied to NMCN certification.
Planning for these additional costs early helps prevent financial strain once the academic session gets underway.
Tips for Choosing the Right Nursing School in Cross River State
Selecting the right institution takes more than comparing headline tuition figures. Keep these points in mind:
- Confirm the exact current fees directly through each school’s official admissions office, since costs shift by intake and academic session.
- Consider your long-term career goal: a diploma programme moves faster, while a full university degree often opens more advanced career opportunities.
- Always verify NMCN accreditation status before applying, since this directly determines your eligibility for professional licensing after graduation.
- Factor in the self-sponsored nature of institutions like CONMSIT, where fees can differ from more subsidised state colleges.
- Only make payments through verified official channels to avoid falling victim to fraudulent admission agents.
Final Thoughts
Choosing where to study nursing in Cross River State becomes much easier once you understand exactly what each institution offers and charges. This list of nursing schools in Cross River State and their school fees gives you a solid starting point, whether you’re drawn to the expanded ND Nursing pathways at Calabar and Ogoja, the midwifery specialisation at Obudu, or the full degree route at the University of Calabar. Always confirm final figures directly through each school’s official channels before making any payment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the complete list of nursing schools in Cross River State and their school fees?
The main options include Cross River State College of Nursing Sciences (Calabar, Ogoja, Moniaya), School of Midwifery Obudu, College of Nursing Sciences Itigidi, University of Calabar, and UCTH College of Nursing, with fees varying by institution and intake.
2. Which institutions recently received new NMCN accreditation in Cross River State?
The NMCN recently granted full accreditation to the Schools of Nursing in Calabar and Ogoja, the School of Midwifery in Obudu, and approved the College of Nursing Sciences in Itigidi.
3. Do I need a JAMB score to study nursing in Cross River State?
Yes, if applying to a university like UNICAL. Standalone nursing colleges typically use JAMB alongside an internal entrance examination.
4. Which institution offers a full nursing degree in Cross River State?
The University of Calabar runs a full Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) degree programme with strong research exposure.
5. Is the College of Nursing Sciences, Itigidi, self-sponsored?
Yes, its training is completely self-sponsored, with fees determined and periodically reviewed by the Governing Council.
6. Does UCTH’s College of Nursing offer early clinical exposure?
Yes, being based within a federal teaching hospital, it offers immersive, hands-on clinical training from early in the programme.
7. Where can I confirm the latest fees for these institutions?
Always check each school’s official website or admissions office directly, since fees and requirements can change slightly each academic session.