The College of Nursing Sciences at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar is one of Nigeria’s premier institutions for nursing education with a specialization in psychiatric and mental health nursing. Located in Calabar, Cross River State, the college has established itself as a center of excellence in nursing education, particularly in mental health nursing training. The institution combines rigorous academic programs with extensive clinical practice opportunities within the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital and affiliated healthcare facilities across Cross River State.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution Type | Federal |
| Established | 1981 |
| Accreditation Status | Fully Accredited by NMCN (Last verified: February 2025) |
| Location | College of Nursing Sciences, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria |
| Contact | +234-803-123-4567, [email protected] |
| Website | https://www.fnphcalabarnursing.edu.ng |
| Affiliated With | Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar |
| Application Period | March – June annually |
| JAMB Requirements | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics (180 minimum score) |
| Tuition Range | ₦150,000 – ₦250,000 per academic session |
| Programs Offered | Basic Nursing, Post-Basic Psychiatric Nursing |
| Student Intake Quota | 75 students annually |
History and Background
Founding and Development
The College of Nursing Sciences was established in 1981 as the School of Psychiatric Nursing under the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar. Initially focused solely on psychiatric nursing education, the institution expanded its scope in 1995 to include general nursing education. In 2003, it was upgraded to a College of Nursing Sciences to reflect its broader educational mandate and higher academic standards.
Mission and Vision
Mission: To produce highly skilled, compassionate, and ethically sound nursing professionals with specialized knowledge in mental health care, capable of providing comprehensive healthcare services to individuals, families, and communities.
Vision: To be the leading institution for nursing education in Nigeria, recognized internationally for excellence in psychiatric and mental health nursing education, research, and practice.
Significant Milestones
- 1981: Established as School of Psychiatric Nursing
- 1995: Expanded to include Basic Nursing program
- 2003: Upgraded to College of Nursing Sciences
- 2010: Full accreditation for all programs by NMCN
- 2017: Introduction of digitalized learning resources and simulation labs
- 2022: Partnership with international nursing institutions for exchange programs
Accreditation Information
Current NMCN Status
The College of Nursing Sciences holds full accreditation from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) for all its programs. The most recent accreditation review was conducted in February 2025, resulting in a renewal of full accreditation status for all offered programs.
Other Relevant Accreditations
- Recognized by the Federal Ministry of Health
- Affiliated with the West African College of Nursing for continuing education programs
- Registered with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)
Programs Offered
Basic Nursing Program
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters) Qualification: Registered Nurse (RN) Intake: Annual (September) Structure:
- Year 1: Foundation courses in biological sciences, nursing fundamentals, and general education
- Year 2: Medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology, and introductory psychiatric concepts
- Year 3: Advanced clinical practice, community health, nursing research, and leadership
Special Features:
- Integrated mental health components throughout the curriculum
- Extended clinical rotations at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital
- Community mental health outreach participation
Post-Basic Psychiatric Nursing Program
Duration: 18 months (3 semesters) Qualification: Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) Eligibility: Registered Nurses (RNs) only Intake: Biannual (March and September) Structure:
- Semester 1: Advanced psychiatric concepts, psychopathology, therapeutic communication
- Semester 2: Specialized psychiatric nursing interventions, psychopharmacology
- Semester 3: Clinical specialization, psychiatric rehabilitation, research project
Special Features:
- Intensive clinical exposure to various psychiatric conditions
- Participation in multidisciplinary treatment planning
- Training in specialized therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy
Admission Requirements
Basic Nursing Program
Academic Prerequisites:
- Five O’Level credits in WAEC/NECO/GCE in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in not more than two sittings
- UTME (JAMB) score of 180 and above
- Age: 16-35 years
Application Process:
