If nursing at Great Ife is your goal, the most grounding question to ask first is a financial one. What exactly are the Obafemi Awolowo University school fees for nursing? How does the College of Health Sciences fee tier work, and what is the real first-year cost once you add acceptance, accommodation, and other levies on top? This guide answers all of that — clearly, with official figures and honest context — so you can plan your budget before you take a single step toward registration.
The headline figure for Obafemi Awolowo University school fees for nursing is ₦190,200 per session for freshers and ₦128,200 per session for returning students. These are the officially published figures from the university’s management and apply to all programmes housed in the College of Health Sciences — including Nursing Science, Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry, and Physiotherapy. This article breaks every layer of that cost down, from the one-time acceptance fee through to accommodation, and covers the admission requirements, cut-off marks, and career prospects alongside the fees.
About Obafemi Awolowo University and Nursing Science
Obafemi Awolowo University — popularly called Great Ife — is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious federal universities. Founded in 1961 as the University of Ife, it is located in Ile-Ife, Osun State, spread across a breathtaking 2,020-hectare campus that is widely considered the most beautiful university campus in Nigeria. The university currently enrolls over 35,000 students across 13 faculties and more than 90 accredited academic programmes.
Nursing Science at OAU is housed within the College of Health Sciences (CoHS), which sits alongside the Faculty of Pharmacy as the highest-fee faculty cluster in the university. OAU’s College of Health Sciences operates in close collaboration with the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC) — a federal tertiary hospital that serves as the primary clinical training ground for all nursing and medical students from year two through year five. OAUTHC maintains two hospital campuses: the Ife Hospital Unit in Ile-Ife and the Wesley Guild Hospital in Ilesa, Osun State.
The Nursing Science programme at OAU leads to the award of a Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.NSc.) degree after five years of study. The programme is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and is one of the few nursing degrees in Nigeria consistently recognised by international nursing regulatory bodies including the UK’s Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Nursing at OAU is not a diploma — it is a full degree that carries the same standing as any other undergraduate degree at the university.
Official OAU Nursing Fees for Fresh Students 2026/2027
The Obafemi Awolowo University school fees for nursing are set at the faculty level, not the departmental level. Nursing sits within the College of Health Sciences, which the university officially classifies as its highest fee bracket. Here is the complete first-year financial picture:
| Fee Component | Amount (₦) | Who Pays | Notes |
| Session Tuition Fee — College of Health Sciences | ₦190,200 | Fresh students only | Covers tuition, exams, registration, library, medical |
| Acceptance Fee | ₦35,000 | Fresh students only (one-time) | Non-refundable; must be paid within 2 weeks of admission |
| General Services Levy | ₦16,000 | All fresh students | ID card, caution deposit, sports levy, student union |
| Accommodation (on-campus hostel) | ₦50,000 | Optional but recommended | Apply early — spaces are extremely limited |
| Post-UTME Screening Form | ₦2,000 | Pre-admission (prospective students) | Paid during application, not on resumption |
| TOTAL (without accommodation) | ≈ ₦241,200 | First year only | Acceptance + session fee + general services |
| TOTAL (with on-campus accommodation) | ≈ ₦291,200 | First year only | Includes hostel for 1 session |
The session tuition fee of ₦190,200 already bundles tuition, examination charges, registration fees, library access, and the university’s medical services levy into a single annual payment — you are not paying for these services separately. The acceptance fee of ₦35,000 is paid once and does not recur in subsequent years. The general services levy of ₦16,000 covers your student ID card, caution deposit, sports access, and student union dues for the entire first year.
OAU Nursing Fees for Returning Students (200 Level and Above)
After your first year, the Obafemi Awolowo University school fees for nursing reduce significantly because acceptance, caution, and ID card charges no longer apply. Here is what returning students pay per session:
| Level / Year | Programme Phase | Session Fee (₦) | General Services (₦) | Total Per Session (₦) |
| 200 Level (Year 2) | Clinical Foundation — OAUTHC rotations begin | ₦128,200 | ₦11,000 | ₦139,200 |
| 300 Level (Year 3) | Clinical Sciences — Core Nursing Practice | ₦128,200 | ₦11,000 | ₦139,200 |
| 400 Level (Year 4) | Advanced Clinical Nursing — Specialist Rotations | ₦128,200 | ₦11,000 | ₦139,200 |
| 500 Level (Year 5) | Final Year — Community Nursing + Capstone | ₦128,200 | ₦11,000 | ₦139,200 |
| TOTAL (Years 2–5) | Four returning sessions | ₦512,800 | ₦44,000 | ₦556,800 |
The total tuition cost across all five years of OAU Nursing Science — including the first-year acceptance and general services — comes to approximately ₦798,000 to ₦800,000. This is the aggregate cost of the entire degree in mandatory fees, without accommodation or living expenses. For a degree that opens pathways to the NHS in the UK, NCLEX in the USA, and nursing leadership roles across Africa, this represents remarkable value relative to private nursing schools in Nigeria, which charge this amount per session alone.
