If you already hold a nursing qualification and want to earn a full B.Sc. Nursing degree at Ekiti State University, the Direct Entry route is designed precisely for you. But before you submit a single form, understanding the EKSU direct entry requirement for nursing for 2026/2027 in complete detail is essential. Direct Entry is different from the UTME (JAMB) route in every critical respect — the qualifying credentials, the entry level, the JAMB registration process, and the screening criteria all operate differently. This guide covers every element clearly and directly so you enter the process informed, prepared, and competitive.
Ekiti State University (EKSU), located in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital of Ekiti State, is a government-owned institution that runs a College of Medicine and Health Sciences housing the Department of Nursing Science. The department offers a five-year B.Sc. Nursing programme accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and the National Universities Commission (NUC). EKSU welcomes both UTME and Direct Entry applicants into the Nursing Science programme, and the EKSU direct entry requirement for nursing is specifically structured around the qualifications that holders of nursing certificates, A’Level results, and related healthcare credentials must present to gain admission into 200 level.
What Is Direct Entry and Why Does It Matter for Nursing at EKSU?
Direct Entry (DE) is an alternative admission pathway available in Nigerian universities that allows qualified candidates to bypass 100 level and enter directly at 200 level. For nursing, this pathway is specifically relevant to candidates who already hold professional nursing certificates, relevant A’Level qualifications, or equivalent qualifications approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
The EKSU direct entry requirement for nursing matters because it determines whether your existing qualification is sufficient for admission, what level you enter the programme, and how you compete against other Direct Entry applicants for the limited DE spaces allocated by EKSU’s Department of Nursing Science. Understanding this pathway saves qualified candidates from the unnecessary step of sitting the full UTME when they already hold credentials that qualify them for a higher entry point.
Direct Entry is ideal for the following categories of nursing candidates:
- Holders of the Registered Nurse (RN) certificate issued by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria
- Holders of the Registered Midwife (RM) certificate or post-basic nursing qualifications approved by NMCN
- Candidates with two A’Level passes in relevant science subjects (Biology and Chemistry, or Biology and Physics)
- Holders of a National Diploma (ND) in a relevant health science field from a recognised polytechnic or college of technology
- Candidates with Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in health-related subjects from an approved institution
EKSU Direct Entry Requirement for Nursing — Core Qualifications
The EKSU direct entry requirement for nursing specifies the exact credentials that applicants must hold to be eligible. These requirements are set by both EKSU’s Faculty of Nursing Science and JAMB’s Direct Entry guidelines, and candidates must satisfy both simultaneously.
The accepted Direct Entry qualifications for Nursing Science at EKSU are:
- RN Certificate: A valid Registered Nurse certificate from a School of Nursing approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). This is the most commonly used and most straightforward Direct Entry qualification for nursing.
- RN + RM Certificate: Holding both the Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife certificates strengthens your application and is accepted as a strong qualifying credential.
- A’Level (JUPEB / IJMB / GCE A’Level): Two A’Level passes in relevant science subjects — Biology and Chemistry are the standard combination. Physics may be accepted in place of Chemistry in some assessment cycles.
- National Diploma (ND): An ND in Nursing Science, Community Health, Medical Laboratory Science, or a closely related health science field with a minimum of Lower Credit classification from a recognised Nigerian polytechnic.
- NCE in Health-Related Subjects: A Nigeria Certificate in Education in a relevant health science subject area, with a minimum of Merit classification, from an NUC-recognised college of education.
Every credential you present must be original, current, and verifiable. EKSU and JAMB conduct credential verification as part of the screening process. Forged or misrepresented qualifications result in permanent disqualification and may attract legal consequences.
O’Level Requirements Alongside the Direct Entry Qualification
Holding a Direct Entry qualification does not exempt you from O’Level requirements. The EKSU direct entry requirement for nursing includes a mandatory O’Level component that all Direct Entry applicants must satisfy simultaneously. EKSU requires Nursing Science Direct Entry applicants to present a minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, obtained in not more than two sittings.
The five required O’Level credit subjects are:
- English Language — Credit pass (mandatory for all Nigerian university applicants)
- Biology — Credit pass (core requirement for all nursing applications)
- Chemistry — Credit pass
- Physics — Credit pass
- Mathematics — Credit pass
WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB results are all accepted at EKSU for Direct Entry screening. A single-sitting O’Level result always carries more weight in competitive screening. Double-sitting results are valid but may place you at a marginal disadvantage when spaces are limited and candidates have similar qualifications. Ensure your O’Level results are fully certified and presentable in original form before your EKSU screening date.
