Admission Requirements For Medical Courses In Nigeria (2025)

Studying Medicine and other medical-related courses in Nigeria is highly competitive, and admission into these programs is based on specific requirements set by various universities and examination bodies. Whether you're applying through UTME or Direct Entry in 2025, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to secure your place in top Nigerian universities offering medical programs.

What Are the General Medical Courses in Nigeria?

Medical courses in Nigeria include:

• Medicine and Surgery (MBBS)
• Nursing Science
• Pharmacy
• Medical Laboratory Science
• Dentistry
• Physiotherapy
• Radiography
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Public Health

Each of these courses has its own specific requirements, but most share similar academic entry criteria.

1. WAEC/NECO O'Level Requirements for Medical Courses

To qualify for admission into any medical course, you must have at least 5 credits in core science subjects, obtained in not more than two sittings.

Compulsory O'Level Subjects:

• English Language
• Mathematics
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics

Some universities may also require a minimum grade of Credit (C5 or above) in all five subjects for Medicine and Surgery.

2. JAMB UTME Requirements for Medical Courses (2025)

General JAMB Subject Combination:

• Use of English (compulsory for all courses)
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics

Recommended Minimum JAMB Scores (2025):

Note: Cut-off marks may vary by institution, and competitive universities may require even higher scores.

3. Post-UTME Screening

Most Nigerian universities conduct Post-UTME tests to further screen candidates. Your aggregate score is usually calculated based on a combination of your JAMB score (50%) and Post-UTME or WAEC score (50%).

Top schools like UI, UNILAG, OAU, and UNN are known for setting high post-UTME cut-off marks for medical courses.

4. Direct Entry (DE) Admission Requirements

Direct Entry is for students who already hold higher qualifications such as:

• OND or HND in related health/biological sciences
• A-Level passes in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
• Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field (with at least second class upper)
• Registered Nurse (RN) or related professional qualifications

Direct Entry applicants must also have 5 O'Level credits and may not need to write JAMB but must register through the JAMB DE portal.

5. Age Requirement for Medical Courses

• Most universities require students to be at least 16 years old by October of the admission year.
• Some highly competitive schools may require 17 years or older for Medicine and Surgery.

6. Additional Requirements (University-Specific)

Some universities may require the following:

• Physical fitness and medical screening
• Interviews or oral assessments
• Catchment area or state of origin consideration
• Pre-degree/Foundation programs (for universities offering them)

7. Top Nigerian Universities and Their Medical Course Requirements (2025)

Always check the university website for the most accurate and current information.

8. Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Medical Courses

• Choosing the wrong JAMB subject combination
• Scoring low in JAMB or Post-UTME
• Using awaiting results when the deadline is too close
• Not meeting O’Level subject requirements
• Applying to more than one highly competitive school without backup options

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I gain admission into Medicine with a JAMB score of 230?

Most top universities won’t accept 230 for MBBS. However, less competitive schools may consider this score for Nursing, Physiology, or Anatomy.

Q2: Is Maths compulsory for studying Medicine in Nigeria?

Yes. At least a credit in Mathematics is compulsory in WAEC/NECO, though not used in JAMB subject combinations.

Q3: What are the best schools for Medicine in Nigeria?

University of Ibadan, UNILAG, UNN, OAU, and ABU Zaria are top-rated for medical education.

Q4: Can I apply to study Medicine without writing Post-UTME?

No. Most universities require a Post-UTME or internal screening as part of their admission process.

Q5: Is Biology more important than Physics for Medicine?

Yes. Biology and Chemistry are considered more essential than Physics for MBBS and other medical programs.

Conclusion

Gaining admission into medical courses in Nigeria in 2025 is very competitive, but not impossible. Ensure that you meet the O'Level, JAMB, and Post-UTME requirements. Start preparing early, pick your institutions wisely, and aim for a high score. Whether you're applying through UTME or Direct Entry, this guide can help you stay on the right track toward your dream medical career.