Medicine is arguably the most popular course in science. In Nigeria, many young secondary school leavers carry the dream of studying medicine and surgery in a reputable institution to become medical doctors. Meanwhile, medicine is a field that necessitates a great deal of responsibility and medics are required to act appropriately. Studying this course in a renowned university goes a long way in equipping future doctors with the necessary skills and experience. Thus, this article is focused on highlighting the best universities to study medicine in Nigeria and what makes them exceptional.
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Studying Medicine in Nigeria
In Nigeria, the dream of many young folks in science class in secondary school is to study medicine and surgery at a reputable university and become medical doctors. Even for parents, many Nigerian parents experience a sense of fulfilment in having a child who is a medical doctor.
While many find medicine appealing for its attractive salary, the process of becoming a medical doctor is not so attractive. Starting from studying hard to pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), to struggling to graduate as a medical doctor, the process can be demanding.
One of the most important steps to becoming a medical doctor is to study medicine at a world-class university, even in Nigeria. As an aspiring medic, you might want to consider different universities that offer medicine and surgery, how long have they been offering the course, what facilities are available, their tuition, and of course, their professional reviews. Interestingly, we have done the tedious part of the research and have compiled a list of the ten best universities to study medicine in Nigeria.
Best Universities to Study Medicine in Nigeria
The medical schools’ goal is to prepare students to become outstanding doctors and medical practitioners. In Nigeria, there are so many outstanding medical schools that you may be unsure which one to attend. While it’s normal to feel overwhelmed when making an important decision, it’s best to seek knowledge from experts and make research. Thus, the following are the best universities in Nigeria to study medicine.
1. University of Ibadan, Ibadan
The University of Ibadan is Nigeria’s first university and is widely regarded as the best university in Nigeria, not just in medical sciences, but in other fields, too. When it comes to medical education in Nigeria today, the University of Ibadan has an impressive reputation and a long list of achievements. It boasts a prestigious medical school where many serious illnesses have been successfully treated.
The University of Ibadan’s College of Medicine has a lot of modern-day equipment that presents a levelled ground for its students to practice and study. Furthermore, it has ties to various foreign universities and accepts international students to its medical school.
However, as should be expected, admission into the University of Ibadan College of Medicine is extremely competitive as the university only admits very few applicants. Nevertheless, graduates of the university often have a competitive advantage in the labour market.
2. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
Second on our list is Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. OAU College of Health Sciences is one of the best medical schools to study medicine in Nigeria. Located in the Southwestern part of Nigeria, OAU is renowned for its exceptional teaching hospital, which has a long history of treating unusual diseases and chronic ailments. Moreover, the university has state-of-the-art facilities that are regarded as one of the best in the country.
As compared to the University of Ibadan, securing admission to study medicine and surgery at OAU is fairly easy. The university admits more students yearly than the UI but their school fee is considerably high compared to UI and other federal universities.
3. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
Next on our list is Ahmadu Bello University, Zara (ABU). This university is regarded as the best medical university in Nigeria’s northern region. The university has one of the best sets of equipment and structures for medical students in the country, and it has a track record of producing some of Nigeria’s best doctors.
ABU medical school is the first of its kind in Northern Nigeria, and the Faculty of Medicine is the largest faculty at the university. Not only is the faculty the largest in the institution, but it is well equipped to graduate excellent medical students.
4. University of Lagos, Lagos
University of Lagos College of Medicine is another great choice for aspiring medical doctors. UNILAG, as fondly called, was established to graduate highly skilled medical personnel for the provision of specialised medical services and research into health-related issues. It also aspires to be a world-class medical school with a strong research focus.
The University of Lagos along with its teaching hospital, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), are well-equipped with state-of-the-art teaching and research equipment and it holds a reputation for a high-level academic standard. Meanwhile, the admission process isn’t as competitive as the University of Ibadan and their school fee is equally affordable. Just a perfect place for passionate medical students.
