In this article, we’ll explore the programmes offered in AKSCONS, the admission requirements, tips for applicants, and the opportunities available to graduates.
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The Akwa Ibom State College of Nursing Sciences (AKSCONS) is one of Nigeria’s foremost institutions dedicated to training highly skilled healthcare professionals. With a strong focus on excellence, compassion, and practical learning, the college offers a variety of programmes that prepare students for careers in nursing, midwifery, mental health, and related fields.
Akwa Ibom State College of Nursing Sciences (AKSCONS)
The Akwa Ibom State College of Nursing Sciences (AKSCONS) has a long and rich history. Originally established as the School of Nursing in 1980, it evolved into a full-fledged college in 2021 when the state government signed the law establishing the institution in Akwa Ibom State.
In 2024, the college received accreditation from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) to run the ND/HND Nursing programme. Today, AKSCONS operates across multiple campuses and remains committed to producing competent, compassionate, and globally competitive healthcare professionals.
Programmes Offered in AKSCONS
The programmes offered in Akwa Ibom State College of Nursing Sciences are designed for various entry levels and career aspirations. Programmes include
ND/HND Nursing Programme (4 Years – 2+2 Structure)
The Department of Nursing Sciences at Akwa Ibom State College of Nursing Sciences (AKSCONS) offers its flagship ND/HND Nursing programme, designed to build the next generation of compassionate and competent nurses.
The programme runs for four years, split into National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) phases. Students are grounded in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, and public health, alongside hands-on clinical training in hospitals, community health centres, and specialized units.
Graduates of the programme earn the Registered Nurse (RN) license and HND qualification, positioning them for professional practice both locally and internationally.
AKSCONS Department of Nursing Science
The institution was established in 1980 as the School of Nursing. In 2021, it was upgraded to the College of Nursing Sciences by the Akwa Ibom State Government, and by 2024, it gained accreditation from both the NBTE and NMCN, marking the introduction of the ND/HND Nursing programme.
AKSCONS ND/HND Nursing Admission Requirements
To qualify for admission into the ND/HND Nursing programme, applicants must meet the following:
- Five (5) O’level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Results must be from WAEC, NECO, or GCE (not more than 2 sittings).
- Admission through JAMB/UTME, meeting the College’s approved cut-off mark.
- Successful participation in the College screening process.
RN Programme (For Post-Basic Students)
Applicants seeking entry through the RN pathway must have:
- Five (5) O’level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Results from WAEC, NECO, or GCE (not more than 2 sittings).
- A valid Registered Nurse (RN) certificate.
AKSCONS Assessment & Grading
This information carries the grading and assessment system of the department.
Assessment Structure (ND/HND)
- Minimum Class Attendance – 80% (prerequisite for exam eligibility)
- Continuous Assessment – 20%
- Examinations – 80%
- Total – 100%
Grading System (ND/HND)
- A (70–100%) – Distinction
- B (60–69%) – Upper Credit
- C (50–59%) – Lower Credit
- D (40–49%) – Pass
- F (0–39%) – Fail
Grading System (RN)
- Pass (50–100%) – Pass
- Fail (0–49%) – Fail
Professional Pathway – From Student to Licensed Nurse
This section shows student professional pathway.
- ND Completion – Minimum approved CGPA.
- HND Completion – Advanced academic requirements.
- SCWES – Successful clinical work experience.
- Case Studies & Research – Completion and submission.
- Pre-Professional Examination – Computer-Based Test (CBT).
- NMCN Professional Examination – Final qualifying test.
- NMCN Registration & Licensing – Renewable every 3 yearss
Graduate Competencies
AKSCONS-trained nurses demonstrate the following skills:
- Client-Centered Care – Compassionate, patient-focused practice.
- Community Health – Design and implement public health interventions.
- Clinical Assessment – Diagnose and manage minor ailments.
- Resource Management – Use healthcare resources efficiently.