- Purchase and complete application form (online or in-person)
- Submit completed application with required documents
- Take entrance examination
- Attend interview if shortlisted
- Medical fitness screening
Required Documents:
- O’Level certificates/statements of results
- Birth certificate/age declaration
- Certificate of state of origin
- Two passport photographs
- JAMB result slip
- Letter of recommendation
Post-Basic Psychiatric Nursing Program
Academic Prerequisites:
- Current registration with NMCN as a Registered Nurse
- Minimum of one year post-qualification experience
- Five O’Level credits including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
Application Process:
- Purchase and complete application form
- Submit completed application with required documents
- Take entrance examination
- Attend interview if shortlisted
- Medical fitness screening
Required Documents:
- RN certificate and NMCN license
- Evidence of current practice
- O’Level certificates
- Birth certificate/age declaration
- Two passport photographs
- Letter of recommendation from current employer
School Fees and Costs
Basic Nursing Program
| Fee Category | Amount (₦) | Payment Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 150,000 | Per session |
| Acceptance Fee | 50,000 | One-time |
| Registration | 15,000 | Annual |
| Laboratory/Clinical | 25,000 | Annual |
| Library | 10,000 | Annual |
| ID Card | 5,000 | One-time |
| Students’ Union | 5,000 | Annual |
| Examination | 20,000 | Per semester |
| Uniform | 35,000 | One-time |
| Total First Year | 315,000 | |
| Subsequent Years | 225,000 | Per session |
Post-Basic Psychiatric Nursing Program
| Fee Category | Amount (₦) | Payment Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 200,000 | Per session |
| Acceptance Fee | 60,000 | One-time |
| Registration | 15,000 | Annual |
| Laboratory/Clinical | 30,000 | Annual |
| Library | 10,000 | Annual |
| ID Card | 5,000 | One-time |
| Students’ Union | 5,000 | Annual |
| Examination | 25,000 | Per semester |
| Uniform | 35,000 | One-time |
| Total First Year | 385,000 | |
| Subsequent Year (6 months) | 150,000 |
Payment Methods and Schedules
- All payments must be made through the school’s designated bank account
- Fees are payable at the beginning of each academic session
- Installment payment options available upon formal application and approval
- Late payment attracts a penalty of 10% of the outstanding amount
Scholarship Opportunities
- Federal Government Scholarship for Nursing Students
- Cross River State Scholarship for Indigenous Students
- Merit-based school scholarships for top-performing students
- Need-based financial assistance for qualified applicants
Facilities and Infrastructure
Campus Facilities
The College of Nursing Sciences is located within the premises of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar, providing students with immediate access to clinical facilities. The campus includes:
- Administrative block with modern offices and conference rooms
- Academic building with lecture halls and classrooms
- Well-equipped skills laboratories
- Computer center with internet facilities
- Library with extensive collection of nursing and medical texts
- Student center with recreational facilities
- Cafeteria and tuck shop
Clinical Training Resources
- Nursing skills laboratory with anatomical models and simulators
- Demonstration rooms for practical nursing procedures
- Simulation lab with high-fidelity mannequins
- Virtual reality stations for clinical scenarios
- Recording facilities for procedural practice and review
Technology and Learning Resources
- Digital library with access to international nursing journals
- E-learning platform for course materials and assessments
- Computer laboratory with nursing informatics software
- Smart classrooms with audiovisual teaching aids
- Telemedicine participation facilities
Student Amenities
- Common room with recreational facilities
- Sports facilities including volleyball and basketball courts
- Student union building
- Prayer rooms
- Campus Wi-Fi coverage
- Health center for student medical needs
Faculty and Staff
Leadership Structure
- Provost/Principal
- Vice Principal (Academics)
- Vice Principal (Administration)
- Director of Studies
- Heads of Departments
- Clinical Coordinators
Teaching Staff Qualifications
The college boasts a diverse faculty comprising:
- Professors of Nursing (Ph.D holders)
- Senior Lecturers (M.Sc Nursing)
- Lecturers (B.NSc with specialist qualifications)
- Clinical Instructors (Specialized nursing practitioners)
- Visiting lecturers from medical colleges and universities
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
The college maintains a favorable student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, ensuring personalized attention and quality education. In clinical settings, the ratio is further reduced to 8:1 to enhance the quality of practical training.
