Top Medical Schools in Nigeria 

Give me four minutes and I will give you the full details of the top medical schools in Nigeria.

It is the prestige of every parent to watch their child secure admission into the university. This prestige even booms into pride as soon as their child gets into a medical school. This pride is not only limited to parents, it is also experienced by most students.

Wonder no more, admission into professional courses as medicine is highly competitive and requires resilience, dedication, full commitment, and diligence to earn one. 

What then is a medical school? How do you secure admission into a medical school? What are Nigeria’s top medical schools, what makes them stand out, and how you can improve your chances of admission?

All these questions and more insightful information shall be unleashed in this article. You wouldn’t want to miss the information either as a parent or a prospective student. This article is packed with the facts you need to navigate the path to becoming a medical professional.

What is a Medical School?

A medical school is an educational institution of learning that offers practical knowledge, skillful expertise, and useful certifications in medicine and other related professions.

Just like lawyers are trained at Law Schools, a medical school is an institution that trains one to become a physician. All medical schools in Nigeria have a hospital nearby, usually called Teaching Hospitals, where their students learn the practical ways of diagnosing, treating, and healing patients.

History of Medical Schools in Nigeria

Healthcare is not a foreign concept as our forefathers had their own native means of caring for the diseased ones. They also had a unique means of passing this knowledge down through generations to their descendants before the advent of modern medicine.

When the news of modern medicine came into Nigeria, it was strange and new to the people. There had to be a means of instilling the knowledge of modern medicine to the people. This concern led to the advent of medical schools spread across Nigeria today.

Medical education in Nigeria began with the establishment of the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan. It was established in 1948 as a college branch of the University of London.

Although UCH was built as a hospital, it wasn’t only meant to cater for the health needs of the people, but to also provide medical training programmes, providing first-hand clinical experience and on-site learning to students.

The hospital later served as a training ground for medical students at the University of Ibadan. UCH was a successful and succeeding establishment as it birthed four other generations of medical schools. 

In 1962, the University of Lagos became the first successor of UCH and the second university to establish a medical school. The medical students from UNILAG get their practical experiences from Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.

The University of Nnsukka followed suit as it created room for medical students in 1964; while Ahmadu Bello became a medical institution in 1966, being the 4th medical institution in Nigeria.

Medical schools in Nigeria keep expanding as the day goes by, as the public and private-owned institutions contribute to the medical education of Nigeria.

Since the spread of medical schools across Nigeria, the healthcare system has seen tremendous improvement with modern medicine administered by well-trained and practically experienced medical doctors.

See more on the history of Nigeria through: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18158662/

Requirements for Medical Schools in Nigeria

The following parapgraphs will shed light into the admission requirements for medical schools in Nigeria.

To get into medical school, you must be a science student in your secondary school. In your external examinations; the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and the National Examination Council (NECO) you must have at least 5 credits (C grades) in five major science courses; namely, Mathematics, English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Having excelled well in either of these exams, you then proceed to write the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Exam (UTME), where you take 4 subjects including, Biology, English, Chemistry, and Physics.

The UTME is scored over 400. You must have a minimum of 270 and above, depending on your school of choice before you can secure admission into med school.

For some universities, you need to write the Post UTME before you get considered for admission; but in some others, no other exam is required aside from WAEC/NECO and JAMB. All these examinations will be aggregated into 100%, and your aggregate determines your acceptance or denial into medical school.

List of Medical Schools in Nigeria

You have been fed with the history and requirements for medical schools in Nigeria. Now let us provide you with our list of medical schools in Nigeria.

Medical Schools in Lagos, Nigeria

Here is a list of top medical schools in Lagos for aspiring medical professionals;

1. College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos

The College of Medicine (LUTH) is a faculty within the University of Lagos (UNILAG), offering medical education and training. It is one of the leading medical schools in Nigeria that provides undergraduate and postgraduate programs in medicine, surgery, and related fields.

The college is known for its strong academic curriculum, clinical training, and research contributions. It is located at Idi-Araba campus, where students also have access to necessary facilities and teaching hospitals like the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

2. Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos.

Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) offers medical programs through its Faculty of Clinical Sciences. The university provides a range of medical courses including medicine and surgery, medical laboratory sciences, nursing, and some other health sciences.