What the OAU College of Health Sciences Fee Covers
A clear understanding of Obafemi Awolowo University school fees for nursing includes knowing what each naira pays for. The ₦190,200 fresher session fee is not a lump-sum tuition charge — it is a consolidated payment covering multiple distinct services:
- Tuition: All lecture and tutorial delivery across both semesters, covering nursing theory, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, and all nursing science modules.
- Examination Charges: Both semester examinations, practicals, OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations) assessments, and all continuous assessment processes.
- Library Access: Full access to the OAU main library system, the College of Health Sciences reading room, online journal databases, and the university’s e-learning resources.
- Medical Services: Access to the OAU Health Centre — providing primary healthcare for all registered students throughout the academic session.
- Registration Services: Academic registration, student record management, and administrative processing across both semesters.
- Clinical Levy: From year two onwards, a portion of the session fee funds OAUTHC clinical rotation administration, simulation laboratory access, and nursing skills lab resources.
What the session fee does not cover is accommodation, textbooks, uniforms, clinical equipment (stethoscopes, fob watches, blood pressure kits), internet data, and transportation to OAUTHC for clinical rotations. Nursing students should budget an additional ₦80,000 to ₦150,000 per year for these personal expenses, particularly in the clinical years when OAUTHC attendance is daily.
How Nursing Fees Compare to Other OAU Faculties
Placing Obafemi Awolowo University school fees for nursing alongside other faculties at OAU helps you see exactly where the College of Health Sciences sits on the university’s fee scale:
| Faculty / College | Fresher Session Fee (₦) | Returning Student Fee (₦) | Note |
| College of Health Sciences (Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, Physiotherapy) | ₦190,200 | ₦128,200 | Highest fee bracket — official OAU announcement |
| Faculty of Pharmacy | ₦190,200 | ₦128,200 | Same bracket as CoHS |
| Faculty of Technology and Faculty of Science | ₦163,200 | ₦101,200 | Second highest bracket |
| Faculty of Law | ₦151,200 – ₦160,000 | ₦95,000 – ₦105,000 | Professional faculty |
| Faculty of Administration (Management) | ₦89,200 – ₦105,000 | ₦89,200 | Standard bracket |
| Faculty of Arts | ₦89,200 – ₦100,000 | ₦89,200 | Lowest bracket |
| Faculty of Education | ₦89,200 – ₦100,000 | ₦89,200 | Lowest bracket |
| Faculty of Social Sciences | ₦89,200 – ₦105,000 | ₦89,200 | Standard bracket |
Nursing at OAU sits at the top of the university’s fee scale — alongside Medicine, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy. The College of Health Sciences premium reflects the infrastructure and clinical training demands of health professional education: OAUTHC rotation administration, anatomy laboratories, nursing skills simulation centres, and the cost of maintaining NUC and NMCN accreditation. Even so, the ₦190,200 fee remains a fraction of what private health science colleges in Nigeria charge for similar programmes.
Accommodation Fees and Options for OAU Nursing Students
After the session fees, the next major cost in any calculation of Obafemi Awolowo University school fees for nursing is housing. OAU’s campus accommodation is legendary — beautiful, secure, and deeply affordable compared to private housing in Ile-Ife. However, demand far exceeds supply, and nursing students face particular challenges because clinical years demand proximity to OAUTHC.
