Top 10 Best Universities to Study Medicine & Surgery in Nigeria — 2025 Updated List!
One of the most respected occupations in Nigeria is medicine, which is also one of the most demanding academic disciplines. All around the nation, aspiring doctors aspire to get accepted into the most prominent medical schools, which combine academic brilliance with cutting-edge facilities and leadership in medical research.
For those who wish to succeed in the medicine and surgical fields, selecting a good university is a crucial choice.
The top Nigerian colleges that are renowned for turning out excellent medicine experts are discussed in this article. The aforementioned universities have received recognition for their outstanding academic records, creative teaching strategies, and commitment to hands-on medical education.
Join us as we identify the leading medical schools influencing Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, whether they are public or private.
Come along as we examine the top medicine colleges in Nigeria, broken down by type and region, including both public and private institutions. Let’s get started!
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University of Ibadan (UI)
Nigeria’s first institution was the University of Ibadan (UI), which was founded in 1948. Its esteemed medical school has gained national and international recognition for its long history of academic success.
Numerous medical professionals have received training at UI over the years, and many of them have had a major influence on healthcare in Nigeria and elsewhere.
UI stands out for its persistent commitment to academic excellence and cutting-edge medical research.
The institution College Hospital (UCH), one of Nigeria’s biggest and most cutting-edge teaching hospitals, has a tight relationship with the institution. This collaboration improves students’ experiential learning by providing them with access to state-of-the-art medical facilities, such as advanced surgical units and a comprehensive cancer treatment facility.
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University of Lagos (UNILAG)
Another esteemed organization that has merited its position as one of Nigeria’s best medical colleges is the University of Lagos. The Faculty of Medicine at UNILAG, which was established in 1962, is well known for turning out highly qualified medical professionals who are proficient in a range of medical specializations.
The fact that UNILAG is situated in Lagos, the biggest metropolis in Nigeria, is one of the main advantages of attending. Students can access a broad range of clinical situations and hands-on experiences thanks to this. The university’s partnerships with foreign organizations also benefit UNILAG’s medical students by introducing them to international best practices.
The prestigious Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), which offers specialist services in infectious illnesses, cardiology, and oncology, gives medical students practical experience. Students receive invaluable experience in treating a wide range of medical issues thanks to the hospital’s high patient turnover.
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Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
Established in 1962, Ahmadu Bello University is well-known for its extensive academic offerings and services to healthcare in Nigeria, especially in the north. With graduates who have made major contributions both domestically and abroad, ABU’s College of Medicine is renowned for its high standards.
The university’s affiliation with Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), one of the biggest teaching hospitals in Nigeria, is one of its advantages.
The hospital offers thorough instruction in a range of medical specialties, guaranteeing that students obtain hands-on experience in areas such as infectious disease management and cardiothoracic surgery.
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Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Top-notch medical professionals have long been produced at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State. OAU has established a reputation for rigorous academic training and state-of-the-art medical research since its founding in 1962.
The College of Health Sciences at the university is highly respected for its research projects and clinical training programs. Students are assured of receiving a top-notch education thanks to a staff that includes renowned academics like Professor Wole Atoyebi, a former president of the Nigerian Medical Association.
OAU has ties to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), a comprehensive medical facility with cutting-edge cardiovascular technology and other top-notch medical equipment. Through this partnership, medical students are guaranteed practical experience in a range of specialties.
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University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has earned its place as one of the best universities for studying medicine and surgery in Nigeria. Since its founding in 1960, UNN has graduated hundreds of medical professionals who have significantly improved healthcare in Nigeria and outside.
Clinical practice and research are highly valued at UNN’s College of Medicine. The university is linked with the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), which acts as a major referral facility in Nigeria.
Students are guaranteed thorough medical training because of the hospital’s state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities, which include an oncology department and a cardiology unit.
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University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
The University of Ilorin is renowned for its rigorous academic standards, which guarantee students’ timely graduation. The university’s College of Health Sciences was established in 1975 and is well-known for emphasizing professional conduct and medical ethics.
Respected academics like Professor Oladiji Folarin and Professor Abdulkarim Abdulraheem are part of UNILORIN’s medical faculty, and they both help the university’s standing as a leader in medical education.
With its cutting-edge facilities, the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) offers students hands-on training in a range of medical disciplines, such as internal medicine, surgery, and pediatrics.
