Port Harcourt does not just run on oil money — it also runs on some genuinely strong healthcare training institutions, and nursing sits right at the centre of that reputation. If you are searching for a reliable list of nursing schools in Rivers State and their school fees, you have found the right guide. We break down every accredited institution worth considering for the 2026/2027 academic session, along with realistic fee ranges and admission requirements, so you can plan with confidence rather than guesswork.
How this guide is verified: every institution and fee estimate below comes from official school admission notices, NMCN accreditation records, and recent published fee circulars, cross-checked across several sources rather than pulled from one random blog post. Where a school has not publicly released fresh 2026/2027 figures, this article says so honestly instead of inventing a number, because that kind of transparency is exactly what a trustworthy list of nursing schools in Rivers State and their school fees should give curious students.
Why Rivers State Stands Out for Nursing Education
Rivers State, and Port Harcourt in particular, hosts some of Nigeria’s most respected teaching hospitals, giving nursing students unmatched clinical exposure right from their early training years. The University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) alone handles a heavy caseload that few state hospitals can match, meaning students posted there see real, varied cases rather than textbook scenarios only. Add to that a mix of federal, state, and private institutions, and Rivers State genuinely offers something for every budget and academic pathway. The state’s location within the South-South region also gives graduates strong regional job prospects, since surrounding states regularly recruit trained nurses from Port Harcourt-based institutions.
This variety is exactly why so many aspiring nurses search for an accurate list of nursing schools in Rivers State and their school fees before applying — the right choice affects your total training cost, your JAMB requirements, and how fast you become a licensed, practising nurse. A properly researched list of nursing schools in Rivers State and their school fees also helps parents plan their finances well ahead of the admission season, instead of scrambling once acceptance letters start arriving.
General Admission Requirements Across Rivers State Nursing Schools
Before diving into individual schools, here are the baseline requirements most institutions on this list expect:
- Minimum of five O’Level credits, including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, from WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB
- Credits obtained in not more than two sittings
- A valid JAMB UTME score meeting or exceeding the school’s specific cut-off requirement
- Minimum age of 16 to 17 years at the point of admission
- Successful completion of the institution’s Post-UTME or entrance screening exercise
- Payment of a non-refundable application/screening fee before proceeding to screening
Post-basic and specialised nursing programmes typically require an existing nursing qualification plus active registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).
Full List of Nursing Schools in Rivers State and Their School Fees
Here is the detailed list of nursing schools in Rivers State and their school fees, covering federal, state, and private institutions.
1. Department of Nursing Sciences, University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
Located in Choba, UNIPORT is a federal university running a competitive Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) degree under its Faculty of Clinical Sciences, with clinical postings across the UPTH ecosystem. Thousands of candidates compete for a limited number of admission slots every session because of the programme’s strong academic reputation.
- JAMB requirement: Competitive UTME score, generally well above the general institutional minimum
- O’Level requirement: Five credits including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- Tuition: Published per session directly to admitted candidates; typically higher than diploma-level colleges but reasonable for a federal university
- Why choose UNIPORT: Strong academic pedigree, research capacity, and access to one of Nigeria’s busiest teaching hospitals for clinical training
2. School of Nursing, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH)
This hospital-embedded college delivers a three-year Basic Nursing programme leading to Registered Nurse (RN) certification, with heavy ward time and hands-on skills lab training. It ranks among the most prestigious hospital-affiliated nursing schools in Rivers State.
- O’Level requirement: Five credits in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- Admission route: JAMB score plus college screening for ND-level entry
- Tuition: Application and tuition figures release per intake through official notices; candidates should confirm current charges directly
- Standout feature: Direct clinical rotations inside a high-volume federal teaching hospital
3. Rivers State School of Nursing, Port Harcourt
One of the oldest nursing schools in the state, this government-owned institution runs Basic Nursing, Post-Basic Nursing (Midwifery, Public Health, Ophthalmic, and Psychiatric Nursing), and a B.Sc. Nursing pathway, making it one of the most versatile options on this list.
- JAMB requirement: Stipulated annually; confirm current figure on release
- O’Level requirement: Five credits in English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, in not more than two sittings
- Tuition per session: Fees cover tuition, medical charges, caution fees, and other compulsory payments, with flexible payment options including bank transfer and online channels
- Why choose it: Wide programme variety under one roof, from basic training to specialised post-basic tracks
4. Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital School of Nursing
A government-affiliated institution known for training nurses through direct hospital-based clinical exposure. It maintains strong ties with healthcare facilities across Port Harcourt for practical placement.