| Housing Option | Estimated Cost Per Session (₦) | Notes for Nursing Students |
| OAU On-Campus University Hostel | ₦50,000 per session | Apply immediately on resumption — spaces limited; priority not guaranteed |
| Off-Campus Private Hostel (shared room, close to campus) | ₦80,000 – ₦120,000 per year | Most common option; many hostels along OAU Road and Ilare |
| Off-Campus Self-Contained Room | ₦150,000 – ₦250,000 per year | Preferred by final-year clinical students for study space |
| Shared Flat (2–3 nursing students) | ₦60,000 – ₦90,000 per person per year | Cost-effective; ideal for years 3–5 when OAUTHC attendance is daily |
OAU’s on-campus hostel accommodation fee increased from ₦30,000 to ₦50,000 per session in recent cycles. Students are strongly advised to apply for hostel space as soon as their admission is confirmed and not to pay hostel fees until they have been formally allocated a bed space, as the university’s policy is that hostel payments are non-refundable. Nursing students in clinical years often prefer off-campus housing near OAUTHC for the convenience of early-morning ward rounds and night-duty shifts.
Admission Requirements for Nursing Science at OAU 2026/2027
Every student looking up Obafemi Awolowo University school fees for nursing also needs to know the entry requirements — because fees are only relevant once you are admitted. OAU Nursing Science is competitive, and the requirements are strict:
| Requirement | Details |
| JAMB General Cut-Off (OAU-wide) | 200 minimum (candidates below 200 are ineligible for Post-UTME screening) |
| Nursing Departmental Cut-Off (2025/2026 benchmark) | 220–256 (official departmental aggregate; varies annually) |
| Recommended Competitive JAMB Score | 240 and above for strong chances; 260+ for merit admission |
| O’Level Subjects Required | English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics — all at credit level |
| O’Level Sitting Rule | Maximum two sittings accepted (unlike Medicine, which requires one sitting at OAU) |
| JAMB Subject Combination | English Language + Biology + Chemistry + Physics |
| Minimum Age | 16 years by the time of admission |
| First Choice Requirement | OAU must be selected as first-choice institution in JAMB — OAU does not admit second-choice candidates |
| Programme Duration (UTME) | 5 years — B.NSc. (Nursing Science) + 1 year mandatory internship |
| Programme Duration (Direct Entry) | 4 years — entry at 200 Level for candidates with A-Level, JUPEB, or NCE (Nursing / Science) |
OAU uses a 50:50 aggregate formula for admission: your JAMB score is divided by 8, and your Post-UTME score is divided by 2. The two figures are added to give your aggregate. For example, a JAMB score of 256 gives 32.0 from JAMB, and a Post-UTME score of 70 gives 35.0, yielding an aggregate of 67.0. Admission for nursing at OAU is further influenced by merit (45%), catchment area — South-West states (35%), and Educationally Less Developed States, ELDS (20%). Candidates from Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos, and Oyo States benefit from the catchment area allocation, which gives them a slight aggregate advantage over out-of-catchment applicants.
How to Pay Your OAU Nursing Fees Step by Step
Once you understand Obafemi Awolowo University school fees for nursing, the payment process is your next practical step. OAU processes all fee payments through its ePortal system. Here is the complete procedure:
- Step 1 — Confirm Admission on JAMB CAPS: After OAU releases its admission list, log into JAMB CAPS at caps.jamb.org.ng and accept your admission offer. This activates your admission on the OAU portal.
- Step 2 — Pay Acceptance Fee (₦35,000): Log in to the OAU ePortal at eportal.oauife.edu.ng using your JAMB registration number and password. Navigate to ‘Payment Activities’, select ‘Acceptance’ as the payment type, generate your Remita RRR code, and pay online with your debit card or at any commercial bank. Print the acceptance letter immediately after payment.
- Step 3 — Log In to Student Dashboard: After acceptance fee confirmation, your student dashboard becomes fully accessible. You will see your matric number, programme details, and outstanding payment obligations.
- Step 4 — Generate Session Fee Invoice: On your dashboard, click ‘PAY FEES’, select ‘MainFees’ as the payment type, confirm your faculty (College of Health Sciences), and generate your Remita RRR. The system calculates your exact session fee — ₦190,200 for 100 Level.
- Step 5 — Pay Session Fee: Pay via debit card online or download your payment invoice and pay at any commercial bank nationwide. Return to the portal to verify payment and confirm your status is updated.
- Step 6 — Print Receipt and Register Courses: Download and print your payment receipt. This is your gateway to course registration, faculty clearance, and hostel allocation. Store copies securely — you will need this receipt repeatedly throughout your academic journey.
OAU does not authorise any individual, agent, or third party to collect fees on its behalf. All transactions must go through the official ePortal or designated bank channels only. Never pay into a private account for any OAU fee — if in doubt, contact the Bursary Department directly via the official website at www.oauife.edu.ng.
