Nursing is a highly respected profession in Nigeria, and with the increasing demand for healthcare services, many aspiring students are keen to pursue a career in this field. In 2025, there are numerous accredited nursing schools across the country, including federal, state, and private institutions.
This comprehensive guide provides a detailed list of these schools, along with some essential information about their programs.
Federal Schools of Nursing
Federal Schools of Nursing are established and funded by the federal government. They often provide high-quality education and training for aspiring nurses. Here are some notable federal schools:
University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu
Offers a three-year Basic Nursing program leading to RN certification.
Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria
Provides nursing training with a strong emphasis on practical skills.
University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital
Known for its comprehensive nursing programs.
Federal Medical Centre, Owerri
Offers a robust nursing curriculum focused on community health.
National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos
Specializes in orthopedic nursing training.
University College Hospital, Ibadan
Provides a well-rounded nursing education with various specialties.
Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun
Focuses on producing competent healthcare professionals.
Private Schools of Nursing often provide specialized programs and may have more flexible admission requirements than public institutions. Here are some notable private nursing schools:
Babcock University School of Nursing
Located in Ogun State; offers a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) program.
Bowen University School of Nursing
Known for its strong academic foundation and ethical practice emphasis.
Afe Babalola University School of Nursing, Ado-Ekiti
Offers innovative programs that integrate technology in nursing education.
Bingham University School of Nursing, Nasarawa State
Focuses on Christian ethics in healthcare education.
Mater School of Nursing, Umuahia
Provides quality nursing education with a focus on community health.
Seventh-Day Adventist School of Nursing, Ile-Ife
Emphasizes holistic patient care within its curriculum.
College of Nursing Sciences, Maiduguri
Offers various nursing programs tailored to meet local healthcare needs.
School of Nursing and Midwifery Ihiala, Anambra State
Provides both basic nursing and midwifery training programs.
Grimard College of Midwifery, Anyigba Kogi State
Specializes in midwifery education alongside general nursing programs.
School of Basic Midwifery Muslim Medical Foundation Saki Oyo State
Focuses on training competent midwives for the healthcare sector.
of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Nigeria and their locations;
Abia State
School of Nursing in Abia State
State
Admission Quota
School of Nursing, Umuahia
Abia State
75
School of Post Basic Midwifery, Umuahia
Abia State
50
School of Nursing, Amachara
Abia State
50
School of Basic Midwifery, Amachara
Abia State
75
School of Nursing, (ABSUTH), Aba
Abia State
50
School of Post Basic Midwifery, (ABSUTH), Aba
Abia State
75
School of Post Basic Midwifery, Abiriba
Abia State
50
School of Psychiatric Nursing, Aba
Abia State
50
Archbishop Charles Heerey Memorial College of
Nursing Science, Ogbor-Hill, Aba
Abia State
50
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Abia State
Adamawa State
School of Nursing in Adamawa State
State
Admission Quota
School of Nursing, Yola
Adamawa State
75
Community Nursing Program
Adamawa State
100
School of Midwifery Yola
Adamawa State
60
Community Midwifery Program
Adamawa State
100
School of Peri-operative Nursing, Federal Medical
Center, Yola
Adamawa State
50
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Adamawa State
Akwa Ibom State
School of Nursing in Akwa Ibom State
State
Admission Quota
School of Nursing, Anua, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State
50
School of Nursing, Eket
Akwa Ibom State
75
School of Nursing, Ikot-Ekpene
Akwa Ibom State
75
School of Nursing, Ituk-Mbang
Akwa Ibom State
50
School of Post Basic Midwifery, Anua, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State
50
School of Post Basic Midwifery, Iquita-Oron
Akwa Ibom State
50
School of Post Basic Midwifery, Ituk-Mbang
Akwa Ibom State
50
School of Post Basic Midwifery, Urua-Akpan
