LASCON stands for the Lagos State College of Nursing, one of Nigeria’s most respected nursing training institutions located in Lagos. The college produces registered nurses who work in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities across Nigeria and beyond. If you’re a secondary school leaver interested in nursing, understanding LASCON admission requirements is your first step toward a career in healthcare.
LASCON offers different nursing programmes including the 3-year Registered Nurse (RN) programme and post-basic specialisation courses. The institution is affiliated with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), meaning your qualification will be nationally recognised. Many students prioritise LASCON because the school’s fees are reasonable compared to private nursing institutions, and the clinical training is hands-on and rigorous.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about LASCON admission requirements so you can prepare properly and submit a strong application.
Entry Qualifications and Academic Requirements
To gain admission into LASCON nursing programmes, you must meet basic educational standards set by both the institution and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. These standards ensure that only students with solid academic foundations enter the programme. The LASCON admission requirements are clear: you need a Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE) or equivalent qualification.
Your SSCE can come from WAEC (West African Examinations Council), NECO (National Examination Council), or JAMB-approved centres. LASCON accepts results from any of these examination bodies. The key is that your results must be genuine, verified, and not older than 5 years at the time of application.
You must have passed English Language and Mathematics at the O’Level. These are non-negotiable subjects for nursing. Most nursing schools, including LASCON, also require passes in Biology and Chemistry because these subjects form the foundation of your nursing training. If you haven’t taken Chemistry, some schools may accept it as a waiver if you have strong grades in other sciences, but this depends on LASCON’s discretion that year.
Age is another factor. You must be at least 17 years old at the time of admission. There’s no official upper age limit, but most students enter between 18 and 22 years old. Meeting these basic LASCON admission requirements puts you in the position to proceed to the next stage of the selection process.
O’Level Results and Subject Requirements
Your O’Level results are critical. LASCON requires a minimum of 5 credits in relevant subjects, obtained in not more than 2 sittings. This means you can take your exams twice if needed, but LASCON prefers to see all your credits from one sitting if possible.
The compulsory subjects you must pass are:
- English Language (credit pass)
- Mathematics (credit pass)
- Biology (credit pass)
- Chemistry (credit pass)
- One additional subject from the approved list
The fifth subject can be Physics, Further Mathematics, Health Science, or any other subject approved by LASCON. Some students take Civic Education, Geography, or Economics as their fifth subject. The choice depends on what you sat for in secondary school.
A “credit pass” means grades A1, B2, B3, or C4 in WAEC or A, B, C, or D in NECO. Grades below C4 (or D in NECO) are not counted as credits. If you have grades E, F, or O, those subjects don’t count toward your 5 credits. This is why many students retake exams—to improve their grades and meet LASCON admission requirements properly.
LASCON is strict about this. They verify your O’Level results directly with WAEC or NECO, so you cannot submit fake or altered results. The institution conducts thorough verification before offering admission. Make sure your original certificates match the information you submit in your application form.
JAMB UTME Score Requirements
After secondary school, you must register for the JAMB UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination). LASCON is a recognised institution under JAMB, so your JAMB score is essential for admission consideration.
LASCON’s cut-off mark for nursing programmes typically ranges from 140 to 180 points, depending on the year and the number of applicants. In recent years, the cut-off has hovered around 160–170 points. This means if you score below LASCON’s announced cut-off, your application will not be considered, regardless of how strong your other qualifications are.
To be safe, aim for a JAMB score of 180 and above. This gives you a comfortable margin. Many students score between 150 and 200, so the competition is real. The JAMB examination tests your knowledge in English, Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry—all subjects directly relevant to nursing.
You register for JAMB at any approved JAMB registration centre using your WAEC or NECO result. The registration fee is approximately ₦5,500 to ₦7,000, depending on the registration period. Early registration sometimes costs less than late registration. Once you complete JAMB registration, you receive a JAMB registration number, which you’ll use for the examination and your LASCON application.
Your JAMB score is valid for 2 years, so if you don’t gain admission in the first year, you can use the same score for your second application. However, many students prefer to retake JAMB to improve their scores and increase their chances. Understanding the importance of JAMB in the overall LASCON admission requirements helps you prioritise your preparation.
Post-UTME Screening Process
After JAMB publishes results and LASCON announces its cut-off mark, successful candidates proceed to the Post-UTME screening stage. This is where LASCON further evaluates your suitability for nursing. The LASCON admission requirements at this stage include passing a Post-UTME examination and an interview.
The Post-UTME examination usually covers English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and General Knowledge. The exam is designed to assess your depth of understanding in these subjects, not just your JAMB score. LASCON sets the examination, and it’s more detailed than JAMB. You’re expected to study the secondary school curriculum thoroughly.
The Post-UTME screening is typically scored out of 100 points. Combined with your JAMB score and O’Level results, LASCON ranks candidates and invites the top performers for the final interview stage. The interview is conducted by senior nursing staff and educators who assess your communication skills, motivation for nursing, and suitability for the profession.
