The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted approval to the School of Nursing, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, to commence a full-time Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.NSc) degree programme in affiliation with the University of Ibadan (UI). The approval was officially conveyed in a letter dated November 6, 2025, marking a major milestone in the hospital’s academic development.

The new B.NSc programme is expected to elevate nursing education and professional training at UCH, providing students with the opportunity to earn a university degree while receiving hands-on clinical experience within Nigeria’s foremost teaching hospital.

Reacting to the development, the Principal, School of Nursing, UCH, Dr. (Mrs.) Adenike Olaniyi, commended the hospital’s management team led by the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo, for their unwavering commitment to meeting the stringent standards set by the NUC.

Dr. Olaniyi described the approval as a “dream fulfilled” for the institution and a major advancement in Nigeria’s healthcare education system. “Students will now have the opportunity to pursue a prestigious nursing degree right within the walls of the University College Hospital, Ibadan,” she said.

She further emphasized that the programme will not only strengthen the academic structure of the School of Nursing but also align its curriculum with modern global standards, ensuring that graduates are equipped with both theoretical knowledge and clinical expertise.

In his remarks, Prof. Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo, the Chief Medical Director of UCH, expressed his delight at the approval, noting that it reflects years of effort, dedication, and collaboration between the hospital, the University of Ibadan, and relevant stakeholders.

“We’re proud to offer our students the best possible education, and this partnership with the University of Ibadan will undoubtedly enhance their academic experience,” Prof. Otegbayo said.

He further stated that the development will open new opportunities for professional growth, research, and innovation in nursing practice, while also helping to bridge the gap between medical education and clinical service delivery.

The CMD congratulated the School of Nursing’s leadership, staff, and students for their collective contribution to achieving this milestone and assured them of continued institutional support to maintain academic excellence.

With this approval, the School of Nursing, UCH, Ibadan, joins the league of top-tier institutions in Nigeria offering university-based nursing degrees, a move expected to further strengthen the nation’s healthcare system through the training of globally competent and compassionate nursing professionals