Akwa Ibom State
50
School of Psychiatric Nursing, Eket
Akwa Ibom State
30
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Akwa Ibom State
Anambra State
School of Nursing in Anambra State
State
Admission Quota
School of Nursing, Ihiala
Anambra State
100
School of Basic Midwifery, Ihiala
Anambra State
100
School of Basic Midwifery, Ihiala
Anambra State
100
School of Nursing, NAUTH, Nnewi
Anambra State
60
School of Nursing, COOUTH, Nkpor
Anambra State
75
School of Midwifery COOUTH, Nkpor
Anambra State
75
School of Nursing, Adazi
Anambra State
100
School of Basic Midwifery, Adazi
Anambra State
75
School of Nursing, Amichi
Anambra State
100
School of Nursing, Borromeo
Anambra State
100
School of Midwifery, Waterside Onitsha
Anambra State
50
School of Basic Midwifery Iyi-Enu
Anambra State
50
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Anambra State
Bauchi State
School of Nursing in Bauchi State
State
Admission Quota
School of Nursing, ATBU, Bauchi
Bauchi State
75
School of Basic Midwifery, ATBU, Bauchi
Bauchi State
60
Community Midwifery Programme ATBU,
Bauchi
Bauchi State
50
School of Nursing, Bauchi
Bauchi State
75
Community Nursing Programme
Bauchi State
100
School of Midwifery Bauchi
Bauchi State
75
Community Midwifery Programme
Bauchi State
200
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Bauchi State
Bayelsa State
School of Nursing in Bayelsa State
State
Admission Quota
School of Nursing, Tombia
Bayelsa State
100
School of Basic Midwifery
Bayelsa State
100
Community Nursing Programme
Bayelsa State
100
Community Midwifery Programme
Bayelsa State
100
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Bayelsa State
Benue State
School of Nursing in Benue State
State
Admission Quota
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Makurdi
Benue State
50
Community nursing/Midwifery programmes
Benue State
200
School of Nursing, Mkar
Benue State
75
School of Basic Midwifery, Mkar
Benue State
50
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Benue State
School of Post Basic Accident & Emergency Nursing, UBTH
Edo State
30
School of Nursing, Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital, Okada
Edo State
50
School of Basic Midwifery, St. Philomena’s Hosp. Benin-City
Edo State
50
School of Basic Midwifery, St. Camillus Hosp. Uromi
Edo State
50
School of Post Basic Peri- Operative Nursing, ISTH
Edo State
30
School of Post Basic Paediatric Nursing, ISTH
Edo State
30
School of Psychiatric Nursing, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uselu, Benin City
Edo State
30
School of Midwifery, Sancta Maria Catholic College of Nursing Sciences, Auchi
Edo State
50
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Edo State
Ekiti State
School of Nursing in Ekiti State
State
Admission Quota
School of Nursing, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State
75
School of Basic Midwifery, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State
50
School of Nursing, FTH, Ido-Ekiti
Ekiti State
50
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Ekiti State
Enugu State
School of Nursing in Enugu State
State
Admission Quota
School of Nursing, Bishop Shanahan Hospital, Nsukka
Enugu State
50
School of Post Basic Midwifery Bishop Shanahan Hospital, Nsukka
Enugu State
50
School of Nursing, (ESUTH), Parklane, Enugu
Enugu State
50
School of Post Basic Midwifery, (ESUTH)
Enugu State
50
School of Nursing, UNTH
Enugu State
75
School of Post Basic Anaesthetic Nursing, UNTH
Enugu State
30
School of Post Basic Cardiothoracic Nursing, UNTH
Enugu State
30
School of Post Basic Cardiothoracic Nursing, UNTH
Enugu State
50
School of Post Basic Peri-Operative Nursing, UNTH
Enugu State
30
School of Post Basic Ophthalmic Nursing, UNTH
Enugu State
30
School of Basic Midwifery, Awgu
Enugu State
50
School of Post Basic Nursing, Burns & Plastic, NOH
Enugu State
30
School of Post Basic Orthopaedic Nursing, NOH
Enugu State
30
School of Psychiatric Nursing, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu
Enugu State
50
School of Post Basic Dental Nursing, Enugu
Enugu State
50
Central Washington College of
Nursing Sciences, Enugu
Enugu State
50
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Enugu State
Gombe State
School of Nursing in Gombe State
State
Admission Quota
School of Nursing Gombe
Gombe State
75
School of Basic Midwifery, Gombe
Gombe State
75
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Gombe State
Imo State
