Best Universities in Nigeria to Study Medicine is what you need in other for you to excel in the field of medcine Nigeria.
Choosing a university is therefore about more than reputation: prospective students should consider the quality of medical training, clinical experience, teaching-hospital facilities, admission requirements and the current accreditation status of the programme.
Nigeria has several established medical schools across federal, state and private universities. However, no single university is automatically the best choice for every student. The right option depends on the student’s academic qualifications, preferred location, budget and the opportunities available at the medical school.
Before choosing a university, applicants should check the latest programme information from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and the National Universities Commission (NUC). The MDCN publishes a list of accredited medical schools, while the NUC provides information about university programme accreditation. Accreditation status can change, so older lists should not be treated as current confirmation
10 Best Universities in Nigeria to Study Medicine and Surgery 2026/2027
The MDCN classifies all ten universities below as having full accreditation for their medical schools.
1. University of Ibadan (UI)
Located in Ibadan, Oyo State, UI is a long-established choice for students interested in Medicine and Surgery. Its College of Medicine and its connection with University College Hospital provide an established setting for academic and clinical training. The MDCN lists its medical school as fully accredited, with a current quota of 180.
2. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
UNILAG offers Medicine and Surgery through its College of Medicine at Idi-Araba. Its location in Lagos gives students access to a large urban healthcare environment, while its medical training is associated with Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). The MDCN’s September 2026 list records full accreditation and a quota of 150.
3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
OAU, located in Ile-Ife, Osun State, is another established option for aspiring doctors. Its College of Health Sciences and teaching-hospital complex form part of the environment in which students develop medical knowledge and clinical skills. The MDCN lists its medical school as fully accredited, with a quota of 160.
4. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
ABU in Zaria, Kaduna State, is a major option for students seeking medical education in northern Nigeria. Its College of Medicine provides medical training in an established university setting, with clinical training linked to Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital. The MDCN records full accreditation and a quota of 350.
5. University of Nigeria (UNN)
Although the university is named after Nsukka, its College of Medicine is located at the Enugu campus. Applicants should understand this distinction when planning accommodation and transport. The MDCN lists the medical school as fully accredited, with a quota of 400.
6. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
UNIBEN is an established medical-school option in southern Nigeria. Its College of Medical Sciences and association with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital give medical students a university and clinical-training environment. The MDCN records full accreditation and a quota of 150.
7. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
UNILORIN is worth considering for students who want to study Medicine and Surgery in Kwara State. Its College of Medicine is associated with the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, providing a clinical setting for medical education. The MDCN lists the programme as fully accredited, with a quota of 150.
8. Delta State University (DELSU)
DELSU offers a medical-school option in Abraka, Delta State. Students considering the university should review the current admission requirements, clinical postings and arrangements for practical training before making a choice. The MDCN’s September 2026 list records full accreditation and a quota of 300.
9. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
UNIPORT is an option for students interested in studying Medicine in Rivers State. Its College of Health Sciences and relationship with the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital support the medical-training environment.
The NUC’s published accreditation report for Medicine and Surgery records full accreditation following a December 2024 visitation; the MDCN also lists the medical school as fully accredited in September 2026.
10. Bayero University Kano (BUK)
BUK is another established choice for prospective medical students in northern Nigeria. Its College of Medicine and association with Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital provide a setting for classroom learning and clinical experience. The MDCN records full accreditation and a quota of 200.
Is Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) a university for Medicine?
No. The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) is a teaching hospital, not a university that independently awards an undergraduate MBBS degree. It supports clinical services and medical training, while applicants should apply to a university that offers Medicine and Surgery. Do not list LASUTH as a university in a ranking of medical schools.
How to choose the right university for Medicine in Nigeria
Before selecting a university on your JAMB form, consider the following:
Accreditation: Check the MDCN’s latest list for the specific medical school and confirm the current status for your intended admission year.
Admission requirements: Check the university’s latest JAMB brochure entry, O’level subject requirements, UTME subject combination and any post-UTME requirements.
Clinical training: Find out which teaching hospital or hospitals support the programme and where students undertake clinical postings.
Total cost: Compare tuition and other approved fees, accommodation, transport and daily living expenses.
Location: Consider whether you can realistically live and study in the university’s city throughout the programme.
A fully accredited programme is an important starting point, but accreditation alone does not prove that one school is better than every other school. For the latest status, consult the MDCN’s accredited medical schools list for September 2026.
Frequently asked questions about Best Universities in Nigeria to Study Medicine
Which is the best university in Nigeria to study Medicine?
The University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University and Ahmadu Bello University are among the established options worth considering. There is no single official national ranking that makes one university the best for every student, so compare accreditation, clinical training, admission requirements and costs.
How many years does it take to study Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria?
Studying Medicine and Surgery (MBBS or MB;BS) in Nigeria typically takes six years through JAMB UTME admission. The programme covers basic medical sciences, including Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, before progressing to clinical training in areas such as Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Some universities offer a five-year route for eligible Direct Entry candidates, depending on their admission requirements. After graduation, medical graduates must also complete the required internship before obtaining full registration to practise in Nigeria.
Can I study Medicine at LASUTH?
LASUTH is a teaching hospital, not a university offering an independent undergraduate MBBS degree. Apply to a recognised university offering Medicine and Surgery.
Are private universities also options for Medicine in Nigeria?
Yes. Nigeria has private universities with medical schools. However, students should check the MDCN’s current accreditation status for the particular programme before applying. The September 2026 list includes both fully and partially accredited medical schools.
What should I check before choosing a medical school?
Check the current MDCN accreditation status, JAMB and O’level requirements, teaching-hospital arrangements, approved fees and the location of the programme.
