10 Best Medical Schools in Nigeria 2023 (Ultimate Guide)

UNN- one of the best medical schools in nigeria
UNN Medical students at the Teaching Hospital

Best Medical schools in Nigeria? Are you an aspiring medic? and are you searching for the best University to study medicine in Nigeria?

If yes, then I’m super excited to tell you that your search ends here!

In this guide, I will be giving an exploratory view of the best medical schools in Nigeria 2023. The post is a detailed one which will guide you to make the perfect decision.

In summary, this post will give detailed answers to the following questions:

  • What are the best medical schools in Nigeria?
  • Which factors are to be considered while choosing a medical school in Nigeria?
  • How can one get admitted to a medical college in Nigeria?

Now, let’s get started. Grab a coffee, and enjoy the guide!

Why You need to Choose your Medical school Carefully

Studying in Nigerian Medical school isn’t so easy as it meets the eye. You get to pass through vigorous training for about four years or more, after which you’re awarded a certificate. But what about the process?

There are lots of universities offering medical courses in Nigeria, but the question is, are they fully equipped to train internationally recognized medical doctors? Do they meet your budget, location, or environment choice?

Knowing these answers would help to guide you in choosing the perfect institution.

What are the 10 Best Medical Schools/Universities in Nigeria 2023?

Here’s the best medical schools in Nigeria 2023:

1. University of Ibadan, Oyo State – Best University to study Medicine in Nigeria

When finding colleges for training medical practitioners, the University of Ibadan is the first and best among all – no fuss about this. No other medical school has beaten it from that position.

The University of Ibadan, popularly known as UI is located in Oyo State, and it’s not only the best university to study Medicine in Nigeria, but is also one of the leading colleges generally in West Africa.

The Southwestern university is fully equipped with the best modern medical infrastructures in Nigeria. They have a large mass of land to accommodate the ever-increasing number of medical students in Nigeria.

What more? UI has a close association with international schools like Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in the United States. Such ties give way for easy exchange of medical students across institutions.

However, the University of Ibadan is quite difficult to get into. Since it’s the top medical university in Nigeria, thousands of aspirants file in their application each year. And the more the competition, the harder it becomes to get in.

But hey, getting in might be difficult but not impossible. As the popular idiom say, “may the best man win,” you’ll have to be your best.

With hard work in your study, you’ll be able to beat your rivals in exams and more importantly secure a slot in the admission space.

Colleges

There are four faculties in the College of Medicine in UI. There are namely;

  • Faculty of Basic medical sciences
  • Faculty of medical/clinical sciences
  • Faculty of dentistry
  • Faculty of public health

2. Obafemi Awolowo University

If you’re from southwestern Nigeria, and in search of a standard medical college, we highly recommend the Obafemi Awolowo University.

The formerly called University of Ife is located in Osun State, Nigeria. It was not until 1987 when its name got changed to the Obafemi Awolowo University in honor of the Nigerian Nationalist.

The Teaching hospital, as well as the medical center, is top-notch, well organized, and equipped with modern facilities. The OAU teaching hospital has been cited numerously for providing rare treatments to medical ailments.

Medical students schooling here will receive one of the best medical training as their hospitals are well equipped. In addition, the environment is well suited for Medics. Their fees are considerably affordable, and they have one of the fastest WiFi in Nigerian schools.

3. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

The Ahmadu Bello University is well recognized for being equipped with adequate facilities, good medical lecturers, and standard structures for efficient training of medical students.

If you’re a northerner, the Ahmadu Bello University is a perfect choice for you. It is because no other medical university in northern Nigeria beats ABU when it comes to medical training.

Asides that, its quite easier to get into considering the catchment quota, and their fees are also affordable.

Ahmadu Bello University is among the oldest colleges to be set up by the Nigerian Federal government. Asides that, it’s one of the most funded institutions in the country. It is good news being that the medical facility, too, will be highly funded.