- O’Level requirement: Standard five-credit science combination
- Tuition: Generally moderate; confirm exact current charges with the hospital’s admission office
5. Madonna University School of Nursing Sciences
A private institution offering a five-year Bachelor of Nursing Science degree, awarding graduates a B.N.Sc. certification recognised for professional practice across Nigeria.
- Ownership: Private
- Programme duration: 5 years
- Tuition: Higher than government-owned schools, reflecting standard private university fee structures
- Why students choose it: Structured academic environment with strong degree-level recognition
6. School of Post Basic Nursing Studies, Port Harcourt
This institution focuses on advanced training for already-qualified Registered Nurses seeking specialisation, alongside similar post-basic programmes run through UPTH, including Post Basic Accident and Emergency Nursing and Post Basic Paediatric Nursing.
- Entry requirement: Existing RN qualification plus active NMCN registration
- Tuition: Varies by specialisation track; confirm directly through the relevant admission office
Quick Fee Comparison Table
| School | Ownership | Programme Type | Fee Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNIPORT (Nursing Sciences) | Federal | BNSc Nursing Science | Published per session, moderate-to-high |
| School of Nursing, UPTH | Federal-affiliated | Basic/ND Nursing | Released per intake |
| Rivers State School of Nursing | State | Basic, Post-Basic, B.Sc. Nursing | Tuition, medical & caution fees combined |
| Braithwaite Memorial Hospital | Government-affiliated | Basic Nursing | Moderate, confirm directly |
| Madonna University | Private | 5-year BNSc | Higher private-university rate |
| School of Post Basic Nursing Studies | Specialised | Post-Basic tracks | Varies by specialisation |
Because tuition figures shift slightly between sessions, always confirm the exact list of nursing schools in Rivers State and their school fees directly on each institution’s official portal before making any payment.
Tips for Choosing the Right Nursing School in Rivers State
Making a confident choice from any list of nursing schools in Rivers State and their school fees takes more than picking the first name you recognise.
- Compare your JAMB score realistically against each school’s specific cut-off requirement
- Factor in hidden costs like hostel accommodation, uniforms, and clinical practical kits, not tuition alone
- Confirm NMCN accreditation status before paying any fee, to protect your certificate’s future recognition
- Pay only through official school channels; avoid third-party agents charging unofficial “assistance fees”
- Consider proximity to your preferred teaching hospital if clinical exposure quality matters most to you
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is the cheapest nursing school in Rivers State?
Government-owned institutions like the Rivers State School of Nursing generally cost less per session than university degree programmes or private options like Madonna University.
Is JAMB compulsory for all nursing schools in Rivers State?
Yes. Nearly every reputable school on this list of nursing schools in Rivers State and their school fees requires a valid UTME score before candidates proceed to entrance or Post-UTME screening.
What is the average JAMB cut-off mark for nursing in Rivers State?
Cut-off marks vary by institution, with federal university programmes like UNIPORT typically demanding a higher, more competitive score than state-owned diploma colleges.
Do nursing school fees change every year in Rivers State?
Fees can remain fairly stable across sessions before an upward review, so always verify current figures directly with the school rather than relying on older blog posts.
Can I move from a diploma nursing programme to a university degree in Rivers State?
Yes, many Registered Nurses use their basic nursing certificate as a stepping stone into a BNSc programme through Direct Entry, subject to each university’s transfer policy.
Where can I confirm the latest list of nursing schools in Rivers State and their school fees?
Beyond this guide, always cross-check figures directly on each institution’s official website or admission office, since tuition and cut-off marks can shift slightly between admission cycles.
Final Thoughts
Choosing wisely from this list of nursing schools in Rivers State and their school fees can save you real money, reduce admission stress, and give your nursing career a genuinely strong foundation. From the research strength of UNIPORT to the hands-on clinical exposure at UPTH and the versatility of the Rivers State School of Nursing, this state offers solid options across every academic and financial preference. Take time to verify current fees directly on each institution’s official portal, prepare early for your entrance screening, revise your science subjects consistently, and select the school that truly fits your goals and long-term career plans.