Jigawa State offers a small but well-defined set of nursing training options, ranging from a full university-level Bachelor of Nursing Science programme to diploma-level Schools of Nursing and Midwifery that train Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives. Anyone planning to study nursing in the state needs to know which institutions carry valid Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) accreditation, since a nursing certificate from an unapproved or embargoed school does not qualify a graduate to sit the professional licensing examination. This article lists the approved nursing training institutions in Jigawa State and sets out what each one charges for the 2026/2027 academic session.
What “Approved” Means for a Nursing School in Nigeria
In Nigeria, nursing education is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), the body responsible for accrediting every school of nursing, school of midwifery, post-basic nursing programme, and university nursing department in the country. NMCN accreditation comes in two forms: full accreditation, which lasts five years, and provisional accreditation, which lasts two years and is typically given to newer programmes still building up their resources. A school can also be placed under an admission embargo if it falls short of NMCN’s resource requirements, meaning it cannot admit new students until the deficiencies are corrected and a fresh resource verification visit confirms the school now meets standard. Before applying to any nursing school in Jigawa State, a candidate should confirm the institution’s current accreditation status, since this determines whether a graduate will be eligible to write the NMCN licensing examination and be registered as a nurse or midwife.
Approved Nursing Institutions in Jigawa State
Jigawa State runs its nursing training through two main structures: a state university offering a full degree programme, and a state college of nursing and midwifery that runs diploma-level nursing and midwifery programmes across two campuses.
1. Jigawa State University of Medical and Allied Health Sciences (JSUMAHS)
JSUMAHS offers a Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.NSc.) degree under its Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, alongside other health-related degree programmes such as Medical Laboratory Science. This is the degree-level route into nursing in the state, and it takes longer to complete than the diploma-level programmes but leads to a university degree rather than a diploma certificate.
2. Jigawa State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Birnin Kudu (with Hadejia Campus)
This is the state’s main diploma-level nursing training institution, and it operates under two campuses:
- Birnin Kudu campus: The original site, established in 1996 along the Kano-Maiduguri Road, about 47 kilometres from Dutse, the state capital. It runs the General Nursing programme and the School of Midwifery, which began operating in 2010.
- Hadejia campus: Established in October 2017 under the same college structure, located about 164 kilometres from Dutse. This campus extends nursing and midwifery training to the northern part of the state.
Together, these two campuses offer General Nursing, Midwifery, Public Health Nursing, and Post-Basic Nursing programmes, giving candidates in different parts of Jigawa State reasonable access to nursing training without needing to travel outside the state.
Jigawa State University of Medical and Allied Health Sciences (JSUMAHS) Nursing Fees
JSUMAHS charges tuition based on whether a student is a Jigawa State indigene or a non-indigene, which is standard practice for state-owned tertiary institutions in Nigeria. For the 2026/2027 academic session, the Bachelor of Nursing Science programme carries the following approved charges:
| Fee Category | Jigawa State Indigenes | Non-Indigenes |
|---|---|---|
| B.NSc. Nursing Science (fresh students) | ₦840,000 | ₦1,200,000 |
| Returning students (Faculty of Science and related programmes) | ₦585,000 | ₦585,000 |
| Acceptance fee | ₦15,000 | ₦15,000 |
| Accommodation | ₦90,000 or ₦200,000 (depending on hostel type) | ₦90,000 or ₦200,000 (depending on hostel type) |
The gap between the indigene and non-indigene rate is significant, at ₦360,000 per session, so candidates from outside Jigawa State should factor this into their financial planning before applying. The acceptance fee is a one-time, non-refundable payment made after an admission offer is confirmed, and it applies uniformly regardless of a candidate’s state of origin. Accommodation is billed separately from tuition, and the two accommodation rates typically correspond to different hostel standards or room-sharing arrangements.
Jigawa State College of Nursing and Midwifery Fees (Birnin Kudu and Hadejia)
The diploma-level College of Nursing and Midwifery charges considerably less than the university route, which is one of the reasons many candidates in the state and neighbouring areas choose this path into the nursing profession. Reported tuition for indigene students has been in the region of ₦50,000 per semester, which is markedly lower than what a BNSc programme costs per session. Because this is a diploma-awarding institution rather than a full university, the fee structure is generally simpler, built around a departmental/tuition charge plus a separate accommodation charge, rather than the multi-layered fee categories found at university-level institutions.
