Nursing Science at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) is one of the most competitive health programmes in Nigeria. The department sits within the College of Medicine at the Idi-Araba campus and trains students for the Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.N.Sc.) degree, along with postgraduate degrees for registered nurses who want to specialise, teach or do research. This guide explains the admission requirements at each level, the cut-off marks, the subject combinations, and the documents applicants need for the 2026/2027 session and beyond.
Overview of the Nursing Science Programme at UNILAG
The undergraduate programme runs for five years. It combines university coursework with clinical training at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and other affiliated health facilities. The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) accredits the programme. Graduates sit for professional licensing examinations, which lead to registration as nurses and midwives.
Because of the limited number of places, high demand, and accreditation limits on intake, admission is decided by merit and catchment quotas. Meeting the minimum requirement does not guarantee a place. Candidates who score well above the departmental cut-off stand the best chance.
Undergraduate Admission Requirements (UTME Entry)
UTME is the main entry route for secondary school leavers. Applicants must meet requirements in four areas: O’Level results, the UTME subject combination, the UTME score, and the post-UTME screening.
O’Level Requirements
Candidates need five credit passes in WAEC, NECO or an equivalent examination in these subjects:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
UNILAG’s departmental rule for Nursing is consistent with other Nigerian universities: credit passes in at least five subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Physics and Chemistry, in not more than two sittings. However, some programmes, such as Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, and Pharmacy, may require one sitting, and one-sitting results score better in screening. Applicants should treat a single-sitting result as the safer standard. A grade below credit (D7 or F9) in any of the five core subjects disqualifies the applicant, whatever the UTME score.
UTME Subject Combination
The JAMB subject combination for Nursing Science at UNILAG is:
| Subject | Status |
|---|---|
| Use of English | Compulsory |
| Biology | Required |
| Chemistry | Required |
| Physics | Required |
Choosing any other subject in place of Biology, Chemistry or Physics makes the application invalid for Nursing. Candidates also need to choose UNILAG as their first-choice institution and Nursing Science as their first-choice course. Applications for Nursing via change of course from a less competitive programme rarely succeed.
UTME Score and Post-UTME Screening
UNILAG’s general minimum UTME cut-off for the 2026/2027 session is 200. This score only qualifies a candidate to apply for the post-UTME screening. It is not enough for Nursing. In practice, successful Nursing applicants usually score well above 250 in the UTME.
After the UTME, eligible candidates register for the UNILAG post-UTME screening on the university’s admissions portal. The screening tests English Language, Mathematics, and general science knowledge. Admission depends on an aggregate score which combines UTME performance, the post-UTME result, and O’Level grades. This aggregate score is then compared with the departmental cut-off for Nursing.
UNILAG Nursing Science Cut-Off Marks
UNILAG publishes cut-off marks as aggregate scores (not raw UTME scores). The university sets a merit cut-off, followed by separate catchment cut-offs for candidates from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states. Candidates from these states compete within their quota with slightly lower thresholds. Candidates from all other states, including the South-East and the North, compete on merit.
For the 2026/2027 session, Nursing Science has a merit cut-off mark of 77.925, the highest of the three programmes released in that announcement. The university published the 2026/2027 UTME merit cut-off marks on Wednesday, September 16.
The table below shows recent merit cut-off marks for Nursing:
| Academic Session | Merit Cut-Off (Aggregate) | Lagos Catchment |
|---|---|---|
| 2024/2025 | 78.575 | 75.425 |
| 2025/2026 | 79.8 | 73.7 |
| 2026/2027 | 77.925 | Not published in summary |
Sources for 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 figures: 78.575 merit for 2024/2025 and 79.8 merit for 2025/2026, with catchment marks ranging from 73.2 to 77.85.
The cut-off stays close to 78–80 each year. This places Nursing among UNILAG’s top programmes, just behind Medicine and Surgery and Computer Science. Applicants should set a target aggregate of 80 or more to be safe.
Direct Entry Admission Requirements
Direct Entry (DE) lets candidates with advanced qualifications enter at 200 level. DE places in Nursing are few, and requirements are strict. Applicants commonly qualify in one of these ways:
- A-Level, JUPEB or IJMB: passes at the advanced level in Biology, Chemistry and Physics (or Mathematics in some cases), alongside the five O’Level credits listed above. Candidates who complete UNILAG’s own foundation programme (JUPEB) with strong grades have an advantage, as the university reserves places for its foundation students.
- Registered Nurse (RN) certificate: nurses trained in schools of nursing who hold a current NMCN licence may apply, provided they also meet the O’Level requirement.
- First degree in a related field: graduates of health or biological sciences may sometimes be considered, depending on the year’s intake.