How to Apply for Direct Entry into EKSU Nursing Science
The application process for the EKSU direct entry requirement for nursing follows a structured sequence that begins on the JAMB Direct Entry portal. Here is the complete step-by-step application process:
- Step 1 — Purchase JAMB Direct Entry form: Visit any approved JAMB CBT centre or the JAMB e-Facility portal to purchase the Direct Entry application form. The form is separate from the UTME form and has its own registration fee.
- Step 2 — Register on the JAMB Direct Entry portal: Log in to efacility.jamb.gov.ng and complete your Direct Entry registration. Upload your qualifying credential (RN certificate, A’Level result, ND transcript, or NCE certificate) alongside your O’Level results.
- Step 3 — Choose EKSU as your institution and Nursing Science as your course: Select Ekiti State University as your first-choice institution and Nursing Science as your programme during your JAMB DE registration.
- Step 4 — Purchase and complete the EKSU post-UTME/Direct Entry form: After JAMB completes its processing, visit the EKSU admissions portal at www.eksu.edu.ng to purchase the institution’s own Direct Entry screening form.
- Step 5 — Attend the EKSU Direct Entry screening exercise: EKSU conducts an internal screening for all Direct Entry applicants. This may involve a written assessment, credential verification, or both — depending on the session’s screening format.
- Step 6 — Monitor admission list and accept offer: Check the EKSU admissions portal and your JAMB CAPS account for your admission status. Accept your offer on JAMB CAPS within the specified window.
What Level Do Direct Entry Nursing Students Enter at EKSU?
All Direct Entry candidates who satisfy the EKSU direct entry requirement for nursing and receive an offer enter the EKSU Nursing Science programme at 200 level — skipping the entire first year of study. This is one of the primary advantages of the Direct Entry route: you save one full academic session, which means one fewer session of tuition fees, one year less of time before graduation, and earlier entry into the nursing workforce.
Entering at 200 level means you join the second year of the five-year B.Sc. Nursing programme. You are expected to have covered, or to be capable of covering, the 100-level foundation courses through your prior training. EKSU may require DE students to write bridging examinations or attend supplementary classes in specific 100-level subjects where content gaps are identified — particularly in nursing theory, basic anatomy, and introductory clinical nursing practice.
The total programme duration for Direct Entry students at EKSU is four academic years (200 level to 500 level), compared to five years for UTME students. This accelerated pathway is particularly valuable for working nurses who want to upgrade their RN qualification to a full university degree without spending five full years away from professional practice.
EKSU Direct Entry Nursing Screening — What to Expect
After meeting the EKSU direct entry requirement for nursing and submitting your application, EKSU conducts an internal screening exercise before finalising the Direct Entry admission list. Understanding what this screening involves helps you prepare specifically and avoid common mistakes.
The EKSU Direct Entry nursing screening typically involves:
- Credential verification: Original documents are physically verified against submitted copies — including your RN certificate, O’Level results, JAMB Direct Entry acknowledgement slip, and any other supporting documents
- Written assessment (where applicable): Some sessions include a short written test covering nursing science fundamentals, basic health science concepts, and English comprehension — particularly for A’Level and ND applicants who may not hold clinical nursing experience
- Interview (where applicable): RN holders may be invited for a short interview to assess clinical understanding and professional nursing competency rather than a written paper
- Medical fitness check: EKSU requires all incoming nursing students — including Direct Entry candidates — to complete a basic medical fitness examination before final registration
Prepare for the screening by reviewing foundational nursing science content, basic anatomy and physiology, and pharmacology fundamentals. RN holders should review any areas of clinical nursing not directly covered in their certificate training. A’Level and ND applicants should prepare with NMCN-aligned nursing science questions and health science content from their qualification level.
Advantages of Choosing the EKSU Direct Entry Nursing Route
The EKSU direct entry requirement for nursing pathway offers distinct advantages over the standard UTME route for candidates who qualify:
Time Efficiency: Direct Entry students complete the B.Sc. Nursing degree in four years instead of five. For practising nurses, this means returning to clinical practice with an upgraded qualification one year earlier — and one year earlier of earning at a graduate nurse salary scale.
Professional Recognition of Prior Learning: Your RN or post-basic nursing certificate is formally recognised as meeting the 100-level training requirement. This acknowledges the practical nursing knowledge and clinical experience you already hold, rather than requiring you to repeat foundational content from scratch.