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Lagos State University (LASU)
Despite being younger than other of Nigeria’s more established universities, Lagos State University has already established a strong reputation in the field of medical education.
By providing a curriculum that changes in tandem with worldwide medical breakthroughs, LASU’s College of Medicine has been committed to influencing the direction of healthcare since its founding in 1983.
The tight relationship between LASU and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) is one of its most notable attributes. Being close to such a major medical facility allows students to gain practical experience in a variety of specialties, such as emergency medicine, neurology, and oncology. This ongoing exposure to actual medical scenarios not only broadens their knowledge but also improves their practical abilities, making them more equipped to handle a variety of medical difficulties. Because LASU takes the initiative to update its curriculum regularly, graduates are prepared to succeed whether they decide to practice locally or look for possibilities elsewhere.
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University of Benin (UNIBEN )
Located in the center of Edo State, the University of Benin has established itself as a leading medical school, particularly in southern Nigeria. The UNIBEN Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences was founded in 1970 with the goal of laying a solid foundation for aspiring physicians by combining demanding medical education with significant research.
One of UNIBEN’s most notable aspects is its tight partnership with the UNIBEN Teaching Hospital (UBTH). Students are exposed to a variety of clinical scenarios and have access to cutting-edge medical equipment thanks to this collaboration.
What makes UNIBEN distinctive is the hands-on experience students get in public health and tropical medicine, two vital fields considering the region’s particular healthcare issues. UNIBEN graduates are highly recognized in the medical industry because of their reputation for adaptability, especially in underprivileged and rural populations.
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Delta State University (DELSU)
One of Nigeria’s leading medical schools is Delta State University (DELSU), which is situated in Abraka. In order to ensure that students are well-rounded and ready for the demands of the medical profession, the university’s Faculty of Medicine places a strong emphasis on striking a balance between academic understanding and hands-on clinical experience.
Relationships with Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), a significant healthcare center in the area, are at the heart of DELSU’s medical curriculum. Here, students can receive advanced training in fields like nephrology and cardiology while assisting more experienced medical professionals who help them navigate challenging medical procedures.
DELSU’s emphasis on offering a thorough medical education, backed by cutting-edge technology and highly qualified faculty, guarantees that its graduates are equipped to handle the changing demands of contemporary healthcare.
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Bayero University, Kano (BUK)
Since its foundation in 1977, Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has become one of the most regarded schools for medical education in northern Nigeria. Renowned for its excellent academic standards, BUK’s Faculty of Medicine is deeply committed to creating qualified and competent healthcare workers who are equipped to handle the challenges of modern medicine.
The university’s strong ties to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), one of Nigeria’s biggest teaching hospitals, are among the main benefits for BUK students. Through this collaboration, students can receive practical instruction in specific fields such as pediatrics, surgery, and infectious illnesses.
BUK students are exposed to a broad range of medical cases thanks to AKTH’s diverse learning environment, which also helps them build the clinical knowledge and practical skills necessary to succeed in the healthcare sector. Because of BUK’s emphasis on practical experience, graduates are guaranteed to be well-equipped to contribute significantly to their medical careers.
How Are Nigeria’s Top Medical Schools Ranked?
How can the top medical colleges in Nigeria be identified? Naturally, using a top-notch rating methodology.
The National Universities Commission, a respectable regulatory organization that regularly assesses and accredits universities in Nigeria, usually grants these institutions their accreditation. It evaluates important academic fields, ensuring that rankings accurately represent the caliber and performance of institutions. Its evaluation process examines a variety of indicators, such as:
- Quality of teaching
- Research output
- Relevance in the job market
- Standards of accreditation
- Facilities and infrastructure
- In medical school-specific rankings, the following additional factors also come into play:
- Number and quality of full-time and part-time faculty
- Modern teaching hospitals and clinical training facilities are available
- Graduation rates and graduate performance
- Impact of medical research and innovation.
As a result, NUC has a thorough framework that provides parents, students, and other stakeholders with an accurate image of how well medical institutions are performing so they may make informed judgments.
The reviews, which are updated frequently, show how dedicated schools are to academic success. These rankings are crucial for preparing aspiring medical professionals to successfully handle the majority of healthcare difficulties in Nigeria and elsewhere.
As a result, the NUC is a unique resource for anybody looking for current, accurate information about the top medical schools in the nation.
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