LASUTH is known for its rigorous academic training and clinical exposure, and it collaborates with Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) for student clinical rotations. The university also offers graduate programs in health-related disciplines. It is located in Ikeja, Lagos.

3. Eko UNIMED, Ojo, Lagos State

Eko UNIMED is a pioneer Private Medical University both in Nigeria and West Africa, located in Ojo, Lagos State, it aims to provide quality education and training in medicine and health sciences. The university offers practical and clinical training, with a focus on developing well-rounded healthcare professionals.

Eko UNIMED is also notable for its contribution to expanding the availability of medical education in Nigeria and its commitment to meeting international standards in health education.

These institutions contribute to the development of health education through a number of medical courses offered.

   Medical Schools in Abuja, Nigeria 

The medical schools in Abuja are;

1. College of Medicine, Nile University, Abuja 
2. College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja

Medical Schools in Port Harcourt Nigeria

The followings are the names of medical schools in Port Harcourt Nigeria;

1. College of Health Sciences, University of Port-Harcourt, Rivers State
2. College of Health Sciences, Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State 

Top 10 Medical Schools in Nigeria and Their Fees

In the paragraphs below this heading, we will itemize and describe the top 10 medical schools in Nigeria and their fees.

1. University of Ibadan
2. Obafemi Awolowo University 
3. University of Ilorin
4. Bayero University, Kano
5. University of Lagos
6. University of Calabar 
7. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 
8. University of Nigeria, Nsukka 
9. University of Benin
10. Nnamdi Azikiwe University 

Here are the top 10 medical schools in Nigeria, along with their tuition fees and brief descriptions:

1. University of Ibadan (UI)

The University of Ibadan still retains its slogan as the “First and The Best”, and this title reflects in its medical education. UI is one of the best universities that offers medical courses in Nigeria.

With UCH as a college for practical experiences, UI prepares its students to be world-class medical professionals, who not only offer medical services but also contribute to the world’s healthcare system. Its tuition fee costs approximately ₦175,000 per session. 

2. Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospita (OAUTH)

OAUTH is renowned for its rigorous medical curriculum and well-equipped teaching hospitals, providing students with extensive clinical exposure.

At the OAUTH, there are qualified and well-experienced medical professionals who train medical students and prepare them to become expert medical professionals.

With Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC) in place, medical students are sure to learn through experience and practice. It is located in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

It costs about ₦160,000 per session to be a medical student. This is aside the students’ departmental and faculty bills, and some other costs for materials.

3. University of Lagos Teaching Hospital (LUTH)

Situated in Lagos, LUTH offers comprehensive and dynamic medical programs with modern facilities. The university has a teaching hospital where medical students acquire first-hand experience in diagnosis and medical treatment.

With a diverse population of patients, students enjoy a broadened clinical experience. Medical students pay approximately ₦190,250 per session.

4. University of Nigeria, Nsukka Teaching Hospital (UNTH)

UNTH provides a comprehensive medical education with a focus on community health and research, supported by well-equipped teaching hospitals.

Recently, UNN developed some online programs which include medicine. Students pay about ₦124,000 per session for medicine and surgery.

5. Ahmadu Bello University (ABUTH)

ABU Zaria is another university in Nigeria that offers medical-related courses. It is located in Zaria.

With highly experienced medical professionals, ABU Zaria offers quality medical education to students willing to become physicians in the future. It costs about ₦300,000 per session to study medicine in ABU, Zaria.

6. University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH)

UBTH provides a comprehensive medical curriculum with well-equipped teaching hospitals, focusing on both academic excellence and practical training. The tuition fee is about ₦200,000 per session.

7. Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH)

Located in Awka, UNIZIK offers quality medical education with modern facilities, research opportunities, and community health. It costs approximately ₦292,000 per session.

8. University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH)

It costs over ₦100,000 per session to study medicine in UNILORIN. In this school, students are made to go through rigourous pre-clinical and clinical stages of medical school where they gain practical and useful experiences in diagnosis, prescription, and care. It has a teaching hospital where its students learn and practice what they see and learn in classrooms.

9. Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH)

The Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital of the Bayero University Kano also provides a conducive learning environment for medical students to learn through practice and lectures.