No JAMB UTME Required: Direct Entry applicants do not sit the full UTME examination. You register through the Direct Entry portal only. This removes the pressure of JAMB subject preparation and the UTME examination from your admission process entirely.
Lower Financial Commitment Over the Programme: Entering at 200 level means you pay fees for four sessions instead of five. Over the course of the programme, this translates to one full session’s worth of tuition and levies saved compared to UTME route students — a meaningful financial advantage when nursing education spans multiple years.
Documents Required for EKSU Direct Entry Nursing Admission
When you report for the EKSU Direct Entry screening and subsequently for full departmental registration, bring the following documents in original and photocopy form:
- JAMB Direct Entry registration slip and acknowledgement printout
- Original RN certificate, A’Level result, ND transcript, or NCE certificate — whichever serves as your Direct Entry qualifying credential
- Original O’Level certificate (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB) showing all five required credit passes
- Birth certificate or sworn declaration of age
- State of origin certificate issued by your local government area chairman or state government
- Local government identification letter
- EKSU Direct Entry screening form (purchased through the EKSU admissions portal)
- Four recent passport photographs with white background
- Medical fitness certificate from a EKSU-recognised physician (where required by the department)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the EKSU direct entry requirement for nursing in 2026/2027?
The EKSU direct entry requirement for nursing accepts RN certificates, two A’Level science passes (Biology and Chemistry), ND in a health science field with at least Lower Credit, or an NCE in a relevant health subject with Merit classification. All candidates must also present five O’Level credit passes including English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.
2. Do Direct Entry nursing applicants sit JAMB UTME at EKSU?
No. Direct Entry applicants register through the JAMB Direct Entry portal — a separate process from the UTME. You do not sit the CBT examination. You upload your qualifying credentials on the JAMB Direct Entry portal and select EKSU as your institution, without writing the standard UTME paper.
3. What level do EKSU Direct Entry nursing students enter?
All Direct Entry nursing students at EKSU enter at 200 level — skipping 100 level entirely. The programme runs for four academic years for DE students, compared to five years for students who enter through the UTME route.
4. Is the RN certificate alone sufficient for Direct Entry into EKSU Nursing?
The RN certificate is the primary and strongest qualifying credential for the EKSU direct entry requirement for nursing. However, you must also present five O’Level credit passes and complete the EKSU internal screening exercise. The RN certificate alone without the O’Level requirements does not complete the full application.
5. Can holders of post-basic nursing certificates apply for Direct Entry at EKSU?
Yes. Holders of NMCN-approved post-basic nursing certificates — such as Post-Basic Midwifery, Paediatric Nursing, or Critical Care Nursing — are eligible to apply for Direct Entry into EKSU Nursing Science, provided they also hold a basic RN certificate and meet all O’Level requirements.
6. Is there an age limit for EKSU Direct Entry nursing applicants?
EKSU does not publish a strict upper age limit for Direct Entry nursing applicants. However, JAMB’s general guideline recommends that DE applicants are at least 18 years old at the time of application. Working nurses applying for degree upgrading through Direct Entry are typically accepted regardless of age, provided they meet all academic and professional qualification requirements.
7. How competitive is Direct Entry for nursing at EKSU?
EKSU allocates a limited number of Direct Entry spaces in its Nursing Science department each session, in compliance with NMCN guidelines on annual intake ratios. Competition for these spaces is moderate to high, particularly among RN holders from Ekiti State seeking degree upgrading. Presenting a strong RN record, single-sitting O’Level results, and performing well in the EKSU screening exercise maximises your chances of securing a place.
Conclusion
The EKSU direct entry requirement for nursing for 2026/2027 opens a faster, more efficient pathway to a B.Sc. Nursing degree at one of southwest Nigeria’s most established state universities. Whether you hold an RN certificate, A’Level science passes, an ND in a health science field, or an NCE with health-related subjects, the Direct Entry route allows you to enter at 200 level, complete the programme in four years, and emerge with an NMCN-recognised, NUC-accredited nursing degree that positions you for career advancement in Nigeria and internationally.
To maximise your chances: confirm your qualifying credential meets the EKSU direct entry requirement for nursing standard, ensure your five O’Level credits are complete and certified, register on the JAMB Direct Entry portal early, purchase the EKSU screening form promptly, and prepare specifically for the nursing science assessment. The Direct Entry route is one of the smartest academic decisions a qualified nurse can make — and EKSU’s nursing programme is a credible, affordable destination to realise that decision in 2026/2027.