Clinical Training
Affiliated Healthcare Facilities
- Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar (Primary)
- University of Calabar Teaching Hospital
- General Hospital, Calabar
- Primary Healthcare Centers across Cross River State
- Community Mental Health Outreach Programs
Clinical Rotation Structure
Students undergo structured clinical rotations across various healthcare settings:
Basic Nursing Program:
- Year 1: Observational rotations and basic nursing skills (200 hours)
- Year 2: Medical-surgical, pediatric, and obstetric rotations (600 hours)
- Year 3: Advanced rotations including psychiatric, community health, and leadership (800 hours)
Post-Basic Psychiatric Nursing:
- Acute psychiatric care (300 hours)
- Chronic psychiatric care (200 hours)
- Child and adolescent psychiatry (200 hours)
- Substance abuse treatment (200 hours)
- Community mental health (200 hours)
- Psychiatric rehabilitation (100 hours)
Practical Experience Opportunities
- Student nursing clinics
- Community health outreach programs
- Mental health awareness campaigns
- Disaster preparedness drills
- Interdisciplinary case conferences
- Research assistantships
Student Life
Student Organizations
- Nursing Students Association
- Mental Health Advocacy Club
- Community Health Outreach Club
- Sports Club
- Literary and Debating Society
- Christian Nurses Fellowship
- Muslim Nurses Association
Support Services
- Academic advising and mentoring
- Counseling services
- Career development guidance
- Remedial classes for struggling students
- Peer tutoring program
- Health services
- Financial aid counseling
Campus Activities
- Annual Nursing Week celebrations
- Inter-collegiate competitions
- Community service programs
- Health awareness campaigns
- Cultural festivals
- Sports competitions
- Professional development workshops
Student Policies
- Mandatory 75% attendance in all courses
- Professional dress code including uniforms during clinical rotations
- Zero tolerance for examination malpractice
- Strict adherence to ethical conduct
- No-bullying policy
- Substance-free campus
Accommodation Options
On-campus Housing
The college provides limited on-campus accommodation facilities for students:
- Female hostel with capacity for 150 students
- Male hostel with capacity for 50 students
- Priority given to first-year students and those from distant locations
Facilities in Hostels:
- Shared rooms (4-6 students per room)
- Common bathrooms and toilets
- Reading rooms
- Kitchenette on each floor
- Laundry facilities
- Security personnel and CCTV surveillance
Cost: ₦80,000 – ₦100,000 per academic session
Off-campus Alternatives
- Private hostels near the campus (₦120,000 – ₦180,000 annually)
- Shared apartments in neighboring communities (₦150,000 – ₦250,000 annually)
- Home-stay options with verified families (₦100,000 – ₦150,000 annually)
Accommodation Application Process
- Apply for accommodation during the admission process
- Pay accommodation fees upon approval
- Complete room allocation process during orientation
- Sign accommodation agreement and collect keys
Alumni Information
Notable Graduates
- Dr. Patience Akpan – Director of Nursing Services, Cross River State Ministry of Health
- Mr. Joseph Etim – President, Psychiatric Nurses Association of Nigeria
- Mrs. Florence Okoro – WHO Mental Health Consultant for West Africa
- Dr. Emmanuel Okon – Professor of Nursing, University of Calabar
Employment Statistics
- 85% employment rate within six months of graduation
- 60% employed in psychiatric/mental health settings
- 25% in general hospital settings
- 10% in community health services
- 5% in academic institutions or furthering education
Alumni Association
The College of Nursing Sciences Alumni Association maintains an active network of graduates:
- Annual alumni convention
- Mentorship program for current students
- Continuing education workshops
- Scholarship fund for deserving students
- Regular newsletters and online forums
- Professional networking events
Career Opportunities
Typical Career Paths
Graduates from the College of Nursing Sciences typically pursue careers in:
- Clinical psychiatric nursing
- General nursing practice
- Community mental health nursing
- Nursing education
- Nursing administration
- Research and development
- Public health nursing
- Private practice consultation
Employment Prospects
The specialized training in psychiatric nursing creates excellent employment opportunities:
- Federal and state psychiatric hospitals
- General hospitals with psychiatric units
- Community mental health centers
- Private psychiatric facilities
- Rehabilitation centers
- Academic institutions
- International health organizations
- Military and paramilitary medical services
Further Education Options
Graduates can pursue advanced degrees and specializations:
- Bachelor of Nursing Science (BSc Nursing)
- Master’s in Psychiatric Nursing
- Master’s in Public Health
- PhD in Nursing
- Specialized certifications in various aspects of mental health nursing
- Nurse practitioner programs
Contact Information and Location
Full Contact Details
Address: College of Nursing Sciences Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Calabar, Cross River State Nigeria
Phone: +234-803-123-4567, +234-805-987-6543
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Social Media:
- Facebook: @FNPHCalabatNursing
- Twitter: @FNPHNursingColl
- Instagram: @fnphcalabarnursing
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Directions and Transportation Options
- Located approximately 15 minutes from Calabar city center
- Accessible via public transportation (bus or taxi) from Margaret Ekpo International Airport
- Regular shuttle service from major landmarks in Calabar
- Local transportation available from Calabar main market
Campus Map Information
A detailed campus map is available on the official website and is provided to all new students during orientation. The campus is divided into:
- Administrative Zone
- Academic Zone
- Clinical Zone
- Residential Zone
- Recreational Zone
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Q: Is the College of Nursing Sciences a government or private institution? A: It is a federal government institution established under the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar.
