Best universities to study medicine in Nigeria: There is no doubt that the university you graduated from goes a long way to determine how successful you are going to be in your profession, especially in Nigeria where most employers are intentional about the kind of people they employ. While I was writing on the best universities to study law in Nigeria, I explained how the University of Ibadan (UI) usually support their students to participate in international competitions all over the world. This actually helps their students to get exposed to other interesting facets of the legal profession.
The reason why you should be very careful when choosing the university to study medicine and surgery is because; if you gain admission into a good university, you will be exposed to everything you need (including how to network) in the profession even before you graduate. On the other hand, if you gain admission into a bad university, then your chances of success in the profession is already jeopardised.
So the question is; “how do you know the best university to study medicine and surgery in Nigeria?”. Well, you don’t need to worry at all. I have already complied a list of the best colleges of Medicine in Nigeria and that is exactly what i am going to share with you in this page.
I enjoin you to read this post very carefully if you really want to study in any of the best universities in Nigeria. Accordingly, make sure that you go through the admission requirements attached below all the institutions here before you apply for admission.
Also read: List of less competitive universities in Nigeria that gives admission easily
Top 18 Best Medical Schools to study Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria 2024
Below are the best universities in Nigeria to study medicine:
1. College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (UI)
Year of establishment: 1948
Location: Ibadan, Nigeria
Type: Federal University
Being the best university in Nigeria, UI also has the best college of Medicine in the country. The College of Medicine, University of Ibadan was the first College in Nigeria that was built with the aim of moving the medical profession to its next level. The college is located at Ibadan, Nigeria.
Gaining admission into UI college of Medicine is not very easy. This is probably because the university’s admission requirement for medicine and surgery is very high and strict. In other words, the university does not just accept any students into the college of medicine. Currently; only intelligent and studious students can study medicine in the university of Ibadan because the university has a very high standard.
Based on my findings about UI, one of the earliest problems faced by the College of Medicine was that of maintaining high standards and securing world-wide recognition. Consequently, the alignment of the institution in special relation with the University of London helped to attracted the recognition by the General Medical Council of Great Britain.
This was how the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan became a well recognized institution. Frankly speaking, UI is the best! I mean, there is probably no institution in Nigeria that can be compared with the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan.
If you really want to apply for admission into the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, don’t forget to check UI admission requirements for medical students here. This will guide you on the things you need to gain admission into UI this session.
2. College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Year of establishment: 1972
Location: Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
Type: Federal University
The College of Health Science, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) is another great place to study medicine and surgery in Nigeria. OAU is apparently one of the best and most popular institutions in Nigeria. The university is recognized both in Nigeria and other parts of the world.
OAU College of health science was created in 1993 when the then Faculty of Health Sciences went collegiate to become the College of Health Sciences. According to the management of the institution, this was with the vision to be a globally acclaimed centre of excellence in medical education and research. OAU College of health science has three faculties namely:
Faculty of Clinical Sciences consisting of ten (10) Departments:
- Anaesthesia and Intensive Care;
- Community Health;
- Dermatology and Venereology;
- Medicine;
- Mental Health;
- Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Perinatology;
- Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology;
- Paediatrics and Child Health;
- Radiology;
- Surgery;
Faculty of Dentistry consisting of four(4) Departments:
- Child Dental Health;
- Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery and Oral Pathology;
- Preventive and Community Dentistry;
- Restorative Dentistry;
Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences consisting of ten (10) Departments:
- Anatomy and Cell Biology;
- Chemical Pathology;
- Haematology and Immunology;
- Medical Microbiology and Parasitology;
- Medical Biochemistry;
- Medical Pharmacology and Therapeutics;
- Medical Rehabilitation;
- Morbid Anatomy and Forensic Medicine;
- Nursing Science;
- Physiological Sciences;
Indeed, the College of Health Science, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), is one of the best universities in Nigeria to medicine. If you wish to attend OAU, don’t forget to check the OAU admission requirements for medical students here.
Also read:
- Does OAU accept candidates that make them second choice? See answer here
- See the number of admission list that is released by OAU every session.
3. College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
Year of establishment: 1982
Location: Ituku ozalla, Enugu state, Nigeria
Type: Federal University
Undoubtedly, UNN it the first and indigenous university of Nigeria. It was established in 1960 as a tool for bringing education closer to Nigerians immediately after the country got her independence. However, the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) was not in existence at that time.
