Nursing Science is a highly competitive and respected course in Nigeria, attracting students who are passionate about healthcare and making a difference in people’s lives. To pursue a degree in Nursing Science at a Nigerian university, candidates must meet specific academic requirements, including the correct subject combinations for both the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or National Examination Council (NECO) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). These requirements ensure that students have the foundational knowledge needed to succeed in this rigorous field, which combines science, compassion, and critical thinking.
WAEC/NECO Subject Combination for Nursing Science
To be eligible to study Nursing Science in Nigeria, candidates must have at least five (5) credit passes in their O’Level examinations (WAEC, NECO, or GCE) obtained in not more than two sittings. The required subjects provide the foundational knowledge in sciences and communication skills essential for nursing studies. The mandatory WAEC/NECO subject combination for Nursing Science includes:
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English Language: Essential for effective communication, documentation, and understanding medical literature.
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Mathematics: Necessary for calculations in drug administration, patient monitoring, and statistical analysis in healthcare.
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Biology: Critical for understanding human anatomy, physiology, and biological processes.
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Chemistry: Important for grasping biochemical processes, pharmacology, and medication interactions.
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Physics: Provides foundational knowledge of physical principles relevant to medical equipment and healthcare practices.
These five subjects are compulsory, and candidates must achieve at least a credit pass (C6 or better) in each. Some universities may accept a pass in one additional subject, such as Health Science or Agricultural Science, but the above five are non-negotiable for admission into Nursing Science programs.
JAMB UTME Subject Combination for Nursing Science
The JAMB UTME is a critical step for gaining admission into Nigerian universities, and selecting the correct subject combination is vital to avoid disqualification. For Nursing Science, the JAMB subject combination consists of four subjects, with one being compulsory for all candidates:
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Use of English: Mandatory for all JAMB candidates, testing comprehension, grammar, and communication skills.
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Biology: Essential for understanding life sciences, which form the core of nursing education.
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Chemistry: Necessary for knowledge of chemical processes in the human body and pharmacology.
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Physics: Provides insights into the principles governing medical equipment and physical aspects of patient care.
Candidates must register for these four subjects during JAMB UTME registration. To be eligible for admission, a minimum JAMB score of 180 is typically required, though competitive institutions may demand higher scores (e.g., 200–250) due to the popularity of Nursing Science programs.
Direct Entry Requirements for Nursing Science
For candidates seeking admission through Direct Entry (DE), the requirements differ slightly, as they bypass the JAMB UTME but must still meet specific academic criteria. Direct Entry candidates must possess one of the following qualifications:
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A-Level Passes: At least two passes in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics at the Advanced Level.
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Registered Nurse (RN) Certificate: Candidates with an RN qualification from an accredited institution may be considered for direct entry into the second year of a Nursing Science program.
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Diploma in Nursing or Midwifery: A diploma from a recognized institution can qualify candidates for direct entry, provided they meet the university’s specific requirements.
In addition to these qualifications, Direct Entry candidates must have the same O’Level requirements (five credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) as UTME candidates. Some universities may also require candidates to pass an internal screening or post-UTME test.
Additional Admission Considerations
Beyond subject combinations, candidates should be aware of other factors that influence admission into Nursing Science programs:
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High JAMB Score: Nursing is highly competitive, and top universities often prioritize candidates with scores well above the minimum cut-off (e.g., 200–250 or higher).
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Post-UTME Screening: Many universities conduct post-UTME screenings, which may include written tests or interviews to assess candidates’ suitability for nursing.
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Choice of Institution: Different universities may have slight variations in requirements or cut-off marks. Researching specific institutional requirements is crucial.
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Age Requirement: Some institutions require candidates to be at least 16 years old by the time of admission.
Aspiring nursing students should also prepare diligently for both WAEC/NECO and JAMB exams, focusing on science subjects and English to secure strong grades.
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FAQs
Can I study Nursing Science without Physics in WAEC?
No, Physics is a compulsory subject for Nursing Science in Nigeria. You must have at least a credit pass in Physics, along with English Language, Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry, to be eligible for admission.
Can I combine WAEC and NECO results for Nursing Science?
Yes, most Nigerian universities accept a combination of WAEC and NECO results, provided you have the required five credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics across the two results.
What is the JAMB cut-off mark for Nursing Science?
The general JAMB cut-off mark for Nursing Science is 180, but competitive universities may set higher cut-off marks (200–250). Always check the specific requirements of your chosen institution.
How many years does it take to study Nursing Science in Nigeria?
A Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) degree typically takes five years in Nigerian universities. For Direct Entry candidates with an RN or relevant diploma, the duration may be reduced to three or four years, depending on the institution.
Can I study Nursing Science with a pass in Mathematics?
No, a credit pass (C6 or better) in Mathematics is mandatory for admission into Nursing Science programs in Nigeria.
Are there specific universities that are best for Nursing Science in Nigeria?
Some top universities for Nursing Science include the University of Ibadan (UI), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), and University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). Each has specific admission criteria, so check their requirements.
What happens if I choose the wrong JAMB subject combination?
Choosing an incorrect JAMB subject combination, such as replacing Physics with another subject, will likely disqualify you from admission into Nursing Science, as the required subjects (English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics) are strictly enforced.
Can I study Nursing Science with a Direct Entry qualification without JAMB?
Yes, Direct Entry candidates with A-Level passes, an RN certificate, or a diploma in Nursing/Midwifery can apply without writing the JAMB UTME, but they must meet the O’Level and institutional requirements.
Is Biology compulsory for Nursing Science in JAMB?
Yes, Biology is a compulsory subject in the JAMB UTME for Nursing Science, as it forms the foundation of the course’s curriculum.
Do I need to write Literature-in-English for Nursing Science?
No, Literature-in-English is not required for Nursing Science. The focus is on science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) and English Language.