List of School of Nursing in Cross River State and Their Cut Off Mark 2026/2027

If you are serious about becoming a nurse and Cross River State is on your radar, you are already looking in the right direction. The list of school of nursing in Cross River State and their cut off mark covers some of Nigeria’s most respected and clinically well-connected nursing institutions — and knowing exactly which ones to target, with what score, gives you a real edge over thousands of other applicants.

This guide breaks it all down: verified institutions, cut-off marks, entry requirements, school fees, and everything a focused nursing aspirant needs for the 2026/2027 academic session.

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Why Cross River State Is a Top Choice for Nursing Training

Cross River State — home to Calabar, one of Nigeria’s most educated and healthcare-conscious cities — offers something many states cannot easily replicate: a rich combination of federal university nursing education, teaching hospital-affiliated clinical training, and state-owned nursing colleges, all within a relatively compact geographic area.

Calabar has a long tradition of professional education. The University of Calabar, established in 1975, anchors the state’s academic identity. Its nursing programme carries strong national standing, and the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) provides the clinical engine behind both university-level and hospital-affiliated nursing training.

For nursing aspirants, this concentration of institutions matters. It means multiple application pathways, different entry levels (diploma, ND/HND, and degree), and a well-developed local healthcare system that absorbs nursing graduates into real careers.

The list of school of nursing in Cross River State and their cut off mark reflects this diversity — and this article makes sure you understand every entry on it.

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JAMB Cut Off Mark for Nursing in Cross River State 2026/2027

Before going institution by institution, understand the scoring framework that governs nursing admissions in Nigeria for 2026.

JAMB’s national minimum cut-off mark for nursing programmes is 150 for the 2026/2027 session. Every candidate who scores 150 or above is technically eligible to apply to nursing institutions. However — this is critical — eligibility to apply is not the same as being admitted.

Cross River State nursing institutions, especially at the university level, set their own departmental cut-off marks that are far higher than the JAMB minimum. At the University of Calabar (UNICAL), the nursing departmental aggregate cut-off sits at 220 and above, with competitive candidates typically needing 230+ to be realistically positioned.

For teaching hospital colleges like the UCTH College of Nursing Sciences, the institutional cut-off for its nursing screening stands at 180, with a form fee of ₦20,000 and an entrance examination scheduled for August 2026.

For state-level and college-based nursing institutions, the cut-off range is generally 140 to 160 for screening qualification.

The practical rule: aim for 200 and above if UNICAL nursing is your goal. Aim for 180 for teaching hospital college pathways. Aim for 150 and above for state college nursing programmes — but always score higher than the floor.

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List of School of Nursing in Cross River State and Their Cut Off Mark

Here is the complete, verified list of school of nursing in Cross River State and their cut off mark for 2026/2027:

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1. University of Calabar (UNICAL) — Department of Nursing Science

Location: University of Calabar, Etagbor, PMB 1115, Calabar, Cross River State Accreditation: National Universities Commission (NUC) and NMCN Programme Offered: Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.Nsc.) Programme Duration: 5 years JAMB Minimum: 150 (general) | Departmental Cut Off: 220–230+ aggregate

UNICAL’s Department of Nursing Science is the most competitive entry on the list of school of nursing in Cross River State and their cut off mark, and for good reason. It awards a full degree — the B.Nsc. in Nursing Science — backed by NUC and NMCN dual accreditation, which means graduates hold a qualification recognised at both the national academic and professional regulatory levels.

The departmental cut-off for nursing at UNICAL consistently falls in the 220 to 250 zone due to high demand and limited admission spaces. Historically, the nursing departmental aggregate has never dropped below 220 — this is not a course where a borderline score gets you in through luck.

UNICAL’s aggregate score is calculated as follows: add your JAMB score and your post-UTME score, then divide by two. To hit a 220 aggregate, you need your JAMB and post-UTME to average 220 — which means a candidate with 200 in JAMB must score 240 in post-UTME to compensate. Aim high on both.

Candidates from Cross River State and its catchment zone (Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Abia, Imo, Anambra) may benefit from slight institutional preference — but this does not replace the need for a competitive score.

Entry Requirements:

• Five O’Level credit passes including English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics
• Credits in one sitting (two-sitting results carry added risk for nursing at UNICAL — confirm current policy directly)
• JAMB subjects: Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
• Post-UTME screening is compulsory
• UNICAL must be your first choice on JAMB CAPS for best consideration

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2. University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) — College of Nursing Sciences

Location: UNICAL Hotel Road, Off Airport Road (by CUDA), Calabar South, Cross River State Affiliation: University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) Accreditation: Fully accredited by the NMCN Programmes Offered: ND Nursing, HND Nursing, Basic Midwifery Cut Off Mark: 180 | Form Fee: ₦20,000 | Entrance Exam Date: 15 August 2026 | Deadline: 10 August 2026

The UCTH College of Nursing Sciences is the teaching hospital arm of nursing education in Calabar, and it deserves serious attention on the list of school of nursing in Cross River State and their cut off mark. Students here train inside an active federal teaching hospital — rotating through busy wards, emergency units, surgical theatres, obstetric suites, and paediatric departments under professional supervision.