UNN College of Medicine became a reality with the signing of the University of Nigeria Statute No. 2 by the President of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, in 1982. This was after so much deliberation by the Faculty Board of Medicine and the National Assembly of Nigeria.
From the university’s official website, UNN College of Medicine was created to achieve ever-increasing national and international distinction as a health sciences college. The institution is also bent to giving students outstanding medical education through its faculty, institutes, staff, programs, centres of excellence and affiliates.
If you really want to study medicine in any of the best institutions this year, you should also consider UNN. It is undoubtedly one of the best institutions. Don’t also forget to check UNN admission requirements for medical students here!
Also read: Does UNN accept second choice candidates? See answer here
4. College of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
Year of establishment: 1970
Location: Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Type: Federal University
The College of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) is one of the institutions that is really doing well in producing qualified medical professionals in Nigeria. In almost all the rankings of institutions in Nigeria, ABU is always among the top 5. This corroborates the fact that the university is a good place to study medicine in Nigeria.
Historical, the College of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) has been known for producing exceptional students in the field of medicine. Take for instance, Aminu Safana, who is a well known medical doctor and politician in Nigeria actually studied in ABU.
Accordingly, Elizabeth Ofili, a popular physician and cardiologist in Nigeria also studied in the College of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU).
The college has about 18 departments, which are:
- Department of Anaesthesia
- Department of Chemical Pathology
- Department of Community Medicine
- Department of Dental Surgery
- Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion
- Department of Human Anatomy
- Department of Human Physiology
- Department of Medical Microbiology
- Department of Medicine
- Department of Nursing Science
- Department of Obsterics and Gynecology
- Department of Ophthalmology
- Department of Paediatrics
- Department of Pathology (Morbid Anatomy)
- Department of Psychiatrics
- Department of Radiology
- Department of Surgery
- Department of Traumatic and Orthopeadic Surgery
If you are still doubting whether ABU is a good choice or not, you are making a very big mistake already. This university is dope for everyone who is aspiring to become a medical student in Nigeria.
Just make sure you also read the ABU admission requirements for medicine surgery before you apply. I personally recommend this university for every student from Northern Nigeria.
Also read: ABU cutoff mark for medicine and surgery
5. Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM)
Year of establishment: 1999
Location: Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Type: State University
Amongst the top 5 universities to study law in Nigeria is the prestigious Lagos State University College of Medicine (popularly known as LASUCOM). It is also the best state university to study medicine in Nigeria too. LASUCOM is located very close to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital at Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Just like the College of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), LASUCOM has produced thousands of professional medical doctors over the years.
Since it was established in 1999, the College has been contributing greatly to medical practice in Nigeria. Surprisingly, LASUCOM has more infrastructure than most of the federal and state universities in Nigeria. Believe it or not, this is as a result of the institution’s good administration.
Currently, LASUCOM has three faculties namely; Basic medical sciences, Basic clinical sciences and Clinical sciences. If you wish to gain admission into Lagos State University College of Medicine, i enjoin you to check out LASU admission requirements for this session first.
Also read: LASU departmental cutoff mark for medicine and surgery
6. Department of Medicine, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
Year of establishment: October 1975
Location: Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Type: Federal University
The Department of Medicine, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) is under the College of Health Sciences of the university. UNILORIN as a whole is one of the well known and respected universities in Nigeria. The university usually have thousands of students coming to apply for admission every year, thus, it is also very competitive.
According to the statistics released by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in 2017, UNILORIN is one of the most soughted institutions in Nigeria. This is why it is not very easy to study medicine and surgery in the university.
After doing a lot of research, I found out that the key aim of the university is to impart the skills of the art of medicine in students and to inculcate the discipline of directing own learning in order to solve clinical and public health problems through Research.
With this information, i don’t think you need anyone to still prove to you that UNILORIN is one of the best institutions to study medicine and surgery in Nigeria. You might also want to see UNILORIN admission requirements for UTME and Direct Entry candidates here.
Also read: UNILORIN Departmental cutoff marks for all courses
7. Delta State University Abraka (DELSU)
Year of establishment: 1992
Location: Abraka, Delta State
Type: State owned university
DELSU is another wonderful university where anyone can study medicine and surgery in Nigeria. The university is obviously a state government owned university but it has students from different parts of the country too. DELSU was established in 1992 with just five faculties but today it is one of the best and most prestigious institutions in the country.