The faculty of Medicine in this university has 17 departments, which are both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. The school’s goal is to become a world-class college compared to any other in having standard facilities and in training men and women of potential

There are currently two campuses – the Samaru and Kongo campus both in Zaria. The Samaru campus houses medical students as well as other science and art courses.

4. University of Lagos, Akoka

The federal institution, University of Lagos, which is located in Lagos state, is among the top medical schools in Nigeria for students. The popular southwestern university is well known for its good facilities and quality healthcare, which the Lagos teaching hospital provides.

As their teaching hospitals are well equipped, Unilag serves as one of the best places where medics can get quality training in becoming doctors.

Furthermore, their school fees is very affordable, the surrounding environment is developed, and their syllabus is updated.

Being that the surrounding environment is well developed, getting lodges outside can be very expensive. Some lodges go as high as 300 thousand naira for one self-contained room -this is very expensive compared to other schools.

However, you could save costs by getting a place in the school hostel. It is cheaper, but getting bed spaces can be challenging.

5. Lagos State University, Ojo – best medical schools in Nigeria

The college of Medicine, Lagos state university, popularly known as LASUCOM, is in Ikeja, Lagos, and among the top colleges for training Medics in Nigeria.

The Lagos state-owned institution is of high recommendation because of the quality of healthcare their teaching hospital provides. They are of good reputation for having a wide record of saving people’s lives that other hospitals reject.

The college has a conducive environment, fully equipped facilities, and more so necessary structures that facilitate learning in medical students.

The university has four campuses; the main and another campus at Ojo, one at Epe and the last, which is the college of Medicine at Ikeja.

The faculties in their college of Medicine are

  • Faculty of clinical sciences
  • Faculty of Basic medical sciences

However, for populated and well-developed states, students often face accommodation issues, and LASU is no exception. Many students tell that getting a good Lodge is expensive, and there has been a recent hike in school fees.

6. University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu state

If you’re in search of a good medical college in Southeastern Nigeria then the University of Nigeria should be your top choice. UNN’s former name was the University of Biafra, Nigeria .

They’ve got standard structures, good facilities, a cool environment, and other factors that make sure medical students get the best from their medical training.

Asides Unillorin, University of Nigeria, is one of the fastest medical colleges in Nigeria. Medical training for example, takes less than six years, and that’s amazing!

Apart from that, the fees are relatively cheap, and the learning environment is conducive due to the fact that Medics have their campus.

The University of Nigeria has four campuses located at Enugu, Nsukka, and Ituku-Ozalla. One astonishing fact about Medicine here is that you’ll spend at least one year on each of these campuses. Another unique thing about UNN is that it’s the only school that awards MBBS(NIG).

However, it’s fast for one to get out of medical school just as how fast their calendar is. Medicine and surgery in UNN is no joke. Competition here is high, and this is because of the large number of students the institution admits each year.

As an aspirant, you have to work extremely hard in your UTME and Post UTME, so as to beat the competition and get admission.

When you’re in as a medic, you may not like the fact that you’ll have to change campuses four times before your medical training. Asides from that, the school is super awesome for Medics.

7. University of Benin, Edo state

The University of Benin, popularly known as Uniben, is among the medical schools that are excellently training medical doctors in Nigeria.

The Edo state situated institution has one of the longest modern facilities. Their teaching hospital has modern facilities, and similarly they have good structures for the training of medical doctors.

There are two campuses to this university, namely; Ugbowo and the Ekehuan campus. The Top-notch medical college boasts of 3 faculties and nine departments in their college of Medicine:

  • Faculty of Medicine
  • Faculty of Basic medical sciences
  • Faculty of Dentistry

8. University of Illorin, Kwara State

The University of Illorin, popularly known as Unillorin, is a good choice for Medics, especially if you’re searching for one with a fast academic calendar.

This southwestern college never goes on strike – this is something folks in other universities wish they enjoy.

The school is not just fast but also come with modern facilities for the training of medical doctors. They follow a good and fast academic calendar, and all these are to ensure students get the best they can in their studies.

