Studying medicine and surgery in Nigeria is highly competitive. Every year, thousands of students write JAMB with the dream of becoming doctors. But only a few get admitted because of strict quotas and high standards.
To get the best medical training, you must choose a university with a solid teaching hospital, experienced lecturers, and fully accredited laboratories.
If you want to study medicine in Nigeria, here are the top 10 universities you should consider.
1. University of Ibadan (UI)
The University of Ibadan is the oldest university in Nigeria. Its College of Medicine is widely regarded as the best in the country. UI shares a close relationship with the University College Hospital (UCH), which is a top-tier medical facility in Africa. If you want prestige and world-class training, UI is your best choice. However, their cutoff mark is very high.
2. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
Located in Idi-Araba, the UNILAG College of Medicine is another fantastic place to become a doctor. It operates with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). UNILAG exposes students to a fast-paced environment with diverse medical cases. The school has great research facilities and highly respected alumni worldwide.
3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
OAU, located in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has a very strong College of Health Sciences. Their teaching hospital complex is one of the best equipped in the country. OAU is known for its tough academic standards. If you graduate as a doctor from OAU, you are highly respected anywhere you go.
4. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
UNILORIN is famous for its fast academic calendar. They rarely go on strike, which means you can finish your 6-year medical degree on time. The university has a very competitive medical program and a massive teaching hospital (UITH). It is one of the most chosen universities by medical aspirants in JAMB.
5. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria
ABU Zaria is the premier university in Northern Nigeria. It boasts a very large and standard medical college. The Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) is the largest in Nigeria. They have excellent facilities for clinical rotations, making it a top choice for students who want deep practical experience.
6. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
UNN was the first indigenous university in Nigeria. Its medical school is located at the Enugu Campus (UNEC), and students use the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) in Ituku-Ozalla. UNTH is very famous for open-heart surgeries and advanced medical research in West Africa.
7. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
UNIBEN has a highly rated College of Medical Sciences. The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) is a major referral center in the South-South region. UNIBEN produces some of the best-trained medical doctors in the country. Competition here is stiff, so your Post-UTME score must be excellent.
8. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
Located in Awka, with its teaching hospital in Nnewi, UNIZIK is a powerhouse for medical studies in the South-East. The Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) provides students with intensive clinical training. The school is heavily funded and consistently upgrades its medical laboratories.
9. Bayero University Kano (BUK)
BUK is a top-ranking federal university in Kano State. Its Faculty of Clinical Sciences is very well organized. The university partners with the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), which is one of the cleanest and best-managed hospitals in Nigeria. BUK is a great option for studying medicine under a stable academic system.
10. Lagos State University (LASU)
LASU is the only state university on this list, and for good reason. The Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) located in Ikeja is exceptional. Working with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), students get exposure to modern medical equipment and a massive daily patient turnout.
What You Need to Get Admitted
Getting into any of these schools is not easy. You need to prepare very well.
First, your O-level result (WAEC or NECO) must have credits in English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. You must pass them in one sitting for most of these schools.
Next, you need a very high JAMB score. Aim for 280 and above to be on the safe side. Finally, study hard for the Post-UTME screening because that is where the final selection happens.
