In Nigeria, nursing education is highly regarded as a crucial component of the healthcare system.
It provides individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to become competent healthcare professionals.
While nursing science can only be pursued at universities in Nigeria, there are polytechnics that offer related courses and training in the field of nursing.
In this article, we will discuss the distinction between nursing education in universities and polytechnics in Nigeria, providing a comprehensive list of institutions offering nursing programs.
Nursing Education in Universities:
In Nigeria, nursing science is primarily offered as a degree program in universities. These universities often establish teaching hospitals as a vital part of their nursing education system. Students enrolled in nursing degree programs are typically required to complete a 5-year course of study.
Upon successful completion, they are awarded a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.Sc. Nursing) degree.
The curriculum covers various aspects of nursing, including theoretical knowledge, practical training, and clinical experiences. Students also receive specialized training in areas such as midwifery and other nursing specialties.
Polytechnics and Nursing-Related Courses:
Unlike universities, polytechnics in Nigeria do not formally offer nursing science as a standalone course.
Instead, they provide nursing-related courses that are closely related to the field of nursing. These courses are designed to equip students with practical skills and knowledge to work in healthcare settings.
Some of the nursing-related courses offered by polytechnics include Dental Nursing, Medical Imaging Technology, Nutrition and Dietetics, Orthopedic Cast Technology, Community Health, Environmental Health Technology, Health Information Management, and Science Laboratory Technology.
List of Teaching Hospitals/Colleges of Nursing: The following institutions are recognized teaching hospitals/colleges of nursing in Nigeria:
- Lagos University Teaching Hospital
- University of Benin Teaching Hospital
- Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital
- Abia State University Teaching Hospital
- Imo State University Teaching Hospital
- Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital
- Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital
- University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital
- University of Uyo Teaching Hospital
- University College Hospital, Ibadan
- University of Calabar Teaching Hospital
- Usman Danfodio University Teaching Hospital
- University of Abuja Teaching Hospital
- Delta State University Teaching Hospital
- Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital
- Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital
- University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital
- Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital
- Benue State University Teaching Hospital
- Jos University Teaching Hospital
- Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital
- University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital
- Oyo State School of Nursing
- Benue State School of Nursing
- Ogun State School of Nursing
- Ekiti State School of Nursing
- Kaduna State College of Nursing
- Oyo State College of Nursing & Midwifery, Kishi
- Adamawa State College of Nursing & Midwifery
- Katsina State School of Nursing and Midwifery
- Federal Capital Territory (FCT) School of Nursing
- Lagos State School of Nursing (LUTH)
- College of Nursing, Oke Ode, Kwara State
- Cross River State School of Nursing
- Federal School of Nursing Ido Ekiti
- Osun State School of Nursing, Asubairo Osogbo
- Shehu Sule College of Nursing and Midwifery, Damaturu
- Bowen School of Nursing Ogbomoso
- Mercy College of Nursing & Health Sciences Iwo
- School of Nursing, Sacred Heart Hospital, Lantoro
- Baptist School of Nursing Saki
Polytechnics Offering Nursing-Related Courses: The following polytechnics in Nigeria offer nursing-related courses:
- Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi
- Anambra State Polytechnic
- Kaduna State Polytechnic
- Ogun State Polytechnic
- Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri
- Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo
- Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic
- Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro
- Imo State Polytechnic
- Federal Polytechnic, Ede
- Federal Polytechnic Bali
- Abia State Polytechnic
- Auchi State Polytechnic
- Heritage Polytechnic
- Akwa Ibom Polytechnic
- Mai Idris Alooma Polytechnic
- Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic
- Benue State Polytechnic
- Federal Polytechnic, Bida
- Binyaminu Usman Polytechnic
- Crown Polytechnic
- Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti
- Akanu Ibiam Polytechnic
- Federal Polytechnic Damaturu
- Fidei Polytechnic, Gboko
- Polytechnic Ibadan
- Igbajo Polytechnic
- Jigawa State Polytechnic
- Hussaini Federal Polytechnic
- Kogi State Polytechnic
- Federal Polytechnic Ekowe
- Kwara State Polytechnic
- Lagos State Polytechnic
- Nasarawa State Polytechnic
- Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic
- Delta State Polytechnic
- Oke Ogun Polytechnic
- OSISATECH Polytechnic
- Federal Polytechnic, Idah
- Adamawa State Polytechnic
- Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri
- Rufus Giwa Polytechnic
- Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro
- Gateway Polytechnic
- Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic
- Federal Polytechnic, Oko
- Taraba State Polytechnic
- Temple Gate Polytechnic
- Federal Polytechnic, Mubi
- Ibarapa Polytechnic
- Trinity Polytechnic, Etoi
- Federal Polytechnic, Kaura-Namoda
- Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic
- Edo State Polytechnic
- Wolex Polytechnic
- Federal Polytechnic Waziri
Conclusion
Nursing education in Nigeria plays a vital role in producing skilled healthcare professionals. While nursing science is exclusively offered as a degree program in universities, polytechnics provide nursing-related courses to train individuals in specific areas of healthcare.
Aspiring nurses can choose between universities and polytechnics based on their academic qualifications and career goals.
It is important for prospective students to understand the distinctions between the two options to make informed decisions about their nursing education.