Federal Government Raises Nursing School Admissions from 20,000 to 50,000

The Federal Government has announced a major increase in annual admissions into nursing schools across Nigeria, raising the intake from about 20,000 to 50,000 students in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s healthcare workforce.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, which said the decision forms part of broader reforms in the education and health sectors.

According to the ministry, the expansion is intended to provide more admission opportunities for young Nigerians seeking careers in healthcare while addressing the shortage of nurses and other medical professionals across the country.
The government explained that the initiative is part of a wider strategy that also includes increased admissions into medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and other health-related programmes to build the skilled workforce required for national development.

Officials said the programme is expected to benefit students, parents, healthcare institutions, and communities by producing more trained healthcare professionals capable of meeting Nigeria’s growing healthcare needs.

The ministry noted that healthcare institutions would gain access to a larger pool of qualified personnel, which is expected to improve service delivery, strengthen healthcare systems, and enhance health outcomes nationwide.
Speaking on the initiative, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the government was investing in the future of young Nigerians and the health of the nation.

“The strength of every nation’s healthcare system begins with the quality and availability of its healthcare professionals. By expanding admissions into nursing and other health training programmes, the Federal Government is investing in the talents of our young people, strengthening our health workforce, and building a healthier, more resilient Nigeria,” the minister said.

He added that the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to creating opportunities for citizens while laying the foundation for sustainable national development.

The Federal Government maintained that investment in healthcare education remains a critical step toward building a stronger healthcare system and creating rewarding career pathways for young Nigerians.

The admission expansion, the ministry said, underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and investing in human capital for the future of the country.