If you are interested in building a career in healthcare, you are not limited to just studying Medicine and Surgery. Nigerian universities and colleges offer many other medical and health-related courses that are equally rewarding and less competitive.

This comprehensive guide explores the top 20 medical courses you can study in Nigeria, their admission requirements, career opportunities, and the best schools offering them. We also include a summary table for quick reference.

Whether you want to become a doctor, a nurse, or a specialist in a specific area of healthcare, this article will help you make an informed choice.

Why Study a Medical Course in Nigeria?

The healthcare sector is one of the most respected and essential fields in Nigeria. Medical professionals save lives, improve public health, and earn good salaries. Here are a few reasons why you should consider studying a medical course:

• High demand for healthcare workers in Nigeria and abroad.

• Opportunity to work in hospitals, research, teaching, or private practice.

• Job security and career growth potential.

• Chance to make a meaningful difference in society.

What Are Medical Courses?

Medical courses include all programs that focus on human health, disease prevention, treatment, and healthcare management. They can range from clinical (like Medicine and Nursing) to laboratory and administrative roles (like Medical Laboratory Science and Health Information Management).

Top 20 Medical Courses to Study in Nigerian Universities

Below is a detailed list of the best medical courses you can study in Nigeria in 2025.

1. Medicine and Surgery

• Duration: 6 years + housemanship

• Why choose it: For those who want to become medical doctors.

• Career opportunities: Physician, surgeon, consultant, researcher.

• Best schools: University of Ibadan, UNILAG, UNN.

2. Nursing Science

• Duration: 5 years (BSc)

• Why choose it: For caring and compassionate people.

• Career opportunities: Nurse, midwife, nurse educator, matron.

• Best schools: University of Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello University, UNILORIN.

3. Dentistry and Dental Surgery

• Duration: 6 years

• Why choose it: To specialize in oral and dental care.

• Career opportunities: Dentist, orthodontist, oral surgeon.

• Best schools: University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University.

4. Pharmacy

• Duration: 5 years

• Why choose it: Focuses on medicine production and safe use.

• Career opportunities: Pharmacist, researcher, drug consultant.

• Best schools: UNIBEN, OAU, University of Jos.

5. Medical Laboratory Science

• Duration: 5 years

• Why choose it: Work behind the scenes testing and analyzing.

• Career opportunities: Medical laboratory scientist, researcher.

• Best schools: University of Lagos, OAU.

6. Radiography

• Duration: 5 years

• Why choose it: Use imaging technology to diagnose diseases.

• Career opportunities: Radiographer, sonographer, imaging specialist.

• Best schools: UNN, Bayero University.

7. Physiotherapy

• Duration: 5 years

• Why choose it: Help patients recover physical strength and mobility.

• Career opportunities: Physiotherapist, rehabilitation specialist.

• Best schools: University of Ibadan, UNILORIN.

8. Optometry

• Duration: 6 years

• Why choose it: Eye health and vision care.

• Career opportunities: Optometrist, vision therapist.

• Best schools: Imo State University, Abia State University.

9. Anatomy

• Duration: 4 years

• Why choose it: Study of human body structure.

• Career opportunities: Lecturer, researcher, forensic analyst.

• Best schools: University of Ilorin, University of Lagos.

10. Physiology

• Duration: 4 years

• Why choose it: Study of body functions.

• Career opportunities: Researcher, lecturer, consultant.

• Best schools: University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University.

11. Biochemistry

• Duration: 4 years

• Why choose it: Study of chemical processes in the body.

• Career opportunities: Researcher, pharmaceutical scientist.

• Best schools: UNN, UNIBEN.

12. Public Health

• Duration: 4–5 years

• Why choose it: Focus on disease prevention and health education.

• Career opportunities: Public health officer, NGO worker.

• Best schools: University of Ibadan, University of Lagos.

13. Health Education

• Duration: 4 years

• Why choose it: Educate people on healthy lifestyles.

• Career opportunities: Health educator, counselor.

• Best schools: University of Nigeria, UNILAG.

14. Medical Rehabilitation

• Duration: 5 years

• Why choose it: Work with patients recovering from illnesses or injuries.

• Career opportunities: Occupational therapist, rehabilitation specialist.

• Best schools: OAU, UNN.

15. Human Nutrition and Dietetics

• Duration: 4–5 years

• Why choose it: Help people maintain healthy diets.

• Career opportunities: Dietician, nutrition consultant.

• Best schools: University of Nigeria, University of Ibadan.

16. Health Information Management

• Duration: 4 years

• Why choose it: Manage patient records and health data.

• Career opportunities: Health records officer, data analyst.

• Best schools: UNILAG, OAU.

17. Environmental Health Science

• Duration: 4–5 years

• Why choose it: Work on environmental safety and hygiene.

• Career opportunities: Environmental health officer.

• Best schools: University of Ibadan, LASU.

18. Veterinary Medicine

• Duration: 6 years

• Why choose it: Care for animals and control animal-borne diseases.

• Career opportunities: Veterinarian, researcher.

• Best schools: University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University.

19. Biomedical Engineering

• Duration: 5 years

• Why choose it: Combine medicine and engineering to create medical equipment.

• Career opportunities: Biomedical engineer, researcher.

• Best schools: UNILORIN, University of Lagos.

20. Parasitology and Entomology

• Duration: 4 years

• Why choose it: Study of parasites and insects affecting human health.

• Career opportunities: Researcher, disease control specialist.

• Best schools: University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Summary Table: Top 20 Medical Courses in Nigeria

Admission Requirements for Medical Courses in Nigeria

Generally, you need:

• 5 credits in O’Level (WAEC/NECO) in English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology.

• UTME subjects: English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology.

• High JAMB score (especially for competitive courses like Medicine and Nursing).

Some courses like Anatomy or Health Education have slightly lower cut-off marks.

Career Opportunities After Studying a Medical Course

Graduates of medical courses can work in:

• Hospitals and clinics

• Government health agencies

• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

• Research institutes

• Universities and teaching hospitals

• Pharmaceutical and biotech companies

Many also go abroad for further training or work.

Tips for Choosing the Right Medical Course in Nigeria

1. Consider your interests — Do you prefer patient care, lab work, or research?

2. Check the demand — Some fields have more job opportunities than others.

3. Look at the competition — If Medicine is too competitive, consider Nursing, Radiography, or Physiotherapy.

4. Explore schools — Some universities are better equipped for certain programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which medical course is easiest to study in Nigeria?

Courses like Anatomy, Physiology, and Health Education are considered less stressful compared to Medicine or Dentistry.

Which is the most lucrative medical course?

Medicine, Pharmacy, and Dentistry tend to have the highest earning potential in Nigeria.

Can I study medical courses in a polytechnic?

Only some allied health courses (like Health Information Management) are available in polytechnics. Core courses like Medicine and Pharmacy are offered only in universities.

Do all medical courses require JAMB and Post-UTME?

Yes, but some private universities and colleges offer alternatives.

Final Thoughts

Studying a medical course in Nigeria is a solid path to a rewarding career. Whether you aim to become a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or specialist in another area, there are many options to fit your strengths and goals.

The top 20 medical courses you can study in Nigeria listed here are in demand, respected, and available in several universities. Use this guide to choose wisely and take the first step toward your medical career.