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

Choosing the right nursing school is one of the most important decisions a student can make. If you are based in Zamfara State or planning to study nursing there, then knowing the list of School of Nursing in Zamfara State and their cut off mark gives you a head start over thousands of other applicants. This guide breaks down every accredited nursing institution in the state, their admission cut off marks, requirements, and everything a serious candidate needs before submitting an application.

Zamfara State, located in the North West geopolitical zone of Nigeria, is home to growing healthcare infrastructure backed by both federal and state government investment. Nursing professionals trained in the state play a vital role in addressing the region’s healthcare needs. If you have the passion and the grades, the list of School of Nursing in Zamfara State and their cut off mark is your starting point.

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Why Nursing in Zamfara State Is Worth Pursuing

Zamfara State faces real and pressing healthcare challenges — from maternal mortality to rural health access gaps. This makes trained nurses among the most needed professionals in the state. Studying nursing here means graduating into a region where your skills are immediately valuable and where employment opportunities exist across government hospitals, primary healthcare centers, and NGO-supported facilities.

Every nursing school in Zamfara operates under the supervision of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), ensuring that programs meet the national standards required for licensing. Graduates qualify to sit the NMCN board examination and can pursue careers locally, nationally, or even internationally.

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Full List of School of Nursing in Zamfara State and Their Cut Off Mark

Here is the detailed list of School of Nursing in Zamfara State and their cut off mark for the 2026/2027 academic session. These cut off marks reflect institutional benchmarks and may shift slightly based on yearly applicant volume. Always confirm directly with the school before application.

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1. School of Nursing, Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, Gusau

Cut Off Mark: 160 – 180 (JAMB)

The School of Nursing attached to Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital in Gusau is the most prominent nursing training institution in Zamfara State. As a state-owned specialist hospital, it offers candidates access to robust clinical training within one of the busiest hospitals in the state capital. Admission is competitive — candidates who score 160 and above in JAMB stand a realistic chance, but higher scores improve your ranking significantly.

The school runs the Basic Nursing program accredited by the NMCN and expects candidates to present five O’Level credits including Biology, Chemistry, English Language, Mathematics, and Physics or Health Science, all obtained in not more than two sittings.

JAMB Subject Combination: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Use of English

Program Duration: 3 years (leading to RN certification)

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2. School of Nursing, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Gusau

Cut Off Mark: 170 – 200 (JAMB)

The Federal Medical Centre Gusau School of Nursing is a federal government institution and consequently one of the most competitive on this list of School of Nursing in Zamfara State and their cut off mark. Being a federal facility, admission standards here align with national benchmarks, and the school tends to attract applicants from across the North West zone.

Candidates must score at least 170 in JAMB, and many admitted students score 180 and above. In addition to JAMB, the school conducts its own entrance examination covering Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and General English. A post-examination interview is also part of the screening process.

Program Duration: 3 years

Key Requirement: Five O’Level credits in Science subjects and English, not more than two sittings.

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3. School of Midwifery, Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, Gusau

Cut Off Mark: Post-Basic (Registered Nurses Only)

This program is not entry-level. It is specifically for candidates who already hold a Registered Nurse (RN) certificate and wish to specialize in midwifery. The duration is 18 months, and successful graduates earn the Registered Midwife (RM) qualification recognized by the NMCN.

If you are a fresh student seeking your first nursing qualification, you need to complete a Basic Nursing program before applying for midwifery training.

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4. School of Nursing, General Hospital Talata Mafara

Cut Off Mark: 150 – 170 (JAMB)

General Hospital Talata Mafara, located in Talata Mafara Local Government Area, operates a nursing training program serving students from rural communities across Zamfara. The cut off mark here is slightly more accessible, making it a good option for candidates whose JAMB scores fall in the moderate range.

Applicants must still meet NMCN standard requirements — five O’Level credits and valid JAMB UTME scores. An entrance examination is conducted by the school, and performance in this test plays a significant role in final selection.

Program Duration: 3 years

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5. School of Nursing, General Hospital Kaura Namoda

Cut Off Mark: 150 – 165 (JAMB)

Kaura Namoda General Hospital’s School of Nursing trains candidates primarily for community and rural healthcare settings in Zamfara. The school follows NMCN guidelines and provides a standard Basic Nursing curriculum. Though the cut off mark is among the more accessible on this list, candidates must not underestimate the entrance examination, which tests science and English knowledge at a solid secondary school level.

Program Duration: 3 years

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6. School of Nursing, General Hospital Shinkafi

Cut Off Mark: 150 – 165 (JAMB)

Shinkafi General Hospital School of Nursing serves candidates from the Shinkafi and Zurmi axis of Zamfara State. Like other state government nursing schools, it runs a three-year Basic Nursing program and requires candidates to meet both JAMB and NMCN minimum requirements. The school is a strong choice for students who want to train closer to their home communities.

Program Duration: 3 years

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General Admission Requirements for Nursing Schools in Zamfara State

No review of the list of School of Nursing in Zamfara State and their cut off mark is complete without a thorough look at admission requirements. All NMCN-accredited nursing schools share a core set of requirements:

• Age Limit: Candidates must be between 17 and 35 years of age at the time of application. Some schools enforce a stricter upper limit of 30 years.
• O’Level Credits: A minimum of five credits in WAEC, NECO, or GCE is mandatory. Required subjects are: English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and either Physics or Health Science. All credits must be obtained in not more than two sittings.
• JAMB UTME: All candidates must write JAMB and select Biology, Chemistry, Physics (or Agriculture), and Use of English as their subject combination.
• Entrance Examination: Every school on this list conducts its own entrance exam. Preparation for this is just as important as JAMB.
• Medical Fitness: Successful candidates must undergo a medical examination. Nursing is a physically demanding profession and health certification is non-negotiable.
• Passport Photographs and Credentials: Recent passport photographs, original certificates, and means of identification are standard requirements during screening.

