If you’re dreaming of becoming a doctor in Nigeria, choosing the right university is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. With so many options available, it’s natural to wonder which schools truly stand out as the best universities to study medicine and surgery in Nigeria.
Whether you’re looking for cutting-edge facilities, experienced faculty, or strong clinical training, some universities consistently rise above the rest.
In this article, we’ll explore the best universities to study medicine in Nigeria—institutions that have built a reputation for excellence and are known for producing top-tier medical professionals.
From cosmopolitan Lagos to serene campuses in Ibadan and Nsukka, these universities offer a strong platform for your medical career. Let us explore the best universities to study medicine and surgery!
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How Are the Best Universities to Study Medicine and Surgery Ranked in Nigeria?
How do you determine which are the best universities to study medicine and surgery in Nigeria? With a high-standards ranking system, of course.
These institutions are usually Accredited by the National Universities Commission, a reputable regulative agency which periodically reviews and accredits Nigerian universities. It reviews significant concerns associated with academics, thus ensuring that rankings will precisely reflect institutional performance and quality. Its methodology for assessment incorporates numerous markers such as:
- Quality of teaching
- Research output
- Relevance to the job market
- Standards of accreditation
- Facilities and infrastructure
For medical school rankings specifically, the following further factors are taken into consideration:
- Number and quality of full-time and part-time faculty
- state-of-the-art teaching hospitals and clinical training facilities available
- graduation rates and graduate performance
- impact of medical research and innovation.
Thus, NUC has a comprehensive framework that offers a complete picture about the performance of medical institutions for informed decision-making by students, parents, and other stakeholders.
Updated periodically, the reviews portray the commitment of schools towards academic excellence. These rankings are of utmost importance to the adequate preparation of future healthcare professionals to take up most of the challenges in healthcare efficiently, both within Nigeria and outside.
Thus, the NUC is an extremely helpful tool for anyone seeking accurate and updated information on the best medical schools in the country.
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Top 10 Best Universities to Study Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria
Here are the list of 10 best universities to study medicine and surgery in Nigeria
1. University of Ibadan (UI)
This university ranks at the top of the list because it is the oldest and the first university in Nigeria. The institution is traditionally known as the best and the first, and their students or graduates see to it that it is famous across the country because of the uncompromised quality of their graduates.
Despite the fact that it is the oldest and first tertiary institution in Nigeria, its standard in medicine is the highest because it is 1st in Nigeria and 14th in Africa. The College of Medicine of the university is accredited by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and has a complete curriculum.
Location: Ibadan, Oyo State.
Application Requirements
Minimum of 5 credit passes in relevant subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in not more than one sitting in WAEC or NECO
A Minimum of 250 UTME score that meets the cutoff mark of 75 in POST-UTME.
2. Obafemi Awolowo University
Obafemi Awolowo University aka OAU is among the best universities to study medicine and surgery in Nigeria. Their medical course is highly regarded all over Nigeria.
The lecturers in the medical faculty are among the best in Africa and the teaching hospitals provide the medical students with quality clinical exposure. The students are educated by the practical method so they’re confident enough to begin practice immediately once they’re certified physicians.
Location: Ile Ife, Ogun State
Application Requirements
Minimum of 5 credit passes in relevant subjects, e.g., English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in one sitting or a maximum of one sitting in WAEC or NECO
A Minimum of 250 UTME score that meets the cutoff mark of 75 in POST-UTME.
3. Babcock University
Babcock University is a private Nigerian university with a full-time intensive MBBS undergraduate course that is perfect for those interested in Medicine or Healthcare in general. It is a six-year full-time education for qualified individuals to become medical doctors.
The course includes the scientific foundation of medicine specialization and equips learners with fundamental knowledge and skills for safe and effective practice of medicine.
Location: Illesha-Remo, Ogun state
Application Requirements
At least 5 credit passes in core sciences subjects, i.e., English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in no more than two sittings in WAEC, GCE or NECO
A Minimum of 200 UTME score crossing the cutoff mark of 60% in POST-UTME.
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4. University of Lagos
The University of Lagos offers a six-year MBBS degree to allow keen individuals to become doctors. During the course, students will be allowed to practice their clinical skills in hospitals under the supervision of highly experienced healthcare professionals.
The medical department is divided into six sub specialty units namely: Cardiology, Dermatology and Venereology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Haematology and Medical Oncology, Nephrology, Respiratory Medicine, Gastroenterology and Emergency Medicine.
Location: Akoka, Yaba, Lagos
Application Requirements
Minimum of 5 credit passes in relevant subjects, e.g. English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in not more than two sittings in NECO or WAEC.
‘A’ level/IJMB passes in two suitable subjects pertaining to their course of study.
JUPEB/A’ Level passes in related subjects.
Minimum of 270 score in JAMB.
5. Ahmadu Bello University
MBBS degree at Ahmadu Bello University is a six-year course that gives aspiring doctors the theoretical knowledge and clinical skills required to become highly qualified medical doctors in any field of specialization they may choose.
