Looking for the list of school of nursing in Cross River State and their fees? Cross River State is one of the leading destinations for nursing education in southern Nigeria. With institutions spread across Calabar, Ogoja, Itigidi, and Obudu, the state offers a wide range of nursing, midwifery, psychiatric nursing, and community health programmes that cater to different career goals and budgets.
This comprehensive guide presents the complete list of school of nursing in Cross River State and their fees for the 2026/2027 academic session. Each institution is profiled with its programmes, accreditation status, location, and estimated tuition. Whether you want a college diploma, a university degree, or a specialised post-basic qualification, Cross River State has an option for you.
Nursing Education in Cross River State
Cross River State, located in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria, is known for its rich cultural heritage, tourism attractions, and a growing healthcare infrastructure. The state government has invested significantly in nursing education, establishing multiple schools of nursing and midwifery across the state’s three senatorial zones to ensure wider access to healthcare training.
All nursing institutions in Cross River State are regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). In a landmark achievement, the NMCN granted full accreditation to the Cross River State Schools of Nursing in Calabar and Ogoja, the School of Midwifery in Obudu, and also approved the College of Nursing Sciences Itigidi – significantly increasing the number of students the state can admit and train.
Complete List of Nursing Schools in Cross River State
Here is the detailed list of school of nursing in Cross River State and their fees covering every accredited institution:
1. College of Nursing Sciences, Calabar
The College of Nursing Sciences, Calabar, is the premier state-owned nursing institution in Cross River State. Located in the state capital, it offers Nursing and Midwifery programmes and is fully accredited by the NMCN with a five-year accreditation status. The college serves as the primary training ground for nurses in the southern senatorial district of Cross River State and benefits from proximity to major hospitals in Calabar for clinical rotations.
- Programmes: Nursing Programme (ND), Midwifery Programme
- Certificates: Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Midwife (RM)
- Location: Calabar, Cross River State
| Programme | Estimated Annual Fee |
| Nursing Programme (ND) | ₦150,000 – ₦300,000 |
| Midwifery Programme | ₦120,000 – ₦280,000 |
2. College of Nursing Sciences, Ogoja
The College of Nursing Sciences, Ogoja, is a state-owned institution serving the northern senatorial district of Cross River State. It offers the widest range of programmes among the state colleges, including Nursing, Midwifery, Community Nursing, and Community Midwifery. The college is fully accredited by the NMCN and plays a critical role in training healthcare professionals for rural and underserved communities in northern Cross River.
- Programmes: Nursing Programme, Midwifery Programme, Community Nursing Programme, Community Midwifery Programme
- Certificates: Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Midwife (RM), Community Nursing/Midwifery certificates
- Location: Ogoja, Cross River State
| Programme | Estimated Annual Fee |
| Nursing Programme (ND) | ₦120,000 – ₦280,000 |
| Midwifery Programme | ₦100,000 – ₦250,000 |
| Community Nursing | ₦80,000 – ₦200,000 |
| Community Midwifery | ₦80,000 – ₦200,000 |
3. College of Nursing Sciences, Obudu
The College of Nursing Sciences, Obudu, is another state-owned institution located in the scenic Obudu area of Cross River State. The college offers Nursing, Midwifery, and Community Midwifery programmes. It is fully accredited by the NMCN and provides nursing education to students from the Obudu, Obanliku, and Bekwarra axis. The college’s location in the highlands gives students a serene and distraction-free learning environment.
- Programmes: Nursing Programme, Midwifery Programme, Community Midwifery Programme
- Certificates: Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Midwife (RM), Community Midwifery certificate
- Location: Obudu, Cross River State
| Programme | Estimated Annual Fee |
| Nursing Programme (ND) | ₦120,000 – ₦280,000 |
| Midwifery Programme | ₦100,000 – ₦250,000 |
| Community Midwifery | ₦80,000 – ₦200,000 |
4. College of Nursing Sciences, Itigidi (CONMSIT)
The College of Nursing Sciences, Itigidi (CONMSIT), is a state-owned institution that recently received approval and full accreditation from both the NBTE and NMCN to offer National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes in Nursing. CONMSIT also runs a Community Nursing Programme. The college features modern facilities including equipped skills labs, simulation centres, and strong clinical partnerships with affiliated hospitals.