The cut-off for UCTH nursing is 180, which is realistic for candidates who prepare well. The entrance examination scheduled for 15 August 2026 tests candidates in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English Language. Application closes 10 August 2026, so prompt action is non-negotiable if you plan to apply for this session.

Entry Requirements:

• Five O’Level credits: English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics
• JAMB UTME score of 150 and above (institutional screening cut-off: 180)
• CBT/document screening on examination date
• WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB results are accepted

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3. College of Nursing Sciences, Itigidi, Cross River State (CONMSIT)

Location: Itigidi, Abi Local Government Area, Cross River State Website: conmsit.edu.ng Accreditation: Fully accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in conjunction with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) Programmes Offered: National Diploma (ND) Nursing, Higher National Diploma (HND) Nursing Programme Duration: ND — 2 years; HND — 2 additional years Cut Off Mark: 140–160 (institutional screening)

CONMSIT is a significant entry on the list of school of nursing in Cross River State and their cut off mark because it operates with dual accreditation — both NBTE and NMCN. This combination ensures that graduates earn academic certificates (ND and HND) alongside professional nursing qualifications, giving them a strong foundation for career progression.

The college maintains modern skills laboratories, simulation centres, and clinical partnerships with affiliated hospitals in the state. The ND/HND pathway here gives candidates who may not have scored high enough for university-level nursing a credible, fully accredited route into the nursing profession.

The institutional screening cut-off at CONMSIT is 140 to 160, making it accessible to a wider range of candidates while still maintaining quality standards.

Entry Requirements:

• Five O’Level credit passes including English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics (or Mathematics)
• JAMB UTME score meeting the national minimum
• Institutional entrance examination
• Candidates must show evidence of JAMB registration

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4. School of Nursing, General Hospital / State Ministry of Health Institutions

Location: Various state-run health facilities across Cross River State Accreditation: NMCN (verify current status per institution) Programmes Offered: Basic Nursing (RN), Basic Midwifery (RM) at select facilities Cut Off Mark: Internal screening — confirm directly with each institution

Cross River State’s Ministry of Health periodically runs nursing and midwifery training programmes through affiliated government hospitals. These programmes are not always permanently active — intake is subject to annual government approval and NMCN accreditation renewal. Candidates interested in this pathway should contact the Cross River State Ministry of Health directly to confirm whether intake is open for 2026/2027 and what entry criteria apply.

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Summary Table: List of School of Nursing in Cross River State and Their Cut Off Mark

Institution	Type	Cut Off Mark	Programme
University of Calabar (UNICAL)	Federal University	220–230+ aggregate	B.Nsc. Nursing Science
UCTH College of Nursing Sciences	Teaching Hospital	180 (screening)	ND, HND Nursing, Midwifery
College of Nursing Sciences, Itigidi (CONMSIT)	State College	140–160 (screening)	ND, HND Nursing
State Ministry of Health Institutions	Government	Internal screening	RN, RM (verify availability)

This table gives you an at-a-glance comparison of the full list of school of nursing in Cross River State and their cut off mark, so you can immediately match your JAMB score to the right pathway.

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O’Level Requirements: Do Not Skip This Section

Your JAMB score opens the door, but your O’Level results determine whether you qualify to walk through it. For all nursing institutions in Cross River State, the O’Level requirements follow NMCN standards:

• Five credit passes in English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics
• Results from WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB are all accepted
• Credits must be obtained in no more than two sittings
• Biology and Chemistry are the two non-negotiable credits — no institution on this list accepts a candidate who lacks credit passes in both

One additional caution specific to UNICAL: for nursing (and other health science programmes), there is institutional preference for candidates who obtain all five credits in a single sitting. Two-sitting results may still be accepted depending on annual policy, but verify this directly with UNICAL’s admissions office before applying.

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How UNICAL Calculates Its Aggregate Score

Many applicants misunderstand how UNICAL scores their admission, and this confusion leads to unnecessary surprises after post-UTME results drop.

UNICAL uses a simple aggregate formula:

Aggregate = (JAMB Score + Post-UTME Score) ÷ 2

This means both scores carry equal weight. A strong JAMB score with a weak post-UTME brings your aggregate down just as much as a weak JAMB with a strong post-UTME. You must prepare seriously for both.

Example: JAMB score of 240 + Post-UTME score of 200 = 440 ÷ 2 = 220 aggregate. That sits right at the nursing cut-off — meaning you clear the minimum but are not comfortably competitive. Candidates in the 230–240 aggregate range are the ones who consistently appear on UNICAL nursing admission lists.

