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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Top 10 Polytechnics For Nursing In Nigeria 2025: Best For Practical Learning And Clinical Experience
Nursing is one of the most respected and in-demand healthcare professions in Nigeria and across the globe. With the growing need for qualified nurses, several polytechnics in Nigeria have been accredited to offer Nursing-related programs — particularly Health Technology, Community Health, and Nursing Science under approved partnerships. If you're looking for top-rated polytechnics that emphasize practical learning and real-world clinical exposure, this guide is for you.
Below is the updated list of the top 10 polytechnics for nursing programs in Nigeria for 2025, based on factors like facilities, accreditation, clinical exposure, and graduate employability.
Top 10 Nursing-Focused Polytechnics in Nigeria (2025)
| Polytechnic | Location | Key Nursing-Related Programs | Why It Stands Out |
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| 1. Ogun State College of Health Technology, Ilese-Ijebu | Ogun State | Community Health, Nursing, Public Health | Well-equipped clinical labs & community health exposure |
| 2. Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa | Kwara State | Environmental Health, Nursing, Health Information Mgt. | Strong internship links with teaching hospitals |
| 3. Kaduna Polytechnic (in affiliation) | Kaduna State | Nursing/Health Sciences (in partnership) | Offers Nursing tech with real-world hospital practice |
| 4. Federal Polytechnic Nekede (affiliated) | Imo State | Health Tech & Nursing Science (with universities) | Advanced simulation labs for training |
| 5. Rivers State College of Health Science & Management Technology | Port Harcourt | Community Health, Public Health, Nursing | Access to Rivers State General Hospitals for training |
| 6. Anambra State College of Health Technology, Obosi | Anambra State | Health Technology, Nursing Tech | Accredited programs with practical outreach |
| 7. College of Health Sciences and Technology, Tsafe | Zamfara State | Community Health, Nursing Aid | Excellent student-to-patient interaction ratio |
| 8. Lagos State College of Health Technology, Yaba | Lagos State | Dental Nursing, Community Health, Health Edu | Urban access to clinical experience & private hospitals |
| 9. Delta State College of Health Technology, Ofuoma | Delta State | Public Health, Nursing Assistant, Environmental Health | Highly recommended for practical exposure |
| 10. Shehu Idris College of Health Sciences and Technology, Makarfi | Kaduna State | Public Health, Community Health, Nursing Assistant | Federal-level programs with skilled faculty |
Admission Requirements (General Guide)
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Minimum of 5 credits in WAEC/NECO/NABTEB including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
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Must be at least 17 years old at the time of application.
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A JAMB UTME score may be required for ND programs.
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Some institutions conduct aptitude tests or interviews.
Why Choose a Polytechnic for Nursing-Related Courses?
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Hands-on clinical training from year one.
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Lower tuition than most universities.
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Flexible programs (ND, HND, Diploma).
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Opportunities for internships and community-based health projects.
FAQs: Nursing Polytechnics in Nigeria
1. Are polytechnics allowed to offer full Nursing degrees?
No. Only universities can award the Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc). However, polytechnics can offer health-related diploma programs like Community Health or Nursing Assistant, often in collaboration with accredited teaching hospitals.
2. Can I become a Registered Nurse (RN) from a Polytechnic?
You may need to transfer to an accredited university or School of Nursing to become an RN. Some polytechnics offer pathways to recognized RN certification through partnerships.
3. How long is the program?
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ND Programs: 2 years + 1 year Industrial Training (IT)
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Diploma/Certificate Programs: 1 – 3 years depending on specialization
4. Are these institutions accredited?
Yes. All the schools listed are approved by NBTE, and their programs are aligned with Nigeria's Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMCN) regulations where applicable.
Conclusion
If you're passionate about healthcare and want a cost-effective, practical way to join the nursing profession in Nigeria, these polytechnics are a great place to start. They combine real-world exposure, industry-standard tools, and a direct path to careers in nursing, public health, and healthcare management.
Choose wisely based on your location, specialization, and future goals — and remember that practical skills are just as valuable as academic grades in the healthcare field.