OAU Nursing Fees vs. Other Nigerian Universities
Understanding Obafemi Awolowo University school fees for nursing in isolation is useful, but seeing how they compare with peer institutions helps you make a fully informed choice:
| University | Nursing Fresher Fee (Session) | Programme Duration | Teaching Hospital |
| Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | ₦190,200 | 5 years (B.NSc.) | OAUTHC, Ile-Ife / Wesley Guild, Ilesa |
| University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) | ₦90,000 – ₦120,000 | 5 years (B.NSc.) | UITH, Ilorin |
| University of Uyo (UNIUYO) | ₦90,000 – ₦120,000 | 5 years (B.NSc.) | UUTH, Uyo |
| University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) | ₦140,000 – ₦170,000 (all-in) | 5 years (B.NSc.) | UNTH, Enugu |
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) | ₦100,750 – ₦150,000 | 5 years (B.NSc.) | LUTH, Lagos |
| Babcock University (private) | ₦500,000 – ₦800,000 | 5 years (B.NSc.) | Babcock University Medical Centre |
| Afe Babalola University (private) | ₦600,000 – ₦900,000 | 5 years (B.NSc.) | ABUAD Multi-System Hospital |
OAU’s nursing fees are slightly higher than some federal peers but significantly lower than private universities. The key differentiator is that OAU’s fee includes accreditation from the NMCN, a university-level degree (not a diploma), and clinical training at OAUTHC — one of the most respected federal teaching hospitals in south-western Nigeria. OAU nursing graduates also carry the weight of Great Ife’s academic reputation, which actively opens doors in competitive international nursing job markets.
Career Paths for OAU Nursing Science Graduates
One powerful reason students are determined to pay Obafemi Awolowo University school fees for nursing is the career that sits at the end of those five years. An OAU B.NSc. in Nursing Science is not just a degree — it is an internationally portable professional qualification. Here is where OAU nursing graduates go:
| Career Path | Route | International Pathway |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | NMCN registration after mandatory internship year | UK NMC registration; USA NCLEX-RN; Canada NNAS; Australia AHPRA |
| Midwifery Practice | Additional NMCN midwifery training after B.NSc. | Eligible for UK NMC (dual RN/RM registration) |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist | Specialist training in ICU, Oncology, Paediatrics, Psychiatry | UK NHS Band 5–7; USA CNS certification |
| Nursing Education | Pursue MSc or PhD in Nursing; become a nursing lecturer | UK, USA, Canada postgraduate pathways available |
| Public Health Nursing | NYSC service year + postgraduate MPH | WHO, UNICEF, MSF, CDC field roles |
| Hospital Nursing Management | Senior Nursing Officer → Director of Nursing Services | NHS Trust management; international hospital groups |
| Community Health | Primary Healthcare Centre nurse; NGO-based community nursing | USAID, PEPFAR, Global Fund-funded projects |
OAU nursing graduates have a particularly strong track record in the UK NHS recruitment pathway. OAUTHC’s clinical training environment — covering major medical, surgical, paediatric, obstetric, and psychiatric wards — prepares OAU nurses for the CBT and OSCE hurdles of UK NMC registration. Many OAU nursing graduates are currently working in NHS Trusts across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most common questions students ask about nursing at OAU, alongside fees and admission details:
- How much are OAU nursing school fees for freshers?
The official session fee for fresh nursing students at OAU is ₦190,200. Adding the one-time acceptance fee of ₦35,000 and the general services levy of ₦16,000, the total first-year mandatory payment is approximately ₦241,200. With on-campus hostel accommodation of ₦50,000, the first-year total reaches ₦291,200.
- Do OAU nursing fees change every session?
The Obafemi Awolowo University school fees for nursing are known for their stability. OAU’s management stated in its official fee announcement that the adjusted fees are applicable for the full academic session. Fee increases at OAU are rare and well-publicised. The most recent revision set the College of Health Sciences fee at ₦190,200, and this figure applies to the 2026/2027 session unless OAU announces a review. Always generate your invoice on the ePortal to confirm the exact current figure before payment.
- What is the JAMB cut-off mark for nursing at OAU?
