Top Universities to Study Medicine in Nigeria Complete Guide

Choosing where to study Medicine in Nigeria is one of the most important decisions a student can make. The right university gives you quality clinical exposure, experienced lecturers, modern labs, strong links to teaching hospitals, and better internship and NYSC mobilization prospects. This guide lists the top Nigerian medical schools, explains entry requirements (UTME/JAMB, subject combination, and screening), compares strengths (teaching hospitals, research output, fees, locations), and gives step-by-step advice on applying and succeeding. Schools covered include University of Ibadan (UI), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria), University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), University of Benin (UNIBEN), University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), University of Calabar (UNICAL) and Bayero University Kano (BUK) among others. This article is written for candidates preparing for the 2025/2026 admission cycle and is Updated November 2025.

1. How medical schools are judged (what matters)

When ranking or choosing a medical school, consider the following load-bearing factors:

• Accreditation & program status Is the medical programme fully accredited by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN)? Accreditation determines whether the MBBS degree is recognized for housemanship and licensure.
• Teaching hospital quality & clinical exposure Strong teaching hospitals give students early, varied patient contact, surgical theatre experience, and internship advantage.
• Academic staff & research output Experienced clinicians and active research improve training quality and postgraduate opportunities.
• Infrastructure Anatomy labs, simulation centres, well-equipped pathology and clinical labs, e-resources and reliable library access.
• Graduate outcomes Speed of posting for housemanship, NYSC mobilization rates, and employer/PG school perception.
• Location & safety City vs campus hospital; living costs; proximity to clinical placement sites.
• Tuition & scholarship opportunities Affordability and availability of bursaries or grants.

2. Top medical schools in Nigeria overview & what they offer

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Below is a practical list of leading Nigerian schools for Medicine and what sets each apart. (Order below groups schools commonly ranked highly by national metrics, teaching hospital strength, and reputation.)

Note: All listed medical colleges are included on MDCN’s accredited/recognized list for undergraduate medical training. Always confirm current MDCN status before applying.

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

• Why pick UI: Oldest medical school in Nigeria with long clinical tradition, strong research culture and University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan the most referenced teaching hospital in the country. UCH offers broad specialist exposure (cardiology, neurosurgery, oncology) and superior bedside teaching. UI consistently posts high departmental cut-offs for Medicine (example: Medicine & Surgery cut-off values at UI in 2024/25 were high).

2. University of Lagos (UNILAG) College of Medicine Lagos State

• Why pick UNILAG: Proximity to Lagos (Nigeria’s healthcare/industry hub), Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) with high patient turnover and diverse pathologies; good networking for electives, research opportunities, and better private hospital attachments.

3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) College of Health Science Ile-Ife, Osun State

• Why pick OAU: Strong basic sciences training, modern facilities, and access to Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC) which supports broad surgical and medical caseloads.

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

• Why pick ABU: Large intake, comprehensive clinical exposure via Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), and solid research outputs in tropical medicine and public health.

5. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) College of Medicine Enugu/ Nsukka

• Why pick UNN: Good clinical rotations at UNTH (University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital), diverse subspecialties and strong alumni networks in Eastern Nigeria.

6. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) Faculty of Clinical Sciences Ilorin, Kwara State

• Why pick UNILORIN: Reputation for structured clinical training, medical students often report good organization of clerkships and postgraduate opportunities.

7. University of Benin (UNIBEN) College of Medical Sciences Benin City, Edo State

• Why pick UNIBEN: Strong clinical base (UBTH University of Benin Teaching Hospital), competitive MD program, and good exam pass rates.

8. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) Faculty of Clinical Sciences Port Harcourt, Rivers State

• Why pick UNIPORT: UPTH (University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital) provides broad exposure; strategic for students wanting to work in the Niger Delta region.

9. University of Calabar (UNICAL) Faculty of Medical Sciences Calabar, Cross River State

• Why pick UNICAL: Good clinical exposure with UNICAL Teaching Hospital and focus on community health.

10. Bayero University Kano (BUK) College of Health Sciences Kano State

• Why pick BUK: Serves the populous northern region; access to Ahmadu Bello University referral networks and Kano teaching hospitals.

(Other well-known medical colleges with accredited MBBS programs include: University of Port Harcourt (UPTH), Lagos State University (LASUCOM/LASUTH), University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUSOK), and University of Jos (UNIJOS) check MDCN for current accreditation status.)

3. Teaching hospitals & clinical exposure (why it matters)

A medical school is only as good as its teaching hospital. These facilities determine the breadth and depth of the clinical cases you’ll see:

• University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan flagship tertiary centre and referral hospital, ideal for surgical and medical subspecialties.
• Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos major urban referral hospital with high case volumes.
• Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria strong for internal medicine and obstetrics.
• University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu notable for paediatrics and internal medicine cases.

Why this matters for students: high patient volume → more bedside teaching, more procedures observed/performed (under supervision) → better readiness for housemanship and residency.

4. Entry requirements (UTME/JAMB subject combination, cut-offs, screening)

A. JAMB/UTME subject combination for Medicine & Surgery

For UTME (JAMB) and most university entry requirements, the standard subject combination is:

• English Language, Physics, Chemistry, Biology (no substitutes).

B. JAMB UTME minimum & typical departmental cut-offs (2025)

• Minimum JAMB cut-off for university consideration (national guideline): 140 (some sources list 140 as the general minimum for 2025). However, Medicine is highly competitive and most leading medical schools set much higher departmental cut-offs (often 70%+ aggregate or high UTME scores plus excellent O-level/WAEC results). Always check the specific university’s announced departmental cut-off.

