B.N.Sc. Nursing

Colleges and Faculties > Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences (OACHS) > Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences (BMS) > Department of Nursing Science > B.N.Sc. Nursing

Our B.N.Sc. Nursing course provides rigorous academic and clinical training designed to produce competent, compassionate, and professional nurses capable of providing safe and holistic care across all levels of the health system. 

This degree focuses on the science and art of nursing, combining knowledge from biological, physical, and social sciences with practical skills in patient care, public health, and clinical decision-making. Students learn to promote health, prevent illness, and care for individuals, families, and communities in both hospital and community-based settings.

The programme nurtures professionals who can deliver evidence-based care, assume leadership roles in health teams, and respond ethically and effectively to the changing needs of society. Graduates are equipped to meet the complex challenges of today’s healthcare environment, including emerging diseases, evolving technologies, and global health priorities.

Course Overview

The programme is structured as a five-year degree for candidates admitted through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and a four-year degree for those admitted through Direct Entry. It provides comprehensive education in nursing theory, practice, and research. The curriculum integrates the fundamental sciences of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, psychology, and pharmacology with professional nursing disciplines such as community health, medical-surgical nursing, maternal and child health, mental health, and nursing management.

Students undergo both classroom and clinical training throughout the programme. The early years provide a foundation in health and biological sciences, while the higher levels focus on professional practice, leadership, and research. Clinical postings are mandatory in hospitals, primary health centres, and community health institutions, enabling students to translate theoretical knowledge into practical competence.

In addition, entrepreneurship and innovation are embedded within the curriculum to empower graduates with managerial and leadership skills for healthcare delivery, self-employment, and community health initiatives. Upon completion, students are eligible to sit for the professional examinations conducted by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) to become Registered Nurses (RN) and Registered Midwives (RM).

Course Curriculum

The curriculum follows the NUC CCMAS structure, combining 70% national core content with 30% institutional innovations. It blends theoretical instruction, laboratory practice, and extensive clinical experience. Students progress from basic science and general studies courses to professional nursing specialisations.

At this stage, students are introduced to the fundamental sciences and humanities essential for understanding health and human development. Courses include:

  1. Communication in English
  2. Nigerian Peoples and Culture
  3. General Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
  4. Mathematics and Computer Applications
  5. Introduction to Psychology and Human Behaviour
  6. Basic Anatomy and Physiology

This level builds the intellectual and scientific base for later clinical learning.

Students begin formal exposure to the health sciences and basic nursing principles. Key courses include:

  1. Anatomy and Physiology of Body Systems
  2. General Biochemistry and Microbiology
  3. Nutrition and Dietetics
  4. Principles and Practices of Nursing
  5. Introduction to Medical-Surgical Nursing
  6. Introduction to Pharmacology
  7. Philosophy, Logic and Human Existence
  8. Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Clinical observation and basic patient care are introduced in laboratory and hospital settings.

At this stage, students move into intermediate clinical training. Core courses include:

  1. Medical-Surgical Nursing I
  2. Maternal and Child Health Nursing I
  3. Community Health Nursing I
  4. Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing I
  5. Pharmacology and Therapeutics
  6. Research Methods in Nursing
  7. Venture Creation and Peace & Conflict Resolution (GST courses)

Students begin clinical postings and the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) in teaching hospitals and health centres to develop competence in patient assessment, care planning, and basic nursing procedures.

This level deepens students’ expertise across major nursing specialties. Emphasis is placed on:

  1. Medical-Surgical Nursing II
  2. Maternal and Child Health Nursing II
  3. Community Health Nursing II
  4. Nursing Management and Leadership
  5. Public Health Nursing
  6. Epidemiology and Biostatistics
  7. Ethics and Legal Issues in Nursing Practice

Clinical postings expand to specialised and community settings where students manage patient care independently under supervision.

In the final year, students integrate knowledge and skills through research, leadership, and advanced clinical training. Major components include:

  1. Advanced Nursing Practice
  2. Health Systems Management
  3. Research Project in Nursing
  4. Geriatric and Palliative Care Nursing
  5. Internship and Clinical Proficiency Examination

Students undertake a compulsory final research project, demonstrating their ability to apply scientific inquiry to nursing practice, and prepare for professional qualifying examinations conducted by the NMCN.

Entry Requirements

1. UTME Entry (Five-Year Programme)

  1. Five (5) credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics at the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) or its equivalent, obtained at not more than two sittings.
  2. A satisfactory score in the UTME, conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), with English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as the required subject combination.
  3. Successful completion of the University’s post-UTME screening and other selection procedures.

This route admits students into the 100 Level of the programme.

2. Direct Entry (Four-Year Programme)

  1. Possess the UTME entry requirements listed above.
  2. Hold passes at Advanced Level (A-Level) or its equivalent in at least two science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.
  3. Alternatively, possess a Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Midwife (RM) certificate or a Nursing Diploma from an accredited institution.
  4. Candidates with an acceptable first degree (minimum of Second Class Lower Division) in a related biological or health science discipline may also be considered.

Direct Entry students are admitted into 200 Level and are expected to complete a minimum of four academic sessions before graduation.

Why study at OOU?

The course stands out for its comprehensive and practice-orientated approach that aligns with both national health priorities and international nursing standards.