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Practical Tips to Maximise Your Admission Chances

You already have an advantage by studying the list of school of nursing in Cross River State and their cut off mark now, before the admission season intensifies. Here is how to convert that advantage into an actual offer letter:

Score well above the minimum. Published cut-off marks attract high volumes of applicants. The candidates who get admitted are not those who scored at the cut-off — they are the ones who scored above it.

Prepare for post-UTME with the same energy as JAMB. Use past post-UTME questions from UNICAL and past entrance papers from UCTH. These exams test Science and English proficiency at levels slightly below JAMB but require consistent, targeted practice.

Apply on time and meet every deadline. UCTH’s 2026 form deadline is 10 August 2026 and the examination holds 15 August 2026. These dates do not move. If you miss the window, you wait another full year.

Choose UNICAL as your first choice on JAMB CAPS if that is your goal. Institutional preference tends to favour candidates who selected the school as their first choice. Changing your choice after the fact is possible but adds complication.

Verify your documents before submission. Name mismatches between your JAMB profile, O’Level certificate, and birth certificate cause delays that can cost you admission. Resolve every discrepancy before you submit your application.

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Career Prospects After Graduating in Cross River State

Nursing graduates from Cross River State institutions enter a job market that strongly values their qualifications:

Federal and state teaching hospitals — including UCTH, General Hospitals, and specialist centres across the state — recruit qualified nurses into both permanent and contract positions on a regular basis.

International opportunities remain wide open. Nurses who complete NMCN registration can pursue the NCLEX for the United States and Canada, NMC CBT/OSCE for the United Kingdom, and equivalent pathways for Ireland and Australia. Calabar’s nursing institutions produce graduates who compete and succeed in these international pipelines routinely.

Private hospitals, NGOs, and humanitarian organisations operating in the South-South and Southeast regions also recruit actively from Cross River State nursing graduates given the state’s geographic position.

Community health and public health roles represent a growing career track, especially with the Federal Government’s expanded primary healthcare initiative, which continues to absorb registered nurses into community-based roles across all six geopolitical zones.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the cut off mark for UNICAL nursing 2026/2027?

UNICAL’s departmental aggregate cut-off for Nursing Science is 220 and above. The competitive range is 230+. The general JAMB minimum for UNICAL is 150, but this only qualifies you for post-UTME — it does not guarantee nursing admission.

Q2: Is the UCTH College of Nursing Sciences accredited?

Yes. The University of Calabar Teaching Hospital College of Nursing Sciences holds full accreditation from the NMCN. Graduates earn nationally recognised professional nursing qualifications.

Q3: What are the JAMB subjects for nursing in Cross River State?

The correct JAMB subject combination for nursing is: Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. This applies to every nursing institution in Cross River State and across Nigeria. Never substitute Biology or Chemistry.

Q4: Can I study nursing in Cross River State with two O’Level sittings?

For CONMSIT and UCTH’s college, two-sitting O’Level results are generally acceptable. For UNICAL nursing specifically, there is a strong preference for single-sitting results. Always confirm the current policy with each institution directly.

Q5: What is the school fee at UCTH College of Nursing Sciences?

Fees at the UCTH College of Nursing Sciences are announced to admitted candidates per intake. The application/form fee for 2026 is ₦20,000. For full school fees, contact the college directly after receiving an admission offer.

Q6: How long is the nursing programme at CONMSIT Itigidi?

The ND Nursing programme at CONMSIT runs two years. Candidates can proceed to the HND programme for an additional two years. Both qualifications are nationally recognised under NBTE and NMCN accreditation.

Q7: Is UNICAL nursing degree recognised internationally?

Yes. A B.Nsc. Nursing Science degree from UNICAL, combined with NMCN registration, qualifies graduates to apply for international nursing licensure in the USA (NCLEX), UK (NMC), Canada, and Ireland — provided candidates meet those countries’ individual professional requirements.

Q8: Can I apply to both UNICAL nursing and UCTH College of Nursing Sciences?

Yes. These are separate institutions with separate application processes. You can apply to UNICAL through JAMB/CAPS and apply to UCTH’s college through their direct form sale process. Both applications can run simultaneously.

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Final Word

The list of school of nursing in Cross River State and their cut off mark gives you three strong, distinct pathways: a full university degree at UNICAL, teaching hospital-affiliated diploma training at UCTH, and a well-accredited ND/HND route at CONMSIT Itigidi. Each pathway leads to a genuine nursing career — the right one for you depends on your JAMB score, your O’Level combination, and your long-term career goals.

Do not aim for the cut-off minimum. Aim well above it, prepare for both JAMB and post-UTME with equal focus, and submit your application before every deadline. The nursing profession in Nigeria needs skilled, committed graduates — and Cross River State’s institutions are ready to train you into one.

Share this page with every nursing aspirant searching for the list of school of nursing in Cross River State and their cut off mark for 2026/2027. The right information, early enough, changes everything.

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