The College of Nursing Sciences, Katsina State — commonly written as CONSKAT or CONAMKAT (Katsina State College of Nursing and Midwifery) — is one of the state-owned nursing institutions in northern Nigeria that train students for careers in nursing and midwifery. The college runs its main campus at Kasimu Kofar Bai, Muhammadu Dikko Road, Yarinchi, Katsina, and operates a satellite campus, Nana Babajo College of Nursing Sciences, in Malumfashi. This article explains the programmes the college offers, its admission requirements, the application process, and what to expect regarding school fees.
Overview of the College
The College of Nursing Sciences, Katsina State, trains students in National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) Nursing Science, in partnership with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), as well as Basic Nursing and Basic Midwifery programmes regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). Graduates of the ND/HND Nursing programme go through the four-year, eight-semester course, followed by a one-year clinical attachment and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year before full registration as nurses.
Because the institution is state-owned, admission and fees differ for indigenes of Katsina State and non-indigenes, and the exact figures change from one academic session to the next. Prospective students should always confirm the current figures from the college’s admissions office or its official portal before making financial commitments, since amounts published on third-party websites are frequently outdated.
Programmes Offered
| Programme | Duration | Entry Route | Awarding Body |
|---|---|---|---|
| ND Nursing Science | 2 years (4 semesters) | UTME/Post-UTME | NBTE |
| HND Nursing Science | 2 years (4 semesters) | ND holders (Direct Entry) | NBTE |
| Basic Nursing Programme | 3 years | Post-UTME/Direct screening | NMCN |
| Basic Midwifery Programme | 3 years | Post-UTME/Direct screening | NMCN |
| Community Midwifery/Community Nursing | Varies (usually 18–24 months) | Screening | NMCN |
| Post-Basic Nursing Programmes | Varies by specialty | For registered nurses | NMCN |
Admission into these programmes is usually announced separately, with different intakes and different screening dates, so applicants should check which programme’s form is currently open before applying.
Admission Requirements
General O’Level Requirements
For entry into ND Nursing and Basic Nursing/Midwifery, applicants need:
- A minimum of five (5) credit passes in the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), National Examinations Council (NECO), or National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) result.
- The five credits must include English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Results must be obtained in not more than two sittings.
- Acceptable combinations include WAEC and WAEC, WAEC and NECO, or NECO and NECO. Where NABTEB results are used, they must come from a single sitting.
- Applicants are generally expected to be within an acceptable age bracket, typically not younger than 16 years old at the point of admission, and health/fitness for the nursing profession may be assessed during screening.
JAMB (UTME) Requirement for ND Nursing
Admission into the ND Nursing programme is processed through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), meaning candidates must:
- Sit for the UTME and select the College of Nursing Sciences, Katsina (either the Kasimu Kofar Bai campus or the Nana Babajo, Malumfashi satellite campus) as their institution of choice.
- Register with the correct JAMB subject combination, which typically includes English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Meet or exceed the institution’s minimum cut-off mark for the relevant academic session. This cut-off mark is not fixed; it has ranged between roughly 140 and 160 in recent admission cycles, so candidates should treat any published figure as indicative rather than final and check the current session’s cut-off once JAMB releases it.
- Upload their SSCE result on the JAMB portal before applying for the college’s Post-UTME screening.
Candidates who meet these conditions are then invited for a Post-UTME screening or interview exercise conducted directly by the college.
HND Nursing (Direct Entry)
Admission into the HND Nursing programme is for candidates who already hold:
- A National Diploma (ND) in General Nursing from an accredited institution, usually with a specified minimum grade (commonly a lower credit or above), or
- An equivalent qualification recognised by the college and NBTE.
Direct Entry candidates apply through JAMB’s Direct Entry portal in addition to meeting the college’s internal screening requirements.
Basic Nursing and Basic Midwifery Programmes
These NMCN-regulated programmes generally follow the same O’Level credit requirements listed above. Admission is usually by direct application to the college rather than solely through JAMB, though this can vary by session, so applicants should always check the specific announcement for the intake they are applying to.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Confirm the open intake. Visit the college’s official portal (conamkat.edu.ng) or check for an official notice to confirm which programme’s application is currently open — ND Nursing, Basic Nursing, Basic Midwifery, or another track.
- Meet the JAMB requirement (for ND Nursing). Ensure the college was selected as first choice in the UTME, and that the minimum cut-off mark has been met.
