Choosing a medical course is one of the biggest decisions for students aspiring to work in healthcare. These professions are highly respected, competitive, and rewarding both in Nigeria and abroad.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the top medical courses in Nigeria, what they entail, how much professionals earn, the best universities to study them, and the JAMB/UTME subject combinations and admission requirements.
1. Medicine and Surgery (MBBS)
Profession: Doctors/Physicians
- Diagnose and treat diseases, perform surgeries, and specialize in different areas like cardiology, pediatrics, neurology, and surgery.
Average Salary:
- Nigeria: ₦3m – ₦8m annually
- Abroad: $70,000 – $200,000 annually
Best Universities: UI, UNILAG, ABU, OAU, UNIBEN
JAMB Subject Combination:
- Use of English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Admission Requirements:
- O’level: At least 5 credits in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics.
- UTME Score: 280+ (very competitive).
- Post-UTME/Screening: Excellent performance required.
2. Dentistry and Dental Surgery
Profession: Dentists
- Specialize in oral health, tooth care, surgery, and orthodontics.
Average Salary:
- Nigeria: ₦2.5m – ₦6m annually
- Abroad: $80,000 – $150,000 annually
Best Universities: UNILAG, OAU, UI, UNIBEN
JAMB Subject Combination:
- Use of English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Admission Requirements:
- O’level: 5 credits in English, Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry.
- UTME Score: 260+ recommended.
3. Pharmacy
Profession: Pharmacists
- Experts in drug formulation, production, and safe usage.
Average Salary:
- Nigeria: ₦2m – ₦5m annually
- Abroad: $90,000 – $120,000 annually
Best Universities: UNN, UNILAG, ABU, UI, UNIBEN
JAMB Subject Combination:
- Use of English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Admission Requirements:
- O’level: 5 credits in English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics.
- UTME Score: 250+ recommended.
4. Nursing Science
Profession: Nurses
- Provide patient care, assist doctors, and play a frontline role in health services.
Average Salary:
- Nigeria: ₦1.8m – ₦4m annually
- Abroad: $50,000 – $90,000 annually
Best Universities: UI, UNN, LASU, ABU, OAU
JAMB Subject Combination:
- Use of English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Admission Requirements:
- O’level: 5 credits in English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics.
- UTME Score: 220+ recommended.
5. Medical Laboratory Science (MLS)
Profession: Medical Laboratory Scientists
- Perform diagnostic tests to help doctors treat patients.
Average Salary:
- Nigeria: ₦1.5m – ₦3.5m annually
- Abroad: $60,000 – $80,000 annually
Best Universities: UNILAG, UNN, BUK, UNIBEN
JAMB Subject Combination:
- Use of English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Admission Requirements:
- O’level: 5 credits including English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics.
- UTME Score: 220+ recommended.
6. Radiography and Radiological Science
Profession: Radiographers
- Use imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans) for diagnosis and treatment.
Average Salary:
- Nigeria: ₦1.8m – ₦4m annually
- Abroad: $65,000 – $95,000 annually
Best Universities: UNILAG, UNN, UNIZIK, BUK
JAMB Subject Combination:
- Use of English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Admission Requirements:
- O’level: 5 credits including English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics.
- UTME Score: 220+ recommended.
7. Physiotherapy
Profession: Physiotherapists
- Help patients recover from injuries, surgeries, and illnesses.
Average Salary:
- Nigeria: ₦1.5m – ₦3m annually
- Abroad: $60,000 – $85,000 annually
Best Universities: UI, UNILAG, BUK
JAMB Subject Combination:
- Use of English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Admission Requirements:
- O’level: 5 credits including English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics.
- UTME Score: 220+ recommended.
8. Public Health / Community Health
Profession: Public Health Officers
- Focus on preventing diseases, promoting health, and designing health policies.
Average Salary:
- Nigeria: ₦1.5m – ₦3m annually
- Abroad: $55,000 – $90,000 annually
Best Universities: UI, UNILAG, ABU
JAMB Subject Combination:
- Use of English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Admission Requirements:
- O’level: 5 credits in English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics.
- UTME Score: 200+ (some schools accept lower than Medicine).
Final Notes for Students
✔️ Medicine and Surgery remains the most competitive and rewarding, requiring the highest UTME scores (often above 280).
✔️ Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Nursing are also highly competitive with excellent job prospects locally and abroad.
✔️ Students with passion for research, technology, and diagnostics may find Medical Laboratory Science and Radiography very fulfilling.
✔️ Those interested in rehabilitation and community health should consider Physiotherapy and Public Health.
✨ Conclusion
Medical courses in Nigeria are among the best career investments you can make as a student. With the right JAMB subject combination, excellent O’level results, and a strong UTME score, you can secure admission into top universities like UI, UNILAG, UNN, ABU, OAU, and UNIBEN to study these courses.
These careers not only guarantee job opportunities in Nigeria but also open the door to international employment with attractive salaries.