OAU’s general JAMB cut-off is 200 for all courses. The departmental cut-off for Nursing Science in the 2025/2026 session stood at 256 based on published aggregate performance data. Candidates are advised to target 240+ in JAMB and perform strongly in the Post-UTME to achieve a competitive aggregate. Scoring just at the minimum rarely secures admission in a high-demand programme like nursing.
- Does OAU accept two-sitting O’Level results for nursing?
Yes. Unlike Medicine and Surgery at OAU, which enforces a one-sitting O’Level rule, Nursing Science accepts O’Level results from a maximum of two sittings. All five required credit passes — English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics — must still be present, whether from one sitting or two.
- How many years does OAU Nursing Science take?
The B.NSc. (Nursing Science) programme at OAU takes five years for UTME entry candidates. After completing the five-year academic programme, graduates are required to complete one year of mandatory internship at an accredited hospital before applying for full NMCN registration as Registered Nurses. Direct Entry candidates with relevant A-Level, JUPEB, or NCE qualifications enter at 200 Level and complete the degree in four years.
- Where do OAU nursing students do their clinical training?
Clinical training for OAU Nursing Science students takes place at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC). OAUTHC operates two campuses: the Ife Hospital Unit in Ile-Ife (the primary clinical site) and the Wesley Guild Hospital in Ilesa. Students rotate through medical, surgical, paediatric, obstetric, gynaecological, psychiatric, and community nursing wards across these two hospitals throughout years two to five.
- Is the OAU nursing degree internationally recognised?
Yes. The OAU B.NSc. (Nursing Science) is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). For students weighing Obafemi Awolowo University school fees for nursing against career outcomes, this is the key data point: OAU nursing graduates are eligible for UK NMC registration (enabling NHS employment), USA NCLEX-RN, Canadian NNAS assessment, and Australian AHPRA registration. The degree also qualifies graduates for postgraduate study in nursing, public health, midwifery, and health management at universities in the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, and across the EU.
- How do I pay OAU acceptance fee?
Log in to the OAU ePortal at eportal.oauife.edu.ng using your JAMB registration number and password. Navigate to ‘Payment Activities’, select ‘Acceptance’ as the payment type, and generate your Remita RRR. Pay ₦35,000 online via debit card or at any commercial bank using the Remita invoice. Return to the portal after payment to print your acceptance letter. Payment must be completed within two weeks of your admission offer — failure to pay within this window risks forfeiture of your admission.
- What is OAU’s admission formula for nursing?
OAU uses a 50:50 split: JAMB score divided by 8 (contributing up to 37.5 points) and Post-UTME score divided by 2 (contributing up to 50 points), giving a maximum aggregate of 87.5. Admission slots are allocated via a merit-catchment-ELDS formula: 45% on merit (all candidates nationwide), 35% on catchment area (South-West states: Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti), and 20% on ELDS (Educationally Less Developed States).
- Can I study nursing at OAU through Direct Entry?
Yes. Direct Entry into OAU Nursing Science is available for candidates who hold relevant A-Level passes (Biology, Chemistry, and one other science), JUPEB results with the equivalent grades, or an NCE (Science or Nursing track). DE candidates enter at 200 Level and complete the B.NSc. in four years. All DE candidates must still hold the required five O’Level credits and must register through the JAMB Direct Entry portal with OAU as their first choice institution.
Conclusion
The Obafemi Awolowo University school fees for nursing sit at ₦190,200 per session for freshers and ₦128,200 for returning students — placing the College of Health Sciences at the top of OAU’s fee structure. With the one-time acceptance fee of ₦35,000 and general services levy of ₦16,000 added in the first year, the total mandatory first-year cost is approximately ₦241,200. Across all five years of the B.NSc. programme, total tuition and mandatory fees come to approximately ₦798,000 — one of the most cost-effective NMCN-accredited nursing degrees in Nigeria.
To earn your place in the programme, target a JAMB score of 240 and above — 260+ for the strongest chance of merit admission. Secure five O’Level credits including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Prepare intensively for OAU’s Post-UTME CBT screening. Once admitted, act immediately: pay your acceptance fee within two weeks, generate your session fee invoice on the OAU ePortal, and apply for hostel accommodation before spaces fill.
OAU Nursing Science is not just an affordable route to a nursing degree — it is a gateway to one of the most internationally mobile healthcare careers in the world. The investment is clear; the return is significant. Visit the official OAU portal at www.oauife.edu.ng for the most current 2026/2027 fee schedule and admission information.