Nursing, officially known as nursing science is a very prestigious and competitive course to study in Nigeria. Many regard Nursing as one of the most important careers in the health sector, asides from medicine. In Nigeria, the nursing profession has been esteemed in such a way that nurses are well paid. However, the institution where you decide to study could greatly determine the success of your nursing career. This is why it is important you properly consider the school where you study for your nursing career so you can be set on the right path. Health organizations consider to a great extent the institution you have studied in order to decide if to employ a candidate or not. Employers are more likely to employ nursing graduates who attended the best schools of nursing. In light of these reasons, this article highlights the best universities to study nursing in Nigeria. This will be beneficial for anyone looking to become a nurse in Nigeria and unsure what institution to attend. Below are the best universities offering nursing in Nigeria.
University of Lagos
According to many students and employers, UNILAG is arguably one of the best universities to study nursing in Nigeria. The University of Lagos was established in 1962 and is located at University Road, Akoka, Lagos State, Nigeria. Although UNILAG was established in 1962, the school did not have a department of nursing until 2010 when the Academic Board of the College received a letter that consented to the school offering nursing. However, the Nursing program was a unit under the Department of Medicine in the Faculty of Clinical Sciences until they were approved by the Senate to have achieved a departmental status. The department began to function fully in 2011. The vision of the department is to pursue excellence in knowledge through innovative learning and research. Staff and students are also encouraged to interact effectively so they can compete with their counterparts on both national and international levels. The institution makes sure to employ well-learned lecturers dedicated to training students to meet the international requirements of a professional nurse.
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
The University of Ilorin is another great choice to study Nursing. Unilorin as is commonly called has won its space among the best schools in Nigeria, in spite of its recent establishment. The University of Ilorin was established in 1975 in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. It has grown to become one of the most competitive and most populated institutions in the country. The department of nursing at Unilorin is under the College of Health Sciences. It is also very competitive, admitting only candidates who meet the school’s admission criteria. The vision of the department of nursing is to prepare undergraduates of nursing to think effectively. Nursing graduates from the University of Ilorin learn to relate the roles of health services to the broader social system. One of the focuses of the department is to ensure its nursing students are exceptionally good in the profession according to both national and international standards.
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) is the first indigenous university in Nigeria. The institution was established in 1960 and is located in Nsukka, Enugu state. UNN is also one of the best places to study nursing in Nigeria. Its department of nursing is under the College of Health Sciences & Technology. Many employers attest to the fact that nursing graduates from the University of Nigeria show professional skills and character than students from other institutions. One of the driving forces of the University of Nigeria is the belief that primary health care is a fundamental human right and a nursing profession is a primary tool in achieving health care for all. Graduates of the UNN Nursing department gain employment in the community and clinical practice areas such as schools, health centers, industries, hospitals. Successful candidates are awarded a Bachelor of Science Honors degree and taught to apply scientific principles to the practical care of individuals of all ages under various settings.
University of Ibadan (UI)
Generally, the University of Ibadan (UI) is regarded as one of the best universities in the country. Its department of nursing is one of the best and sought after in the university. The University of Ibadan was established in 1948 with a vision to foster education in Nigeria. The institution exercises this vision in its department of nursing, teaching them practical ways to care for individuals in various sectors of society. Admission into the nursing department at the University of Ibadan is very competitive. Only those who meet the school’s admission criteria and cut-off marks are allowed into the department. During the nursing program, students are taught about all nursing processes and how to translate theory to practical care of basic human needs such as wound care, surgical care, disease prevention and physical well-being. The school awards a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSc Nursing) upon 5 years completion of the study.
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife (OAU)
Obafemi Awolowo University, popularly known as OAU was established in 1961. The institution was set up to facilitate the growth and development of standard education in Nigeria. OAU also has one of the best departments of nursing in Nigeria. When working in organizations and health institutions, graduates of OAU are commended as more proficient than those from other schools. The department was established to give students a sound understanding of the nursing profession so they can provide quality health care in all sectors of society. Admission into the department of nursing at Obafemi Awolowo University is highly competitive. Students that do not meet OAU departmental cutoff mark are usually not offered admission into the department.
These are the best Nigerian universities that provide quality education in the nursing field. The nursing profession is a serious business in the medical field and is very competitive. However, if you are able to get admission into any of these schools, you are assured of a guaranteed quality nursing education.