Plateau State is one of the leading destinations for nursing education in Nigeria’s North Central region. The state hosts a mix of federal, state-owned, and private institutions that train students for careers as Registered Nurses (RN), Registered Midwives (RM), and Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.NSc.) holders. Every institution listed in this article is recognized by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), the body responsible for accrediting nursing training institutions across the country. This article covers the approved nursing schools in Plateau State, what each one offers, and what students should expect to pay in school fees.
Why Accreditation Matters Before Choosing a School
Before applying to any nursing institution, a candidate must confirm that the school appears on the NMCN’s current list of approved training institutions. Attending a school that is not accredited, or one whose accreditation has lapsed, means a student cannot sit for the NMCN licensing examination after graduation. This examination is what qualifies a graduate to practice as a nurse or midwife in Nigeria. Since accreditation status can change from year to year, prospective students should always verify a school’s standing directly with the NMCN or through the school’s admissions office before making payments.
List of Approved Nursing Schools in Plateau State
The following institutions in Plateau State are recognized by the NMCN to run nursing and midwifery training programs.
1. College of Nursing Sciences, Vom
This state-owned college, commonly referred to as the Plateau State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Vom, is one of the oldest and most established nursing training centres in the state. It runs the Basic Nursing (RN) and Midwifery (RM) programs, and it draws applicants from Plateau State and neighbouring states through a quota system that favours indigenes of Plateau State with lower fees compared to non-indigenes.
2. College of Nursing Sciences, Jos
Located in Jos, the state capital, this college also offers both the Nursing and Midwifery programs. It operates under state government supervision and follows the same general admission structure as other state colleges of nursing, including entrance examinations and post-UTME-style screening for candidates who already hold their Senior Secondary Certificate results.
3. College of Nursing Sciences, OLAH, Jos
This institution is attached to Our Lady of Apostles Hospital (OLAH) in Jos and focuses on the Midwifery program. Being a mission/hospital-based college, it combines classroom instruction with clinical placements within the hospital, giving students direct exposure to maternal and child health services from an early stage of their training.
4. College of Nursing Sciences, Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH)
JUTH’s College of Nursing Sciences is a specialized institution that trains nurses in post-basic programs rather than the entry-level Basic Nursing program. These include Critical Care Nursing, Anaesthetic Nursing, Ophthalmic Nursing, Nephrology Nursing, and Perioperative Nursing. Admission into these programs typically requires that a candidate already holds an RN qualification, since they are advanced specialization courses rather than foundational training.
5. Department of Nursing Sciences, University of Jos
The University of Jos runs a full Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.NSc.) degree program through its Faculty of Clinical Sciences. Unlike the diploma-style Basic Nursing programs offered by the colleges above, this is a five-year university degree that also opens the door to postgraduate study, including Master of Science, Master of Philosophy, and Doctor of Philosophy programs in Nursing. Admission requires UTME registration and meeting the university’s departmental cut-off mark, in addition to the standard O’Level requirements.
6. Hill College of Nursing Sciences, Jos
Hill College of Nursing Sciences is a private institution offering both the Nursing and Midwifery programs. As a privately owned school, its fees are generally higher than those of the state-run colleges, but it offers an alternative route for candidates who did not secure admission into the state or federal institutions.
7. Adventist College of Nursing Sciences, Jengre
This is a faith-based private college affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, located in Jengre. It runs Nursing and Midwifery programs and combines its academic curriculum with the ethical and moral training associated with its religious affiliation. It attracts students from within and outside Plateau State.
8. Jibape Memorial College of Nursing Sciences, Jengre
Also located in Jengre, this private college offers National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programs in Nursing Sciences, in addition to the standard RN and RM certification tracks. It is one of the newer nursing institutions in the state and has expanded its program offerings to include diploma routes alongside the traditional professional nursing certifications.
