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Official List of Medical Courses in Nigeria | Relevance, Requirements, and Schools

July 23, 2024
14 minute read

Let’s take a look at medical courses in Nigeria! This article will discuss the courses you can study, what you need to do to get into them, and which schools offer these programs.

We’ll also discuss why doctors and other medical professionals are important and the many opportunities available for people who choose this field.

Our goal is to give you all the information you need to understand the different options for studying medicine in Nigeria so that you can decide what’s best for you.

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Medical courses in Nigeria are programs that prepare students for careers in healthcare and medicine. These courses cover various topics related to human health, including anatomy , physiology, pharmacology, and biochemistry .

They also include practical training and internships that provide students with hands-on experience in a healthcare setting.

Students who complete a medical course in Nigeria can expect to become competent healthcare professionals capable of providing quality care to patients.

They can also expect to gain valuable knowledge and skills in diagnosing and treating diseases, as well as in administering medications and performing procedures.

Read: List of courses offered in Ekiti State University and their cut off mark | 2024

Official list of medical courses in Nigeria

Here’s a list of official medical courses offered in Nigeria:

Medicine and Surgery (MBBS)
Dentistry and Dental Surgery
Physiotherapy
Medical Laboratory Science
Human Nutrition and Dietetics
Medical Rehabilitation
Public Health
Health Information Management
Radiography and Radiation Science
Anaesthesiology
Child Health
Community Medicine
Family Medicine
Pharmacology
Biochemistry
Dermatology
Pharmacognosy
Community Dentistry
Public Health Dentistry
Periodontology
Oral Surgery
Orthodontics
Paediatric Dentistry
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Dental Materials
Oral Radiology
Prosthodontics
Medical Microbiology
Environmental Health Science
Medical Biotechnology
Medical Engineering
Medical Biochemistry
Medical Microbiology and Parasitology
Health Administration and Management
Medical Sociology
Medical Anthropology
Medical Genetics
Medical Anthropology and Sociology
Medical Ethics
Health Economics and Policy
Health Informatics
Medical Law and Ethics
Medical Anthropology and Demography
Health Psychology

Here are some excellent short medical courses available in Nigeria:

Medical Laboratory Assistant (9-12 months): Learn how to conduct basic medical tests and help diagnose illnesses in a medical laboratory setting.
Pharmacy Technician (1 year): Assist pharmacists in dispensing medications and managing inventory, without completing a full pharmacy degree.
Community Health Worker (9-12 months): Help educate communities about health topics like hygiene, disease prevention, and healthy living, without needing extensive medical training.
Physiotherapy Technician (1 year): Assist physiotherapists in helping patients regain mobility and manage pain without completing a full physiotherapy degree.
Radiography Technician (1 year): Work in hospitals and clinics to produce X-rays and other diagnostic images without completing a full radiography degree.
Dental Assistant (6-12 months): Assist dentists with procedures and patient care, without completing a full dentistry degree.
Medical Records Technician (6-12 months): Learn how to manage and organize patient medical records in a healthcare setting.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) (4-12 weeks): Provide basic patient care and assist nurses with tasks such as taking vital signs and bathing patients.

Also, read: Is a Nursing Degree Hard? | 2024 Expert Tips

Several medical courses are essential in Nigeria to address the country’s healthcare needs. Let’s take a look at the top few:

Medicine and Surgery (MBBS): This course is crucial for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases, ensuring that patients receive proper care.
Nursing: Nurses play a vital role in patient care, offering emotional support, administering medications, and assisting in various medical procedures.
Pharmacy: Pharmacists are responsible for dispensing medications, counselling patients on their use, and monitoring their effectiveness.
Medical Laboratory Science: This course involves diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases by performing tests on body fluids and tissues.
Medical Rehabilitation: This course deals with restoring a patient’s health and physical abilities following injury or illness.
Public Health: This course focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating population diseases.

These courses are all critical in ensuring that the healthcare system in Nigeria can provide quality care to patients, manage epidemics, and promote public health.

Top 10 Schools that offer medical courses in Nigeria

Here are the top 10 schools that offer medical courses in Nigeria:

The University of Ibadan is one of the top universities in Nigeria, especially when it comes to studying medicine. Established in 1948, this university has offered medical courses for decades, making it a pioneer in the field.