The college of medicine has two faculties namely;

  • Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences
  • Faculty of Clinical sciences

9. Delta State University, Abraka, Delta state

The Delta state university makes it to this list as one of the best medical schools in Nigeria 2020. The institution comprises three campuses at Abraka, Asaba, and Oleh.

Although this medical college had been established later than others, it has come to prove its worth when it comes to training highly educated medical doctors.

They have well-developed teaching hospitals, standard facilities, and also conducive environment for students.

The College of Medicine, Delta State University boasts of three facilities, Faculties of;

  • Family medicine and Anatomy
  • Medicine
  • Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics

On the other hand, this institution doesn’t offer some medical coursed like radiography, medical Laboratory Sciences, medical rehabilitation/physiotherapy, and nursing. Apart from that, the college is great for nurturing medical doctors.

10. Ambrose Alli University(AAU)

The college of Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, makes it to this list as one of the top medical colleges for Nigerian Students. The school is in Edo state and comprises of three campuses.

The institution’s teaching hospital and medical school has great facilities, the environment is perfect for medics, and like Unillorin, they hardly go on strike.

Their college of Medicine has two faculties namely, Faculty of;

  • Clinical sciences
  • Basic medical sciences.

Full List of Universities Accredited by the MDCN in Nigeria – best Medical Schools in Nigeria

Not all universities in Nigeria offer Medicine and surgery. Although some schools are great, have fantastic structures and are popular, they aren’t accredited to train medical students.

So, before you select your top-choice medical school, download and go through this document below;

It’s an updated list from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) showing all the Universities that are accredited for Medicine and Surgery.

In the document, you’ll also find the quota (number of possible graduates per year) for each school.

Here’s the document: Accredited Medical and Dental Colleges In Nigeria

But to save you the stress, I’ve also outlined the full list below. Enjoy!

Federal Universities That Offer Medicine In Nigeria

  • University of Ibadan
  • University of Benin
  • Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto
  • Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo
  • University of Port Harcourt
  • University of Lagos
  • University of Nigeria, Nsukka
  • Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
  • Bayero University Kano
  • Nnamdi Azikiwe University
  • Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife
  • University of Maiduguri
  • University of Calabar
  • University of Lagos
  • University of Uyo
  • University of Jos
  • University of Abuja
  • University of Illorin

List Of State Universities That Offer Medicine in Nigeria

  • Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso
  • Niger Delta University (NDU), Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa
  • Ondo State University Of Medical Sciences Laje Road, Ondo, Ondo State
  • Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun
  • Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma (AAU)
  • Benue State University, Markurdi (BSU)
  • Enugu State University of Science & Technology
  • Gombe State University (GSU), Tudun Wada, Gombe
  • Imo State University
  • Kogi State University
  • Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU)
  • Delta State University
  • Ebonyi State University
  • Ekiti State University
  • Kaduna State University
  • Lagos State University
  • Abia State University, Uturu
  • Osun State University

Private Institutions- Best Private Medical Schools in Nigeria

  • Bingham University
  • Bowen University
  • Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State
  • Igbinedion University, Okada
  • Afe Babalola University
  • Babcock University
  • Madonna University

Factors to Consider before choosing the Best Medical Schools in Nigeria 2023?

factors before choosing the best medical schools in nigeria

Just like shopping, there are some criteria to consider when selecting a school to study medical courses. You are going to spend about four years or more, especially if you study Medicine. So, you should select your medical school carefully.

1. Cost

Firstly, one of the most important things to layout while selecting your school should be the cost. You need to know your budget and your carrying capacity concerning how much you’re willing to put in.

Do you want a good school that is considerably affordable? Or is your budget perfect for the top private Medical schools in Nigeria?

Whatever your answer is, just make sure you count the school’s expected cost before you apply.

Generally, federally owned government universities are the cheapest. State universities are considerably affordable, but private institutions always put their fees on the high side.