DELSU’s College of Health Sciences started its activities in 2001. Today, the school is still doing absolutely great with Prof. Afeyodion Akhator as their Dean. Over the years, DELSU’s College of Health Sciences has produced some of the prominent doctors in the country with its help of their fantastic lecturers.
Evidently, Delta State University is one of the outstanding schools in the country you should consider studying medicine and surgery. While composing this article, I personally found some reviews on the internet corroborating this fact and that is why I am discussing it to you here.
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8. College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL)
Year of establishment: October 1962
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Type: Federal University
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) is one of the institutions in Nigeria that is flooded with good infrastructures and learning materials to aid students from every field of study. It is always among the best to study any course in Nigeria. This is apparently why students rush to the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL).
Research shows that CMUL was established by an act of parliament in 1962 to foster the growth of medical profession in Nigeria. Currently, the College of 4 (four) different departments namely; the School of Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, the School of Dental Sciences and the Institute of Child Health.
Due to how prestigious UNILAG College of Medicine is, it was given a separate campus of its own by UNILAG to allow medical students learn properly. Indeed, this is one of the best places to study medicine and surgery in Nigeria. I personally recommend that you apply for admission in the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (UNILAG) if you want to attend the best institution for medicine.
But before doing that, make sure you go through UNILAG admission requirements for medicine and surgery here.
9. College of Medicine, University of Calabar (UNICAL)
Year of establishment: 1975
Location: Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
Type: Federal University
UNICAL is another well recognized institution you can study Medicine in Nigeria. The university is among the top 10 most populated universities in this year with about 42,000 students currently schooling there.
Frankly speaking, UNICAL is very competitive. What this means is that, if you really want to gain admission into the university, you must be really prepared to meet all the university’s admission requirements.
Conversely, the UNICAL College of Medicine is not different when it comes to gaining admission too. As you already know, Medicine is one of the most reputable courses in the Institute. Only students who are really outstanding can gain admission into UNICAL college of medicine.
The College comprises four (4) faculties namely: The Faculty of Medicine (with 16 department), Faculty of Dentistry (with 5 departments), Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and the Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences.
If you wish to study in the College of Medicine, University of Calabar (UNICAL), don’t forget to check UNICAL Admission requirements for medicine and surgery here!
Also read: UNICAL departmental cutoff mark for all courses this session
10. College of Medicine, University of Benin (UNIBEN)
Year of establishment: 1970
Location: Benin city, Nigeria
Type: Federal University
The College of Education, University of Calabar (UNICAL) has always been at the top since inception. It is so popular and prestigious that some students of other universities regret not attending the school. Of course, I have confirmed this myself. Many students dream of gaining admission into the University of Benin every year.
UNIBEN college of medicine was a foundation faculty of the institution. It was established in 1970 to promote the health and social well being of the Nigerian people and the global community through the training of high quality manpower and professionals in medicine.
UNIBEN has produced many popular medical doctors over the years. Notable among them is Darlington Obaseki (a well known professor and doctor in Nigeria), Ijeoma Uchegbu (a Professor of Pharmacy at University College London) and many others.
Note that the College of Medicine, University of Benin actually has three schools namely: School of Medicine, School of Basic Medical Science and the School of Dentistry. It teaches medicine and awards a professional degree for physicians and surgeons. Currently, UNIBEN admit about 300 students into each of this departments every year.
Before applying for admission into the College of Medicine, University of Benin kindly check out UNIBEN Admission Requirements for medicine and surgery here.
11. College of Medicine, Ambrose Ali University (AAU)
Year of establishment: 1981
Location: Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria
Type: State University
From most of the rankings of institutions in Nigeria since 2018 till date, I noticed that AAU is always topping the list. Apparently, the university has been pushing to the top recently.
AAU college of medicine is the dream of many students. Just last year, AAU had thousands of students seeking to gain into the university’s college of medicine.
Aside from that, I did a little research about the institution and found that it is actually one of the best when it comes to rendering quality education to students. Two of the medical students of AAU I met last week also confirmed that the College of Medicine, Ambrose Ali University (AAU) was not a regret to them. In light of the above, I am recommending this university for any student that want to study medicine in Ambrose Ali University.