School of Nursing in Imo State
State
Admission Quota
College of Nursing, St. Mary’s Joint Hospital, Amaigbo
Imo State
75
School of Nursing, Emekuku
Imo State
100
School of Post Basic Midwifery Emekuku
Imo State
75
School of Nursing, Joint Hospital, Mbano
Imo State
60
School of Midwifery, Mbano
Imo State
50
School of Nursing, Owerri
Imo State
50
School of Nursing, Our Lady of Mercy Hospital, Umulogho Obowo
Imo State
75
Imo State College of Nursing & Midwifery, Orlu
Imo State
50
School of Basic Midwifery
Imo State
50
School of Basic Midwifery, Aboh Mbaise
Imo State
50
School of Post Basic Midwifery, Awo Omamma
Imo State
50
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Gombe State
Jigawa State
School of Nursing in Jigawa State
State
Admission Quota
School of Nursing, Birnin-Kudu
Jigawa State
100
School of Basic Midwifery. Birnin-Kudu
Jigawa State
70
College of Nursing, Hadejia
Jigawa State
75
Iqra College of Nursing Sciences, Dutse
Jigawa State
50
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Jigawa State
Kaduna State
School of Nursing in Kaduna State
State
Admission Quota
School of Nursing, Kafanchan
Kaduna State
50
School of Midwifery Kafanchan
Kaduna State
50
School of Nursing, Pambeguwa
Kaduna State
50
School of Basic Midwifery. Tudun Wada
Kaduna State
75
School of Nursing St. Gerard’s Catholic Hospital, Kakuri
Kaduna State
100
School of Nursing, Wusasa
Kaduna State
50
School of Basic Midwifery, Wusasa
Kaduna State
40
School of Basic Midwifery, Zonkwa
Kaduna State
75
School of Nursing, ABUTH
Kaduna State
100
School of Post Basic Midwifery, ABUTH
Kaduna State
50
School of Post Basic (Ophthalmic) ABUTH
Kaduna State
30
School of Post Basic Nursing, Paediatric, ABUTH
Kaduna State
30
School of Post Basic Nurse Anaesthetic Programme, ABUTH
Kaduna State
50
School of Post Basic Perioperative Nursing, ABUTH
Kaduna State
25
School of Post Basic Otorhinolaryngology Nursing, National Ear Care Centre, Kaduna
Kaduna State
50
School of Post Basic Ophthalmic Nursing, National Eye Centre, Kaduna
Kaduna State
50
School of Psychiatric Nursing, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Barnawa, Kaduna
Kaduna State
30
Nigerian Air Force College of Nursing Sciences, Air Force Base, Kaduna School of Nursing
Kaduna State
50
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Kaduna State
Kano State
School of Nursing in Kano State
State
Admission Quota
School of Nursing, Kano
Kano State
100
School of Nursing, Madobi
Kano State
70
School of Basic Midwifery, Danbatta, Kano
Kano State
50
Community Midwifery Programme, Danbatta, Kano
Kano State
50
School of Basic Midwifery, Kano
Kano State
50
School of Post Basic Midwifery, Gezawa
Kano State
50
School of Basic Midwifery, Gwarzo
Kano State
50
Community Midwifery Programme, Gwarzo, Kano
Kano State
50
Nafisatu College of Nursing Sciences, Kwankwaso Town, Madobi LGA
Kano State
50
School of Post Basic Orthopaedic Nursing, NOH, Dala
Kano State
50
School of Post Basic Accident and Emergency Nursing, NOH, Dala
Kano State
30
School of Post Basic Burns & Plastic Nursing, NOH, Dala
Kano State
30
School of Post Basic Paediatric Nursing, AKTH
Kano State
50
School of Post Basic Nephrology Nursing, AKTH
Kano State
25
School of Post Basic Critical Nursing, AKTH
Kano State
50
Dansharif College of Nursing Sciences, Kano
Kano State
75
Umar Ringim School of Post Basic Anaesthesia Nursing, Murtala Mohammed Hospital, Kano
Kano State
30
Aminu Dabo College of Nursing and Midwifery
Kano State
50
Emirate College of Nursing Science, Kano
Kano State
50
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Kano State
Katsina State
School of Nursing in Katsina State
State
Admission Quota
School of Nursing, Katsina. Community Nursing
Katsina State
100
School of Basic Midwifery, Malumfashi
Katsina State
75
School of Nursing, Batsar
Katsina State
50
School of Midwifery, Batsar
Katsina State
50
North West College of Nursing Science, Katsina
Katsina State
50
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Katsina State
Kebbi State
School of Nursing in Kebbi State
State
Admission Quota
School of Nursing, Birnin-Kebb
Kebbi State
75
School of Basic Midwifery, Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi State
60
Sajo College of Nursing Sciences, Birnin-Kebbi
Kebbi State
50
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Kebbi State
Kogi State
School of Nursing in Kogi State
State
Admission Quota
Sajo College of Nursing Sciences, Birnin-Kebbi