During the interview, you’ll be asked questions about why you want to study nursing, your understanding of the nursing profession, and how you handle stress. The panel looks for candidates who are passionate, articulate, and emotionally mature. Your demeanour, dress code, and confidence matter. This is where many qualified candidates either secure admission or lose it. Preparing for the interview is just as important as passing the written examination when meeting LASCON admission requirements.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
The application process for LASCON is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Here’s exactly what you do:
- Check LASCON’s official website or visit the campus to confirm the application deadline and requirements for that year. LASCON publishes admission announcements usually between April and June.
- Obtain the application form from LASCON’s office in Lagos or download it online if available. The form costs between ₦2,000 and ₦5,000, depending on the current rate.
- Fill the form accurately with your personal details, O’Level results, JAMB registration number, and JAMB score. Double-check every entry because errors can disqualify you.
- Attach photocopies of required documents including your WAEC/NECO certificate, JAMB registration slip, and birth certificate or national identity card.
- Submit your completed form to LASCON’s admissions office before the deadline. Late submissions are usually not accepted.
- Pay the Post-UTME screening fee, which is typically ₦3,000 to ₦5,000. You’ll receive a screening number after payment.
- Attend the screening examination on the date announced by LASCON. Bring your screening number and a valid ID.
- Wait for interview invitations if you pass the screening. Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews.
- Attend your interview and wait for final results. Admission lists are usually published within 2–4 weeks after interviews.
The entire process from application to final admission typically takes 3–4 months. Start preparing early—don’t wait until the last minute. Many students miss deadlines because they assume they have more time. Being proactive about LASCON admission requirements and timelines increases your chances of success.
School Fees and Associated Costs
LASCON’s fees are significantly lower than private nursing schools, which is one reason many students apply. However, you still need to budget properly for your 3-year nursing programme.
Annual school fees at LASCON range from ₦120,000 to ₦200,000 per academic year for the RN programme, depending on whether you’re an indigene of Lagos State or a non-indigene. Indigene students typically pay lower fees—around ₦120,000 to ₦150,000 annually—while non-indigene students pay ₦180,000 to ₦200,000 per year. Over 3 years, this totals approximately ₦360,000 to ₦600,000.
Beyond tuition, you’ll need to budget for other expenses:
- Nursing uniforms and clinical kits: ₦50,000 to ₦80,000 (one-time cost in your first year)
- Textbooks: ₦30,000 to ₦60,000 (spread across your 3 years)
- Hostel accommodation: ₦40,000 to ₦100,000 per year (optional but most students use it)
- Meals and feeding: ₦30,000 to ₦50,000 per month if you’re in hostel
- Transport: ₦5,000 to ₦15,000 monthly depending on your location
- Medical examinations and certifications: ₦20,000 to ₦30,000 (required before clinical postings)
- Professional registration fees: ₦15,000 to ₦25,000 (paid to NMCN before graduation)
Your total cost of studying nursing at LASCON, including all expenses, is typically between ₦800,000 and ₦1,200,000 over 3 years. This is still affordable compared to private schools like Babcock University (₦800,000–₦1,000,000 annually) or Redeemer’s University (₦700,000–₦900,000 annually). Many families plan and save for these costs, while some students work part-time or receive scholarships. Understanding the full financial picture helps you prepare for LASCON admission requirements and the commitment ahead.
Documents You Need to Bring
When you submit your LASCON application, you must attach certified photocopies of specific documents. Here’s the complete list:
- Original WAEC or NECO certificate (or a certified photocopy if you don’t have the original yet)
- JAMB registration slip showing your registration number and examination centre
- Birth certificate or national identification number (NIN) issued by NIMC
- Proof of residence (utility bill, rent receipt, or local government letter if claiming indigene status)
- School leaving certificate from your secondary school
- Medical report confirming you’re fit for nursing training (some schools request this)
- Character reference letter from your secondary school principal or a community leader
- Passport photograph (4 copies, recent, white background)
Make sure all photocopies are clear and legible. LASCON’s admissions team will verify every document with the issuing authority. If any document is found to be fake or falsified, your application is automatically cancelled and you may be reported to appropriate authorities. Don’t take shortcuts—submit genuine documents only.
If you’re claiming indigene status for lower fees, you must provide proof of residence in that state. This typically requires a local government letter of indigeneship or a utility bill showing your address. Without proper documentation, you’ll be classified as a non-indigene and charged higher fees. Plan ahead and gather these documents before the application deadline to ensure you meet all LASCON admission requirements.
Common Mistakes Students Make
Many qualified students fail to gain admission because they make preventable mistakes. Here are the most common ones:
Mistake 1: Submitting incomplete applications. Some students submit forms without all required documents or with missing information. LASCON will not accept incomplete applications. Before submission, verify that every field is filled and every document is attached.
Mistake 2: Using fake or altered O’Level results. This is a serious offence. LASCON verifies results directly with WAEC or NECO. If discrepancies are found, you’re disqualified and may face legal consequences. Use your genuine results, even if your grades aren’t perfect.
Mistake 3: Missing the application deadline. Many students assume deadlines are flexible or that late submissions will be considered. LASCON is strict about deadlines. Once the submission period closes, no more forms are accepted. Mark the deadline on your calendar and submit at least 1 week early.
Mistake 4: Poor performance in the Post-UTME examination. Some students underestimate the Post-UTME screening and don’t study seriously. This examination is more challenging than JAMB. Prepare by solving past papers and studying your secondary school textbooks thoroughly.
Mistake 5