Top 10 Nigerian universities for medicine and health sciences in 2025

A new 2025 ranking by Times Higher Education (THE) has spotlighted Nigeria’s leading institutions for medicine and health sciences, evaluating them based on academic reputation, research impact, employer perception, and graduate outcomes.

With Nigeria facing a critical shortage of healthcare professionals, medical education continues to offer strong career prospects, job security, and international mobility. A July 2024 report by Nairametrics, citing the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), revealed that only 58,000 of over 130,000 registered doctors renewed their licenses in 2023—highlighting widespread emigration or career shifts among healthcare workers.

In Lagos alone, a doctor shortage of approximately 30,000 has pushed the doctor-to-patient ratio well below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended standard. Despite this, Nigerian-trained doctors remain highly sought after in countries like the UK, US, and Canada.

Top 10 Universities for Medicine and Health Sciences in Nigeria (2025)

10. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)
Known for its innovative focus on medical technology and diagnostics, LAUTECH serves 33,331 students with a student-to-staff ratio of 48.5. Globally ranked 1001+, it missed the top 10 in 2024 but now makes a return.

9. Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS)
Founded in 1975, UDUS emphasizes tropical medicine and public health. With 23,491 students and a gender ratio of 27:73 (female to male), it’s ranked 801–1000 globally.

8. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
Established in 1960, UNN has a strong reputation in health sciences, with a student body of 43,168 and a low student-to-teacher ratio of 11.4. It holds steady in the global 801–1000 range and is eighth nationally.

7. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
UNILORIN, with 48,837 students, ranks 801–1000 globally. Although it has no international students, it maintains a balanced gender ratio (48:52) and strong academic credentials.

6. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
OAU, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious universities, ranks within the 801–1000 global bracket. With 36,929 students and a 29.3 student-to-staff ratio, it ranked third nationally in 2024.

5. Bayero University, Kano (BUK)
BUK is gaining national attention for its quality in medical education. It serves 37,377 students with a 22.3 student-to-staff ratio and was ranked fourth in Nigeria in 2024.

4. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
With a strong College of Medicine and a student population of 44,140, UNIBEN is ranked globally between 601–800 and fifth nationally. Its 50:50 gender ratio supports inclusive education.

3. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
ABU is one of Nigeria’s largest and most respected universities. Ranked 601–800 globally, it has 49,531 students, a student-to-staff ratio of 16.6, and a significant male student majority (63%).

2. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
UNILAG ranks 401–500 globally and is tied with the University of Ibadan in this bracket. It boasts strong industry ties and a gender-balanced student body of 40,197.

1. University of Ibadan (UI)
Nigeria’s premier university in medicine, UI ranks 401–500 globally and remains the top institution in health sciences for the second consecutive year. With 37,598 students, a 17.9 student-to-staff ratio, and a slightly female-dominated gender ratio (51:49), UI offers world-class training through its renowned College of Medicine.