Example (University of Ibadan 2024/25 published cut-offs):

• Medicine & Surgery: 78.125 (illustrative of how competitive Medicine is at top schools).

C. O-Level/WAEC requirements

• Minimum: Five (5) O-Level credits (WAEC or NECO) in English Language, Mathematics (some schools require), Biology, Chemistry, and Physics usually no more than two sittings allowed by many institutions. Always confirm the specific school policy.

D. Post-UTME / Screening & interview

• Most universities run post-UTME computer-based tests (CBT), item banks typically emphasize Biology/Chemistry/Physics/General Knowledge and sometimes English comprehension.
• Some top medical schools also include structured interviews, especially for borderline candidates or scholarship applicants.

5. Fees, scholarships & living costs (typical ranges and tips)

Tuition ranges (private vs public)

• Federal universities (e.g., UI, UNN, UNILORIN, ABU): Generally lower tuition for Nigerian undergraduates (often subsidized); acceptance and school fees are typically in the tens of thousands of Naira per session but can vary by state and program.
• State universities (e.g., LASU, UNILAG state rates differ): Usually higher than federal but lower than private.
• Private universities (e.g., Babcock, Covenant, Nile): Much higher expect hundreds of thousands to over a million Naira per session depending on the institution.

Always verify the exact figures from the university’s official fees page for the 2025/2026 session before publishing. (Fees change yearly.)

Scholarships & bursaries

• Federal universities: limited university bursaries and departmental awards.
• National scholarships: PTDF, NNPC, CBN and some federal/state bursary schemes see your state bursary portal and school notice boards.
• Private universities often provide merit scholarships for high JAMB/post-UTME performance.

Living costs (example city estimates)

• Ibadan / Ilorin / Enugu / Benin (lower cost): Budget N60,000–N120,000/month (food, transport, basic accommodation).
• Lagos / Port Harcourt (higher): Budget N120,000–N300,000+/month depending on housing choices.

6. How to choose the best medical school for you

When you have options, evaluate each school by:

1. Accreditation status non-negotiable. Confirm MDCN status.
2. Teaching hospital strength & case mix do you want broad tertiary exposure or community practice?
3. Location & family support proximity to home may reduce living costs and emotional stress.
4. Class size & student-to-lecturer ratio smaller classes often mean better practical time.
5. Clinical rotation structure look for clearly scheduled clerkships and supervised procedural opportunities.
6. Postgraduate prospects does the school produce residents who place into competitive residency programs?
7. Affordability & scholarship availability.

7. Step-by-step application checklist (for Medicine applicants)

1. Register for JAMB/UTME (choose Medicine as your first choice and the correct institution code early).
2. Prepare O-Level documents ensure five credits including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English. Aim for single-sitting if possible.
3. Study the post-UTME syllabus past questions, Biology & Chemistry fundamentals, basic English comprehension.
4. Apply on the school’s portal when Post-UTME/Admission form opens; upload required documents (O-level, birth certificate, JAMB slip).
5. Attend the screening/test/interview with original documents.
6. If offered admission: pay acceptance fee via the school’s official portal (note payment channels to avoid scams).
7. Complete clearance/medicals as required by the institution.
8. Prepare finances for school fees, accommodation, and start-up costs.

8. Expert tips for success (preparing, interviews, screening)

• Target strong O-level grades (A/B) in Biology and Chemistry these matter a lot in aggregate scoring.
• Practice past post-UTME CBT tests timing matters.
• Read widely for interviews basic ethical scenarios, reasons for studying Medicine, knowledge of national health issues.
• Ask for official receipts when paying acceptance or school fees; avoid third-party agents who ask for direct bank transfers to private accounts.
• Visit campus (if possible) to check facilities, hostels, and safety; many students decide after a campus visit.
• Network with current students/alumni (social media or WhatsApp groups) to learn real-time tips on screenings and interviews.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How long is the MBBS program in Nigeria?
A: Typically 6 years (pre-clinical + clinical), followed by 1 year of housemanship (internship) and then NYSC (if applicable) or direct employment.

Q2: Are all medical degrees from private universities recognized?
A: Only if the programme is accredited by MDCN. Always check the MDCN accredited list before applying.

Q3: What is the realistic JAMB/UTME score to aim for medicine?
A: While the national minimum is ~140, competitive Medicine programmes at top schools typically require high scores and strong post-UTME performance; aim well above 200/400 in UTME (higher is safer), plus top O-level grades.

Q4: Which teaching hospital gives the best clinical exposure?
A: Several UCH Ibadan, LUTH (Lagos), UNTH (Enugu), UBTH (Benin), ABUTH (Zaria) are consistently cited as top centres for varied clinical caseloads.

Q5: Can I transfer between medical schools?
A: Transfers are rare and highly regulated. Most schools allow transfers only in limited circumstances and with strict requirements; check the receiving school’s transfer policy.

Q6: Which cities are best for cheaper student life?
A: Cities like Ilorin, Benin, Ibadan, Enugu generally cost less than Lagos or Port Harcourt. Consider safety and proximity to clinical sites.

10. Conclusion

Selecting the right medical school in Nigeria requires balancing reputation, accreditation, teaching hospital strength, costs, and personal circumstances (location, family support). For clinical excellence and strong postgraduate prospects, University of Ibadan (UCH), UNILAG (LUTH), OAU (OAUTHC), ABU Zaria (ABUTH), UNN (UNTH) and UNIBEN (UBTH) are frequently recommended by students, clinicians, and national metrics. Always confirm MDCN accreditation for the specific intake year and the university’s official admission notices before you apply.