Kogi State
50
College of Nursing, Obangede
Kogi State
100
ECWA School of Nursing, Egbe
Kogi State
75
ECWA School of Basic Midwifery, Egbe
Kogi State
50
College of Nursing, UEC, Ochadamu
Kogi State
75
College of Basic Midwifery, Anyigba
Kogi State
75
Nana College of Nursing Sciences, Anyingba
Kogi State
50
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Kogi State
Kwara State
School of Nursing in Kwara State
State
Admission Quota
School of Nursing, Ilorin
Kwara State
60
School of Basic Midwifery, Ilorin
Kwara State
50
College of Nursing Sciences, Oke-Ode
Kwara State
50
University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) School of Nursing
Kwara State
50
UITH School of Post Basic Accident & Emergency Nursing
Kwara State
30
UITH School of Post Basic Paediatric Nursing
Kwara State
30
UITH School of Post Basic Nephrology Nursing
Kwara State
30
UITH School of Post Basic Ophthalmic Nursing
Kwara State
30
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Kwara State
Lagos State
School of Nursing in Lagos State
State
Admission Quota
Lagos State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Igando
Lagos State
100
School of Post Basic Anaesthetic Nursing, Badagry
Lagos State
30
Nigerian Army College of Nursing, Yaba
Lagos State
70
School of Nursing, LUTH
Lagos State
75
School of Post Basic Midwifery, LUTH
Lagos State
50
School of Post Basic Accident and Emergency Nursing, LUTH
Lagos State
30
School of Post Basic Paediatric Nursing, LUTH
Lagos State
75
School of Post Basic Ophthalmic Nursing, LUTH
Lagos State
30
School of Post Basic PeriOperative Nursing, LUTH
Lagos State
30
School of Post Basic Accident and Emergency Nursing, NOH,
Igbobi, Lagos
Lagos State
30
School of Post Basic Orthopaedic Nursing, NOH. Igbobi, Lagos
Lagos State
30
School of Psychiatric Nursing, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba
Lagos State
30
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Lagos State
Nasarawa State
School of Nursing in Nasarawa State
State
Admission Quota
School of Nursing, Lafia
Nasarawa State
75
School of Basic Midwifery, Lafia
Nasarawa State
50
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Nasarawa State
Niger State
School of Nursing in Niger State
State
Admission Quota
School of Nursing, Bida
Niger State
100
School of Basic Midwifery, Minna
Niger State
75
School of Basic Midwifery, Kontagora
Niger State
75
School of Nursing, Kontagora
Niger State
50
Dako College of Nursing and Midwifery, Suleja
Niger State
50
Standard College of Nursing, Minna
Niger State
50
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Niger State.
Ogun State
School of Nursing in Ogun State
State
Admission Quota
School of Nursing, Abeokuta
Ogun State
75
School of Nursing, Ijebu-Ode
Ogun State
75
School of Nursing, Ilaro
Ogun State
75
School of Nursing, Lantoro
Ogun State
50
Oba Ademola II School of Basic Midwifery, Abeokuta
Ogun State
75
School of Basic Midwifery, Ijebu-Ode
Ogun State
50
School of Psychiatric Nursing, Aro, Abeokuta
Ogun State
60
Jala Jalaaluka For Ahad (JAFAD) School of Nursing, Oru-Ijebu
Ogun State
50
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Ogun State
Ondo State
School of Nursing in Ondo State
State
Admission Quota
School of Nursing, Akure
Ondo State
50
School of Basic Midwifery, Akure
Ondo State
50
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Ondo State
Osun State
School of Nursing in Osun State
State
Admission Quota
School of Nursing, OAUTHC, Ilesa
Osun State
50
School of Nursing, OAUTHC, Ile- Ife
Osun State
50
School of Post Basic Midwifery, OAUTHC, Ilesa
Osun State
50
School of Post Basic Peri-Operative Nursing, OAUTHC, Ile-Ife
Osun State
30
School of Nursing, Seventh Day Adventist Hospital, Ile-Ife
Osun State
75
Mercy College of Nursing, Ido-Osun, Osogbo
Osun State
50
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Osun State
Oyo State
School of Nursing in Oyo State
State
Admission Quota
School of Nursing, Baptist Medical Centre, Saki
Oyo State
50
School of Post Basic Midwifery, Baptist Medical Centre, Saki
Oyo State
50
School of Nursing, Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho
Oyo State
75
School of Nursing, Eleyele
Oyo State
75
School of Midwifery, Eleyele
Oyo State
60
School of Basic Midwifery, Kishi
Oyo State
50
School of Basic Midwifery, Muslim Hospital, Saki
Oyo State
50
School of Post Basic Midwifery, Oluyoro, Ibadan
Oyo State
75
School of Nursing, UCH, Ibadan
Oyo State
50
