Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria

Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria: Overview, Training Process, Career Path, and Best Universities Offering the Course

Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) is widely regarded as the most prestigious, competitive and rigorous undergraduate program in Nigeria. Every year, hundreds of thousands of students apply through JAMB with the dream of becoming medical doctors, yet only a small percentage gain admission due to the intensive requirements, limited slots, and strict accreditation regulations.

Pursuing Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria is a long but rewarding journey. The training prepares students to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases while also equipping them with the ethical and scientific foundation needed to save lives. This article explains everything about studying Medicine in Nigeria—from admission requirements to the training stages—and highlights the best universities offering MBBS, with official links included.

What Is Medicine and Surgery (MBBS)?

Medicine and Surgery is a professional degree program designed to train students to become medical doctors. In Nigeria, the degree awarded at graduation is usually:

• MBBS – Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, or
• MBChB – used by a few universities such as UNILAG.

The program combines biological sciences, clinical training, practical rotations and hospital immersion.

Duration of Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria

The official duration is 6 years, structured as:

1. Pre-medical Year (100 Level)
   Foundation courses: Physics, Biology, Chemistry, General Studies.
2. Pre-clinical Years (200 – 300 Level)
   Courses include: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Pathology.
3. Clinical Years (400 – 600 Level)
   Rotations across major departments:
   • Surgery
   • Internal Medicine
   • Pediatrics
   • Obstetrics and Gynecology
   • Psychiatry
   • Community Medicine
   • Ophthalmology
   • ENT
   • Radiology
   • Family Medicine
4. Housemanship (Internship) – 1 Year
   Mandatory hospital practice under supervision after graduation.
5. National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) – 1 Year

Minimum Admission Requirements for Medicine and Surgery

To study Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria, candidates must meet stringent requirements:

1. O’Level (WAEC/NECO/GCE)

A minimum of five (5) credits in:

• English
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology

All in one sitting for most universities.

2. JAMB UTME Score

Most top universities require 250 – 320+ for competitive consideration.

3. Post-UTME / Screening

Universities conduct:

• CBT exams
• Oral interviews (rare)
• Aggregate score calculations

4. Direct Entry (DE)

Accepted for candidates with:

• First degree in related science fields
• A-Level / Cambridge
• JUPEB/Remedial programs

Accreditation of Medicine in Nigeria

Before a university can graduate medical doctors, it must obtain accreditation from:

• Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN)
  https://mdcn.gov.ng

MDCN regulates the quality of medical training, approves facilities, and conducts periodic program evaluations.

Why Medicine and Surgery Is Highly Competitive

1. Prestige and respect associated with being a doctor
2. Strong employment prospects in hospitals and clinics
3. Wide global opportunities (USA, UK, Canada, Middle East)
4. Attractive career specializations – surgery, gynecology, neurology, cardiology, etc.
5. Limited quotas due to teaching hospital capacity

Best Universities to Study Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria

Below are the top universities consistently ranked highest for Medicine based on:

• MDCN accreditation
• Quality of teaching hospitals
• Research output
• Alumni performance
• Infrastructure
• Competitiveness

1. University of Ibadan (UI)

Location: Oyo State
UI’s College of Medicine is the oldest in Nigeria and is widely regarded as the best.
It has a strong research culture and highly qualified academic staff.

Teaching Hospital: University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan
Official Website: https://ui.edu.ng

2. University of Lagos (UNILAG)

Location: Lagos State
UNILAG’s College of Medicine is known for clinical excellence and access to Lagos patient population for training.

Teaching Hospital: Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH)
Official Website: https://unilag.edu.ng

3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

Location: Osun State
OAU’s Faculty of Clinical Sciences is one of the best-equipped in Nigeria. It is known for rigorous training and discipline.

Teaching Hospital: Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex
Official Website: https://oauife.edu.ng

4. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)

Location: Kwara State
UNILORIN produces some of Nigeria’s best-trained doctors. It has low strike disruptions and stable academic calendar.

Teaching Hospital: University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH)
Official Website: https://unilorin.edu.ng

5. University of Benin (UNIBEN)

Location: Edo State
UNIBEN’s medical school is well-established and highly competitive.

Teaching Hospital: University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH)
Official Website: https://uniben.edu

6. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)

Location: Kaduna State
One of the largest medical schools in Nigeria with excellent facilities and experienced lecturers.

Teaching Hospital: Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH)
Official Website: https://abu.edu.ng

7. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

Location: Enugu State
UNN’s medical school is known for producing top specialists and researchers.

Teaching Hospital: University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH)
Official Website: https://unn.edu.ng

8. Lagos State University (LASU)

Location: Lagos State
LASU’s College of Medicine (LASUCOM) has risen in ranking due to excellent facilities and modern training.

Teaching Hospital: LASUTH (Lagos State University Teaching Hospital)
Official Website: https://lasu.edu.ng

9. Delta State University (DELSU)

Location: Delta State
DELSU offers quality medical education and is one of the top-performing state universities in medical training.

Teaching Hospital: Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH)
Official Website: https://delsu.edu.ng

10. Babcock University (Top Private University)

Location: Ogun State
One of the best private universities for Medicine. Well equipped, stable academic year, and strong clinical training.

Teaching Hospital: Babcock University Teaching Hospital
Official Website: https://babcock.edu.ng

Career Opportunities After Studying Medicine and Surgery

After MBBS and housemanship, doctors may choose to:

• Work as Medical Officers
• Pursue Residency training (specialization)
• Work in private hospitals
• Join research institutions
• Practice abroad after exams like USMLE, PLAB, AMC, MCCQE
• Enter public health, academia, or medical administration

Challenges of Studying Medicine in Nigeria

• High tuition in private universities
• Limited facilities in some state/federal schools
• Intense competition and stress
• Long duration and heavy workload
• Limited residency positions

Medicine and Surgery remains one of the most respected and competitive courses in Nigeria. It requires dedication, resilience, and a passion for saving lives. The universities listed above—such as UI, UNILAG, OAU, UNILORIN, UNN, ABU, and Babcock—offer some of the best medical training environments in the country.

Choosing the right medical school should depend on accreditation status, teaching hospital quality, faculty strength, and stability of academic calendar. With hard work and the right environment, students can build successful medical careers in Nigeria or internationally.