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Cut Off Mark Summary Table

School	JAMB Cut Off Mark
School of Nursing, FMC Gusau	170 – 200
School of Nursing, Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital	160 – 180
School of Nursing, General Hospital Talata Mafara	150 – 170
School of Nursing, General Hospital Kaura Namoda	150 – 165
School of Nursing, General Hospital Shinkafi	150 – 165

Important: JAMB’s national minimum cut off mark for nursing is 140. However, individual schools set their own internal benchmarks that are almost always higher. Target a score of 170 or above to give yourself the widest choice of schools.

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How to Apply for Nursing School in Zamfara State

Once you understand the list of School of Nursing in Zamfara State and their cut off mark, the next step is knowing how to apply correctly. Here is the process most schools follow:

Step 1 — Register for JAMB. Visit any accredited JAMB CBT center and register for the UTME. Select a nursing school in Zamfara as your institution of first choice. Choose Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Use of English as your subjects.

Step 2 — Purchase the school’s application form. After JAMB results are released, visit the nursing school’s administrative office or check their official website to purchase or download the application form. Form prices typically range from ₦5,000 to ₦20,000 depending on the institution.

Step 3 — Submit your form. Complete the form accurately and attach all required documents — O’Level results, JAMB result slip, birth certificate, passport photographs, and local government identification where required.

Step 4 — Write the entrance examination. Prepare thoroughly. The entrance exam usually covers Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English Language. Past questions from the specific school are your best preparation tool.

Step 5 — Attend the interview. Some schools, especially FMC Gusau, include a screening interview. Dress professionally, speak clearly, and demonstrate genuine passion for nursing.

Step 6 — Await admission list. Admission lists are typically posted on the school notice board and, in some cases, on official school websites or the JAMB admission portal.

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Smart Tips to Improve Your Chances of Admission

Getting into any school on the list of School of Nursing in Zamfara State and their cut off mark requires more than luck — it demands preparation and strategy.

• Score above the cut off, not at it. A score of 170+ gives you more options and makes you harder to screen out during competitive selection rounds.
• Never sit JAMB twice if you can help it. Two-sitting O’Level results are acceptable, but candidates with single-sitting results are generally viewed more favorably during entrance screening.
• Practice science past questions daily. WAEC, NECO, and JAMB past questions in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics are the foundation of every nursing entrance exam in Nigeria.
• Enroll in a tutorial center. Several coaching centers in Gusau and other parts of Zamfara offer targeted nursing entrance exam preparation. Even a few weeks of focused coaching makes a measurable difference.
• Apply to more than one school. You can write entrance exams at multiple schools simultaneously. Cast a wide net to increase your chances.

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Career Opportunities After Nursing School in Zamfara State

After graduating and passing your NMCN board exam, your career options expand significantly. Here is what a Registered Nurse from Zamfara can aspire to:

• Work as a Registered Nurse in federal, state, or private hospitals across Nigeria
• Serve in Primary Healthcare Centers under the Zamfara State Ministry of Health
• Join international health programs in the UK, Canada, Ireland, or the USA — Nigerian nurses are in extremely high demand globally
• Specialize further through post-basic programs in midwifery, perioperative nursing, pediatric nursing, or psychiatric nursing
• Pursue a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) degree through universities like ABU Zaria, UDUS Sokoto, or BUK Kano for career advancement
• Work with NGOs and humanitarian organizations such as MSF, WHO, or UNICEF operating across the Northwest

Nursing in Zamfara is not just a local career. With dedication and the right certifications, it opens doors far beyond the state.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the cut off mark for nursing school in Zamfara State?

Cut off marks range from 150 at state government hospitals to 200 at federal institutions like FMC Gusau. The JAMB national minimum is 140, but individual schools set higher internal benchmarks. Target 170+ to stay competitive.

Q2: Which is the best nursing school in Zamfara State?

The Federal Medical Centre Gusau School of Nursing is widely regarded as the most competitive and well-equipped, followed by the School of Nursing at Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital. Both offer strong clinical training environments.

Q3: Can males study nursing in Zamfara State?

Yes. The NMCN accepts both male and female candidates for the Basic Nursing program. Male nursing is a growing field in Nigeria and gender is not a barrier to admission.

Q4: How many years does nursing school take in Zamfara?

The Basic Nursing program runs for three years. After completion and passing the NMCN board exam, you become a Registered Nurse (RN). Midwifery specialization takes an additional 18 months.

Q5: Do I need Physics in JAMB for nursing school? A: Yes. Physics is part of the recommended JAMB subject combination for nursing: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Use of English. Some schools accept Agriculture in place of Physics but confirm with your chosen institution first.

Q6: When do nursing schools in Zamfara advertise admission forms?

Most schools advertise between February and July each year. Keep checking hospital notice boards, the JAMB portal, and local announcements. Do not wait — forms often sell out quickly.

Q7: Can I gain admission with two-sitting O’Level results?

Yes, the NMCN permits credits obtained in not more than two sittings. However, candidates with all credits in one sitting may have a slight edge during competitive selection.

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Conclusion

Every student in Zamfara State who is serious about healthcare should keep the list of School of Nursing in Zamfara State and their cut off mark within reach. From FMC Gusau at the top of the competition ladder to accessible options like General Hospital Shinkafi, the state provides multiple legitimate pathways into the nursing profession.

The formula for success is straightforward: secure strong O’Level results, score well above the JAMB minimum, prepare intensely for the entrance examination, and apply to more than one school. Nursing is not just a career in Zamfara — it is a service to a community that genuinely needs more qualified healthcare professionals.

Start your preparation today. The admission window does not stay open long.

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