Looking for the best universities in Nigeria for Medicine and Surgery in 2026? You’re definitely not alone.
Medicine and Surgery remains one of the most sought-after courses in Nigeria because it leads to a highly respected and fulfilling career. However, the journey starts with gaining admission into a well-recognized and accredited medical school.
Becoming a medical doctor requires years of dedication, discipline, and serious academic effort, but choosing the right university is the very first step.
In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through the best universities in Nigeria for Medicine and Surgery in 2026, covering federal, state, and private institutions. I’ll also explain what makes each school stand out, share useful admission tips, and show you how to improve your chances of getting admitted.
Whether you’re preparing for JAMB, Post-UTME, or planning ahead for a future in medical science, this guide will help you make an informed and smart decision.
Why Choosing the Right Medical School Matters
Medicine and Surgery is very different from most other courses. It is highly competitive, takes a long time to complete (usually 6–7 years), and demands serious academic commitment. It also requires early and consistent exposure to clinical practice.
This is why choosing the right medical school is extremely important. The quality of clinical training you receive will shape how skilled and confident you become as a future doctor.
A university’s reputation can also influence job opportunities and postgraduate placements after graduation.
Some schools have better teaching hospitals with more patient exposure, while others provide stronger research opportunities that help students build a solid medical foundation.
In the long run, the university you choose can affect your knowledge, confidence, and overall career path in medicine.
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.
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.
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.
Read Also: How To Get Admitted Into University in Nigeria (2026 Update)
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.
Final Words
Choosing the right medical school in Nigeria is the first and most important step toward becoming a medical doctor.
Whether you’re aiming for a top federal university like UI, UNILAG, OAU, or ABU, a state university such as UNIMED, or a private institution like Covenant University, what truly matters is proper preparation, realistic planning, and consistency.
Medicine and Surgery is a tough but fulfilling journey. With the right information and guidance, just like what has been shared here, you can stay focused and succeed on your path to becoming a doctor.