Location: Zaria
Application Requirements
At least 5 credit passes in relevant subjects, i.e., English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in not more than one sitting in WAEC or NECO
A Minimum of 180 UTME score that is within the application year’s cutoff mark for POST-UTME.
6. University of Nigeria Nsukka
The MBBS from University of Nigeria gives you the chance to gain the scientific knowledge and clinical skills required for a dynamic career in any aspect of medicine – academic, research, care of general and specialist patients, and administration.
Those students who graduate successfully from Nigerian University’s MBBS course will be eligible for practice in Government hospitals, private practice, teaching and research at Universities or Research Institutions and Administration.
Location: Nsukka, Enugu State
Application Requirements
Minimum 5 credit passes in relevant subjects, which include English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in a maximum of one sitting at WAEC or NECO
A Minimum of 322 UTME score above the cutoff mark for the application year in POST-UTME.
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7. Covenant University
Covenant University is one of the top 5 private universities to pursue medicine in Nigeria. The christian university is located in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.
The MBBS at Covenant University is very good for students who are passionate about medicine and love studies.
As soon as you will be able to complete this course, you have the choice to get employed at any private or government hospital.
Location: Ota, Osun State
Requirements to Apply
No less than 5 passes in credit level subjects, i.e., English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in not more than a single sitting at WAEC or NECO.
8. Madonna University
Madonna University is a three-campus private university located in Elele, Rivers State, Okija, Anambra State and Akpugo, Enugu State. The graduates of the MBBS department will have Bachelor in Medicine and Bachelor in Surgery.
After they have completed their 12 months mandatory horsemanship, they can build up their careers in hospitals, private practice, teaching, research work within universities or research institutions and even in administrations,
Location: Rivers State, Enugu State and Anambra State.
Application Requirements
Minimum of 5 credit passes in relevant subjects like English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in not more than two sittings in GCE, WAEC or NECO
Student to expect further screening for admission by oral interview or aptitude test
9. Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Nnamdi Azikiwe University offers a six years MBBS program to the students in order to be conferred double honors Bachelor of Medicine, and a Bachelor of Surgery.
At the end of studies, students are required to do a required twelve-month continuous clinical internship prior to being eligible to receive Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) license to practice medicine.
Location: Awka, Anambra State
Application Requirements
Minimum of 5 passes at relevant subjects, namely English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in no more than two sittings in NECO or WAEC
Meet the minimum mark of the current year prescribed by the university for UTME and POST-UTME.
10. University of Ilorin
The Ilorin University medical department is the best in the country. The department was commissioned in 1980, at the same time the University of Ilorin teaching hospital was opened.
The department consists of six units- Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Pulmonology, Nephrology, Neurology and Endocrine and Metabolism; Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics.
Location: Ilorin, Kwara
Application Requirements
Minimum of 5 credits in related subjects like English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in not more than one sitting in WAEC or NECO
A very high UTME score meeting admission year cutoff mark in POST-UTME.
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Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Universities to study Medicine and Surgery
Picking the right university for Medicine and Surgery is a very important decision that can mold your career as a medical practitioner.
It’s not just about selecting a good name, but there are many factors you have to consider carefully to make sure the institution fits your objectives, learning method, and career aspirations in the long run. Here are some points to consider when selecting a university for Medicine:
- Accreditation: The school should be accredited by the Nigerian Medical and Dental Council (NMDC) to ensure that its medical program is up to par.
- Facilities and Resources: A good medical school should have modern laboratories, libraries, and teaching hospitals that offer practical experience for students.
- Clinical Experience: It is essential that medical students get hands-on experience and exposure to real healthcare settings through internships and clinical placements.
- Reputation and Ranking: Your university’s reputation and the quality of your faculty members greatly impact your medical education and future.
By taking close consideration of these factors, you can make an educated decision that sets you on a path of success towards becoming a medical practitioner!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best university to study Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria?
The University of Ibadan (UI) has always been considered the best Medicine and Surgery university in Nigeria due to its prestige, quality of medical course, and topflight teaching hospital, the University College Hospital (UCH).
Are medical courses in Nigerian universities accredited?
Yes, all the above-mentioned top 10 universities have medical programs accredited by the Nigerian Medical and Dental Council (NMDC), and so their degrees are recognized by professional bodies.
What are the requirements to study Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria?
To pursue Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria, you must have a sound academic background, particularly in science subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. You will also need to take the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and other university requirements.
Which of the Nigerian universities has the finest teaching hospital for medical students?
The University College Hospital (UCH) of the University of Ibadan is perhaps one of the best teaching hospitals in Nigeria. It gives a lot of clinical exposure and training to medicine students.
Is it possible to study Medicine and Surgery in private universities in Nigeria?
Yes, there are some private universities in Nigeria with Medicine and Surgery programs. However, public universities like UI, UNILAG, and OAU are better known due to their established reputation when it comes to medical school.
Conclusion
The best schools to pursue medicine and surgery in Nigeria are an excellent foundation for a successful medical practice. By registering in one of the best schools, you will be on the path to success and creating a positive impact in the healthcare sector.
Through effort and commitment, you will become a qualified medical practitioner, poised to serve and make a difference.
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