Top 10 Universities in Nigeria to study Medicine and Dentistry according to world rankings
The University of Ibadan (UI) and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka are among the best universities in Nigeria to study Medicine and Dentistry. This is according to the latest World University Rankings. Besides the two, there are other good institutions in the country to study medical courses.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Best universities in Nigeria to study Medicine and Dentistry - Top 10
- 10. Bayero University Kano (BUK)
- 9. Nnamdi Azikiwe University
- 8. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- 7. University of Calabar
- 6. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- 5. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
- 4. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- 3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- 2. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- 1. University of Ibadan (UI)
- Which university in Nigeria is best in Medicine?
- How many years does it take to study Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria?
- How many medical universities are there in Nigeria?
- Which university has the lowest cut-off mark for Medicine in Nigeria?
Key takeaways
- Medicine is considered one of the most competitive and prestigious courses in Nigeria.
- Leading the top 10 universities in Nigeria to study Medicine and Dentistry is the University of Ibadan.
- The University of Nigeria and the Obafemi Awolowo University are among the best institutions for the courses.
Best universities in Nigeria to study Medicine and Dentistry - Top 10
Nigeria boasts some of the top-rated institutions for medical courses in Africa. Explore the top 10 best universities to study Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria according to the latest Times Higher Education ranking:
Ranking | University | Location |
1 | University of Ibadan (UI) | Ibadan |
2 | University of Nigeria | Nsukka |
3 | Obafemi Awolowo University | Ife |
4 | University of Lagos | Lagos |
5 | Ahmadu Bello University | Zaria |
6 | University of Benin | Benin |
7 | University of Calabar | Calabar |
8 | University of Ilorin | Ilorin |
9 | Nnamdi Azikiwe University | Awka |
10 | Bayero University Kano | Kano |
According to the ranking, the University of Ibadan and the University of Lagos are the best varsities in Nigeria. The two federal government-owned institutions rank between 605 and 966 globally. Discover why these facilities are considered among the best.
10. Bayero University Kano (BUK)

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- Location: Kano City, Kano State
- Year founded: 1975
- Global ranking: 61
- Ranking in Africa: 1641
Bayero University Kano is considered one of the best universities in Nigeria to study Medicine. Located in Kano, BUK is known for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to excellence in medical education.

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The Faculty of Medicine at BUK provides a comprehensive curriculum that prioritizes hands-on learning, research, and clinical training.
9. Nnamdi Azikiwe University

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- Location: Benin City, Edo State
- Year founded: 1970
- Global ranking: 1509
- Ranking in Africa: 55
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) is considered among the best medical schools in Nigeria. This is due to its established reputation, strong faculty, and focus on practical training. It attracts top talent and offers comprehensive medical facilities.
8. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)

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- Location: Ilorin, Kwara State
- Year founded: August 1975
- Global ranking: 1423
- Ranking in Africa: 50
UNILORIN, situated in Ilorin, is well-known for its academic strength and dedication to student success in Medicine and Surgery. The Faculty of Health Sciences offers a medical program focusing on developing practical skills, research, and community service.
7. University of Calabar

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- Location: Calabar, Cross River
- Year founded: 25 October 1975
- Global ranking: 1345
- Ranking in Africa: 47
The University of Calabar is known for its strong medical and surgical programs. In particular, its College of Medical Sciences and the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) are dedicated to medical education, research, and patient care. The institution is considered one of the most ideal universities in Nigeria to study Medicine in Nigeria.
6. University of Benin (UNIBEN)

Source: Facebook
- Location: Benin City, Edo State
- Year founded: 1970
- Global ranking: 1282
- Ranking in Africa: 45
Located in Benin City, the University of Benin (UNIBEN) is recognized for its high academic standards and dedication to producing well-rounded medical professionals.
The College of Medicine offers a challenging and thorough program designed to prepare students for the complexities of modern healthcare practice.
5. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)

Source: Twitter
- Location: Zaria, Kaduna State
- Year founded: 4 October 1962
- Global ranking: 1203
- Ranking in Africa: 39
Located in Zaria, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) is widely recognized for its dedication to innovative approaches to medical education. This makes the excellent institution one of the universities in Nigeria to study Medicine in Nigeria.
The Faculty of Medicine at ABU offers a well-rounded curriculum that integrates theoretical learning with hands-on training.
4. University of Lagos (UNILAG)

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- Location: Yaba, Lagos State
- Year founded: 1962
- Global ranking: 1015
- Ranking in Africa: 26
Situated in Lagos, UNILAG is a prominent institution celebrated for its dynamic campus life and academic success in Medicine and Surgery.
The College of Medicine at UNILAG delivers a thorough curriculum that blends theoretical instruction with extensive hands-on clinical exposure.
3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

Source: Twitter
- Location: Ile-Ife, Osun State
- Year founded: 1961
- Global ranking: 982
- Ranking in Africa: 24
Located in the historic city of Ile-Ife, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) is widely recognized as one of the best universities in Nigeria to study Medicine.
The Faculty of Clinical Sciences at OAU offers a robust medical program that fosters critical thinking, innovative problem-solving, and a compassionate approach to patient care.
2. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

Source: Twitter
- Location: Nsukka, Enugu State
- Year founded: 7 October 1960
- Global ranking: 966
- Ranking in Africa: 23
Located in Nsukka, UNN is famous for its academic rigour and research-driven approach to medical education. It is arguably the second-best school to study medicine in Nigeria.
The Faculty of Medical Sciences offers a comprehensive program emphasizing experiential learning and interdisciplinary collaboration.
1. University of Ibadan (UI)

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- Location: Ibadan, Oyo State
- Year founded: 1948
- Global ranking: 605
- Ranking in Africa: 10
The University of Ibadan (UI) is regarded as the best medical university in Nigeria for many reasons. Its College of Medicine stands out as a hub of excellence in Medicine and Surgery.
With decades of rich history, UI offers cutting-edge facilities, including advanced laboratories, simulation centres, and teaching hospitals.
Which university in Nigeria is best in Medicine?
The University of Ibadan is considered the best university to study Medicine in Nigeria. It ranks number 10 in Medicine in Africa and 605 globally.
How many years does it take to study Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria?
Studying Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) in Nigeria takes about 6 years. The program is typically divided into basic sciences (pre-clinical section) and a clinical section.
How many medical universities are there in Nigeria?
There are currently 48 medical schools in Nigeria, according to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCAN).
Which university has the lowest cut-off mark for Medicine in Nigeria?
Ahmadu Bello University, situated in Zaria, Kaduna State has the lowest cut-off mark for the Medicine and Surgery program at 220. The institution is known for its academic excellence.
You can enrol in one of the top 10 Universities in Nigeria to study Medicine and Dentistry. According to world rankings, these institutions have the best and most modern faculties for equipping medical learners with knowledge and skills.
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Sharon Boit (Lifestyle writer) Sharon J. Boit is a Lifestyle Writer at Legit Media Holdings, working on content optimisation since October 2024. Sharon began her career as a researcher and project manager at the Center for Urban Research and Innovations, University of Nairobi, for 4 years. In 2019, she became a freelance SEO content writer, writing blog posts and articles on travel, pets, online sports betting, personal finance, lifestyle, radio news, and technology. You can reach Sharon J. Boit at her email: boitjep@gmail.com