Top 10 Best School of Nursing in Kaduna State, Their Cut Off Mark and Admission Requirement 2026/2027
Kaduna State holds the largest network of nursing and midwifery schools in all of Northern Nigeria, which makes it a magnet for students who dream of wearing the white uniform. If you are planning your healthcare career, you first need clear, honest facts before you apply. This guide unpacks the Top 10 best school of nursing in Kaduna state, including cut-off marks and admission requirements, so you choose smartly and avoid disappointment. From world-class teaching hospitals in Zaria to mission colleges in Zonkwa, here is everything a curious, ambitious student needs for the 2026/2027 session.
Disclaimer: Fees, cut-off marks, and intake details change yearly. Always confirm current figures on each school’s official portal, and beware of fraudsters who demand payment outside official channels.
Why Choose Kaduna State for Nursing?
Kaduna stands as a major educational and healthcare hub in Northern Nigeria. The state hosts Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Barnawa, the National Eye Centre, and numerous general hospitals. These facilities give nursing students outstanding hands-on clinical exposure that classroom theory alone cannot match.
With so many accredited institutions, students enjoy a rare mix of choice, affordability, and quality training. That variety is exactly why the search for the Top 10 best school of nursing in Kaduna state keeps growing each admission season.
Types of Nursing Programmes Available
Before comparing schools, understand the routes so you pick what fits your goals:
- Basic Nursing (RN): A three-year, hospital-based diploma leading to registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).
- Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc): A five-year university degree that blends research, leadership, and clinical practice.
- Basic Midwifery: Specialised maternal and newborn care training.
- Post-Basic Nursing: Advanced specialisations such as paediatric, ophthalmic, anaesthetic, and psychiatric nursing.
Your decision between a diploma and a degree depends on your finances, ambition, and how soon you want to start practising.
Top 10 Best School of Nursing in Kaduna State
Here is a closer look at the leading institutions. Note that the Top 10 best school of nursing in Kaduna state range from federal teaching hospital colleges to state and faith-based providers, so weigh each option against your score and budget.
1. College of Nursing Sciences, ABUTH, Zaria
Affiliated with one of Nigeria’s largest teaching hospitals, this college offers nursing, midwifery, and multiple post-basic specialisations. Its clinical facilities rank among the best in the country.
- Cut-Off Mark: Diploma routes use an internal entrance exam (no JAMB required); degree-linked routes follow ABU’s standards.
- Requirements: Five O’Level credits including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, plus a pass in the entrance screening.
This college sits firmly at the top of the Top 10 best school of nursing in Kaduna state for its prestige and resources.
2. Department of Nursing Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
ABU runs an NUC-accredited five-year BNSc degree, including an innovative online learning option. The programme prepares graduates for research, leadership, and modern clinical demands.
- Cut-Off Mark: Competitive UTME score, generally 200 and above for Nursing Science.
- Requirements: Five O’Level credits and UTME subjects of English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
3. Kaduna State College of Nursing and Midwifery (KSCNM)
This state-owned college offers more than 20 general nursing, midwifery, and public health programmes across its Kaduna and Kafanchan campuses. It boasts modern ICT centres, libraries, and laboratories.
- Cut-Off Mark: Set through the college’s own entrance exam.
- Fees: Among the most affordable, roughly ₦40,000 to ₦70,000 per session for basic programmes.
4. College of Nursing Sciences, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Barnawa
This federal institution specialises in mental health and psychiatric nursing, a vital and growing field.
- Cut-Off Mark: Internal entrance screening.
- Requirements: Standard five O’Level credits in relevant subjects.
5. College of Nursing Sciences, National Eye Centre, Kaduna
A specialist college focused on ophthalmic and otorhinolaryngology nursing, ideal for students drawn to eye and ENT care.
- Cut-Off Mark: Entrance exam based.
- Requirements: O’Level credits plus relevant clinical interest.
When ranking the Top 10 best school of nursing in Kaduna state, these specialist centres offer career paths many students overlook.
6. Kaduna State University (KASU), Department of Nursing
KASU offers a university-level nursing programme through UTME admission, blending academic depth with clinical training.
- Cut-Off Mark: Around 200 for Nursing Science.
- Requirements: Valid UTME, five O’Level credits, and Post-UTME screening.
7. College of Nursing Sciences, Tudun Wada, Kaduna
This college runs nursing, midwifery, community nursing, and community midwifery programmes, serving a wide student base.
