The College of Nursing Sciences Sokoto has a rich history that dates back to 1971 when it was established with Mrs. Harts Field as the first Principal of the School of Nursing. Over the years, the institution has undergone significant transformations, culminating in its current status as a degree-awarding institution. This article provides a brief historical account of the college’s journey, including key milestones and developments.
Founding Years (1971-1981):
The College of Nursing Sciences Sokoto was founded in 1971, situated initially within the premises of the present Specialist Hospital, Sokoto. Mrs. Harts Field served as the first Principal of the School of Nursing from 1971 to 1979, while Hajiya Balaraba Budah became the first Principal of the School of Midwifery from 1972 to 1988. The institution moved to its current location in 1981, marking a significant milestone in its growth.
Temporary Approval and Legislative Recognition (1979-1994):
In 1979, the school received temporary approval from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria for the training of Nurses and Midwives. However, it was in January 1993 that the College’s status was elevated through a landmark legislation—Bill No 12 of the Sokoto State House of Assembly. This legislation marked the College as the first independent school of Nursing and Midwifery in the country. Alh. Bello Balarabe served as the first Executive Director from 1993 to 1994.
Degree-Awarding Institution (2010-Present):
Continuing its journey of growth, the College of Nursing Sciences Sokoto received further recognition through Bill No. 7 of 2010 of the Sokoto State House of Assembly. This bill elevated the institution’s status to a degree-awarding institution, officially named the “College of Nursing Science.” The bill was signed into law on 7th November 2010, by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Alh. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko (Sarkin Yamma Sokoto). Mal. Abdullahi Muhammed Sokoto was appointed as the first Provost of the College.
Admission Process and Requirements:
The College of Nursing Sciences Sokoto admits students through a structured process. Prospective students can obtain admission forms during specific application periods, either online through the college’s website or in person. The admission requirements include completion of secondary education with credits in relevant subjects, meeting the minimum age criteria, providing health clearance, and submitting character references. An application fee is also required.
School Fees and Courses Offered:
For the 2023/2024 academic session, the school fees for the College of Nursing Sciences Sokoto range from 28,000 to 91,000. The institution offers a diverse range of courses, including Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Psychiatry, Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Radiography and Radiological Science, Physiotherapy, Medical Rehabilitation, Health Information Management, and Medical and Dental Technology.
Related Article: Caritas College Of Nursing, Enugu, School Fees And Courses Offered
(FAQs) about the College of Nursing Sciences, Sokoto—covering admission, fees, and courses:
What programmes does the College of Nursing Sciences, Sokoto offer?
The college offers the following:
Basic Nursing Program (General Nursing Programme – GNP): A 3-year (six semesters) diploma course in nursing.
Basic Midwifery Program (BMP): Also a 3-year (six semesters) diploma course.
Post-Basic Program: A 3-year (six semesters) advanced-level diploma.
Community Nursing Program (CNP) and Community Midwifery Program (CMP): Each spans 2 years.
What are the admission requirements and process?
Admission Requirements:
Minimum of five O’Level credit passes in English, Maths, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry, in not more than two sittings (WAEC, NECO, or combination).
Completion of primary school leaving certificate, birth certificate or age declaration, and for Sokoto indigenes, LGA indigene certificate.
Application Process (ND/HND Nursing – 2025/2026 Academic Session):
Admission form cost: ₦10,000.
Forms are sold via the college portal (e.g. sis.conssokoto.com.ng) under the “Admission” tab—create a profile and upload required documents: JAMB result slip, change of institution slip, O’Level results, uploaded to JAMB CAPS.
Candidates must have scored at least 160 in JAMB UTME and must have selected the college as their first choice.
Key Dates (2025/2026):
Form sales: 7–23 July 2025
Post-UTME exam: 2 August 2025
Result release: 4 August 2025
Screening: 11–15 August 2025
How much are the school fees?
Estimates from past years (per year):
First year (introductory class): Approximately ₦67,000 in 2023, with uniform ₦5,000 and hostel ₦8,000.
Second year (intermediate): Day students ~₦28,000; hostel students ~₦34,000 + ₦3,000 hostel maintenance.
Third year (final/hospital class): Day students ~₦31,000; hostel ~₦38,000–₦41,000; plus council exam ~₦56,000. Post-Basic Program: Indigenes ~₦115,000; non-indigenes ~₦125,000.
For 2025/2026 fresh students (Basic Nursing):
Indigenes: ₦28,000
Non-Indigenes: ₦91,000
Post-Basic Nursing (2025/2026, fresh students):
Indigenes: ₦53,000
Non-Indigenes: ₦122,000
What are the academic courses offered in the programmes?
According to the college website:
Basic Nursing (GNP): Designated as six-semester course over 3 years, with courses coded in four digits — prefix BGN for each year/semester.
Basic Midwifery (BMP): Similarly, a 3-year, six-semester programme, with course codes using prefix BMP.
Specific course titles are not listed, but the prefixes indicate structured academic content across semesters.
What does the general admission timeline look like?
For earlier cycles (e.g., 2024/2025), the timeline was:
Form sales: 12–24 August 2024
Post-UTME exam: 31 August 2024
Result release: 2 September 2024
Interview: 4–6 September 2024
Release of successful candidates: 9 September 2024
Registration: 16–27 September 2024
Lectures commence: 23 November 2024
The 2025/2026 timeline generally follows the July–August pattern detailed above
Conclusion:
The College of Nursing Sciences Sokoto has evolved over the years, from its humble beginnings in 1971 to becoming a distinguished degree-awarding institution. Its commitment to providing quality nursing education is evident in its rich history and the array of courses offered. Aspiring students are encouraged to explore the opportunities available at the College of Nursing Sciences Sokoto and contribute to the legacy of excellence in nursing education. For more information on the admission process and requirements, interested candidates can visit the college’s application portal at www.conssokoto.edu.ng.