The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) remains a pivotal phase for every Nigerian graduate, especially medical doctors. Unlike many other professions, medical doctors are often seen as frontline professionals who render essential services during their national service year. While they are often posted to Primary Health Care Centres, General Hospitals, and Teaching Hospitals across the country, not all locations offer the same opportunities and experiences.
In this post, we explore the Top 10 Most Desired States for Medical Doctors to Serve During NYSC in 2025. These states are ranked based on factors such as monthly allowances, quality of medical facilities, career exposure, security, lifestyle, and availability of internship or residency opportunities.
1. Lagos State
Why It’s Desired:
Lagos is Nigeria’s economic powerhouse and a hub for healthcare. Medical doctors deployed to Lagos enjoy higher state allowances (₦40,000–₦60,000 monthly), well-equipped hospitals, and opportunities for further training.
Highlights:
- Access to teaching hospitals like LASUTH and private hospitals
- Networking with top professionals
- Opportunities for residency applications
2. Federal Capital Territory (Abuja)
Why It’s Desired:
As the capital of Nigeria, Abuja offers excellent infrastructure and organized healthcare delivery. Doctors receive additional state and hospital allowances, with some earning up to ₦80,000 monthly.
Highlights:
- Posting to top-tier hospitals like National Hospital Abuja
- Safe and clean environment
- Access to national medical conferences
3. Rivers State
Why It’s Desired:
Rivers State, especially Port Harcourt, offers competitive financial incentives for medical doctors, with allowances ranging between ₦50,000 and ₦70,000.
Highlights:
- Strong health system in urban areas
- Access to oil company clinics
- Career advancement through NGO placements
4. Ogun State
Why It’s Desired:
Proximity to Lagos and availability of quality health facilities makes Ogun a great option. Doctors often work in semi-urban settings, allowing for better work-life balance.
Highlights:
- Reasonable state allowance (₦25,000–₦40,000)
- Presence of Federal Medical Centres
- Calm environment for studying for exams (e.g., primaries)
5. Oyo State
Why It’s Desired:
Ibadan is home to the prestigious University College Hospital (UCH), a training ground for medical professionals in Nigeria. NYSC doctors here gain access to mentorship and rich clinical experience.
Highlights:
- Strong medical learning environment
- Opportunities for post-NYSC employment
- Low cost of living
6. Akwa Ibom State
Why It’s Desired:
Akwa Ibom is a peaceful, clean, and supportive state for corps members. Medical doctors are respected and treated well, with additional allowances from the state government.
Highlights:
- Up to ₦50,000 allowance for doctors
- Posting to well-equipped general hospitals
- Safe environment for women and young graduates
7. Enugu State
Why It’s Desired:
The presence of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) and other good healthcare centres makes Enugu one of the best choices for NYSC doctors in 2025.
Highlights:
- Mentorship from top professors
- Research and academic exposure
- Good lifestyle with affordable housing
8. Delta State
Why It’s Desired:
Delta State pays relatively high state allowance and offers comfortable work environments for medical corps members. The state prioritizes healthcare and invests in medical infrastructure.
Highlights:
- Attractive allowance (₦40,000–₦60,000)
- Posting to oil-producing communities
- Extra bonuses from LGAs and NGOs
9. Kaduna State
Why It’s Desired:
Kaduna, with its teaching hospitals and vibrant academic community, offers learning opportunities for doctors aiming to advance their careers.
Highlights:
- Home to Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH)
- Opportunities to engage in academic research
- Central location for Northern medical networking
10. Cross River State
Why It’s Desired:
Calabar, the capital of Cross River, is known for its serene lifestyle and efficient public services. NYSC doctors here enjoy work-life balance and adequate compensation.
Highlights:
- Access to well-run state hospitals
- Opportunity for NGO work
- Beautiful environment and cultural exposure
Additional Tips for NYSC Medical Doctors
- Apply for Redeployment Early: If you’re not posted to your desired state initially, apply early and include valid medical reasons or security concerns.
- Network Actively: Build connections with senior medical officers and administrators in your place of primary assignment.
- Prepare for Residency Exams: Use your NYSC year wisely by studying for primaries or writing postgraduate medical exams.
- Consider NGOs: Organizations like WHO, MSF, and UNICEF sometimes absorb corps doctors, offering better pay and experiences.
FAQs – Top NYSC States for Medical Doctors in 2025
Q1: Which state pays NYSC medical doctors the highest allowance in 2025?
A: FCT Abuja and Rivers State are currently among the highest-paying states for NYSC doctors, with combined allowances (state + PPA) reaching ₦80,000 monthly.
Q2: Can a medical doctor influence their NYSC posting?
A: Yes. You can apply for posting to a preferred state during online registration or lobby through official channels. However, posting is not guaranteed.
Q3: Do NYSC medical doctors serve in hospitals or rural clinics?
A: Most are posted to General Hospitals, Federal Medical Centres, or Teaching Hospitals. Some are sent to rural Primary Health Care Centres, especially in underserved areas.
Q4: Is Lagos better than Abuja for NYSC doctors?
A: It depends on your priorities. Lagos offers more clinical exposure and private sector opportunities, while Abuja provides better pay and a cleaner, less stressful environment.
Q5: What documents are needed for NYSC registration as a medical doctor?
A: You need your MBBS degree, license from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), call-up letter, medical fitness certificate, and passport photographs.
Q6: Are medical doctors allowed to redeploy easily?
A: Yes. Doctors can redeploy for medical or security reasons. The process is smoother due to the high demand for medical professionals across states.
Q7: Can NYSC doctors work part-time or earn extra money?
A: In many cases, yes. Some doctors consult or assist in private hospitals outside official hours, depending on their PPA policy.
Conclusion
Serving as a medical doctor during NYSC is a unique opportunity to grow professionally, gain practical experience, and contribute meaningfully to national health. While every state presents its peculiarities, some states stand out in terms of pay, career growth, infrastructure, and comfort. In 2025, Lagos, Abuja, Rivers, and Ogun top the list of most desired states for medical corps members.
If you’re a medical doctor preparing for NYSC, consider these states as part of your deployment strategy. Remember, a wise location choice during NYSC can open doors to future residency placements, job offers, and impactful community health work.
