What's it like to study medicine in Nigeria?

Nigeria, the most populated country in Africa, is well known for its diverse culture, ethnicity, colourful dishes and hard-working people. Made up of 36 states and three major tribes, Nigeria is home to many high-quality universities that offer programmes across a variety of disciplines, including medicine.

Medicine is a popular choice for university students in Nigeria due to prestige, great opportunities to earn a higher income as a Nigerian doctor, and parental influence.

There are currently 48 medical schools in Nigeria, according to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCAN).

I'm a medical student at Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) located in Abia State, Nigeria. Studying medicine in Nigeria has been a big experience full of learning and adventure.

Here’s everything you need to know about studying medicine in Nigeria.

What type of medical degree will I get in Nigeria?

The degree obtained after completing medical training in Nigeria is called the Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). 

Medical training in Nigeria usually spans six to seven years. This period is divided into two with a pre-clinical section followed by a clinical section. 

The pre-clinical part of a medical degree involves lectures, seminars and lab work while the clinical part involves putting your learning into practise by working in medical settings with real patients. 

The University of Ibadan and the University of Lagos both rank in the QS World University Rankings and have dedicated colleges in medicine. 

What's covered in the curriculum of a medical degree?

The learning curriculum carried out in all Nigerian medical schools is similar, as the standards for medical training are upheld across the country.

Premedical learning takes place in your first year of medical school where topics cover foundational knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and English.

In the second and third years, modules will focus more on medical sciences including human anatomy, physiology and biochemistry. Some schools in Nigeria also include topics like pharmacology and pathology in the preclinical learning schedule. At this stage, we carry out practical examinations like dissections and biochemistry experiments alongside independent study.

My first three years in medical school as a preclinical student were super hectic. My first year was filled with excitement as I really looked forward to becoming a doctor. My best course in pre-clinical school was human physiology because it seemed very relatable and interesting to learn about. The excitement of being in medical school however faded by my third year when the stress of med school began to kick in. 

By the third year, there was a major exam we had to write which would qualify us to move over to the clinical arm. This qualifying exam is called the second MBBS exam and is highly dreaded among preclinical students. At the time, my only goal was to pass that exam, because it determined if my journey to being a doctor would continue or be cut short.

Fortunately, I passed and moved over to the clinical arm.

What practical training does a medical degree in Nigeria have?

Practical classes and training take place throughout our medical training in Nigeria. One of the first practical sessions I encountered was in my second year where plastic human models were used to help us better understand human anatomy. 

In the fourth, fifth and sixth years of medical school, time is mostly dedicated to training in live medical settings. I began rotations in the teaching hospital where I shadowed medical professionals as they attended patients and there I began to learn how to put my knowledge into practise. 

My experience in the clinical arm was much more pleasant as it felt like I was getting in on all the hospital action. In clinical school, my first experience in the hospital was exhilarating. Meeting patients, watching consultants attend to patients and the speed at which they arrived at their diagnoses altogether fascinated me. 

On my second day, a doctor eventually asked me a clinical question which I failed to answer correctly. The instant shame I felt was nothing compared to the excitement of learning something new.

My third MBBS exam was basically my first exam as a clinical student. I didn't know what to expect and what to read from the very large syllabus, so I leaned on my seniors for help and they pointed me in the right direction on the best ways to study smart.

Going through this exam was one of the most stressful moments in my medical school adventure. Thankfully, I passed the exam seamlessly.

In my current class (fifth year), the workload is even more than my previous class. I'm doing my best to get a good grip on the topics we are learning which include; obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics and community medicine.

Applying to study medicine in Nigeria

Before you can gain admission to study in any university in Nigeria, you must pass the Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB) by completing a computer-based exam and either the West African Examination Council (WAEC) or National Examination Council (NECO) exam.

After applying to study in a particular university, you will be required to write an exam called the Post-UTME exam which is peculiar to the school you applied to. Each school has their pre-programmed cut-off mark and you'll be admitted if you are able to fall within it.

Once you’ve gained admission to study at university, you’re required to pay several fees including your acceptance fee, tuition fee and housing fee. Unfortunately, most schools in Nigeria do not offer financial aid, and student loans have not taken effect in the country. 

Additionally, students are offered accommodation within the school premises which they are to pay for. Students may either accept or reject the accommodation. Students who do not wish to stay in the accommodation provided by the school can rent an apartment off campus. 

Living in Nigeria as a student

As a student in Nigeria, you have to try your best to fit into the society or the tribe your school is located in. I grew up in Rivers State and coming into Abia State to study was very new to me. Most colleagues and friends preferred to communicate in the native language predominant in Abia state which was the Igbo language.

Fitting in may not be easy at first, but with time you begin to learn new languages and experience new cultures and practises.

There are several student clubs to join on the campus including religious clubs, dance clubs and even study groups.

Being a medical student in Nigeria has its good and challenging moments. It always helped to have a group of friends I could read with, cry with and have fun with. After each exam, we make sure to treat ourselves to a fun outing.

In all, I don't regret choosing to study medicine in Nigeria, because through this journey, I learnt a whole lot, met amazing people, and grew beyond my expectations. I can't wait to graduate eventually and begin to touch as many lives as I can.

Photo by Noussaiba Garti