School Fees for Nursing Programs in Plateau State
School fees for nursing programs in Plateau State depend on three main factors: whether the institution is state-owned, federal, or private; whether the applicant is an indigene of Plateau State or a non-indigene; and whether the program is a basic diploma-style course or a full university degree. The table below gives a general breakdown based on institution type, since individual schools review their fee structures periodically.
| Institution Type | Examples | Estimated Fee Range (Per Session) |
|---|---|---|
| State-owned Colleges of Nursing (indigene) | Vom, Jos, OLAH | ₦100,000 – ₦180,000 |
| State-owned Colleges of Nursing (non-indigene) | Vom, Jos, OLAH | ₦150,000 – ₦250,000 |
| Federal University Degree Program | University of Jos (B.NSc.) | ₦60,000 – ₦150,000 (excluding accommodation and departmental charges) |
| Private Nursing Colleges | Hill College, Adventist College, Jibape Memorial | ₦300,000 – ₦600,000 |
| Post-Basic Specialized Programs | JUTH College of Nursing Sciences | ₦150,000 – ₦300,000 |
These figures are estimates based on typical fee patterns for nursing training institutions of each category in Nigeria. Fees change from one academic session to the next, so a candidate preparing to apply should always request the most current fee schedule directly from the school’s admissions office or bursary department rather than relying solely on figures found online.
What the School Fees Usually Cover
School fees at nursing institutions in Plateau State typically cover tuition, library access, laboratory and clinical practice charges, examination fees, and in some cases a portion of hostel accommodation. However, most schools separate tuition from other compulsory charges such as:
- Application and screening/entrance examination fees, usually paid before admission is confirmed
- Acceptance fees, paid once a candidate is offered admission
- Uniform and clinical kit costs, which cover nursing uniforms, aprons, and basic equipment
- Departmental and NMCN registration or examination fees, paid at specific stages of the program
- Hostel accommodation, where applicable, since not all schools include this in the base tuition
Because of these additional charges, the actual amount a student pays in their first year is usually higher than the tuition figure alone. Candidates should ask for a full breakdown of all charges before making any payment.
Admission Requirements Common to These Schools
While each institution sets its own specific cut-off marks and screening process, most nursing schools in Plateau State share a similar baseline requirement. A candidate generally needs:
- A minimum of five credit passes in the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE), including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry or Physics, obtained in not more than two sittings.
- A minimum age requirement, usually 16 to 17 years and above, at the time of admission.
- For the university-based B.NSc. program, a UTME registration with the University of Jos as the first choice and a score that meets the departmental cut-off mark.
- For the diploma-based colleges, a passing score in the school’s own entrance examination, followed by an oral interview.
- Payment of the acceptance fee within the stipulated deadline once admission is offered.
Choosing Between a College of Nursing and a University Nursing Program
Prospective students in Plateau State often have to decide between the diploma-style Colleges of Nursing (which award RN/RM certification) and the University of Jos’s B.NSc. degree program. Colleges of Nursing generally take three years to complete and lead directly into clinical practice as a Registered Nurse. The B.NSc. program at the University of Jos takes five years and results in a full university degree, which offers a wider range of career paths, including opportunities in nursing education, research, and administration. The right choice depends on a candidate’s long-term career goals, available time, and financial capacity, since university programs, though sometimes cheaper in tuition, may carry longer overall costs due to their extended duration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all these nursing schools officially recognized to award RN and RM certificates?
Yes, all the institutions listed above appear on the NMCN’s approved list for Plateau State, meaning their graduates are eligible to sit for the NMCN licensing examination, provided the school retains its accreditation at the time of the student’s graduation.
Do Plateau State indigenes pay less than non-indigenes?
Yes. State-owned colleges of nursing in Plateau State typically charge lower fees to candidates who are indigenes of the state, while non-indigenes pay a higher rate for the same program.
Can a candidate gain admission into the University of Jos nursing program without UTME?
No. The Bachelor of Nursing Science program at the University of Jos requires UTME registration with the university as the first choice institution, along with meeting the departmental cut-off mark, since it is a full degree program under the university’s regular admission process.
Is the school fee the only cost a nursing student should budget for?
No. Beyond tuition, students should budget for acceptance fees, uniforms and clinical kits, hostel accommodation where applicable, textbooks, and NMCN registration or examination fees at different stages of the program.
Do private nursing colleges in Plateau State offer the same certification as state colleges?
Yes, as long as the private college is accredited by the NMCN. Graduates from accredited private colleges sit for the same licensing examination and receive the same RN/RM certification as graduates of state-owned colleges.