Nursing, often regarded as a noble profession, involves dedicated care for individuals, families, and communities to promote health and prevent illnesses. For those aspiring to join the ranks of compassionate healthcare professionals in Nigeria, polytechnics across the country offer diverse nursing programs. In this blog post, we’ll present an updated list of top polytechnics in Nigeria that provide opportunities to kickstart a rewarding nursing career, whether through a National Diploma (ND) or a Higher National Diploma (HND) program.
Top 8 Polytechnics Offering Nursing Programs:
Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti:
- Location: Ado-Ekiti
- Program: Two-year nursing program leading to a National Diploma (ND) in Nursing.
Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi:
- Location: Bauchi
- Program: Two-year nursing program leading to a National Diploma (ND) in Nursing.
Federal Polytechnic, Bida:
- Location: Niger State
- Programs: Nursing programs offered at both National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) levels.
Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro:
- Location: Ilaro
- Programs: Nursing programs available at National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) levels.
- Federal Polytechnic, Nekede:
- Location: Owerri, Imo State
- Programs: Nursing programs offered at National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) levels.
Federal Polytechnic, Oko:
- Location: Anambra State
- Programs: Nursing programs available at National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) levels.
Lagos State Polytechnic:
- Location: Lagos State
- Programs: Nursing programs offered at National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) levels.
Moshood Abiola Polytechnic:
- Location: Abeokuta, Ogun State
- Programs: Nursing programs available at National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) levels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do polytechnics in Nigeria offer nursing programs (ND/HND in Nursing)?
Yes—some polytechnics do offer nursing programs, especially National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Nursing. Notable examples include Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, Federal Polytechnic Bida, Ilaro, Nekede, Oko, Lagos State Polytechnic, and Moshood Abiola Polytechnic. Additionally, Lagos State College of Health Technology (Yaba) and Ogun State College of Health Technology (Ilese-Ijebu) offer diploma-level Nursing and Midwifery programs.
Are there many polytechnics offering direct nursing training, or mostly related health courses?
While certain polytechnics offer direct nursing diplomas, many others offer nursing-related or allied health programs rather than certified nursing. Examples of related courses include Community Health, Health Information Management, Dental Nursing, Medical Imaging Technology, and Nutrition & Dietetics.
Which institutions are reliably offering nursing programs (ND and/or HND) as of 2025?
Based on multiple sources, the following institutions are consistently mentioned as offering ND/HND in Nursing:
Federal Polytechnic: Ado-Ekiti, Bauchi, Bida, Ilaro, Nekede, Oko
Lagos State Polytechnic (and Lagos State College of Health Technology in Yaba)
Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (Abeokuta)
Ogun State College of Health Technology (Ilese-Ijebu)
All provide diploma-level nursing training (ND/HND or Nursing/Midwifery diplomas).
Is the recently converted Ekiti State College of Health Science and Technology now offering nursing training?
Yes. As of February 19, 2025, the Ekiti State College of Health Science and Technology (Ijero-Ekiti) successfully converted into a polytechnic, with programs including Public Health Nursing among others Wikipedia.
Where can one find nursing-related programs or broader health-science options in polytechnics?
For those interested in broader health-science pathways, polytechnics such as those offering Health Technology, Environmental Health, Nutrition & Dietetics, Dental Technology, and others may serve as alternative routes toward health careers. These may not grant RN status directly but can facilitate entry into adjacent healthcare fields.
Conclusion
For those with aspirations of becoming a nurse in Nigeria, the country’s polytechnics offer a diverse array of options to kickstart a fulfilling career. This blog post has provided an updated and comprehensive list of polytechnics across Nigeria that offer nursing programs at both National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) levels. Whether you choose to begin your journey in Ado-Ekiti, Bauchi, Ilaro, or any other location, these institutions pave the way for a successful and impactful career in nursing.