With an acceptance rate of 11%, getting into the University of Ibadan is quite competitive, so you’ll need to ensure you have top-notch grades to stand a chance. No wonder this university ranks #10 in Africa and #659 in the world – it’s a great place to study medicine!

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The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ife, Nigeria, is another prestigious institution where you can pursue medical studies. Founded in 1962, OAU is known for its competitive acceptance rate of only 7%, so you need to be at the top of your game to get in.

Despite being a relatively young university, it has quickly risen to the top, ranking at #23 in Africa and #1024 globally. With such a sterling reputation, it’s no wonder that many aspiring doctors in Nigeria aim to study at OAU.

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The University of Lagos , also known as UNILAG, is another top-notch university offering medical courses in Nigeria. Established in 1962, UNILAG has provided quality medical education for over 60 years.

With an acceptance rate of 11%, it’s still a challenging university to get into. However, if you manage to secure a spot, you’ll study at a prestigious university that ranks #31 in Africa and #1100 globally.

This university’s location in Lagos also allows you to network with medical professionals in one of the country’s busiest cities.

The University of Nigeria (UNN) in Nsukka is a great option for those seeking a top-tier medical education in Nigeria. Founded in 1960, this university has a rich history of academic excellence, especially in the medical field.

With an acceptance rate of 38%, it’s more accessible than the other universities we’ve discussed. Yet, don’t let that fool you; UNN still holds its own, ranking #32 in Africa and #1106 worldwide.

Also, see: 20+ Best Science Courses to Study in Nigeria

Located in Zaria, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) is another university that offers top-notch medical education in Nigeria. With a reputation for excellence and an acceptance rate of only 8%, ABU is one of the most selective universities in Nigeria.

But if you manage to secure admission, you’ll join a community of over 49,000 students at this prestigious institution.

ABU is known for its strong research programs, particularly on medicine and health sciences. Its rankings are also impressive, with ABU sitting at #42 in Africa and #1291 worldwide.

Located in Calabar, this university offers medical courses in a serene and scenic environment, surrounded by lush greenery and coastal views. Established in 1975, the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has steadily grown in prestige over the years, with a respectable acceptance rate of 30%.

Despite being relatively young compared to some of the other universities on our list, UNICAL has managed to carve out its niche in the Nigerian academic landscape, ranking #50 in Africa and #1517 globally.

The University of Ilorin, also known as UNILORIN, is a young university that has made great strides in medicine since its establishment in 1975.

It has an acceptance rate of 75%, and UNILORIN is considered more accessible than some of the other universities we’ve discussed, making it a great option if you’re looking for a medical education in Nigeria.

Despite its relatively young age, UNILORIN has climbed to the top of the academic ladder, ranking #53 in Africa and #1590 globally.

The University of Benin (UNIBEN), located in the ancient city of Benin, is another top university offering medical courses in Nigeria. Established in 1970, UNIBEN has grown to become one of the leading universities in the country, known for its strong research programs and diverse student population.

With an acceptance rate of 70%, UNIBEN is a great choice if you want a medical education in Nigeria. It’s also ranked highly in Africa and the world, coming in at #54 in Africa and #1648 worldwide.

If you want to study medicine in Nigeria, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), also known as UNIZIK, is a top-notch university. Located in Awka, Anambra State, UNIZIK offers quality medical education with a competitive acceptance rate of 12%.

Despite being founded in 1991, UNIZIK has made significant strides in the academic landscape, with a solid reputation for producing highly skilled medical professionals.

This university also ranks high in Africa and the world, sitting at #61 in Africa and #1786 worldwide.

The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), located in Maiduguri, is another university you might consider for studying medicine in Nigeria. Despite being relatively young and having been established in 1975, UNIMAID has a solid reputation for its medical programs.

As a public university, UNIMAID offers quality education at an affordable price, with an acceptance rate of around 62%.

With its strong academic programs and commitment to student success, UNIMAID ranks at #62 in Africa and #1806 globally.

The course that is most similar to Medicine and Surgery is Physician Assistant (PA) because of the following reasons:

Physician Assistants (PAs) are healthcare professionals who perform many of the same duties as doctors. They can diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, perform medical procedures, and prescribe medications, all while working in collaboration with physicians under their supervision.

