Top 10 Best Universities to Study Medicine in Nigeria in 2025

Top 10 Nigerian Universities for Medicine & Surgery in 2025

With a growing demand for healthcare professionals, aspiring medics in Nigeria are choosing universities based on reputation, research facilities, and quality clinical training. Here are the top 10 institutions leading the pack to study medicine in Nigeria in 2025, according to national and global rankings:

1. University of Ibadan (UI), Ibadan

 The nation’s oldest university and consistently ranked Nigeria’s best. Its College of Medicine features advanced labs, simulation centers, and training at University College Hospital (UCH), “once rated among the top five Commonwealth teaching hospitals.” UI offers world-class instruction and global recognition, making it the gold standard for medicine in Nigeria.

The University of Ibadan is located in Ibadan, Oyo State, Southwestern Nigeria, and is also known for producing high-quality graduates in Medicine and other medicine-related courses in Nigeria.

2. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife

Known for its blend of academic rigor and research emphasis, OAU’s Faculty of Health Sciences excels in surgical and clinical training. It boasts cutting-edge labs and highly esteemed faculty.

3. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria

A northern powerhouse since the 1960s, ABU’s Faculty of Medicine is backed by one of Africa’s busiest teaching hospitals, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, and offers a wide-reaching clinical experience.

4. University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos

Affiliated with Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), the College of Medicine provides students with rich hands-on exposure in a bustling urban healthcare environment. Strong in both research and clinical facilities, it regularly ranks among Africa’s top 500 medical programs.

The college of medicine at the University of Lagos is known for producing some of the best doctors and graduates of various medical-related courses in Nigeria.

5. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Nsukka

UNN’s College of Medicine is celebrated for research-driven teaching and practical training at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) and other clinical sites.

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6. University of Benin (UNIBEN), Benin City

Boasting a robust MBBS program and clinical training via University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UNIBEN combines quality education with solid student support and research opportunities.

7. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Ilorin

Even though the University of Ilorin is one of the hardest universities to get into in the country, especially for medicine-affiliated courses, it is still one of the best universities in Nigeria for medicine and surgery and other medical-related courses.

Known for academic consistency and minimal disruptions, UNILORIN offers an MBBS program recognized for its high standards and disciplined environment. UNILORIN is known for tight academic schedules for students and they also rarely go on strike. 

8. Bayero University Kano (BUK), Kano

BUK’s Faculty of Medicine is positioned within the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, giving students direct access to real-world cases including tropical diseases and a strong clinical foundation.

9. Lagos State University (LASUCOM)  Ikeja

As one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing medical colleges, LASUCOM is embedded in the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. Announced by medical leaders as a rising institution, it also offers dentistry and allied health degrees.

10. Covenant University/Babcock/UNIZIK (Honorable Mentions)

While not always in THE rankings, top private universities like Babcock and Covenant offer modern facilities and strong mentorship. Federal “next-tier” institutions like Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Delta State (DELSU), and UNIPORT also provide quality medical training.

What Makes These Schools Stand Out

Clinical Exposure: Training at major teaching hospitals, low student-to-staff ratios, and exposure to varied medical cases.

Research & Facilities: High-quality labs, simulation centers, and international collaborations.

Global Recognition: UI, UNILAG, and ABU regularly appear in global rankings; Nigerian graduates are accepted worldwide.

Choosing the right medical school in Nigeria means balancing academic prestige with practical training and personal fit—urban versus serene, public versus private, clinical exposure versus research focus. These top 10 institutions offer a blend of excellence, making them ideal for aspiring doctors committed to both national impact and global competitiveness.