All DE candidates register through JAMB’s Direct Entry portal, select UNILAG and Nursing Science, and then complete the university’s DE screening. Since DE requirements may change from year to year, applicants should confirm the current year’s details in the JAMB brochure before registering.
Postgraduate Admission Requirements for Nursing Science
The UNILAG School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS) handles postgraduate admissions in Nursing. Applicants apply through the SPGS portal at spgs.unilag.edu.ng during the yearly application window. The department typically offers Master’s (M.Sc.) and doctoral (M.Phil./Ph.D.) programmes in clinical and academic specialties. Common areas in Nigerian nursing postgraduate study include Medical-Surgical Nursing, Maternal and Child Health Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing, Nursing Education, and Nursing Administration.
M.Sc. Nursing Requirements
Applicants for the Master’s programme need:
- A Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.N.Sc.) or B.Sc. Nursing degree from a recognised university, with at least a Second Class Lower Division.
- Current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (RN, with RM or other qualifications as additional advantage), plus a valid practising licence.
- Five O’Level credits, including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
- Academic transcripts sent directly from the awarding university to the SPGS.
- Satisfactory performance in the departmental screening, which may include a written test and an interview.
UNILAG’s general postgraduate rules state that all academic transcripts must reach the School of Postgraduate Studies on or before the start of the session for which admission is sought. Late transcripts can lead to the withdrawal of an offer.
M.Phil. and Ph.D. Nursing Requirements
Doctoral applicants need a Master’s degree in Nursing from a recognised university, in addition to the B.N.Sc. and professional registration. A strong Master’s result is required for direct Ph.D. admission. Applicants with a lower Master’s result may be admitted to the M.Phil./Ph.D. track, where they complete further coursework before converting to full Ph.D. status. Applicants submit a research proposal in their intended specialty, and the department must have a suitable supervisor available.
The table below summarises the requirements at each level:
| Level | Minimum Academic Qualification | Professional Requirement | Screening |
|---|---|---|---|
| UTME (100 level) | 5 O’Level credits incl. English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics | None | UTME + post-UTME aggregate |
| Direct Entry (200 level) | A-Level/JUPEB/IJMB in sciences, or RN certificate, plus O’Level credits | RN licence (for nurse applicants) | DE screening |
| M.Sc. Nursing | B.N.Sc./B.Sc. Nursing, at least 2:2 | Current NMCN registration and licence | Test and/or interview |
| M.Phil./Ph.D. Nursing | M.Sc. Nursing from a recognised university | Current NMCN registration and licence | Proposal review and interview |
How to Apply
For undergraduate admission, the process follows this order:
- Register for the UTME with English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, choosing UNILAG and Nursing Science as first choices.
- Score at least 200, and ideally far higher.
- Register for the UNILAG post-UTME screening on the admissions portal when the form is released, and upload O’Level results.
- Sit for the screening test and check the result on the portal.
- Monitor the JAMB Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) and accept the offer if admitted.
- Complete clearance and pay acceptance fees within the stated deadline.
For postgraduate admission, applicants buy the form on the SPGS portal, fill in their details, upload credentials, nominate referees, arrange transcript delivery, and attend any screening the department schedules.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Strong O’Level grades matter because they count toward the aggregate score. A’s and B’s in the five core subjects help a lot. In the UTME, a score above 260 gives a comfortable margin. Preparation for the post-UTME should cover English comprehension, basic mathematics, and current affairs, since the screening tests general aptitude. Candidates from outside the catchment states should aim for the merit cut-off, not the lower catchment figures. Applicants should also rely only on the university’s official channels and portals for information, as fake admission lists and unofficial “admission agents” circulate every year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study Nursing at UNILAG with 230 in UTME?
It is possible but unlikely. A 230 score needs an exceptional post-UTME result and excellent O’Level grades to reach an aggregate near 78. Most admitted candidates score above 250.
Does UNILAG accept two sittings for Nursing?
Two sittings may be accepted, but one sitting is strongly preferred for Nursing and scores better during screening.
How many years does Nursing take at UNILAG?
The B.N.Sc. programme runs for five years for UTME candidates. Direct Entry students start at 200 level.
Do I need to be a registered nurse for the M.Sc. programme?
Yes. Postgraduate applicants must hold a nursing degree and current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
A note before you publish: The 2026/2027 merit cut-off (77.925) is confirmed, but I could not find UNILAG-specific details for the catchment figures for 2026/2027 or the exact postgraduate requirements in the Nursing department. The M.Sc./Ph.D. section therefore reflects UNILAG’s general SPGS rules and standard Nigerian nursing postgraduate requirements. It’s best to check the M.Sc. and Direct Entry details against the current SPGS and JAMB brochures before publishing.