CONMSIT conducts Post-UTME examinations for admission into its ND/HND programmes, making JAMB a requirement. The college’s mission is to train knowledgeable and skilful nurses to meet the health needs of clients in a pluralistic society.
- Programmes: ND Nursing, HND Nursing, Community Nursing Programme
- Certificates: Registered Nurse (RN), ND/HND Nursing, Community Nursing certificate
- Location: Itigidi, Cross River State
- Website: conmsit.edu.ng
| Programme | Estimated Annual Fee |
| ND Nursing Sciences | ₦200,000 – ₦400,000 |
| HND Nursing Sciences | ₦250,000 – ₦450,000 |
| Community Nursing | ₦150,000 – ₦300,000 |
5. College of Nursing Sciences, UCTH, Calabar
The College of Nursing Sciences at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) is a federal institution offering Nursing and Midwifery programmes. As a teaching hospital-based school, students benefit from direct clinical exposure in one of the largest healthcare facilities in the South-South region. The college is fully accredited by the NMCN and is known for producing highly competent nurses with strong practical skills.
- Programmes: Nursing Programme, Midwifery Programme
- Certificates: Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Midwife (RM)
- Location: UCTH, Calabar, Cross River State
| Programme | Estimated Annual Fee |
| Nursing Programme | ₦150,000 – ₦350,000 |
| Midwifery Programme | ₦130,000 – ₦300,000 |
6. College of Nursing Sciences, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar
This is a specialised federal institution that offers the Mental Health/Psychiatric Nursing Programme. It is the only institution in Cross River State – and one of the few in Nigeria – that trains nurses specifically in psychiatric and mental health nursing. The college is based at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Calabar and is fully accredited by the NMCN.
- Programme: Mental Health/Psychiatric Nursing Programme
- Certificate: Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN)
- Location: Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar
| Programme | Estimated Annual Fee |
| Psychiatric Nursing Programme | ₦150,000 – ₦350,000 |
7. Department of Nursing Sciences, University of Calabar (UNICAL)
The University of Calabar is a federal university with an NMCN-approved Department of Nursing Sciences. UNICAL offers a five-year Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.N.Sc.) degree programme and is one of the top-ranked nursing departments in Nigeria. As a federal institution, UNICAL provides affordable tuition and access to world-class clinical training at the UCTH.
- Programme: Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.N.Sc.) – 5 years
- Certificate: B.N.Sc. Degree, eligibility for RN license
- Location: Calabar, Cross River State
| Fee Category | Estimated Amount |
| Annual Tuition (B.N.Sc.) | ₦80,000 – ₦200,000 |
Comprehensive Fee Comparison Table
This summary table makes it easy to compare the list of school of nursing in Cross River State and their fees at a glance:
| Institution | Type | Key Programme | Est. Annual Fee | Location |
| CON Calabar | State | Nursing, Midwifery | ₦120K–₦300K | Calabar |
| CON Ogoja | State | Nursing, Midwifery, Community | ₦80K–₦280K | Ogoja |
| CON Obudu | State | Nursing, Midwifery, Comm. Midwifery | ₦80K–₦280K | Obudu |
| CONMSIT Itigidi | State | ND/HND Nursing, Community | ₦150K–₦450K | Itigidi |
| CON UCTH | Federal | Nursing, Midwifery | ₦130K–₦350K | Calabar |
| Fed. Neuropsych. | Federal | Psychiatric Nursing | ₦150K–₦350K | Calabar |
| UNICAL | Federal Uni | B.N.Sc. (5 years) | ₦80K–₦200K | Calabar |
General Admission Requirements
Before applying to any institution on this list of school of nursing in Cross River State and their fees, ensure you meet these requirements:
- Five O’Level credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics at not more than two sittings (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB).