- Purchase and complete the Post-UTME/screening form. This is done online through the college’s portal. A processing fee, historically around ₦2,500, is paid for the form, though this amount can change each session.
- Upload required documents. These typically include the O’Level result(s), JAMB result slip (for ND Nursing), a recent passport photograph, and other credentials as specified in the application guidelines.
- Attend the screening or interview. Shortlisted candidates are invited for a screening exercise, which may include a written test, document verification, and sometimes a physical/medical assessment.
- Check the admission list. Once released, admission lists are published on the college’s portal, and successful candidates are notified of the next steps, including registration and payment of fees.
- Complete registration and pay fees. Newly admitted students report to the college campus (Katsina or Malumfashi, depending on where they were admitted) to complete clearance, medical screening, and fee payment before resumption.
School Fees
School fees at the College of Nursing Sciences, Katsina, are set on a session-by-session basis and differ for indigenes and non-indigenes of Katsina State. As a state-owned institution, indigene students typically pay lower fees than students from outside the state, which is standard practice among most state colleges of nursing in Nigeria.
Based on patterns observed across comparable state-owned colleges of nursing in northern Nigeria — including institutions such as those in Maiduguri and Zaria — annual tuition and associated charges for indigene students commonly fall within the range of ₦150,000 to ₦400,000 per session, while non-indigenes are charged a higher rate. On top of tuition, students should budget for additional costs, including:
- Acceptance fee, generally paid once upon confirmation of admission.
- Accommodation fee, for students who opt for hostel space on campus.
- Departmental and clinical practicum charges, covering uniforms, practical kits, and clinical posting costs.
- Examination and registration fees charged by NBTE (for ND/HND) or NMCN (for Basic Nursing/Midwifery), which are separate from the college’s internal fees.
These additional charges can add anywhere from ₦50,000 to ₦200,000 depending on the programme and whether the student requires accommodation. Because fee structures are reviewed periodically and may be adjusted for inflation or policy changes, the only reliable way to get the exact current figure for a specific programme and session is to contact the college’s bursary or admissions office directly, or to check the fee schedule published on the official portal after an admission list is released.
Summary Table: Cost Components to Budget For
| Cost Item | Applies To | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Post-UTME/Screening Form | All new applicants | Processing fee for application, subject to change each session |
| Acceptance Fee | Newly admitted students | Paid once, secures the admission slot |
| Tuition/School Fees | All enrolled students | Differs for indigenes vs non-indigenes; paid per session |
| Accommodation Fee | Students using hostel facilities | Optional, depends on availability and choice |
| Clinical/Practical Fee | Nursing and midwifery students | Covers uniforms, kits, and clinical posting costs |
| NBTE/NMCN Registration | ND/HND and Basic programme students | Paid to the regulatory body, separate from college fees |
Why Fees and Cut-Off Marks Change Yearly
Nigerian nursing colleges, including CONSKAT, review their admission cut-off marks and fee structures every academic session based on factors such as the number of available slots, JAMB’s national policy guidelines, inflation, and directives from the Katsina State Ministry of Health or Ministry of Education. This is why a cut-off mark of 160 in one session may drop to 140 or rise again in another. Applicants should never rely solely on figures from a previous session and should instead verify current details directly from the college once the relevant application cycle opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum JAMB score needed for ND Nursing at CONSKAT?
The cut-off mark varies each session and has recently ranged between about 140 and 160. Applicants must select the college as first choice and meet whatever cut-off is announced for that specific academic year.
Does the college accept non-indigenes of Katsina State?
Yes, but non-indigene applicants typically pay higher school fees than indigenes, in line with the practice at most state-owned nursing colleges.
Is admission only through JAMB?
ND Nursing admission is processed through JAMB/UTME and Post-UTME screening. Basic Nursing and Basic Midwifery programmes are usually admitted through the college’s own screening process, though this can change by session, so applicants should follow the specific guidelines published for the programme they are applying to.
Can NABTEB results be used for admission?
Yes, but NABTEB results must be from a single sitting, unlike WAEC or NECO combinations, which may be drawn from two sittings.
Where can I confirm the current school fees?
The most accurate source is the college’s official portal (conamkat.edu.ng) or direct contact with the admissions or bursary office, since fees are reviewed and adjusted each academic session.