For every B.NSc graduate, completing internship in an approved hospital is a critical step before full registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). If you are considering Lagos, it is important to know the accredited hospitals for internship in Lagos State where your clinical practice will be recognized. Lagos, being the healthcare hub of Nigeria, offers several options across teaching hospitals, military hospitals, and private specialist centres.
This article provides an updated list of hospitals accredited for B.NSc internships in Lagos State in 2025.
Understanding Nursing Internship
A nursing internship is a compulsory one-year practical training program designed for graduates of the Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.NSc) degree. Throughout this period, interns rotate across various clinical units, including surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, and community health—while working under professional supervision.
The main goal of the internship is to connect theoretical learning with real-life nursing practice. It equips graduates with confidence, sharpens their clinical competence, and prepares them to function independently as professional nurses.
Without completing this internship, holders of a B.NSc degree cannot obtain a full practicing license from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).
Why Nursing Internship is Important
The internship is not just a mandatory step; it forms the bedrock of professional nursing practice. Its importance can be seen in several ways:
- Licensing Requirement: It is a prerequisite for obtaining full licensure from the NMCN.
- Practical Skill Development: Students gain real-life, hands-on experience in hospital settings.
- Career Growth: Successful completion boosts employability and provides access to advanced training opportunities.
- Confidence Building: Interns practice decision-making, apply theoretical knowledge, and work effectively within healthcare teams.
- Professional Networking: The internship connects students with experienced mentors and professionals who may influence their career direction.
What Hospital Accreditation Means
Accreditation refers to the official approval granted by the NMCN for a hospital to serve as a training centre for B.NSc nursing interns.
An accredited hospital ensures that:
- There are qualified professionals available to guide and supervise interns.
- The clinical facilities meet the standards set by the NMCN.
- Internship experience gained there will count towards professional licensing.
- Interns rotate through multiple departments for comprehensive exposure.
If the internship is carried out in a hospital that is not accredited, the NMCN will not recognize the training, and the intern may be required to repeat the program in an approved facility.
List of Accredited Hospitals for Internship in Lagos State
Here are the leading hospitals currently approved for nursing internships in Lagos:
Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba
Located in Idi-Araba, Surulere, LUTH is Nigeria’s largest teaching hospital. It is a federal tertiary health institution that offers robust clinical exposure across all specialties.
Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja
Based in Ikeja, LASUTH is the foremost state-owned teaching hospital in Lagos. It provides a diverse clinical environment, serving thousands of patients daily.
St. Nicholas Hospital, Victoria Island
Address: 57 Campbell Street, Lagos Island.
St. Nicholas is a leading private hospital in Lagos and is publicly recognized for hosting B.NSc interns with NMCN approval.
48th Armed Forces Hospital, Yaba
A military teaching hospital located in Yaba, Lagos. It provides structured training and clinical exposure for interns, especially in surgical and general medical units.
68th Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Yaba
This is another major military referral hospital in Lagos. It is accredited for B.NSc internship and provides wide exposure to trauma, internal medicine, and surgical practice.
Motayo Hospital, Ikeja
Located in Ikeja, Motayo Hospital is an approved private medical centre for B.NSc internship training.
Havana Specialist Hospital, Surulere
Situated in Surulere, Havana Specialist Hospital is one of the oldest private hospitals in Lagos and offers structured internship training.
Police Hospital, Falomo, Ikoyi
Located in Ikoyi, this police hospital is also listed among approved hospitals for internship in Lagos State.
Eko Hospital Plc, Ikeja
Address: Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja.
Eko Hospital is one of Nigeria’s most recognized private hospitals, and it is also approved for B.NSc internships.
NAF Hospital, Ikeja
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Hospital, located in Ikeja, is another military-based accredited centre for B.NSc internships.
How to Verify a Hospital’s Accreditation
Even though these hospitals are widely listed as approved centres, always take the following steps before reporting:
- Confirm with your university or nursing department that the hospital is still accredited.
- Contact the hospital’s Nursing Affairs or Internship Office directly.
- Request an official acceptance letter to avoid issues during NMCN verification.
- Cross-check with NMCN circulars, as accreditation status can change.
Frequently Asked Questions – Hospitals for internship in lagos state
Are all teaching hospitals in Lagos approved for internship?
- Most teaching hospitals such as LUTH and LASUTH, are approved, but always confirm accreditation for your cohort year.
Can private hospitals accept B.NSc interns?
- Yes. Hospitals like St. Nicholas and Eko Hospital are accredited private hospitals for internship in Lagos State.
Do military hospitals in Lagos accept interns?
- Yes. The 48th Armed Forces Hospital, 68th Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, and NAF Hospital, Ikeja are recognized centres.
How long is the nursing internship in Lagos?
- The internship lasts 12 months, after which students can proceed to full licensing by the NMCN.
What happens if I intern at a non-accredited hospital?
- Your internship will not be recognized by the NMCN, and you may have to repeat it in an accredited centre.
Lagos State provides some of the best hospitals for internships in Nigeria, combining exposure, diverse cases, and career growth opportunities. Whether you choose a teaching hospital like LUTH, a private hospital like St. Nicholas, or a military hospital like the 68th Army Reference Hospital, ensure that your choice is fully accredited for B.NSc internship by the NMCN in 2025.
Disclaimer: This list is based on verified sources and hospital announcements as of 2025. Candidates are advised to reconfirm accreditation with their school and the hospital before resuming.