  1. Balanced Academic and Clinical Learning: We integrate classroom instruction with extensive hospital and community-based clinical training. From your first year, you will gain exposure to real-world nursing environments under expert supervision.
  2. Professional Accreditation: The programme is approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and meets the professional standards of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). Graduates are eligible for registration and licensing as professional nurses and midwives.
  3. Innovative Curriculum: The curriculum is enriched with entrepreneurship, information technology, research, and leadership components, ensuring graduates are prepared for diverse roles in modern healthcare.
  4. Experienced Faculty: Our lecturers and clinical instructors are highly qualified professionals and practitioners with years of experience in teaching, clinical nursing, and health leadership.
  5. Global Relevance: The training you receive here meets international benchmarks, equipping you for further studies or employment opportunities in Nigeria and abroad.
  6. Ethical and Holistic Care: We instil in our students the values of empathy, professionalism, teamwork, and ethical practice, ensuring they deliver patient-centred care that respects human dignity.

Research Project

In your final year, you will undertake a compulsory supervised research project as part of the degree requirements. This project represents the culmination of your academic and professional training and demonstrates your ability to apply scientific principles to nursing practice.

The research focuses on relevant issues in nursing and health care, such as:

  1. Community and public health challenges
  2. Maternal and child health
  3. Hospital infection control
  4. Health promotion and disease prevention
  5. Nursing management and patient safety

You will learn to design and conduct research ethically, collect and analyse data, and present evidence-based conclusions that contribute to nursing knowledge and practice. The final project is defended before an academic panel and assessed as part of your graduation requirements.

This experience not only enhances your research competence but also prepares you for postgraduate studies and leadership roles in clinical and academic nursing. 

Graduation Requirements

To graduate with a Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.N.Sc.) in Nursing, a student must satisfy all academic and professional requirements as prescribed by the university and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).

Minimum Academic Requirements

  1. Complete a minimum of five academic sessions (for UTME entrants) or four academic sessions (for Direct Entry students).
  2. Accumulate a minimum of 150 credit units for UTME or 120 credit units for Direct Entry, including general studies, core nursing courses, and clinical practice.
  3. Pass all compulsory and elective courses as specified in the approved curriculum.
  4. Successfully complete all clinical postings, laboratory work, and fieldwork as required in each year of study.
  5. Submit and defend an approved final-year research project in nursing or a related health area.
  6. Demonstrate professional competence and ethical conduct in all clinical assessments.

Grading and Degree Classification

Students’ performance is evaluated through continuous assessment, clinical evaluation, and end-of-semester examinations. The Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) determines the final class of degree, as shown below:

Graduates who meet the academic and professional standards are also eligible for registration and licensure as professional nurses and midwives after passing the NMCN qualifying examinations. 

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the course enjoy a broad range of professional and academic opportunities within the healthcare sector. The course equips them with the skills, ethics, and global competencies needed to succeed in diverse settings.

Career Paths

Upon graduation and registration with the NMCN, you may work as a:

  1. Registered nurse or midwife in hospitals, clinics, and community health centres.
  2. Public health nurses engaged in disease prevention and health promotion programmes.
  3. Clinical Nurse Specialist in medical-surgical, maternal, mental health, or paediatric nursing.
  4. Nurse Educator or Researcher in universities, colleges of nursing, and research institutions.
  5. Occupational Health Nurse in industrial or corporate organisations.
  6. Healthcare Administrator or Manager in both public and private sectors.
  7. Nurse Entrepreneur providing home-based or private healthcare services.

Further Opportunities

The B.N.Sc. Nursing degree provides a strong foundation for:

  1. Postgraduate studies (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) in nursing, public health, health management, or related fields.
  2. The programme aligns with international practice, as it adheres to global standards of nursing education.
  3. Leadership roles in hospitals, ministries of health, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Graduates emerge as dynamic health professionals ready to advance patient care, influence policy, and promote community well-being locally and internationally.

How to Apply?

1. UTME Entry (Five-Year Programme)

  1. Register for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
  2. Select Nursing as your course of study and choose the University as your first choice.
  3. Sit for the UTME with the subject combination of English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
  4. Apply for and pass the University’s Post-UTME screening exercise.
  5. Upon admission, complete the University’s registration process and meet all orientation and health clearance requirements.

2. Direct Entry (Four-Year Programme)

  1. Apply through the JAMB Direct Entry portal, selecting Nursing as your preferred course.
  2. Upload all relevant academic and professional credentials, including A-Level results, Registered Nurse/Midwife certificates, or Nursing Diplomas.
  3. Participate in the University’s screening and interview process.
  4. Successful candidates will be admitted into the 200 Level of the programme.

All applicants must satisfy the O’Level subject requirements and present original certificates during screening.

Course Coordinator

The programme is coordinated by experienced academic and clinical professionals within the Department of Nursing, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences. The academic staff comprise registered nurses, midwives, and nurse educators who bring together years of teaching, clinical, and research experience across various nursing specialisations.

Contact Information:

Course Overview

  1. Next Admission Process
  2. Current Academic Year
  3. Associated programmes = Undergraduate
  4. Course Duration = 5 Years
  5. Degree = Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.N.Sc.)
  6. Department = Nursing Science
  7. Course Type = Full Time
  8. Course Delivery = On campus
  9. Location = Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Sagamu Campus
  10. Scholarship opportunities