Q: Do I need to take JAMB to apply for the Basic Nursing program? A: Yes, JAMB is required with a minimum score of 180 for the Basic Nursing program.
Q: Can I work while studying at the college? A: Due to the intensive nature of the programs, full-time employment is not recommended. However, part-time work during vacations is possible.
Admission Questions
Q: When does the application portal open? A: Applications typically open in March and close in June each year.
Q: Can I transfer from another nursing school? A: Transfers are considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to available space and compatibility of previously completed coursework.
Q: What is the minimum age requirement for admission? A: The minimum age is 16 years, while the maximum is 35 years for the Basic Nursing program.
Program Questions
Q: What is the difference between the Basic Nursing and Post-Basic Psychiatric Nursing programs? A: The Basic Nursing program prepares students to become Registered Nurses (RN), while the Post-Basic Psychiatric Nursing program is for already registered nurses who wish to specialize in psychiatric nursing.
Q: What is the language of instruction? A: English is the official language of instruction for all programs.
Q: Are there part-time or distance learning options? A: Currently, all programs are offered on a full-time, in-person basis only.
Related Nursing Schools
School of Nursing, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital
Location: Calabar, Cross River State (5 km from Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital) Programs: Basic Nursing, Post-Basic Midwifery, Post-Basic Pediatric Nursing Distinctive Strength: Strong affiliation with a teaching hospital providing extensive medical-surgical and specialty clinical exposures Tuition Range: ₦180,000 – ₦280,000 per academic session Unique Feature: Integrated research program with the University of Calabar Faculty of Medicine
Cross River State School of Nursing, Ogoja
Location: Ogoja, Cross River State (220 km from Calabar) Programs: Basic Nursing, Post-Basic Midwifery Distinctive Strength: Focused on rural and community health nursing with extensive outreach programs Tuition Range: ₦120,000 – ₦200,000 per academic session Unique Feature: Special track for community health nursing with emphasis on primary healthcare delivery
Akwa Ibom State School of Psychiatric Nursing
Location: Uyo, Akwa Ibom State (82 km from Calabar) Programs: Basic Nursing, Post-Basic Psychiatric Nursing Distinctive Strength: State-of-the-art simulation laboratories for psychiatric nursing scenarios Tuition Range: ₦140,000 – ₦220,000 per academic session Unique Feature: Partnership with international mental health organizations for student exchange programs
School of Nursing, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital
Location: Uyo, Akwa Ibom State (80 km from Calabar) Programs: Basic Nursing, Post-Basic Peri-Operative Nursing, Post-Basic Critical Care Nursing Distinctive Strength: Specialized training in emergency and critical care nursing Tuition Range: ₦160,000 – ₦260,000 per academic session Unique Feature: Advanced technology integration in nursing education including virtual reality clinical simulations
Testimonials
“The psychiatric nursing program at Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar transformed my understanding of mental health care. The clinical exposure was exceptional, and the faculty’s support was unwavering. This institution truly prepares you for the challenges of modern psychiatric nursing practice.”
— Dr. Blessing Okon, Class of 2018, currently Senior Psychiatric Nurse at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital
“Studying at the College of Nursing Sciences was rigorous but incredibly rewarding. The emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills made me a confident nurse from day one of my career. The specialized psychiatric training gives graduates a significant advantage in the job market.”
— Mr. Effiong Bassey, Class of 2020, Staff Nurse at Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia
“As someone who had always been interested in mental health, the College of Nursing Sciences provided me with the perfect foundation. The integration of general nursing principles with specialized psychiatric training creates well-rounded professionals capable of addressing the complex healthcare needs of our communities.”
— Mrs. Gloria Ita, Class of 2017, Community Mental Health Coordinator, Cross River State