Physician Assistants must complete a master’s degree and pass a national certification exam to practice, similar to the educational requirements of doctors.

This similar training and scope of practice make Physician Assistants the closest course to Medicine and Surgery, allowing them to provide quality healthcare services to patients.

See Also: Is Medicine Hard? How Hard Is It To Get Into Medical School?

The shortest medical course is usually Physician Assistant (PA), which can be completed in 2-3 years, depending on the program.

This is because Physician Assistants receive training focused on preparing them for direct patient care rather than the more extensive medical education doctors receive.

While doctors typically spend 4 years in medical school and 3-7 years in residency, Physician Assistants can enter the workforce much sooner.

This makes the Physician Assistant program a great option if you’re interested in working in healthcare but want a shorter route.

When considering which medical course is the best, it’s important to think about your goals and interests. However, if we’re talking about a course that offers a broad range of opportunities and a high level of prestige, many would argue that Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) is the best option.

Medicine and Surgery offers a well-rounded education that covers a wide range of topics, from anatomy and physiology to pharmacology and clinical medicine.

It also allows you to work in various settings, from hospitals and clinics to research labs and public health organizations.

Which medical course is best and easy?

Choosing a medical course that’s both “best” and “easy” is a tricky balance. Most medical courses are challenging, requiring a solid science foundation and dedication to patient care.

However, if we’re talking about a course that might be considered easier than others, Nursing could be a good option.

While Nursing still requires hard work and dedication, the program focuses more on practical, hands-on training than the theoretical and academic knowledge needed in other medical courses. Nurses are also in high demand, making it easier to find work after graduation.

Medicine and Pharmacy are challenging courses, but they require different skills and knowledge. If we’re comparing the two, many people would argue that Medicine is more difficult than Pharmacy, here’s why:

The sheer amount of information: Doctors must learn about a wide range of diseases, treatments, and procedures, which can be overwhelming.
Residency training: Doctors must complete a residency program after medical school, which can be demanding and require long hours.

However, Pharmacy is no walk in the park. On the other hand, Pharmacy also comes with its own set of challenges:

Complex medication interactions: Pharmacists need to understand how different medications interact with each other and patients’ conditions, which can be complicated.
Patient interactions: Pharmacists are often the first point of contact for patients, which means they need to communicate effectively and address a wide range of concerns.

So, while Medicine may be considered more difficult than Pharmacy in some ways, both are demanding courses that require hard work and dedication.

Also, see: Is Medicine Career a STEM Degree?

When comparing the salaries of doctors and pharmacists, there are different factors to consider. Within a hospital setting, doctors tend to earn more than pharmacists due to the complexity and responsibility of their job. However, outside of the hospital, the story is different.

While doctors may earn around NGN 14,500,000 per year in Nigeria, according to Payscale , pharmacists can earn around NGN 729,034 per month in the Abuja area, as reported by Glassdoor .

The hardest medical course to study can vary depending on who you ask, but one that often comes up as a contender for the title is Neurosurgery.

Neurosurgery is the study and practice of operating on the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. It requires an incredibly deep understanding of anatomy and physiology, as well as the ability to perform extremely delicate and precise procedures.

Neurosurgeons often work long hours and are under immense pressure to make the right decisions in seconds, which can be extremely stressful.

If you’re looking for the longest medical course, you might want to consider Neurosurgery.

As we mentioned earlier, Neurosurgery is a complex and challenging field, which means that the training required to become a neurosurgeon is equally long and demanding.

Neurosurgeons must complete four years of medical school, followed by a five- to seven-year residency in neurosurgery. Some neurosurgeons may even choose to do a fellowship, adding another year or two to their training.

Which medical course is the richest?

If we’re talking about the richest medical course in terms of salary, some of the highest-paid specialists in the medical field are Plastic Surgeons.

Plastic surgeons perform a wide variety of procedures, from cosmetic procedures like facelifts and breast implants to reconstructive surgeries for burn victims and accident survivors.

These procedures are often elective and in high demand so that plastic surgeons can command high service fees. According to some estimates, plastic surgeons can earn up to several million Naira annually in Nigeria.

When it comes to lucrative medical courses in Nigeria, one specialty that’s often touted as the most lucrative is Anesthesiology.