School of Post Basic Nursing, Occupational Health, UCH, Ibadan
Oyo State
30
School of Post Basic PeriOperative Nursing, UCH, Ibadan
Oyo State
40
School of Post Basic Midwifery, UCH, Ibadan
Oyo State
40
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Oyo State
Plateau State
School of Nursing in Plateau State
State
Admission Quota
Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) Nursing Training Institutions
Plateau State
30
School of Nursing, Vom, Jos
Plateau State
50
School of Basic Midwifery, Vom, Jos
Plateau State
50
School of Nursing, MMH, Jos
Plateau State
75
School of Post Basic Midwifery, Our Lady of Apostles Hospital, Jos
Plateau State
25
Hill College of Nursing Science, Jos
Plateau State
50
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Plateau State
Rivers State
School of Nursing in Rivers State
State
Admission Quota
School of Nursing, Port Harcourt
Rivers State
50
School of Post Basic Midwifery, Port-Harcourt
Rivers State
50
School of Post Basic Accident and Emergency Nursing, UPTH
Rivers State
30
School of Post Basic Accident and Emergency Nursing, UPTH
Rivers State
30
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Rivers State
Sokoto State
School of Nursing in Sokoto State
State
Admission Quota
School of Nursing, Sokoto
Sokoto State
100
School of Basic Midwifery
Sokoto State
75
School of Nursing, Tambuwal
Sokoto State
50
School of Nursing, UDUTH
Sokoto State
70
School of Midwifery, UDUTH
Sokoto State
50
School of Post Basic Paediatric Nursing, UDUTH
Sokoto State
30
School of Post Basic Perioperative Nursing, UDUTH
Sokoto State
50
School of Psychiatric Nursing, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Kware
Sokoto State
30
Fatima College of Nursing Sciences, Sifawa
Sokoto State
50
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Sokoto State
Taraba State
School of Nursing in Taraba State
State
Admission Quota
School of Nursing Jalingo
Taraba State
50
School of Basic Midwifery, Jalingo
Taraba State
50
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Taraba State
Yobe State
School of Nursing in Yobe State
State
Admission Quota
School of Nursing, Damaturu
Yobe State
100
School of Basic Midwifery, Damaturu
Yobe State
70
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Yobe State
Zamfara State
School of Nursing in Zamfara State
State
Admission Quota
School of Nursing, Gusau
Zamfara State
100
School of Basic Midwifery, Gusau
Zamfara State
75
Umar Bin Khaddabi College of Nursing Sciences, Kauran Namoda
Zamfara State
50
This table contains the list of schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Zamfara State
Abuja – FCT
School of Nursing in Abuja State
State
Admission Quota
School of Nursing, Gwagwalada
Abuja
75
School of Basic Midwifery, Gwagwalada
Abuja
70
School of Post Basic Critical Care Nursing, UATH, Abuja
Abuja
50
School of Post Basic Nephrology Nursing, National Hospital, Abuja
Abuja
50
School of Post Basic Oncology Nursing, National Hospital, Abuja
Abuja
75
This table contains the list of School of Nursing, Midwifery and Post-basic Nursing schools in Abuja
Admission Requirements
The currently approved entry requirement is five (5) O’level credit passes in Mathematics, English Language, Physics, Chemistry and Biology at not more than two (2) sittings from any of the following:
West African Examination Council (WAEC)
National Examination Council (NECO)
National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB)
Any student with foreign examination board result(s) is expected to submit an evaluation report or equivalent grading from the Federal Ministry of Education along with the result.
A request for the verification of such results from the issuing organization to the Council is required.
NOTE: Acceptable Minimum Age range for admission into Basic Nursing and Basic Midwifery Training programme is 16.
The landscape for nursing education in Nigeria continues to grow with many accredited federal, state, and private institutions offering diverse programs to meet the increasing demand for qualified nurses.
Aspiring students should carefully consider their options based on location, program offerings, and institutional reputation when choosing where to study nursing in 2025. By selecting an accredited school that aligns with their career goals, students can embark on a fulfilling journey toward becoming skilled healthcare professionals committed to improving the health outcomes in their communities.