Candidates should note that fees at the College of Nursing and Midwifery are paid through the school’s own online registration portal, and payment is typically split into department fees and accommodation fees, confirmed once a student logs in with their registration details. Because diploma-level nursing school fees are reviewed periodically and can differ slightly between the Birnin Kudu and Hadejia campuses, applicants should always verify the exact current figures directly with the school’s admissions office before making payment.
General Admission Requirements for Nursing in Jigawa State
Across both the university and diploma routes, nursing candidates in Jigawa State are expected to meet a broadly similar set of academic requirements, though the specific combination and minimum age can vary slightly between institutions:
- A minimum of five credit passes in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or National Examinations Council (NECO), including English Language, Mathematics, and the science subjects (Biology or Health Science, Chemistry, and Physics).
- These credits must be obtained in not more than two sittings.
- A minimum age requirement, typically around 16 years and above, at the point of admission.
- For the university route (JSUMAHS), a competitive UTME score and satisfactory performance in the institution’s post-UTME screening exercise, in line with standard federal and state university admission procedures.
- For the diploma-level College of Nursing and Midwifery, admission is usually based on an entrance examination conducted by the school itself, in addition to the WASSCE/NECO requirement, rather than through the UTME/JAMB process.
Comparing the Nursing Routes in Jigawa State
Choosing between the university degree route and the diploma route comes down to a trade-off between cost, duration, and the qualification obtained at the end. The table below summarises the key differences:
| Factor | JSUMAHS (B.NSc. Nursing Science) | State College of Nursing and Midwifery |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | University degree (B.NSc.) | Diploma (Registered Nurse/Registered Midwife) |
| Approximate session/annual cost (indigene) | ₦840,000 | Considerably lower, tuition around ₦50,000 per semester |
| Admission route | UTME plus post-UTME screening | School-conducted entrance examination |
| Campuses | Single university campus | Birnin Kudu and Hadejia campuses |
| Best suited for | Candidates who want a bachelor’s degree and are prepared for the higher cost | Candidates prioritising lower cost and faster entry into diploma-level nursing practice |
Both routes lead to a recognised nursing qualification once a graduate passes the NMCN licensing examination, but the degree route generally opens more doors for further postgraduate specialisation and career progression within the health sector, while the diploma route offers a quicker and more affordable path into active nursing practice.
Other Costs to Plan For
Beyond tuition and acceptance fees, nursing students in Jigawa State, like nursing students anywhere in Nigeria, should budget for a few recurring extra costs:
- Uniform and clinical kit: Nursing programmes require specific uniforms, aprons, and basic clinical tools that students purchase early in the programme.
- Practical/clinical posting costs: Students on hospital ward rotations sometimes incur minor transport or logistics costs depending on how postings are arranged.
- Textbooks and study materials: Nursing coursework relies heavily on specific reference texts that are not always available in general bookshops.
- NMCN examination and registration fees: After completing training, graduates pay separate fees to sit the NMCN licensing examination and to register as a nurse or midwife, which are distinct from school fees paid during training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which nursing institutions in Jigawa State are approved by NMCN?
Jigawa State University of Medical and Allied Health Sciences (JSUMAHS) for the degree-level Bachelor of Nursing Science, and the Jigawa State College of Nursing and Midwifery, which operates through its Birnin Kudu and Hadejia campuses for diploma-level General Nursing and Midwifery training.
How much does the JSUMAHS nursing programme cost for indigenes and non-indigenes?
Fresh Jigawa State indigenes pay ₦840,000 per session, while non-indigenes pay ₦1,200,000. Returning students pay ₦585,000, and the acceptance fee is ₦15,000.
Is the diploma nursing programme at the State College of Nursing cheaper than the university route?
Yes. The College of Nursing and Midwifery charges considerably less than JSUMAHS, with tuition reported at around ₦50,000 per semester for indigene students, making it a more affordable entry point into nursing.
Do I need UTME to apply for nursing in Jigawa State?
It depends on the route. JSUMAHS requires UTME and post-UTME screening as a university-level institution. The State College of Nursing and Midwifery typically admits through its own entrance examination rather than UTME.
Can a graduate from any nursing school in Jigawa State practise as a nurse anywhere in Nigeria?
Yes, provided the school holds valid NMCN accreditation at the time of the student’s training and the graduate passes the NMCN licensing examination, since NMCN registration is recognised nationwide, not just within Jigawa State.