- Application form fee of ₦6,500 for Cross River State schools of nursing, payable into any bank using the designated revenue code.
- For CONMSIT Itigidi (ND/HND): JAMB UTME is required. The college conducts Post-UTME examinations.
- For UNICAL (B.N.Sc.): JAMB UTME with English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. A competitive score of 200+ is recommended.
- Aptitude test and interview conducted by respective colleges for diploma programmes.
How to Choose the Right Nursing School in Cross River State
With seven institutions to choose from on this list of school of nursing in Cross River State and their fees, here are the key factors to consider:
- Degree vs. Diploma: For a B.N.Sc. degree, UNICAL is your best option. For ND/HND, choose CONMSIT Itigidi. For traditional diploma nursing, the state colleges in Calabar, Ogoja, or Obudu are excellent choices.
- Specialisation: If you are interested in psychiatric and mental health nursing, the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital is the only institution in the state that offers this programme.
- Community health focus: CON Ogoja offers the widest range of community-focused programmes, including both Community Nursing and Community Midwifery.
- Budget: State colleges in Ogoja and Obudu are among the most affordable at ₦80,000–₦280,000 per year. UNICAL provides the cheapest university pathway at ₦80,000–₦200,000.
- Location: Four institutions are in Calabar, while Ogoja, Obudu, and Itigidi serve the northern and central parts of the state. Choose based on proximity and convenience.
Career Opportunities After Nursing School
Graduates from nursing schools in Cross River State can pursue rewarding careers in government and private hospitals across Nigeria, primary healthcare centres in Cross River and other states, midwifery and maternal healthcare services, psychiatric and mental health nursing (a high-demand specialty), community health nursing in rural areas, international nursing positions in the UK, US, Canada, and the Middle East, military and paramilitary healthcare services, nursing education and research, and public health administration. The global shortage of nurses means that graduates from accredited programmes in Cross River State are well-positioned for both local and international employment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many nursing schools are in Cross River State?
Cross River State has seven accredited nursing institutions: CON Calabar, CON Ogoja, CON Obudu, CONMSIT Itigidi, CON UCTH Calabar, the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Calabar, and the University of Calabar (UNICAL).
What is the cheapest nursing school in Cross River State?
The state-owned colleges in Ogoja and Obudu are among the cheapest, with fees ranging from ₦80,000 to ₦280,000 per year. For university education, UNICAL offers B.N.Sc. Nursing at ₦80,000–₦200,000 annually.
Can I study psychiatric nursing in Cross River State?
Yes. The College of Nursing Sciences at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Calabar is the only institution in Cross River State that offers the Mental Health/Psychiatric Nursing Programme. Graduates earn the Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) qualification.
Does CONMSIT Itigidi require JAMB?
Yes. CONMSIT Itigidi requires JAMB UTME for admission into its ND and HND Nursing programmes. The college conducts Post-UTME examinations to screen candidates.
Which nursing school in Cross River State offers Community Nursing?
CON Ogoja offers both Community Nursing and Community Midwifery programmes. CONMSIT Itigidi also offers a Community Nursing Programme. CON Obudu offers a Community Midwifery Programme.
Final Thoughts
This list of school of nursing in Cross River State and their fees covers seven accredited institutions offering everything from Basic Nursing and Midwifery diplomas to psychiatric nursing specialisation and the five-year B.N.Sc. university degree. Cross River State stands out for its geographic spread of nursing schools, ensuring students across the state’s three senatorial zones have access to quality nursing education.
Take time to compare programmes, fees, and locations using the comparison table in this guide. Always confirm the latest fee schedule and accreditation status from each institution’s official website or admissions office before making payment. Share this article with anyone in Cross River State who is considering a nursing career, and take the first step toward making a difference in healthcare!