BACKGROUND:
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Nigeria, yet screening uptake remains low despite its preventability1–3. Nursing students, as future health professionals, are expected to be knowledgeable and serve as role models in promoting cervical screening4–10. This study assessed undergraduate nursing students' knowledge, perceptions, and practices related to cervical cancer screening at Benue State University, Makurdi.

METHODS:
This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 179 randomly selected nursing students. Data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, counts, and percentages).

RESULTS:
Most respondents (94%) knew that cervical cancer screening detects precancerous lesions, and 84% correctly identified the Pap smear as a screening method. Awareness of visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) (50%) and visual inspection with Lugol’s iodine (VILI) (40%) was limited. Perceptions of screening were positive, with 84% affirming its importance and 83% recognising its usefulness for early detection. However, actual practice was low: only 16% had ever been screened, and just 21% of these had done so within the last three years. Encouragingly, 87% expressed willingness to undergo screening in the future.

CONCLUSIONS:
Despite good knowledge and positive perceptions, cervical cancer screening practices among nursing students were unsatisfactory. Interventions such as on-campus screening services, integration of cervical cancer education into the curriculum, peer health advocacy, and subsidised screening programmes are recommended. Improving uptake among nursing students will protect their health and enhance their capacity to advocate for cervical cancer prevention within the wider community.