College of Nursing Sciences, Kafanchan sits in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State and trains students for careers in nursing and midwifery. It offers Nigeria Certificate in Nursing and Post Basic Nursing programmes recognized by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). This article explains the school fees, admission requirements, and application process for the 2026/2027 academic session.
Overview of the College
The college operates as one of the nursing training institutions serving Kaduna State and neighboring states. It trains candidates in general nursing and also runs a Post Basic Nursing programme for registered nurses who want to specialize further, such as in midwifery or public health nursing. Graduates sit for the NMCN licensing examination after completing their training, which qualifies them to practice as registered nurses in Nigeria.
The school draws applicants from across Kaduna State and beyond because Kafanchan is a fairly central town in the southern part of the state, with good road access from Jos, Kaduna metropolis, and other parts of northern Nigeria.
School Fees for 2026/2027
School fees at the college depend on the programme a candidate is admitted into and whether the student is newly admitted or returning. Based on figures reported for nursing institutions of this category in Kaduna State, new students should expect to pay within the range below. These figures cover tuition, acceptance fee, medical screening, ID card, library charges, and other compulsory levies bundled into the first-year payment.
| Fee Category | Estimated Amount (₦) |
|---|---|
| Tuition (per session) | 85,000 – 140,000 |
| Acceptance/Admission fee | 20,000 – 35,000 |
| Medical fee/screening | 10,000 – 15,000 |
| Caution/Deposit fee | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| ID card, library, and departmental fees | 10,000 – 20,000 |
| Total for freshers (first year) | 150,000 – 200,000 |
Returning students typically pay less than fresh applicants because they are not required to cover acceptance or one-time registration charges. Their fees mainly consist of tuition and departmental dues, which usually fall between ₦60,000 and ₦100,000 per session.
These figures are estimates drawn from typical fee structures at similarly positioned nursing schools in Kaduna State and may shift slightly from one session to another. Prospective students should confirm the exact, current figure directly from the college’s admission office or official notice board before making any payment, since fees are subject to periodic review by the school management and the state government.
Additional Costs to Budget For
Beyond the official school fees, students should plan for other expenses that are common in boarding-style nursing training:
- Hostel accommodation, which ranges from ₦80,000 to ₦120,000 per session depending on whether the student chooses shared or self-contained rooms.
- Uniform and clinical wear, which the college typically prescribes for students once admission is confirmed.
- Textbooks and practical materials needed for laboratory and clinical sessions.
- Feeding and personal upkeep, which vary by student but generally add a significant amount to the overall cost of attendance.
- Clinical posting expenses, since students are sometimes required to commute to affiliated hospitals for practical training.
Families budgeting for a child’s nursing education at this college should set aside a total that comfortably exceeds the tuition figure alone, since accommodation and upkeep often add up to nearly as much as the fees themselves.
Admission Requirements
Admission into College of Nursing Sciences, Kafanchan follows the standard entry criteria used by NMCN-accredited nursing schools in Nigeria. Candidates need to meet academic, age, and screening requirements before they can be considered for a slot.
Academic Requirements
Applicants must possess at least five credit passes in WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB, obtained in not more than two sittings. The required subjects are:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics (or a related science subject, depending on the specific programme)
Some nursing programmes accept a combination from WAEC and NECO results as long as the five credits are covered between the two sittings, but applicants should confirm the college’s current sitting policy since some institutions insist on a single sitting only.
Age Requirement
Candidates generally need to be between 16 and 35 years old at the point of application. The college verifies age using the applicant’s birth certificate or age declaration, so this document forms a standard part of the admission file.
Entrance Examination and Interview
After screening the applications, the college invites shortlisted candidates for a written entrance examination. This test typically covers English Language, Mathematics, and basic science topics drawn from the secondary school curriculum. Candidates who pass the entrance exam then proceed to an oral interview, where the admission panel assesses communication skills, general knowledge, and suitability for a nursing career.
Post Basic Nursing Admission Requirements
For the Post Basic Nursing programme, applicants must already hold a Registered Nurse (RN) qualification and be enrolled with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. They are also usually required to show evidence of at least one to two years of post-qualification working experience, along with their RN certificate, license to practice, and other relevant documents. This programme is designed for practicing nurses who want to add midwifery or another specialty to their qualifications.
Required Documents for Application
Applicants need to submit the following documents during registration:
- O’Level result (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB) showing the required five credits
- Birth certificate or declaration of age
- Local Government of Origin certificate
- Passport photographs (usually specified by the school)
- Evidence of payment for the application/registration form
- Medical fitness report (sometimes requested at a later stage before resumption)
- For Post Basic applicants: RN certificate and evidence of practice license
How to Apply
Application into the college generally follows this sequence:
- Purchase the application form. The college releases its admission form once the session opens, either through an online portal or a designated bank payment method, depending on the current arrangement announced by the school.
- Fill in personal and academic details. Applicants complete their bio-data, O’Level results, and other requested information accurately, since discrepancies can lead to disqualification at the screening stage.
- Submit before the deadline. The school specifies a closing date for the 2026/2027 admission cycle, and late submissions are typically not entertained.
- Sit for the entrance examination. Shortlisted candidates are invited to write the test at the college’s premises or a designated centre.
- Attend the interview. Candidates who scale the written test proceed to the oral interview stage.
- Check admission status. Successful candidates are notified through the school’s official communication channel, after which they proceed to pay acceptance and tuition fees.
Applicants should always deal directly with the school’s official admission office or verified contact channels rather than third-party agents, since unofficial sources sometimes circulate incorrect fee amounts or fraudulent payment instructions.
Duration of Study and Certification
The Nigeria Certificate in Nursing programme at the college typically runs for three years, structured into theory and clinical practice components. Students undergo supervised clinical postings in affiliated hospitals as part of their training, in addition to classroom instruction. At the end of the programme, graduates write the NMCN qualifying examination, and passing this exam allows them to register as licensed nurses in Nigeria.
The Post Basic Nursing programme usually runs for a shorter duration, often between twelve and eighteen months, since it builds on an existing nursing qualification rather than starting from a foundational level.
Why Consider This College
Students who choose College of Nursing Sciences, Kafanchan often cite the relatively moderate cost of the programme compared to private nursing schools, along with its recognition by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. Because the institution is embedded within a state-supported nursing training framework, it maintains a structured curriculum and clinical exposure that aligns with national nursing education standards, which matters for students planning to write the licensing exam and later pursue further studies such as a Bachelor of Nursing Science degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the total school fee for new students at College of Nursing Sciences, Kafanchan?
New students should budget between ₦150,000 and ₦200,000 for the 2026/2027 session, covering tuition and other compulsory charges. This does not include hostel accommodation or personal upkeep.
What subjects are required for admission?
Applicants need five credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (or a related science) from WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB, obtained in not more than two sittings.
Does the college accept Post Basic Nursing applicants?
Yes. Registered nurses with a valid practice license and relevant work experience can apply for the Post Basic Nursing programme to specialize further.
Is JAMB required for admission?
Nursing schools of this category, unlike university-based nursing degree programmes, typically admit students through their own entrance examination and interview rather than JAMB. Applicants should confirm the current requirement with the school, as policies can be updated by NMCN or the state ministry of health from time to time.
How long does the nursing programme take to complete?
The Nigeria Certificate in Nursing programme runs for three years, while the Post Basic Nursing programme typically takes between twelve and eighteen months.