Choosing where to study Medicine and Surgery is one of the most important academic decisions any science student can make. This course demands years of discipline, financial commitment, and emotional strength. That is why understanding the best universities for medicine and Surgery in Nigeria helps you plan wisely and avoid costly mistakes.
This guide is written clearly for students, parents, and guardians who want accurate, engaging, and up-to-date information about medical schools in Nigeria.
What Is Medicine and Surgery?
Medicine and Surgery (MBBS or MBChB) is a professional degree that trains students to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases while also learning surgical procedures.
The programme combines:
- Basic medical sciences
- Clinical sciences
- Hospital-based training
- Supervised clinical practice
In Nigeria, the programme lasts six years (excluding pre-degree or remedial years) and graduates must complete one year of housemanship and NYSC before full medical practice.
Why Choosing the Right Medical School in Nigeria Matters
Selecting from the best universities for medicine and Surgery in Nigeria determines:
- Quality of teaching hospitals
- Access to modern laboratories and equipment
- Strong clinical exposure
- Recognition by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN)
- Better internship and residency opportunities
A well-accredited medical school gives you confidence, competence, and global recognition.
How Medical School Rankings Are Determined in Nigeria
Medical schools in Nigeria are ranked using several practical factors, not just popularity. These include:
- MDCN accreditation status
- Standard of teaching hospitals
- Quality of lecturers and consultants
- Student clinical exposure
- Research output
- Graduate performance in licensing exams
Universities that consistently meet these standards remain among the best universities for medicine and Surgery in Nigeria.
Top 20 Best Universities for Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria
1. University of Ibadan (UI)
Location: Ibadan, Oyo State
Estimated Fees: ₦150,000 – ₦200,000 per year
Acceptance Rate: Very competitive
Why It’s Among the Best:
UI is Nigeria’s oldest medical school with a strong teaching hospital (UCH). It produces highly respected doctors, has excellent clinical exposure, and strong research facilities.
2. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Location: Ile-Ife, Osun State
Estimated Fees: ₦160,000 – ₦200,000
Acceptance Rate: Very competitive
Why It’s Among the Best:
OAU is known for strict academic standards, solid anatomy training, and a well-equipped teaching hospital.
3. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
Location: Lagos State
Estimated Fees: ₦180,000 – ₦250,000
Acceptance Rate: Very competitive
Why It’s Among the Best:
Located in Nigeria’s largest city, UNILAG offers diverse clinical cases and strong exposure to modern medical practice.
4. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
Location: Zaria, Kaduna State
Estimated Fees: ₦100,000 – ₦200,000
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Why It’s Among the Best:
ABU has one of the largest medical faculties in Nigeria and provides extensive clinical training.
5. University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
Location: Nsukka, Enugu State
Estimated Fees: ₦150,000 – ₦230,000
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Why It’s Among the Best:
UNN has a long-standing reputation in medical education and strong alumni influence in the health sector.
6. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
Location: Benin City, Edo State
Estimated Fees: ₦180,000 – ₦240,000
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Why It’s Among the Best:
UNIBEN is known for stable academic calendars and good clinical rotations.
7. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
Location: Ilorin, Kwara State
Estimated Fees: ₦120,000 – ₦200,000
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Why It’s Among the Best:
UNILORIN is respected for discipline, uninterrupted academic sessions, and quality medical training.
8. Bayero University Kano (BUK)
Location: Kano State
Estimated Fees: ₦120,000 – ₦200,000
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Why It’s Among the Best:
BUK offers strong research orientation and serves a wide patient population in Northern Nigeria.
9. Lagos State University (LASU)
Location: Lagos State
Estimated Fees: ₦300,000 – ₦400,000
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Why It’s Among the Best:
LASU benefits from modern facilities and clinical exposure through Lagos teaching hospitals.
10. Delta State University (DELSU)
Location: Abraka, Delta State
Estimated Fees: ₦250,000 – ₦350,000
Acceptance Rate: Moderate to high
Why It’s Among the Best:
DELSU has an accredited medical programme and improving infrastructure.
11. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
Location: Awka, Anambra State
Estimated Fees: ₦200,000 – ₦300,000
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Why It’s Among the Best:
UNIZIK has modern facilities and strong clinical training through its teaching hospital.
12. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
Location: Rivers State
Estimated Fees: ₦150,000 – ₦220,000
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Why It’s Among the Best:
UNIPORT offers solid medical education with good exposure in the Niger Delta region.
13. University of Jos (UNIJOS)
Location: Plateau State
Estimated Fees: ₦150,000 – ₦220,000
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Why It’s Among the Best:
UNIJOS is respected for consistent MDCN accreditation and clinical competence.
14. Ebonyi State University (EBSU)
Location: Abakaliki, Ebonyi State
Estimated Fees: ₦300,000 – ₦450,000
Acceptance Rate: Moderate
Why It’s Among the Best:
EBSU focuses strongly on medical sciences and health-related courses.
15. Ambrose Alli University (AAU)
Location: Ekpoma, Edo State
Estimated Fees: ₦200,000 – ₦300,000
Acceptance Rate: Moderate
Why It’s Among the Best:
AAU has a long-running medical programme with steady graduate output.
16. Igbinedion University
Location: Okada, Edo State
Estimated Fees: ₦2.5 million+
Acceptance Rate: Selective (private)
Why It’s Among the Best:
One of the first private universities to offer Medicine with stable facilities.
17. Madonna University
Location: Elele, Rivers State
Estimated Fees: ₦2 million+
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Why It’s Among the Best:
Madonna University has produced many medical graduates and maintains MDCN accreditation.
18. Babcock University
Location: Ogun State
Estimated Fees: ₦3.5 – ₦4 million
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Why It’s Among the Best:
Babcock offers modern facilities, stable academic calendar, and quality teaching hospitals.
19. Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)
Location: Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
Estimated Fees: ₦4 million+
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Why It’s Among the Best:
ABUAD is known for world-class laboratories and structured medical training.
20. Nile University of Nigeria
Location: Abuja
Estimated Fees: ₦3 million+
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Why It’s Among the Best:
Nile University offers modern medical education with international-standard facilities.
Cheapest Universities for Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria
For students seeking affordability, federal universities remain the best option.
The cheapest options among the best universities for medicine and Surgery in Nigeria include:
- University of Ibadan
- Bayero University Kano
- University of Ilorin
- Ahmadu Bello University
- Obafemi Awolowo University
They combine quality education with relatively low tuition.
General Admission Requirements for Medicine & Surgery
To gain admission into the best universities for medicine and Surgery in Nigeria, you must meet these requirements:
- Five O’Level credits: English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- High UTME score (usually 250 and above)
- Correct JAMB subject combination
- Strong performance in Post-UTME or screening
- Age and medical fitness requirements
Competition is intense, so excellence matters.
How to Increase Your Chances of Studying Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria
To stand out:
- Aim for 280+ in UTME
- Prepare deeply for Post-UTME exams
- Choose less competitive universities strategically
- Avoid O’Level deficiencies
- Apply early and follow admission updates closely
These steps increase your chances in the best universities for medicine and Surgery in Nigeria.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for Medical Students
Medical students can reduce financial burden through:
- Federal Government scholarships
- State bursaries
- University merit awards
- Private and NGO scholarships
- International medical education grants
Some of the best universities for medicine and Surgery in Nigeria also offer internal support schemes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Studying Medicine in Nigeria
Is Medicine and Surgery hard in Nigeria?
Yes, but with discipline and passion, students succeed.
How long is Medicine and Surgery?
Six academic years, plus housemanship and NYSC.
Which university is the best for Medicine in Nigeria?
University of Ibadan consistently ranks highest among the best universities for medicine and Surgery in Nigeria.
Can I study Medicine with low JAMB score?
It is very difficult; high scores are essential.