5. University of Ilorin, Ilorin
Talk of a standardised educational system, fast academic calendar, and cheap tuition, the “better by far university” is remarkable for its high standard. A perfect place for you to pursue your career as a medical doctor.
University of Ilorin Medical School is equipped with international-standard types of equipment that facilitate effective learning and research. A conducive environment that facilitates learning and affordable cost of living.
However, the university gives priority to candidates in their catchment areas during the admission process. Nevertheless, they have one of the fastest academic calendars as a federal university in Nigeria.
6. University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Next on our list of the best universities to study medicine in Nigeria is the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The university founded by Nnamdi Azikiwe is considered one of the country’s first-generation universities. This university is unlike any other, dedicated to the continuous training of medical students regardless of how difficult it may be. It seeks to bring out the best in its medical students so that they can represent the university and the country well in the outside world.
Medical students from this university are often said to be comprised of the greatest minds from throughout the country. This is due to the stringent nature of their medical school admissions requirements.
Meanwhile, the medical school used to be a cynosure until the federal government relocated the teaching hospital to Ituku-Ozalla, a village in Enugu state. This caused a loss in a number of facilities that the university had but more facilities are in construction to meet the international standard.
7. University of Benin, Benin
University of Benin, Benin, Edo state is another top choice for people who are aspiring to study medicine and surgery in Nigeria. UNIBEN, as fondly called, has one of the largest medical facilities in Nigeria. Doctors who graduate from the University of Benin are known to be outstanding among their pairs. This can be attributed to the high learning standard of the university.
With regards to their admission, the standard is as expected of a reputable medical university in Nigeria. Approximately 3,000 students are enrolled in the university’s medical school yearly. This figure includes both full-time and part-time students. More so, their tuition fee is one of the cheapest in the country.
8. Lagos State University, Ojo
Next on our list is the Lagos State University located in Ojo, Lagos State. Being the first state university to feature on our list, it is safe to refer to it as the best state university to study medicine and surgery in Nigeria.
Because of its commitment to producing world-class graduates in health science, it has made significant contributions to global medical practice and research. This is commendable for a state-owned university in Nigeria.
The Lagos state university teaching hospital is ranked number 5 as one of the best medical facilities in the country. This is not farfetched from its long history of medical successes even in the worst-case scenario.
9. Delta State University, Abraka
Delta State University is another best place to study medicine in Nigeria. This state-owned university has state-of-the-art facilities as well as cutting-edge research initiatives. A dependable educational curriculum as well as sound research and study equipment. Just the right place to pursue your medical career.
The institution has graduated approximately 1,000 professional medical doctors since accreditation in 2001. Within the short year of grooming future doctors, the university has come to prove its high standard in teaching and research. Also, the tuition is fairly affordable compared to other stat-owned universities in Nigeria and they give preference to indigenes in their range of tuition.
10. Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma
Lastly on our list of the best universities to study medicine in Nigeria is Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Edo state. Aside from being equipped with world-class facilities to train word-class medical doctors. This state-owned university has one of the fastest academic calendars in Nigeria and hardly goes on strike. Another important factor you need to consider before choosing where to pursue your medical career.
AAU is equipped with standard medical facilities and a conducive environment that promotes learning and research. More so, their admission process is not a rigorous as other federal universities on this list. However, their tuition is also not as cheap as the federal universities on this list.
Choose the Right Place to Pursue Your Medical Career
As a final thought, it is important to note that the universities on this list are highly competitive. On average, each of these universities receives at least 500,000 applications each year and admits about a few hundreds. Thus, you’ll have to go the additional mile to get the best grade that qualifies you to any of these institutions.
Much if you are accepted, you will have to put in even more effort to graduate as a medical doctor. When it comes to studying medicine in Nigeria, these ten universities offer the best professional training with world-class facilities. We have mentioned some important things to note in your research, but feel free to make additional research if you feel you need to. Best of luck in your pursuit of medical profession.
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