Medicine is one of the most prestigious and sought-after fields in Nigeria. With the continuous demand for qualified health professionals, many students are eager to pursue a medical career. However, medicine and surgery is just one of many great medical courses available in Nigeria. There are numerous specialized programs that lead to rewarding and impactful careers.
Whether you're a secondary school leaver preparing for JAMB or a parent guiding your child, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the top 10 medical courses in Nigeria in 2025, their relevance, job opportunities, and schools offering them.
Top 10 Medical Courses in Nigeria (2025)
1. Medicine and Surgery
- Degree Awarded: MBBS or MBChB
- Duration: 6 years + 1-year internship
- JAMB Subjects: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Top Schools: UNILAG, UI, UNN, OAU, LASU
Overview: This is the most popular and competitive medical course. It trains students to become licensed medical doctors capable of diagnosing and treating illnesses.
Career Opportunities:
- General Practitioner
- Specialist Doctor (e.g. Surgeon, Pediatrician)
- Lecturer or Medical Researcher
- Public Health Officer
2. Nursing Science
- Degree Awarded: B.NSc (Bachelor of Nursing Science)
- Duration: 5 years + 1-year internship
- JAMB Subjects: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Top Schools: UNILORIN, UNN, OAU, Babcock University, ABU
Overview: Nursing is the backbone of healthcare. This course prepares students for patient care, health promotion, and clinical roles in hospitals or community settings.
Career Opportunities:
- Registered Nurse
- Midwife
- Nurse Educator
- Public Health Nurse
3. Pharmacy
- Degree Awarded: Pharm.D or B.Pharm
- Duration: 6 years (Pharm.D)
- JAMB Subjects: English, Chemistry, Biology, Physics
- Top Schools: UNIBEN, OAU, UNN, UI, UNILAG
Overview: Pharmacy deals with drug formulation, usage, and therapy. It’s ideal for those interested in chemistry, healthcare, and patient care.
Career Opportunities:
- Community or Hospital Pharmacist
- Industrial Pharmacist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Researcher or Drug Analyst
4. Medical Laboratory Science
- Degree Awarded: B.MLS (Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science)
- Duration: 5 years + 1-year internship
- JAMB Subjects: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Top Schools: UNIBEN, UNTH, UNICAL, LASU, ABU
Overview: MLS professionals carry out diagnostic tests and laboratory analysis crucial for disease detection and treatment planning.
Career Opportunities:
- Laboratory Scientist
- Research Analyst
- Quality Control Officer
- Health Educator
5. Dentistry (Dental Surgery)
- Degree Awarded: BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
- Duration: 6 years + 1-year housemanship
- JAMB Subjects: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Top Schools: UI, UNILAG, UNN, OAU
Overview: Dentistry focuses on oral health. Dentists diagnose, treat, and manage oral diseases and perform surgeries like extractions and root canals.
Career Opportunities:
- Dentist (General or Specialist)
- Orthodontist
- Dental Surgeon
- Dental Consultant
6. Radiography and Radiation Science
- Degree Awarded: B.Rad. or B.Sc Radiography
- Duration: 5 years
- JAMB Subjects: English, Biology, Physics, Chemistry
- Top Schools: UNN, OAU, LASUTH, BUK, UNIPORT
Overview: Radiographers use medical imaging technologies like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to assist in diagnoses and treatments.
Career Opportunities:
- Diagnostic Radiographer
- Radiation Therapist
- Imaging Consultant
- Radiology Technologist
7. Physiotherapy
- Degree Awarded: B.PT or Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT)
- Duration: 5–6 years
- JAMB Subjects: English, Biology, Physics, Chemistry
- Top Schools: UNILORIN, UI, UNN, LASU
Overview: Physiotherapy involves rehabilitating patients who suffer from physical injuries or disabilities. It’s a hands-on, patient-focused career.
Career Opportunities:
- Clinical Physiotherapist
- Sports Therapist
- Rehabilitation Consultant
- Orthopedic Specialist
8. Optometry
- Degree Awarded: OD (Doctor of Optometry)
- Duration: 6 years
- JAMB Subjects: English, Biology, Physics, Chemistry
- Top Schools: UNIBEN, IMSU, UNILAG, ABU
Overview: Optometry focuses on eye health and vision care. Optometrists diagnose and treat eye disorders and prescribe glasses or contact lenses.
Career Opportunities:
- Optometrist
- Vision Care Consultant
- Eye Clinic Director
- Researcher
9. Public Health
- Degree Awarded: B.Sc or BPH (Bachelor of Public Health)
- Duration: 4–5 years
- JAMB Subjects: English, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics
- Top Schools: UNIBEN, UI, Babcock University, UNILAG
Overview: Public Health focuses on disease prevention, health education, and policy. It’s ideal for those who want to impact population-level health.
Career Opportunities:
- Epidemiologist
- Health Educator
- Public Health Analyst
- Policy Maker
10. Anatomy and Physiology
- Degree Awarded: B.Sc Anatomy or Physiology
- Duration: 4 years
- JAMB Subjects: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Top Schools: UNILAG, UI, LASU, UNIBEN
Overview: These foundational biomedical sciences are essential in understanding the structure and function of the human body. Perfect for students aiming for careers in medical research or further specialization.
Career Opportunities:
- Biomedical Researcher
- Lecturer
- Health Technologist
- Forensic Expert
Top Nigerian Universities for Medical Courses in 2025
Here are some of the best universities offering medical courses in Nigeria:
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- Lagos State University (LASU)
- Babcock University
- Bayero University Kano (BUK)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which medical course pays the most in Nigeria?
Medicine and Surgery, followed by Pharmacy and Dentistry, tend to pay the most, especially in private hospitals or with international certifications.
2. What is the easiest medical course to gain admission into in Nigeria?
Courses like Anatomy, Physiology, and Public Health usually have lower cutoff marks than Medicine or Pharmacy.
3. Can I study medicine without Physics in JAMB?
No. Physics is mandatory for most core medical courses in Nigeria, including Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy.
4. Which medical course is best for someone afraid of blood or surgery?
Consider Public Health, Medical Laboratory Science, or Health Information Management—they have minimal or no surgical involvement.
5. Are private universities in Nigeria good for studying medicine?
Yes. Universities like Babcock, Afe Babalola, and Redeemer’s have NMCN and MDCN-accredited medical facultieswith quality infrastructure.
Conclusion
The Nigerian healthcare system is growing, and with it comes a high demand for qualified professionals. Choosing the right medical course in 2025 depends on your interests, strengths, and career goals. While Medicine and Surgery remains the most popular, other disciplines like Nursing, Pharmacy, Radiography, and Public Health offer exciting and rewarding paths.
Whatever course you choose, ensure you're passionate about helping others, science, and lifelong learning. That’s the heartbeat of a successful medical career.
