Direct Entry admission allows students to be admitted into the 200 level. Unlike the conversional UTME admission, where all the admitted students start from 100 level, the direct entry exam will give you admission into 200 level in Nursing. This means that you are not going to be doing any 100-level courses again.

The requirements for admission for Direct Entry are very different from the UTME admission requirements. Also, not all the universities that offer Nursing in Nigeria will accept students into the 200 level through Direct Entry admission. The DE admission is more competitive than the normal conversional UTME admission, because there is a limited slot for DE students.

There are different ways and qualifications for gaining DE admission into Nursing, and before we list out schools that accept students for Direct Entry admission, we will mention those two ways.

Two Types of DE Applicants for Nursing Science

To successfully apply for Direct Entry (DE) into a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) program in 2026, you must identify which category you fall into. Generally, there are two known pathways for gaining DE admission in Nigeria, and they include the Professional Path and Academic Path. Each of these paths has its own academic requirements and certification.

1. The Professional Path (Registered Nurses – RN/RM)

This category is for candidates who have already passed through a College of Nursing Sciences and are duly registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. Candidate who have obtained the RN/RM certificate from a recognized College of Nursing can use their certificate to apply for a Direct Entry admission into the 200 level Nursing in the University.

If you want to use the RN/RM certificate to apply for DE admission, make sure to have your license updated and have other valid documents, which include induction certificates. With these documents, you can proceed to apply for admission into the 200 level in any Nursing department that accepts DE students.

2. The Academic Path (A-Level & Degree Holders)

This category is for students coming from a purely academic background who have never practiced nursing but hold advanced results in the sciences. The students can have qualifications like A-level, Bachelor’s Degree, ND/HND in a relevant field.

• A-Level Candidates (JUPEB / IJMB):  Students who completed a 9–12 month intensive program and obtained high points in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in their A-level program can apply for DE admission into Nursing.
• First Degree Holders (BSc / HND):  Candidates who already hold a degree in a related biological science field such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, or Microbiology. You generally need a First Class or a Second Class Upper (2.1) to stand a chance of admission

Feature	Professional Path (RN/RM)	Academic Path (JUPEB/Degree)
Experience	Usually 1–2 years required	Not required
License	Must be licensed by NMCN	No professional license needed
Success Rate	Very high at Federal Universities	Higher at Private Universities
Entry Level	200 Level (Directly to Nursing)	200 Level (Subject to space)

Regardless of the path either professional or academic, all DE applicants must register with JAMB during the Direct Entry window. There is no exam, but your data must be on the JAMB CAPS portal for your admission to be legal and for you to be eligible for NYSC later.

Lists of Universities that Accept Direct Entry for Nursing

Only a few universities offering Nursing in Nigeria accept students for direct entry admission. However, we are going to provide you with the updated lists of universities that will accept direct entry students for the 2026 academic session. The list of universities are:

1. Federal Universities (High Competition)

These schools are the first choice for most applicants. They typically prioritize Registered Nurses (RN) over A-Level (JUPEB/IJMB) candidates.

• University of Ibadan (UI) – Strictly for RN holders via ODeL or regular DE.

• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife – Prefers RN with at least 1-year experience.

• University of Lagos (UNILAG) – Accepts RN and very high-point JUPEB.

• University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) – Very DE-friendly; accepts RN and A-Levels.

• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria – Accepts IJMB (as the moderating body) and RN.

• University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – Accepts RN and JUPEB.

• University of Benin (UNIBEN) – Accepts RN and A-Levels.

• University of Jos (UNIJOS) – Accepts RN and IJMB.

• University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)

• University of Calabar (UNICAL) – Accepts RN (Note: Limited slots for IJMB).

• Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka

• Federal University, Birnin Kebbi (FUBK)

• Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA)

• Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (FUHSI)

• University of Abuja (UNIABUJA)

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2. State Universities (Best for Regional Applicants)

State schools are often more flexible with their admission quotas for indigenes and Registered Nurses from their state colleges.

• Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo

• Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH)

• Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso

• Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye

• Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo

• Ekiti State University (EKSU)

• University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo

• Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri – Accepts Degrees (2.1) and RN.

• Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka

• Edo State University, Uzairue

• Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)

• Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt

• Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu

• Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi

• Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete

3. Private Universities (Highest Admission Success Rate)

If a candidate has a JUPEB/IJMB result or a First Degree in a science field, these schools offer the most reliable path to 200-level admission.

• Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo – Has a specialized “RN-to-BNSc” track.

• Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Ado-Ekiti

• Bowen University, Iwo

• Lead City University, Ibadan – Very popular for DE Nursing.

• Bingham University, Karu

• Igbinedion University, Okada

• Redeemer’s University, Ede

• Madonna University, Elele

• PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt

• Chrisland University, Abeokuta

• Achievers University, Owo

• Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin

• Trinity University, Yaba, Lagos

• Renaissance University, Enugu

4. Special Mention: Open & Distance Learning (ODL)

For working nurses who cannot attend full-time classes, these are the only accredited options:

• National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN): Strictly for Registered Nurses. Requires a valid license.

• University of Ibadan (DLC): Offers a 4-year Nursing conversion for RN holders.

• Iconic Open University: A private ODL option approved by the NUC for Nursing Science.

The above lists are comprehensive and updated lists of all the universities in Nigeria that accept direct entry candidates for admission into the Department of Nursing.

List of Accredited Private Nursing Schools in Nigeria

Direct Entry (DE) Requirements for Nursing (2026/2027)

To qualify for admission into the 200 Level of a Nursing Science program without writing the UTME, candidates must meet three levels of requirements: O’Level, Advanced Level, and JAMB Registration.

1. General O’Level Requirements (Compulsory for All)

Regardless of your higher qualification (RN, JUPEB, or Degree), you must possess the basic science foundation.  Five (5) Credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in not more than two sittings in WAEC or NECO.

2. Advanced Level (A-Level) Qualifications

You must possess at least one of the following to be eligible for DE:

• Registered Nurse (RN) Certificate: Must be issued by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).

• IJMB or JUPEB:  You typically need a minimum of 10 to 14 points.

• First Degree (B.Sc):  A degree in a related health/biological science field (e.g., Physiology, Anatomy, Biochemistry, or Microbiology). Usually a minimum of Second Class Upper (2.1). Some private universities accept Second Class Lower (2.2).

Conclusion

Direct Entry admission into the Nursing program is only available in a few universities in Nigeria. Once you have been offered this admission, you will start from the 200 level instead of the normal 100 level that UTME candidates start with. Each of the schools have their requirement for Direct Entry admission. Check the requirements of the school you are applying to, to be sure if you will meet up with it.