Medicine and Surgery is one of the most prestigious and competitive courses in Nigeria. Every year, tens of thousands of candidates apply to study it in federal universities, thanks to their affordable tuition, well-equipped teaching hospitals, and long-standing reputation for excellence.
In this detailed guide, you’ll discover the best federal universities in Nigeria for Medicine, their latest JAMB cut-off marks, campus locations, reasons why they stand out, and other useful information that will help you choose wisely.
General Admission Requirements for Medicine in Nigeria
To secure admission into any federal university for Medicine and Surgery, you must meet the following core requirements:
1. JAMB UTME Subject Combination
- English Language (compulsory)
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
2. O’Level Requirements (WAEC/NECO)
- At least five (5) credit passes in:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
(All in one sitting or at most two sittings depending on the university)
3. Post-UTME Screening
- Most schools conduct internal post-UTME screening tests or assessments.
- Some also consider SSCE grades and catchment area factors.
What You Will Learn in Medicine and Surgery
A Medicine and Surgery degree in Nigeria usually spans six years, followed by a compulsory one-year housemanship and National Youth Service (NYSC).
You will study:
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Community Medicine
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Pediatrics
- Surgery
- Internal Medicine
Students also go through clinical postings, research projects, and practical training in hospitals.
Top 20 Federal Universities Offering Medicine in Nigeria (with Cut-Off Marks)
Below is a curated list of the best-performing federal universities in Nigeria offering Medicine and Surgery, their cut-off marks, and highlights of what makes each special.
1. University of Ibadan (UI), Oyo State – (Cut-Off Mark: 250+)
- Location & Info: Ibadan, Oyo State. Oldest Nigerian university, founded in 1948.
- Why You’ll Like It: Consistently ranks No. 1 in Nigeria. Offers world-class facilities, and its University College Hospital (UCH) is a major training ground for medical students.
2. University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State – (Cut-Off Mark: 270+)
- Location & Info: Akoka, Lagos. Urban setting with access to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
- Why You’ll Like It: Offers vast clinical exposure and modern medical technology. Located in Nigeria’s economic hub.
3. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria – (Cut-Off Mark: 240+)
- Location & Info: Zaria, Kaduna State. Covers a large campus and serves Northern Nigeria.
- Why You’ll Like It: Known for broad research and diversity. Has one of the biggest teaching hospitals in Africa.
4. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Enugu State – (Cut-Off Mark: 250+)
- Location & Info: Medical campus located in Enugu; main campus in Nsukka.
- Why You’ll Like It: Has produced top medical professionals in Africa. Highly respected College of Medicine.
5. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife – (Cut-Off Mark: 260+)
- Location & Info: Ile-Ife, Osun State. Large, serene campus.
- Why You’ll Like It: OAUTHC (teaching hospital) is one of the best in Nigeria. Strong in surgical training and research.
6. University of Benin (UNIBEN), Edo State – (Cut-Off Mark: 250+)
- Location & Info: Benin City, Edo State.
- Why You’ll Like It: College of Medical Sciences is highly rated. Offers great internship opportunities across South-South Nigeria.
7. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Kwara State – (Cut-Off Mark: 260+)
- Location & Info: Ilorin, a quiet and academic-friendly city.
- Why You’ll Like It: Known for uninterrupted school calendar. One of the most consistent universities in Nigeria.
8. Bayero University Kano (BUK), Kano State – (Cut-Off Mark: 240+)
- Location & Info: Kano city, Northern Nigeria’s commercial hub.
- Why You’ll Like It: Affordable cost of living, wide exposure to tropical diseases, and well-structured clinical rotations.
9. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State – (Cut-Off Mark: 250+)
- Location & Info: Port Harcourt, oil-rich city with industrial hospitals.
- Why You’ll Like It: Known for robust community health programs and practical exposure.
10. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka – (Cut-Off Mark: 250+)
- Location & Info: Medical campus is in Nnewi, home to many private hospitals.
- Why You’ll Like It: Modern classrooms, fast academic calendar, and exposure to real-life hospital cases.
11. Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) – (Cut-Off Mark: 250+)
- Location & Info: Owerri, Imo State.
- Why You’ll Like It: Newly introduced medicine program with advanced tech-based teaching approach.
12. University of Calabar (UNICAL), Cross River State – (Cut-Off Mark: 250+)
- Location & Info: Calabar, clean and peaceful city.
- Why You’ll Like It: Great learning environment and strong ethical standards in medical practice.
13. Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUS), Sokoto – (Cut-Off Mark: 240+)
- Location & Info: Sokoto State.
- Why You’ll Like It: Strong community-based medicine focus. Reliable academic calendar.
14. Federal University, Lafia – (Cut-Off Mark: 240+)
- Location & Info: Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria.
- Why You’ll Like It: Small class sizes and fast-growing infrastructure.
15. University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), FCT – (Cut-Off Mark: 240+)
- Location & Info: Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
- Why You’ll Like It: Proximity to federal institutions and excellent internship placements.
16. Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (FUNAI) – (Cut-Off Mark: 240+)
- Location & Info: Ebonyi State.
- Why You’ll Like It: Excellent student support and fast-growing medical college.
17. University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Akwa Ibom – (Cut-Off Mark: 250+)
- Location & Info: Uyo, a calm and safe city.
- Why You’ll Like It: Excellent for students who want a quiet study atmosphere with good clinical exposure.
18. Federal University, Dutse (FUD), Jigawa State – (Cut-Off Mark: 240+)
- Location & Info: Jigawa State, North-West Nigeria.
- Why You’ll Like It: Recently approved program with modern facilities.
19. Federal University, Lokoja (FUL), Kogi State – (Cut-Off Mark: 240+)
- Location & Info: Lokoja, central Nigeria.
- Why You’ll Like It: Central location with potential access to various teaching hospitals.
20. Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Ekiti State – (Cut-Off Mark: 240+)
- Location & Info: Ekiti State in the South-West.
- Why You’ll Like It: Young and vibrant university with a growing reputation for science and medicine.
Final Tips for Medical School Applicants
- Aim for 270+ in JAMB to increase your chances.
- Prepare thoroughly for Post-UTME and keep an eye on each university’s specific screening format.
- Be aware of catchment area and educationally less developed state (ELDS) considerations—they may influence your admission chances.
Conclusion
Choosing the right university is as important as getting the score. This list of federal universities for Medicine in Nigeria not only helps you compare cut-off marks but also gives you a sense of the campus culture and academic quality.
When you’re informed, you’re empowered to make the best decision for your future as a doctor.
