List of Medical Courses in Nigeria and Universities Offering Them (2026 Guide)

Medical courses in Nigeria cover a wide range of programs focused on human health, disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. These courses are offered by accredited Nigerian universities and regulated by professional bodies such as the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, and other health councils.

This guide provides a complete and structured list of medical courses in Nigeria, including clinical courses, allied health sciences, and basic medical sciences. It is designed for secondary school leavers, JAMB candidates, and undergraduates seeking clarity on medical career options.

Core Clinical and Allied Medical Courses in Nigeria

These are the most popular and professionally regulated medical courses in Nigeria.

Medicine and Surgery (MBBS)

Duration: 6 years
Regulatory body: MDCN
Offered in universities such as UNILAG, UNN, UNIBEN, UI, ABU, OAU, BUK

Medicine and Surgery is the most prestigious medical course in Nigeria. Graduates become medical doctors after completing housemanship and NYSC.

Dental Surgery (BDS)

Duration: 6 years
Regulatory body: MDCN
Offered in UNILAG, OAU, UNN, UI

Dentistry focuses on oral health, dental surgery, and maxillofacial care.

Pharmacy (B.Pharm or Pharm.D)

Duration: 5 to 6 years
Regulatory body: Pharmacists Council of Nigeria
Offered in UNILAG, UI, UNN, OAU, UNIBEN

Pharmacy graduates work in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, regulatory agencies, and research.

Nursing Science (BNSc)

Duration: 5 years
Regulatory body: Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria
Offered in UNILAG, UI, UNN, LASU, ABU

Nursing is one of the most employable medical courses in Nigeria and abroad.

Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS)

Duration: 5 years
Regulatory body: MLSCN
Offered in UNILAG, UNN, UNIBEN, LASU

Medical Laboratory Scientists play a critical role in disease diagnosis.

Physiotherapy (BPT or DPT)

Duration: 5 years
Regulatory body: MRTB
Offered in UNILAG, UI, OAU

Physiotherapy focuses on rehabilitation and movement restoration.

Radiography (B.Rad)

Duration: 5 years
Regulatory body: RRBN
Offered in UNILAG, UNN, UI

Radiographers specialize in medical imaging such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI.

Optometry (OD)

Duration: 6 years
Regulatory body: Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board of Nigeria
Offered in UNIBEN, OAU, ABSU

Optometry focuses on eye care and vision correction.

Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

Duration: 6 years
Regulatory body: Veterinary Council of Nigeria
Offered in UI, UNN, ABU

Veterinary Medicine combines animal health and public health.

Basic Medical Science Courses in Nigeria

These courses form the foundation of medicine and healthcare research.

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Medical Biochemistry
• Pharmacology and Toxicology
• Medical Microbiology and Parasitology
• Pathology

These courses are usually 4 years and are offered in universities with Colleges of Medicine.

Public Health and Community Health Courses

• Public Health
• Community Health
• Environmental Health Science
• Health Education

These courses focus on disease prevention, health promotion, and population health.

Other Specialized Medical and Health Courses

• Nutrition and Dietetics
• Health Information Management
• Biomedical Science
• Medical Rehabilitation
• Occupational Therapy
• Audiology and Speech Therapy
• Dental Technology and Dental Therapy

Top 20 Medical Courses in Nigeria by Demand and Pay

1. Medicine and Surgery
2. Dentistry
3. Pharmacy
4. Nursing Science
5. Medical Laboratory Science
6. Physiotherapy
7. Optometry
8. Radiography
9. Veterinary Medicine
10. Public Health
11. Nutrition and Dietetics
12. Biomedical Science
13. Anatomy
14. Physiology
15. Medical Biochemistry
16. Environmental Health Science
17. Health Information Management
18. Occupational Therapy
19. Audiology
20. Dental Technology

Universities Offering Medical Courses in Nigeria

Medical courses are offered in accredited universities such as:

• University of Lagos
• University of Ibadan
• Obafemi Awolowo University
• University of Nigeria Nsukka
• Ahmadu Bello University
• University of Benin
• Lagos State University
• Bayero University, Kano

Always confirm NUC and professional body accreditation before applying.

Conclusion

Medical courses in Nigeria offer diverse career paths ranging from direct patient care to research, public health, diagnostics, and rehabilitation. While Medicine and Surgery remains the most popular option, courses like Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, and Pharmacy provide excellent job opportunities with shorter training periods.

Choosing the right medical course depends on your interests, academic strength, admission chances, and long-term career goals.

FAQs

What are the courses under medical department?

Courses under the medical department include Medicine and Surgery, Nursing, Pharmacy, Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Optometry, Anatomy, Physiology, and Public Health.

Is there any course like Medicine and Surgery?

Yes. Courses similar to Medicine and Surgery include Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Veterinary Medicine. These courses also involve clinical training and patient care.

What is the easiest medical course in Nigeria?

There is no universally easy medical course. However, courses like Anatomy, Physiology, Environmental Health Science, and Health Information Management are often considered less competitive than MBBS.

What are the 4 year medical courses in Nigeria?

Four year medical-related courses include Anatomy, Physiology, Medical Biochemistry, Public Health, and Environmental Health Science.

What are the highest paid medical courses in Nigeria?

Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Veterinary Medicine are among the highest paid medical courses in Nigeria.