Anesthesiologists are medical professionals who administer anaesthetics and monitor patients during surgery. While it may seem like a simple job, it requires incredible skill and knowledge to ensure that patients are safe and comfortable during their procedures.

In Nigeria, Anesthesiologists are in high demand and often earn high salaries. Some estimates suggest that they can earn upwards of several million Naira per year, making it one of the most lucrative medical specialties in the country.

Can I study Surgery Without Medicine?

Nope, you cannot study surgery without first studying medicine. It’s quite the opposite. To become a surgeon, you must study medicine for several years before focusing on a specific surgical specialty.

Think of it like a ladder. The first rung is medicine, which teaches you all the basics of the human body and how it works. Then, you climb up to the next rung, your chosen surgical specialty.

So, if you want to become a surgeon, you have to start with medicine first. It’s like a prerequisite course.

Unfortunately, no. You can’t study medicine without mathematics.

I know, I know, it’s not everyone’s favorite subject. But here’s the thing: Mathematics is really important in medicine. It’s used in everything from calculating medication doses to understanding complex physiological processes.

Even if you’re not planning to do complex mathematical calculations yourself, you’ll still need a solid understanding of math to understand medical concepts and pass your exams.

So, even if you’re not a math wizard, don’t give up on your dream of becoming a doctor. With hard work and determination, you can still achieve your goal.

Also, see: 20+ Hardest Courses in the World | 2024

What are the entry requirements for study Medicine in Nigeria?

To study medicine in Nigeria, you must meet certain entry requirements. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

Pass your O’level subjects: You’ll need to pass your O’level exams (such as WAEC or NECO) in at least five subjects, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and English Language.
Write the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination: This is a standardized exam that all students must take to be eligible for admission into any Nigerian university.

After passing your O’level exams and the JAMB examination, you’ll need to meet the following additional requirements:

Write the University Matriculation Examination (UME): This is another standardized exam required for Nigerian university admission.
Meet the cut-off point: Each university in Nigeria has a minimum score that you need to attain in your O’level and UME exams to be eligible for admission. This score is called the cut-off point.

Finally, you’ll also need to satisfy the following requirements:

Be of good health: Since medicine is a physically demanding field, you’ll need to be in good health to study medicine. You may need to undergo a medical exam as part of the admission process.
Be 18 years or older: Most Nigerian universities require that you be at least 18 years old to be eligible for admission into their medicine program.
Obtain a reference letter: You’ll need to obtain a letter of reference from a reputable person, such as a teacher or a community leader, to support your application.

In Nigeria, there is no maximum age to study medicine. If you have a strong desire to become a doctor and you meet the entry requirements, you can pursue your dream at any age.

You see, medical schools don’t care about how old you are. What they care about is your potential as a future doctor.

They’re looking for applicants with good grades, motivation to learn, and strong communication and problem-solving skills. Your age won’t stand in the way of your dreams as long as you have these qualities.

See Also: List Of Courses Offered In Fuoye And Their Cut Off Mark | Jamb, Post Utme, Departmental

To take medicine as a course, you’ll need to have a solid understanding of the following subjects:

Biology: This subject will give you a foundation for the human body and its workings.
Chemistry: You’ll need to understand chemical reactions, substances, and how they affect the body.
Physics: Physics will give you an understanding of the physical laws that govern the universe, including the human body.
Mathematics: You’ll need to understand mathematical concepts, such as calculus and statistics, to solve complex problems in medicine.

Psychology can be an incredibly valuable subject for a future doctor, too.

Medical specialists with the highest salaries include neurosurgeons, cardiologists, and plastic surgeons.

Medical fields that may be particularly well-suited for females include paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, and family medicine due to their focus on patient communication and empathy.

Girls may find that they relate well to female doctors specialising in paediatrics, gynaecology, and obstetrics. They often provide a level of understanding and comfort that is beneficial.

Choosing a medical course in Nigeria is an important decision that will shape your future career. The country offers a wide range of medical courses that are well-respected and in high demand.

Whether you choose to become a doctor, pharmacist, or physiotherapist, you will contribute to your community’s health and well-being. When deciding, remember to consider the admission requirements, job opportunities, and personal interests.