AKTH provides quality medical education for its students. Medical school in BUK costs approximately ₦195,500 per session.

10. University of Calabar Teaching Hosiptal (UCTH)

Approximately ₦160,000 per session. UCTH provides a comprehensive medical curriculum with well-equipped teaching hospitals, focusing on both academic excellence and practical training.

Please note that all the prices stated above are subject to change, depending on the school and their policy change.

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Top Affordable Private Universities That Offer Medicine in Nigeria

1. Bingham University

Known for its affordable medical programs, Bingham University focuses on creating a supportive environment for students while providing hands-on training and research opportunities. The tuition fee in Bingham costs an averageof ₦2,980,000.

2. Bowen University

Bowen provides excellent medical programs with modern infrastructure, focusing on both academic and practical training, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the healthcare industry. It costs ₦3,800,000 to study medicine at Bowen University.

3. Babcock University

Babcock is one of Nigeria’s top private universities, known for its well-structured medical programs, modern facilities, and strong emphasis on ethical medical practice. The tuition fee in Babcock for medicine is ₦4,000,000.

4. City University

Located in Ibadan, Lead City provides quality medical education with state-of-the-art laboratories and clinics, preparing students for global healthcare standards. Medicine and its related costs about ₦5,500,000 in this prestigious university.

ABUAD offers a robust medical program with excellent facilities, experienced faculty, and a strong focus on both academic excellence and practical medical training. Tuition fee: ₦5,555,000

5. Nile University

Located in Abuja, Nile University offers a modern medical program with a high standard of education, excellent faculty, and practical training, preparing students for a career in medicine both locally and internationally. Tuition fee: ₦5,950,000

Best Public Universities That Offer Medicine in Nigeria

Published in an article released by the US News and World Report are the best global universities for clinical medicine in Nigeria. These universities were ranked globally, having considered their contributions to medical education and their research publications in the medical field. They include;

1. University of Ibadan

University of Ibadan, Ibadan is the topmost Nigerian University in the world, having ranked 178 globally with a 58.7 global score.

2. University of Lagos 

University of Lagos, Lagos is the second best Nigerian university offering medicine, having ranked 223 globally with a global score of 59.5.

3. Ahmadu Bello University 

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria is another globally recognised university with a global score of 52.1 in the world of medical schools. It is ranked 319 in the world.

4. Obafemi Awolowo University 

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife is the 4th best Nigerian University that offers quality medical education. It is the 446th global university with the best medical school. It is with the global score 41.2

5. University of Nigeria, Nsukka

University of Nigeria, Nsukka is the 709th university with the best globally recognised medical school. It has a global score of 40.2.

Online Medical Schools in Nigeria

There are not as many online medical schools in Nigeria as there are abroad. However, here are few newly online-based medical schools 

1. College of Medicine e-learning platform, University of Nigeria, Nnsuka: It is a newly established online program created by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN offering various courses across all fields. To learn more about the e-learning platform, click HERE.

2. University of Medical Sciences, Ondo State, e-learning: This is also a newly established branch of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo State. It offers medicine and some other medical-related courses. If you want to give UNIMED, Ondo State a trial, go through this Link.

3. Miva University: Miva University is a private online university that offers varying courses, including medicine and surgery. To learn more about the policies, fees, and admission requirements of Miva, visit Miva’s website.

These schools have varying policies and admission requirements. Hence, it is advisable to visit their website before choosing any of the schools.

FAQs on Medical Schools in Nigeria

1. How many medical schools are there in Nigeria?

According to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, there are 48 medical schools in Nigeria.

2. What degree do I earn after studying medicine?

MBBS – Bachelor of Medicine; Bachelor of Surgery 

3. How many years does it take to complete medical school?

On the average, medicine in Nigeria takes 6 years.

4. What next after medical school?

After completing your med school, you may either go for residency or housemanship. 

5. At what age can I enter medical school?

You can start med school at any age, but some universities restrict students below 16 years old from entering med school.

6. Can I study medicine online?

Yes, you can study medicine only. There are several online platforms that offer medical education.

7. Which School in Nigeria is the best to study medicine?

The University of Ibadan has been ranked according to US News to have the best medical college (UCH) in Nigeria.