If you have been having doubts on whether to study in AAU or not, don’t panic. AAU is indeed a great place to study medicine and surgery in Nigeria. Nonetheless, before applying for admission into AAU make sure that you go through AAU admission requirements for this session here!
12. Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt
Year of establishment: 1975
Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Type: State Owned University
The University of Port Harcourt is undoubtedly one of the tertiary institution in Nigeria. It has always appeared among the top 10 universities in almost all the ranking of universities on the internet. A research about UNIPORT’s medical school reviewed that the school actually has one of the foremost and most reputable medical faculties in the country.
The Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, UNIPORT is one of the best places you can study medicine and surgery in Nigeria. The university has produced so many great doctors in the country. It will surprise you to know that this faculty has also produced one of the richest doctors in Nigeria who is currently practicing medicine abroad.
In addition to the above, another reason why you should consider attending the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt is because the institution is among the few that actually has facilities for the profession. Trust me, you won’t regret attending this institution. There has been testimonials from both old and new students of the school showing that the institution is amongst the best in Nigeria.
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13. Afe Babalola University: Afe Babalola University also referred to as ‘ABUAD’ was founded in 2009 by the prestigious and well refined legal practitioner and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Afe Babalola. He also double as the Chancellor while Elisabet Smaranda Olarinde serves as the acting Vice Chancellor. This obviously makes the citadel a private institution of higher learning with one Major Campus.
The university is suitably situated in the capital of one of the famous states in Southwestern Nigeria; Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The citadel is renowned for offering Undergraduate programs under five (5) colleges. These colleges include, Law, Sciences, Engineering, Social and Management Studies, and of course, Medicine and health Sciences. Each of these colleges has full operational accreditation.
The Institution is reputable for it discipline and high academic standard based on its core mandate to groom and produce quality graduates who embodies competence and integrity (as captured it her motto) annually. The university also ghosts postgraduate studies. It’s mode of admissions is Regular however, it admission requirements differ based on the particular course of study. Through the Jamb process and internal Oral screening process geared towards admitting only qualified candidates for it programs.
Among the various undergraduate programs offered by the University, it is pertinent to emphasize that it is one of the best universities that offers medicine and surgery. The Institution College of medicine kicked off operations in 20011 following it full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC).
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14. Babcock: Babcock University, situated in the heart of Ilishan Remo in Ogun state is a privately owned tertiary institution with a religious affiliation to the Seventh-day Adventist Church as the founder. According to research, The Institution of learning was founded in 1959 and have since worn few different nomenclatures like, Adventist College of West Africa, Adventist Seminary of West Africa before repositioning to ‘Babcock‘.
The vice chancellor of Babcock University is Ademola Tayo. The Institution has two campuses which are Ilishan-Remo main campus and their Mini Campus located in Iperu, Remo Ogun State, Nigeria. Babcock University is one of the finest private universities in Nigeria with government accreditation. Among other undergraduate programs offered by the institution, the school is one of the best private universities to study Medicine. It has quite a cerene environment with well-equipped facilities that nurture the best minds in the medical field.
Babcock University, with it religious affiliation maintains a high standard of learning rooted in core discipline and morals. For a prospective applicant to successfully gain admission into the University, he/she must sit for the JAMB examination with atleast 5 credit pass in his/her O’level results including English and Mathematics. Exceptionally, candidates aspiring to study Medicine and surgery must pass these subjects in one sitting to qualify for an admission consideration. I must say, it is one of the best tertiary institution to study Medicine in Nigeria.
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15. Baze University : Baze University is one of the prestigious high Institution in Nigeria. It is situated in Jabi district, Abuja, the Federal Capital. It was founded in 2011 by the renowned politician Sen. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed who is also the Chancellor while, Prof Tahir Mamman is the current Vice Chancellor.
The Institution is renowned for quality education. It offers a wide range of courses and one of it most reputable courses is Medicine. One of the reasons why it is a good place to study Medicine in Nigeria is it standard academic curriculum patterned towards the British Curriculum with modern state infrastructures and laboratory facilities for the best learning experience.