For example, the University of Ibadan, Oyo, collects about 37, 000 naira annually. But that of Delta state university will be clocking around 150, 000 naira – this just shows all schools are not the same.

What about Private? The price is at the top of the roof! For example, Babcock University is clocking around 3 million Naira each year.

In summary, make proper research on how much each school collects before applying. Check online, ask students who are already in the university. With that, you can be certain that the school fees won’t leave you surprised.

2. Mode of Admission

You aim to get into medical school, right? How do you get in when you don’t know the system? It’s so easy to knock you down if you don’t prepare adequately. Before applying for any college in Nigeria, make sure you understand how they process admissions.

Do they write post UTME? Or do they use your Senior School Certificate Examination(SSCE) results to complement your UTME? These are answers you need to know about any school you want, so as not to get off the rock when the deal comes.

Also, inquire the JAMB cut off mark for medicine to have an idea of what to target in your examination.

3. Location

Some students prefer their university far from their residence while others choose to stay close. Whichever one you are, it’s pertinent that you know beforehand where your school resides.

Selecting a college nearer to your residence has many benefits. For example, your transportation cost reduced, you can easily collect foodstuffs and goods, etc.

Staying far also has its privileges. You’ll get to reside in a place you’ve never been, and get to know the way of life there.

However, because you’re a medic, going home won’t be too often. Even if other students go on vacation, you might be given a short break and you’ll have to come back to school earlier.

Getting Admission to the Best medical schools in Nigeria 2023

Firstly, you’ll need to purchase a JAMB form and fill in your desired school. Furthermore, you will get to write your Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination(UTME).

But you should target around 310 for the fact that you are applying for competitive courses.

Secondly, purchase the post UTME form of your choice institution and start preparations to write the exam. After results are out, wait for your school to bring out the admission list, and yes, if you did well, you’ll get admission!

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, understand that getting into medical school in Nigeria isn’t a spontaneous process. One has to plan and prepare before getting admission. And of course, knowing the top schools is a good way to start.

We’ve given you the list of the 10 best medical schools in Nigeria. You’ve come to know why they’re the best and also things to consider while choosing anyone.

We hope this in-depth guide will go a long way in making sure you decide wisely.

If you enjoyed this post, or in any way have any thing to add or questions to ask, we care about that. Kindly let us know how you feel using the comment box.

Don’t forget to share this amazing post with your friends, family, and loved ones using the social share buttons.

F.A.Q

What is the best university to study medicine in Nigeria?

The University of Ibadan in Oyo state Is the best medical university in Nigeria. It’s well stocked with the state-of-art facilities, quality health care equipments, and good learning conditions for medical students!

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Anaso Emmanuel
Anaso Emmanuel

My name is Anaso Emmanuel and I’m the founder of MedicsDomain; an SEO Expert, Content Writer and an Enthusiastic learner. To the outside world, I’m an ordinary Medic but secretly I use this blog to help aspirants get into medical school, provide insightful guides and connect with others like me.

6 Comments

  1. Another inspiring guide from your blog; very helpful! I’d be applying for medicine and surgery at Unilag. Can I ask, do you have any tips or advice to guide me in getting admission into medicine this year? I’ve been reading for Jamb and I feel I need an upper hand. Any guidance will be very helpful. Thanks once again for this post

  2. Good evening
    I wrote JAMB this year and scored 259, what is my probability of getting admission to study Medicine and Surgery?

    • Hello Precious,
      Getting into Medicine and surgery would be super easier with scores ranging from 280 and above. However, going below, as in your case doesn’t mean there’s no chance.

      The cut off mark will depend on everyone’s overall performance. So, keep your faith high, and work super hard towards Post-UTME, with God’s Grace, you’ll achieve your target.

  3. Please review your choice of top 10 medical schools in Nigeria. Many of the schools mentioned are currently having issues with accreditation.
    Some schools like
    UNICAL
    BUK
    NAU
    UNIPORT

    are superb.

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