- Cut-Off Mark: Internal entrance exam.
- Requirements: Five relevant O’Level credits.
8. School of Nursing, St. Gerard’s Catholic Hospital, Kakuri
A respected faith-based institution known for discipline and quality clinical placement, it even admits students from other African countries.
- Cut-Off Mark: Entrance screening (no JAMB required).
- Requirements: O’Level credits in core science subjects.
9. College of Nursing Sciences, Kafanchan
Located in southern Kaduna, this college offers nursing and basic midwifery, giving students in that region a strong local option.
- Cut-Off Mark: Entrance exam based.
- Requirements: Standard five O’Level credits.
10. St. Louis School of Midwifery, Zonkwa
A fully NMCN-accredited private midwifery school with a strong reputation for maternal care training.
- Cut-Off Mark: Internal screening.
- Requirements: O’Level credits including English, Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Each of these completes the Top 10 best school of nursing in Kaduna state, balancing accessibility, specialisation, and clinical strength.
Quick Comparison Table
| Institution | Type | Admission Route | Notable Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABUTH, Zaria | Federal | Entrance exam | Largest teaching hospital |
| ABU Zaria (Dept of Nursing) | Federal University | JAMB/UTME | BNSc degree, online option |
| KSCNM | State | Entrance exam | Most affordable, broad programmes |
| Federal Neuropsychiatric, Barnawa | Federal | Entrance exam | Psychiatric nursing |
| National Eye Centre | Federal | Entrance exam | Ophthalmic nursing |
| KASU | State University | JAMB/UTME | University degree |
| Tudun Wada | State | Entrance exam | Community nursing |
| St. Gerard’s, Kakuri | Mission | Entrance exam | Strong discipline |
| Kafanchan | State | Entrance exam | Southern Kaduna access |
| St. Louis, Zonkwa | Private | Entrance exam | Midwifery focus |
General Admission Requirements
Most nursing schools in Kaduna share these baseline conditions:
- Five O’Level credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, in not more than two sittings.
- A minimum age of 16 at the point of entry.
- A pass in the school’s entrance examination or, for university routes, a valid UTME score that meets the stated minimum.
- The correct UTME subject combination of English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics for degree applicants.
Confirming your exact subject combination before registration saves you from disqualification later.
Tips to Boost Your Admission Chances
From the path many successful applicants follow, a few smart moves raise your odds:
- Apply early. Forms close fast, and early submission avoids technical glitches.
- Aim above the minimum. Treat the cut-off as a floor, not a target, since higher scores win slots.
- Prepare for the entrance exam. Focus on Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English.
- Stick to official channels. Pay only through verified portals to dodge scammers.
This careful, honest approach reflects the diligence admission panels and future employers respect.
Career Prospects After Nursing School
Graduates serve as registered nurses, midwives, public health officers, and specialists in psychiatric, paediatric, ophthalmic, and perioperative care. Employers include teaching hospitals, general hospitals, clinics, NGOs, and international health organisations. With NMCN registration and further licensing exams, many Kaduna-trained nurses also build rewarding careers abroad in the UK, Canada, the Gulf, and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is the best nursing school in Kaduna State? ABUTH School of Nursing and the ABU Department of Nursing lead for clinical facilities and reputation, while KSCNM offers the most affordable broad-based option.
Do I need JAMB to study nursing in Kaduna? Diploma schools like ABUTH, KSCNM, and St. Gerard’s use their own entrance exams, while university routes at ABU and KASU require a valid UTME score.
What cut-off mark do I need? University nursing programmes generally expect 200 and above, while diploma colleges rely on internal entrance screening rather than a fixed JAMB number.
Which nursing school in Kaduna is most affordable? Kaduna State College of Nursing and Midwifery offers the lowest fees, roughly ₦40,000 to ₦70,000 per session for basic programmes.
Can non-indigenes apply? Yes. All listed schools admit students from across Nigeria, and some, like St. Gerard’s, even accept applicants from other African countries.
How long does nursing training take? Basic nursing runs three years, while the university BNSc degree takes five years including clinical rotations.
Final Thoughts
Your ideal school depends on cost, location, programme type, and your academic strength. Use this breakdown of the Top 10 best school of nursing in Kaduna state as your starting compass, then verify every detail on official portals before you commit. With early planning, solid preparation, and honest research, your nursing dream in the heart of Northern Nigeria is well within reach. Best of luck with your 2026/2027 admission journey.