- Research Application – Apply evidence-based findings.
- Leadership – Manage healthcare teams effectively.
- Global Standards – Practice in line with international benchmarks.
Continuous Learning – Engage in lifelong professional development.
Basic & Post Basic Midwifery Programme (3 Years / 18 Months)
The Department of Midwifery at Akwa Ibom State College of Nursing Sciences (AKSCONS) is dedicated to training skilled, compassionate, and competent midwives who provide quality maternal and neonatal care.
With a rich heritage dating back to the 1930s at the historic Oron Campus, the department blends traditional midwifery wisdom with modern healthcare practices. Students are trained to deliver safe care across rural and urban communities while meeting global standards of maternal/child health.
AKSCONS Department of Midwifery
The institution began in the 1930s as the School of Midwifery at Oron and later expanded in the 1960s with the establishment of the Ituk Mbang training centre. In 2021, it was upgraded to the College of Nursing Sciences by the Akwa Ibom State Government, and by 2024, it received accreditation from NBTE and NMCN, further strengthening professional midwifery training.
Programme Structure
- Programme Type: Basic Midwifery (3 years) / Post Basic Midwifery (18 months).
- Campuses: Anua, Uyo – Modern midwifery training centre, Oron – Historic midwifery school (est. 1930s) and Ituk Mbang – Training centre with decades of experience (est. 1960s).
AKSCONS Midwifery Admission Requirements
To qualify for admission into the Basic or Post Basic Midwifery programme, applicants must meet the following:
- Five (5) O’level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Results must be from WAEC, NECO, or GCE (not more than 2 sittings).
- Post Basic Applicants: Must hold a valid Registered Nurse (RN) certificate.
- Successful participation in the College screening process.
Assessment & Grading
This information carries the grading and assessment system of the department.
Assessment Structure
- Minimum Class Attendance – 80% (required for exam eligibility).
- Continuous Assessment – 20%.
- Examinations – 80%.
- Total – 100%.
Grading System (RM)
- Pass (50–100%) – Pass
- F (0–49%) – Fail
Clinical Training & Experience
Students undergo supervised Clinical Work Experience Schemes, focusing on maternal and neonatal care. Training emphasizes:
- Attendance & Punctuality
- Clinical Skills & Competencies
- Ethical Conduct
- Professional Attitude
- Communication & Teamwork
Professional Pathway – From Student to Licensed Midwife
- Programme Completion – Fulfill all academic and clinical requirements.
- Case Studies Submission – Document client care and clinical logs.
- Research Project – Submit a project on midwifery practice.
- Pre-Professional Exam (CAOSCE) – Computer-Based Test (CBT).
- NMCN Professional Exam – Final qualifying examination.
- NMCN Registration & Licensing – Obtain Registered Midwife (RM) license, renewable every 3 years.
Graduate Competencies
AKSCONS-trained midwives demonstrate the following abilities:
- Antenatal Care – Comprehensive prenatal monitoring.
- Normal Deliveries – Safe and skilled childbirth.
- Emergency Management – Effective response to obstetric emergencies.
- Family Planning – Education and contraceptive services.
- Neonatal Care – Newborn resuscitation and support.
- Health Education – Community-based reproductive health education.
- Ethical Practice – Patient rights and confidentiality.
- Community Health – Rural and urban maternal healthcare services.
- Research & Data – Participation in maternal health research.
- Professional Referrals – Appropriate escalation of high-risk cases.
Post Basic Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing Programme (Registered Psychiatric Nurse – RPN)
The Department of Mental Health/Psychiatric Nursing at Akwa Ibom State College of Nursing Sciences (AKSCONS) is dedicated to training compassionate and skilled psychiatric nurses with advanced knowledge to address mental, emotional, and behavioural health challenges.
This programme equips students with the clinical competence, therapeutic communication, and psychosocial care skills required to support individuals with mental health disorders across all stages of life. By blending evidence-based care with empathy, the department contributes to meeting Nigeria’s growing mental health needs.
