The National Diploma in Nursing Sciences — a prestigious 3-year full-time academic and clinical programme that awards a nationally recognised qualification and positions graduates for professional nursing registration, advanced study, and long-term career excellence.
The ND Nursing Sciences is the flagship undergraduate programme of the Department of Nursing Sciences at SCNS. It awards a National Diploma (ND) in Nursing Sciences — a qualification jointly recognised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), combining the rigour of academic nursing science with extensive supervised clinical training.
Unlike a basic certificate, the ND is a formal academic qualification with grade classifications (Distinction, Upper Credit, Lower Credit, Pass), providing students with a credential that is competitive both for NMCN licensure and for further academic progression. Students who excel may progress to degree-level nursing programmes through established credit-transfer pathways at partner universities.
The ND awards a formal academic qualification with a graded classification (Distinction to Pass), while a Basic Nursing Certificate is a pass/fail professional credential. Both qualify for NMCN licensure — but the ND is the stronger academic record, supporting post-graduate study and international recognition.
"Learning and Caring for Humanity"
To produce academically excellent, clinically competent nursing professionals through a rigorous National Diploma programme that meets NMCN and NBTE standards and prepares graduates for lifelong learning and professional leadership.
To be Nigeria's most respected National Diploma Nursing Sciences programme — producing graduates of exceptional academic standing who redefine nursing excellence at every level of healthcare delivery.
We believe the best nurses are those who think critically, act compassionately, and practise ethically. Our ND programme integrates science, humanity, and professional standards into every aspect of nursing education.
Your path to the ND Nursing Sciences begins with these credentials
A 3-year academic and clinical journey from nursing foundations to advanced professional practice
| Grade | Score Range | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| A | 70 – 100% | Distinction |
| B | 60 – 69% | Upper Credit |
| C | 50 – 59% | Lower Credit |
| D | 40 – 49% | Pass |
| F | 0 – 39% | Fail |
The ND classification (Distinction, Upper Credit, Lower Credit, Pass) appears on your academic transcript and is recognised for degree-level credit transfers.
The ND Nursing Sciences qualifies graduates for NMCN professional licensing — the same pathway as Basic Nursing — while offering the additional academic credential of a graded National Diploma.
ND graduates with Upper Credit or Distinction classification may apply for credit-transfer admission into Degree-level Nursing Science programmes at partner universities, shortening the degree pathway.
Graduate with the minimum required CPGA, completing all three years of academic and clinical training.
Complete all SCWES (Supervised Clinical Work Experience) hours at affiliated teaching hospitals.
Present and defend the final-year nursing research project before the departmental assessment panel.
Pass the Computer-Based Test screening examination administered by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
Sit and pass the NMCN Professional Examination — the national licensing exam for all qualifying nurses in Nigeria.
Register as a Registered Nurse with NMCN and receive your practising licence, renewable every 3 years.
ND Nursing Sciences graduates are among the most academically prepared nurses in Nigeria
All clinical nursing roles across government and private hospitals — wards, ICU, A&E, theatre, maternity, and specialist units.
ND graduates with strong classifications may access degree-level nursing programmes through credit-transfer — accelerating postgraduate career paths.
The ND's academic grading strengthens applications for international nursing roles, particularly in the UK, Canada, Ireland, and Australia.
Post-graduate ND holders with clinical experience can move into nursing instruction, curriculum development, and school-based teaching roles.
Evidence-based, dignified, compassionate nursing at all levels
Accurate health assessment, diagnosis, and care-planning
Precise drug calculation, administration, and monitoring
Apply current evidence to continuously improve nursing outcomes
Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams in complex clinical environments
Analyse clinical situations and make safe, informed decisions
Practice nursing to international professional competency frameworks
Uphold NMCN code of conduct in all professional interactions
SCNS offers a complete range of nursing and midwifery pathways at every level of entry and specialisation.
"The ND is not just a certificate — it is an academic foundation that opens every door in your nursing career."
Applications open May 14, 2026. Minimum JAMB score 140. Five O'Level credits required including English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.