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If you're interested in studying medicine in Nigeria, you have quite a few excellent options at federal universities across the country.
List of federal Universities offering medicine and surgery in Nigeria
1.University of Benin
University of Benin: College of Medical Sciences offers both undergraduate and graduate medical degrees with a focus on research and preventive medicine. Renowned for excellence in pediatrics and public health.
2.University of Maiduguri
University of Maiduguri: Medical school provides a comprehensive 6-year MBBS program with concentrations in areas like hematology, psychiatry, and ENT. Despite security challenges in the region, it remains an important center of medical education in Northeast Nigeria.
3.University of Ibadan
The University of Ibadan is the oldest university in Nigeria, located in Ibadan, Oyo State. It offers a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree program at its College of Medicine. The program takes 6 years to complete including 1 year of housemanship.
4.University of Lagos
The University of Lagos is a federal university located in Lagos State, Nigeria. It offers an MBBS program at its College of Medicine. The program spans over 6 years including 1 year of housemanship. Its teaching hospital is the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
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5.University of Nigeria, Nsukka
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka is located in Enugu State, Nigeria. It offers an MBBS program at its College of Medicine which takes 6 years to complete including 1 year of housemanship. Its teaching hospital is the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital.
6.Obafemi Awolowo University
Obafemi Awolowo University is a federal university located in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. It offers an MBBS program at its College of Health Sciences. The program takes 6 years to complete including 1 year of housemanship. Its teaching hospital is the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex.
7.Ahmadu Bello University
Ahmadu Bello University is located in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. It offers an MBBS program at its College of Medicine. The program spans over 6 years including 1 year of housemanship. Its teaching hospital is the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital.
8.University of Ilorin
The University of Ilorin is located in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. It offers an MBBS program at its College of Health Sciences. The program takes 6 years to complete including 1 year of housemanship. Its teaching hospital is the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.
9.University of Abuja
The University of Abuja is a federal university located in Nigeria's capital city of Abuja. The College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Medicine and Surgery.
10.University of Calabar
The University of Calabar – popularly known as Unical – is a university located in Calabar, Cross River State, southeastern Nigeria. The College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Medicine and Surgery.
READ ALSO: List of Federal Universities Not Under ASUU in 2024
Frequently Asked Questions About Studying Medicine in Nigeria
Many aspiring doctors have questions about what it's like to study medicine in Nigeria. Here are some of the most common FAQs.
1. How long does it take to become a doctor in Nigeria?
To become a doctor in Nigeria, you need to complete a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree, which typically takes 6 years of study to complete. After finishing your MBBS, you must complete a one-year internship and then pass the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria licensing exam. The entire process, including internship and licensing, usually takes 7-8 years.
2. Do I need to know Hausa or Igbo to study medicine in Nigeria?
No, you do not need to know Hausa, Igbo, or any other Nigerian language to study medicine in Nigeria. Medical programs are taught in English. However, learning some basic greetings in major local languages can be helpful for communicating with patients during your clinical placements and internship.
3. How much does it cost to study medicine in Nigeria?
Tuition and fees for medical school in Nigeria are very affordable compared to the cost of medical education in Western nations. Annual tuition at federal universities in Nigeria ranges from 200,000 to 500,000 Naira (around $500 to $1,300 USD). In addition to tuition, you need to budget for housing, transportation, food, and supplies, which may cost around 300,000 to 500,000 Naira ($800 to $1,300 USD) per year.
4. What are job prospects like for doctors in Nigeria?
The job outlook for physicians in Nigeria is very good. There is currently a shortage of doctors in Nigeria, so employment opportunities abound for general practitioners and specialists. Doctors in Nigeria can work in government hospitals, private hospitals and clinics, non-profit health organizations, and even open their own private practices. Average salaries for doctors in Nigeria range from around 3 to 6 million Naira (about $8,000 to $16,000 USD) per year.
Conclusion
Applying to any school other than those on this list is a complete waste of time, so if you must, make sure it is one of the ones on this list.