Which University is Best for Medicine in Nigeria?

Medicine and Surgery is a reputable professional course, highly paid for and constantly sought after worldwide. It’s no wonder that studying Medicine is the dream of many Nigerian students and their parents. 

Are you an aspiring Medical student looking to study in one of the best universities in Nigeria but uncertain which university to choose? This article will help you decide when to register for your JAMB examination. 

Which University is best for Medicine in Nigeria?

The following are some of the best universities to study Medicine in Nigeria:

  1. College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State (UI)
  2. College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (OAU)
  3. College of Medicine, University of Ilorin, Kwara State (UNILORIN)
  4. College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos State (UNILAG)
  5. Faculty of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State (ABU)

Studying Medicine in Nigeria

Medicine and Surgery is a challenging course to study, as their professionals deal with human lives, which are extremely delicate. Due to the sensitive nature of the system, not all Nigerian universities are adequately equipped to train medical students.

Only a select few offer quality medical courses accredited by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and the National University Commission (NUC). We have gone through the painstaking process and compiled a list of the Top 5 Universities to study Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria. 

Top 5 Best Universities to Study Medicine in Nigeria

1. College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State (UI)

The University of Ibadan is the leading university in the study of Medicine in Nigeria. It is the best university to equip yourself with quality medical training here in Nigeria. The College of Medicine began in 1948 after gaining recognition from the University Of London, UK. 

Its Teaching Hospital was built and opened in 1957. UI graduated its first locally trained doctors in 1960, and they have trained over 7,000 doctors to date. Its renowned College of Medicine is known for successfully treating critical, life-threatening illnesses. 

UI’s College of Medicine is affiliated with several international institutions and receives foreign medical students each year for specialized training programs for her students. 

2. College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (OAU)

OAU is one of the oldest universities in Nigeria. Its College of Health Sciences is research-centric and aims at providing excellence in medical education. OAU offers challenging courses with a student-centered curriculum that has produced top professionals in the medical field. 

This university has some of the most modern equipment for training. Their college hospital is highly respected for its track record of treating rare diseases and ailments. 

3. College of Medicine, University of Ilorin, Kwara State (UNILORIN)

UNILORIN’s College of Medicine is one of the most reputable in Nigeria. It is highly regarded for raising the bars of academic excellence and its commitment to teaching and research. They have contributed significantly to the country’s health sector by training some of the best medical doctors. 

UNILORIN was also once famous for its fast academic calendar, compared to other federal universities. It was founded in 1975, and to date, the medical professionals they have produced can compete globally and come out tops. 

4. College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos State (UNILAG)

UNILAG’s College of Medicine is one of the best in the country. It is research-based and has conducted several medical types of research that have added value to its curriculum and the Nigerian health sector at large. 

They are one of the seven institutions that recently received a share of a $1.2 million research grant from the Lagos State government. They have several research centres and institutions, which include Tropical Disease Institute (TDI), Institute for Basic Medical Research (IBMR), Ebola Virus Disease Research Consortium (EVDR), and many others. 

They have a goal of becoming a world-class research-intensive medical school. 

5. Faculty of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State (ABU)

ABU’s Faculty of Medicine was the first medical school in the Northern part of Nigeria. It was founded in 1962 and had one of the best medical infrastructures for practical teaching and learning. 

This faculty is the largest in the university and the best medical school in the Northern part of Nigeria. It is adequately funded and highly specialized. They award several medical degrees, which include: MB, BS, BSC, MDH, MD etc. 

Other Top Universities best for studying Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria include: 

  1. College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
  2. Lagos State College of Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH)
  3. College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Edo State (UNIBEN)
  4. College of Health Sciences, Delta State University (DELSU) 
  5. College of Medicine, Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Edo State (AAU). 

Requirements for Studying Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria

Every year, reputable universities all across the country receive nothing less than 500,000 applicants for this program. To be admitted into one of these universities, you have to go the extra mile and be the best of the bests. General requirements include: 

  1. Have at least five credits, including Mathematics and English Language, in WAEC, NECO or any O’Level examination, with not more than two sittings. 
  2. Have a relatively high JAMB score, say from 280 above. 
  3. Pass your intended school’s Post UTME examination, and make the required aggregate points. 

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