It avails you the opportunity to attain professional medical experience. The Institution had over 39 transferred students from United Arab Emirates in 2016. Studying Medicine in such a prestigious institution at the heart of the Federal Capital Territory is an opportunity to see through the telescope of medical practice and bag the best knowledge and experience available in the medical line of practice. It also has an advantage of creating a viable opportunity for her graduates in the field of medicine.
The university offers various academic program for undergraduate and post-graduate degrees. With over 40 undergraduate degree programs offered in Baze University, the school has the following faculties:
Faculty of Management and Social Sciences
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Computing and Applied Sciences
Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Environmental Sciences
Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences
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16. Bowen University: Bowen University is one of the famous universities founded and owned by religious institution in Nigeria. Founded and owned by the Baptist Convention in 2001 (precisely on the 17th July), it commenced full academic operations in 2002 after being accredited by the NUC. Bowen University is rooted in excellence and high moral standards. It is strategically situated in Iwo town, in Osun State, Nigeria. It has one main campus.
The vice chancellor is Joshua Olalekan Ogunwale. Bowen University remains one of the best universities for Medicine and surgery amongst other reputable courses. It ranks high on the ladder of serene environment with state of the art learning facilities, modern laboratory equipment and professional staff. Studying Medicine in Bowen University will not just expose you to the best academic experience but also, to the highest standard of medical and moral etiquette.
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17. King David Umahi University of Medical Sciences: The Divid Umahi University of Medical Sciences is located in Uburu, Ohaozara LGA of Ebonyi State. The Institution was named after the Executive Governor of the state as a recognition for his ideal legacies and uncommon service to the group and development of the state. The state owned university was founded in 2022 under the auspices of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, it was launched as a modern tertiary institution with international academic standard.
Though new, it has a fitting environment, infrastructures and laboratory equipment to offer the best medical experience. Aside quality medical education, it offers you the opportunity to be part of it foremost graduates. The school, according to my finding, was established out of desire to bridge the deficiency in healthcare and targeted at improving the system through qualitative academic excellence. The university offers her students competence, professionalism and nothing short of the best. It is poised to producing the best medical graduates with the highest medical experience.
18. Ladoke Akintola University: The Ladoke Akintola University also referred to as LAUTECH is situated in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria. It was founded in 1990 by the then Military government of Oyo state led by Colonel Sasaenia Oresanya on the recommendation of Mrs. Oyinkan Ayoola. Though created in 1990 and started academic operations same year, it College of Health Sciences was created a year later (1991). The university was formerly known as Oyo State University of Technology but was changed to Ladoke Akintola University subsequently. It has been one of the foremost Institutions in Southwestern Nigeria with full accreditation to teach Medicine and surgery.
LAUTECH Chancellor is Umar Faruq Umar II and the current Vice Chancellor is M.O Liasu. It prides itself as Best State University in Nigeria as conferred on it by the NUC in 2003 and 2004 consecutively. The Institution has it main campus in Oyo. Though it had it college of medicine situated in Ogbomosho, it has been renamed UNIOSUN TEACHING HOSPITAL due to state takeover of the institution. No other campus is located in Osogbo, The Oshogbo campus has been renamed UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital (UNIOSUNTH) after the recent takeover of LAUTECH by the Oyo state Government only. It College of medicine remains one of the best in the Southwestern region of Nigeria, hence, one of the most viable Institution to bag a well refined medical degree in Nigeria.
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From our discussion to far, it is evident that the universities above are the best to study medicine and surgery in Nigeria. This is based on the research I recently conducted in May 2023. But as you know, things change from time to time. Almost all the federal universities in Nigeria are competing every day to become the best in Nigeria. Tomorrow, UI may not be at the top of this list. So, i advise you to subsequently check back on this list to know the best.
Many people may say that the university you attend don’t really matter, but the truth is that, it does. I have seen many situations where some employees are paid higher than others just because they attend a more prestigious and competitive institution. So, do not think it is not important to know the best institutions to attend. Make sure you apply for admission in any of the best universities and work hard to meet the admission requirements so that you will be offered admission.
Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka, ACMC, is a lawyer and a certified mediator/conciliator in Nigeria. He is also a developer with knowledge in various programming languages. Samuel is determined to leverage his skills in technology, SEO, and legal practice to revolutionize the legal profession worldwide by creating web and mobile applications that simplify legal research. Sam is also passionate about educating and providing valuable information to people.
What about delsu??