Top 10 Universities to Study Medicine in Nigeria 2026

Top 10 Universities to Study Medicine in Nigeria 2026

Deciding where to study Medicine in Nigeria is one of the most important choices you’ll make as a student. The university you attend affects your residency applications, your board exam performance, and sometimes even how hospitals perceive your CV. With that in mind, here’s a frank look at the top 10 universities for Medicine in Nigeria in 2026.

1. University of Lagos (UNILAG)

UNILAG’s College of Medicine, located in Idi-Araba, Lagos, is widely considered the most competitive medical school in Nigeria. The proximity to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) gives students access to one of the busiest and most diverse patient loads in the country. Clinical exposure starts relatively early and the standard of teaching is consistently high. JAMB cut off: 280 and above.

2. University of Ibadan (UI)

UI was the first university in Nigeria and its College of Medicine has a reputation that stretches decades. The university has produced a disproportionate share of Nigeria’s top physicians and medical researchers. Its teaching hospital, UCH, is one of the best-equipped in the country. Getting in is extremely competitive — expect to need 280+ in JAMB and a strong Post UTME score.

3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

OAU’s medical program is highly regarded in the South-West. The teaching hospital in Ile-Ife provides solid clinical training. OAU graduates are known for their strong foundational sciences background, which shows in their MDCN exam pass rates. Cut off is typically 275 and above.

4. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria

ABU has one of the largest and most well-resourced teaching hospitals in Northern Nigeria. The university serves a massive and diverse patient population, which translates to rich clinical training for medical students. It’s the go-to choice for students in the North. JAMB cut off: 270 and above.

5. University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) — Enugu Campus

UNN’s medical program is run out of its Enugu campus. UNTH (University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital) has strong departments in internal medicine and surgery. The program has a solid track record and graduates who perform well in both MDCN licensing exams and postgraduate training. JAMB cut off: 270 and above.

6. University of Benin (UNIBEN)

UNIBEN’s College of Medical Sciences is well established and the teaching hospital in Benin City handles a high patient volume. The university has produced excellent specialists, particularly in surgery and paediatrics. JAMB cut off: 270 and above.

7. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)

UNIZIK’s medical school operates from Nnewi with its teaching hospital, NAUTH. The program has grown significantly in reputation over the past decade and is now among the top choices for students in the South-East. Clinical training is solid, with good exposure in surgery and obstetrics. JAMB cut off: 265 and above.

8. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)

UNIPORT’s medical program benefits from its location in Nigeria’s oil hub. The teaching hospital serves a large population and students get good clinical exposure. The school has produced a number of notable physicians and its graduates perform respectably in MDCN exams. JAMB cut off: 265 and above.

9. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)

UNILORIN is known for running one of the most disciplined academic programs in Nigeria — and that extends to Medicine. The university’s strict academic culture produces medical graduates who are methodical and well-grounded in theory. Clinical training is done at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. JAMB cut off: 270 and above.

10. Lagos State University (LASU)

LASU’s College of Medicine is a strong option for students in Lagos who may not have gotten into UNILAG. Clinical training is done at LASUTH in Ikeja, one of the busiest hospitals in Lagos State. LASU graduates have been doing increasingly well in licensing exams and the program’s quality has improved noticeably in recent years.

A Few Things Worth Knowing

These rankings are based on overall reputation, clinical training opportunities, MDCN exam performance, and graduate outcomes — not just JAMB cut off marks. Admission into any of these programs requires exceptional JAMB scores (265 and above as a minimum starting point), the right O’Level results, and strong Post UTME performance. Don’t be discouraged if your first choice doesn’t work out — many excellent physicians trained at schools not on this list.