Programme Highlights
- Emphasis on therapeutic communication and patient-centered care.
- Training in mental status assessment, group therapy, and psychosocial care.
- Hands-on experience in psychiatric hospitals, general hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community mental health programs.
- Focus on ethical practice, family counseling, and mental health advocacy.
Admission Requirements (RPN Programme)
To qualify for the Post Basic Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing (RPN) programme, applicants must meet the following:
- Five (5) O’level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Results must be from WAEC, NECO, or GCE (not more than 2 sittings).
- Must hold a valid Registered Nurse (RN) certificate.
- Successful participation in the College screening process.
Assessment & Grading
This information carries the grading and assessment system of the department.
Assessment Structure
- Minimum Class Attendance – 80% (required for exam eligibility).
- Continuous Assessment – 20%.
- Examination – 80%.
- Total – 100%.
Grading System (RPN)
- Pass (50–100%) – Pass
- Fail (0–49%) – Fail
Graduate Competencies
AKSCONS-trained psychiatric nurses demonstrate the following abilities:
- Mental Status Examination – Conduct thorough psychiatric assessments.
- Therapeutic Communication – Apply advanced communication skills in care.
- Group Therapy – Facilitate group and individual therapy sessions.
- Psychosocial Care – Integrate cultural, psychological, and social theories in care.
- Clinical Diagnosis – Identify and manage minor psychiatric conditions.
- Family Counseling – Support patients’ families through counseling.
- Community Interventions – Deliver community-based mental health programmes.
- Ethical Practice – Maintain confidentiality and ethical standards.
- Professional Referrals – Refer patients for specialized psychiatric care.
- Mental Health Education – Promote awareness and preventive education.
“AKSCONS-trained psychiatric nurses are ready to transform mental healthcare.”
Growing Demand
With rising mental health awareness in Nigeria and globally, psychiatric nurses are more needed than ever before.
- 85% Employment Rate for graduates.
- High Demand in hospitals, NGOs, and international health programmes.
Essential Tips for Prospective Applicants
If you are considering applying to AKSCONS, here are some key tips to guide you:
- Ensure you have the required O’level subjects (English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) before applying.
- For ND Nursing, register and perform well in JAMB/UTME, as admission is strictly through this route.
- Start preparing early for the college’s entrance examination or screening to improve your chances.
- Apply within the official application period and monitor announcements from the school.
- Have your documents (birth certificate, local government of origin, etc.) ready, as they may be needed during screening.
Career Opportunities for AKSCONS Graduates
Graduates of AKSCONS enjoy diverse career pathways both within Nigeria and abroad. These include:
- Hospital Nursing: ICU specialist, ward manager, clinical instructor.
- Community Health: PHC coordinator, public health nurse, community health officer.
- Midwifery Practice: Maternal health coordinator, labor ward midwife, neonatal care specialist.
- Mental Health Nursing: Psychiatric nurse, rehabilitation nurse, mental health advocate.
- NGOs and International Agencies: Opportunities with WHO, UNICEF, Red Cross, and global humanitarian projects.
- Education and Research: Nursing/midwifery instructor, clinical educator, research coordinator.
- Additional Pathways: Correctional Facilities, Academic Institutions, Private Counseling Practice, Mental Health Research & Policy Development, Diaspora Nursing Job Markets
The Akwa Ibom State College of Nursing Sciences (AKSCONS) stands out as a premier institution offering programmes in General Nursing, Midwifery, and Mental Health Nursing. With its strong academic foundation, modern facilities, and practical training, AKSCONS produces highly competent professionals who are ready to serve in hospitals, communities, NGOs, and global healthcare systems.
For aspiring nurses and midwives, AKSCONS provides not only the opportunity to acquire professional qualifications but also the skills and confidence to thrive in the ever-evolving world of healthcare.
