The medical field is an all-important aspect of any nation’s growth and development. Well, why not? It has to do with the lives and health of people. Hence, Medicine is one of the most sensitive courses in the world. Another evidence of this is the fact that studying Medicine probably in every part of the world is not a small feat, particularly in Nigeria. Admission into the course is highly competitive and pulling through takes a lot of hard work too. In Nigeria, it is one of the most demanding jobs because of the ever-increasing health challenges in the country. This post provides information about studying medicine in Nigeria; JAMB UTME subjects combination and requirements, O’Level subjects and requirements, direct entry requirements and other information needed. Students who study Medicine and Surgery under the faculty of Medical, Pharmaceutical & Health Sciences are awarded an M.B.B.S. upon completion of a 5-6 years study (depending on the mode of entry). If you are looking to study Medicine, you are in the right place, read on below:
Subject Combination / JAMB UTME Requirements
In order to study Medicine and Surgery, a candidate has to take the following subjects in his/her Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations. These are:
English Language (This is Compulsory for this course)
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Special Requirements (Waiver) Requirements
Nigerian Turkish Nile University of Nigeria accepts Chemistry, Biology and any other Science subject asides Physics
Some Universities such as Usmanu Danfodiyo University and University of Maiduguri accept Mathematics in the place of Physics
O’Level Requirements
Candidates who wish to study Medicine and Surgery must have at least five credits passes at SSCE/NECO or its equivalent in the following subjects: English Language; Mathematics; Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Special Requirements (Waiver) requirements
Nigerian Turkish Nile University of Nigeria accepts credit pass in any Science subject in the place of Physics.
Direct Entry Requirements
Candidates who are admitted to study Medicine and Surgery via direct entry resume into the second year, that is, 200 level. Such must meet any of the following requirements:
- ‘A’ level passes in Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Zoology in addition to credit passes in five subjects at SSCE/NECO or its equivalent to include English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. This result must be obtained in not more than one sitting
- Sc, BOS, etc in courses relevant to Medicine and Surgery such as Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology, Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory, Biology, Zoology or Chemistry with a grade not below a good Second Class Lower Division
- University of Lagos accepts degree in Dentistry
- BINGHAM University, Niger Delta University and University of Port Harcourt do not accept candidates via direct entry
- Olabisi Onabanjo University and the University of Calabar accept Degree in Science that is not below Second Class Lower Division.
Nigerian Universities where you can study Medicine and Surgery
- Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma
- Abia State University, Uturu
- Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
- Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti – Ekiti State
- University of Abuja, Gwagwalada
- Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli
- Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo
- Bayero University, Kano
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- ECWA Bingham University, New Karu
- Bowen University, Iwo
- Benue State University, Makurdi
- University of Calabar (UNICAL)
- Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU)
- Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
- Ekiti State University
- Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu (ESUT)
- Gregory University, Uturu
- Gombe State University, Gombe
- University of Ibadan (UI), Igbinedion University Okada
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- Imo State University, Owerri (IMSU)
- University of Jos (UNIJOS)
- Kogi State University Anyigba
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- Lagos State University, Ojo (LASU)
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso (LAUTECH)
- Madonna University, Okija
- University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
- Niger Delta University Yenagoa (NDU)
- Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja
- Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (OAU)
- Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye
- Ondo State University of Medical Sciences (OSUMS)
- University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT)
- Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUSOK)
- Osun State University Osogbo (UNIOSUN)
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- University of Uyo
- Bingham University
About the course
It is no lie that being a doctor is highly demanding. Medicine aims to train students to diagnose, treat and help in the prevention of diseases. Medicine comprises a number of health care practices to restore and maintain good health to patients. Below are some of them:
Ophthalmology
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Pathology
Paediatrics
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Preventive Medicine
Psychiatry
Surgery
Nuclear Medicine
Medical Genetics
Internal Medicine
Family Medicine
Diagnostic Radiology
Dermatology
Skills and Competencies learned in Medicine and Surgery
There are skills that are taught to students when in school in order to function in their capacity as caregivers. Some of these include:
- Patient care skills: A good doctor has to learn to be caring and compassionate
- Communication skills : A doctor must learn to be attentive to the needs of patients, discerning, approachable and accommodating
- Friendly and humorous
- Scientific skills: Doctors cannot play miss and hit with their jobs. You have to know the theoretical aspects of your work well. Be knowledgeable, professional, effective, efficient and reliable.
- A good doctor has to learn to be mature needed especially in cases of handling tough and severe medical cases
- A good doctor has to learn to be open-minded, optimistic and hopeful so as not to project harmful vibes to patients
- A good doctor has to learn to be vigilant and watchful for even signs and symptoms a patient might not know of yet
- A good doctor has to be loyal and faithful to his patients as well as selfless.
- A good doctor has to have a good/calm temperament and learn to function well under pressure
- A good doctor must be a great thinker, willing to learn new innovations and up to date with books
Career Opportunities for Graduates of Medicine and Surgery
- Cardiologist
- Radiologist
- General practice doctor
- Pediatrician
- Pathologist
- Physician
- Psychiatrist
- Surgeon
- Nurse
- Healthcare scientist
- Teacher/ Lecturer
- International aid/development worker
- Midwife
- Neurologist
- Research scientist/Analyst
- Writer of science-related articles
- Medical-Legal Advisor
- Public Health Worker