Searching for the best Universities in Nigeria for Medicine and Surgery in 2026? You are not alone.
Studying Medicine and Surgery is a dream for many Nigerian students because it leads to one of the most respected and rewarding careers in the world.
Becoming a medical doctor in Nigeria means years of training, discipline, and hard work, but the first step is gaining admission into a top-rated medical school.
In this detailed article, I will walk you through the best universities in Nigeria for Medicine and Surgery in 2026. From federal institutions to state and private medical schools.
I will also explain why they are good, admission tips, and how to improve your chances of acceptance into the University of your choice.
Whether you are preparing for JAMB, Post-UTME, or planning your future in medical science, this guide will help you make a wise decision.
Check Also: Course and Career Guidance: Choosing the Right Programme
Why Choosing the Right Medical School Matters
Medicine and Surgery is not like other courses. It is:
- Competitive
- Time-intensive (typically 6–7 years)
- Academically demanding
- Requires exposure to clinical practice
Choosing the right medical school matters because:
- Quality of clinical training affects your skill as a future doctor
- Reputation matters for job opportunities and postgraduate training
- Some universities have better teaching hospitals
- Certain schools offer stronger research opportunities
Your choice can influence your confidence, knowledge, and future career path.
How Medical Admissions Work in Nigeria
Before we list the best schools, let’s understand the basic requirements:
1. JAMB UTME
You must write the UTME and also choose Medicine and Surgery as your course.
Your score should ideally be 250 and above, although top schools often require 270+.
2. O’Level Subjects
You must have credit passes (usually at a single sitting) in:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- One other relevant subject (often required by certain universities)
3. Post-UTME / Screening
Most universities in Nigeria conduct their own screening or Post-UTME exam.
4. Performance & Interview
Some schools may include oral interviews for final selection.
Read Also: How to check Jamb matriculation list
Top Federal Universities in Nigeria for Medicine and Surgery (2026)
Below are the best Universities in Nigeria for Medicine and Surgery under federal:
1. University of Ibadan (UI)
The University of Ibadan is popular and accepted as one of the best in Nigeria overall, particularly for Medicine and Surgery.
Why UI?
- Oldest medical school in Nigeria
- Strong clinical training
- Affiliated with University College Hospital (UCH), one of Nigeria’s top teaching hospitals
Admission tip: You need very high JAMB and strong Post-UTME performance.
2. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
UNILAG is another top federal university with a well-recognized College of Medicine.
Why UNILAG?
- Excellent research facilities
- Strong urban clinical exposure
- Recognized by global medical bodies
Admission tip: Competitive Post-UTME and strong grades are essential.
3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
OAU Ile-Ife has improved significantly and is known for high academic standards in Medicine and Surgery.
Why OAU?
- Strong theoretical foundation
- Good practical exposure
- Supportive academic environment
Admission tip: Prepare well for long essay questions in Post-UTME.
4. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
ABU is popular among Northern students and has a reputable medical programme.
Why ABU?
- Large teaching hospital
- Rigorous academic standards
- Good research opportunities
Admission tip: ABU often emphasizes good WAEC/SSCE grades.
5. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
UNN College of Medicine is recognized for disciplined clinical teaching.
Why UNN?
- Good blend of classroom and hospital training
- Strong mentorship culture
- Growing research involvement
Admission tip: Maintain a high CGPA for clinical years.
6. University of Port Harcourt (Uniport)
Uniport offers a good Medicine programme with excellent hospital exposure because of its teaching hospital.
Why Uniport?
- Strong clinical rotations
- Exposure to diverse medical cases
- Supportive learning culture
Admission tip: Work on your CAS and Post-UTME early.
7. Bayero University Kano (BUK)
BUK is respected for its medicine programme, especially among Northern and Middle Belt students.
Why BUK?
- Dedicated teaching hospital
- Strong medical faculty
- Comprehensive clinical exposure
Admission tip: Admissions can be competitive; aim for high scores.
Check Also: Step-by-Step Scholarship Application Guide
Top State Universities with Good Medicine Programmes
While federal universities usually attract most top students, some state universities are also strong in Medicine:
1. Lagos State University (LASU)
- Rapidly improving medical faculty
- Great focus on clinical skills training
2. University of Medical Sciences, Ondo (UNIMED)
- Entirely focused on medical and health sciences
- Good research and clinical exposure
3. Edo State University (UNIBENPS)
- Supportive medical training environment
- Integrated teaching hospital
Best Private Universities for Medicine and Surgery
Private medical schools are newer, but some have grown strong because of good facilities and academic environments:
1. Covenant University
- Strong academic culture
- Good research focus
- Smaller class sizes
Admission tip: Very competitive; strong essays and references help.
2. Igbinedion University Okada
- Recognized medical programme
- Modern classrooms and labs
- Growing clinical partnerships
How to Choose the Best Medical School for You
Choosing among these schools should not be random. Ask yourself:
1. Entry Competitiveness
Which schools match your expected JAMB and Post-UTME score range?
2. Location & Living Costs
Studying close to home vs. far away affects accommodation and transport.
3. Clinical Training Quality
Does the school have a strong, well-equipped teaching hospital?
4. Teaching & Research Exposure
Does the school offer internship, mentorship, and research opportunities?
5. Support System
Strong academic advising and counseling help throughout your medical journey.
Tips to Improve Your Admission Chances
Here are practical tips to boost your chances of getting accepted into a top medical school:
1. Score Very High in JAMB
Aim for 280+ if possible, as Medicine and surgery is highly competitive.
2. Prepare Early for Post-UTME
Understand the syllabus and practice for the exams with past questions.
3. Strengthen Your O’Level Results
If you have WASSCE or NECO, make sure you meet the strict credit requirements.
4. Write a Solid Screening Essay
Where required, your essay should show motivation, passion, and clarity.
5. Attend Preparatory Classes if Needed
Tutorials focused on sciences (Biology, Physics, Chemistry) help immensely.
See Also: Courses you can study with 160 in Jamb
FAQs On Best Universities in Nigeria for Medicine and Surgery
Check out these Common questions other students about best Universities in Nigeria for Medicine and Surgery:
Q1. What JAMB score do I need for Medicine and Surgery?
Most top medical schools require at least 250 and above, but the elite ones often shortlist candidates above 270–280.
Q2. Do private medical schools require higher scores than federal ones?
Not always; private schools sometimes have more flexible admission criteria, but they are still competitive because of high demand.
Q3. Can I study Medicine with a low JAMB score?
It’s difficult. Medicine usually requires a strong score, excellent O’level results, and a good Post-UTME score.
Q4. How long is Medicine and Surgery in Nigerian universities?
Typically 6 to 7 years, which includes classroom learning and clinical rotations.
Q5. Is Medicine tougher than other courses?
Medicine is academically demanding and requires discipline, but with passion and good planning, it is achievable.
Conclusion
Choosing the right medical school in Nigeria is the first crucial step toward becoming a medical doctor. Whether you aim for a top federal institution like UI, UNILAG, OAU, or ABU, a state university like UNIMED, or a private school such as Covenant University, the key is preparation, realistic planning, and persistence.
Medicine and Surgery is a demanding but rewarding journey, and with the right guidance just as I listed here, you can succeed.
Good luck!
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