Medicine and Surgery is one of the most competitive and respected courses in Nigeria. Every year, thousands of students apply, but admission into federal universities is extremely limited. This is why many students and parents are now turning to private universities in Nigeria that offer Medicine and Surgery (MBBS).

Private universities provide:

• More stable academic calendars
• Better student-to-lecturer ratios
• Modern facilities and teaching hospitals
• Higher chances of admission

However, choosing the right private university for Medicine requires careful research, especially regarding accreditation, school fees, facilities, and reputation.

In this fully detailed guide, you will learn:

• Full list of private universities offering Medicine in Nigeria
• Accreditation and program structure
• School fees comparison
• Cheapest and most expensive options
• Admission requirements
• How to choose the best school
• FAQs

What You Must Know Before Choosing a Private Medical University

Before diving into the list, there are some very important things you must understand:

1. Accreditation Is Critical

Not all universities offering Medicine are fully accredited. Some have partial accreditation, which can delay graduation or licensing.

Always confirm:

• NUC accreditation
• MDCN (Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria) approval

2. Duration of Medicine in Nigeria

• UTME students: 6 years
• Direct Entry students: 5 years

3. Cost of Studying Medicine in Private Universities

Private medical education is expensive:

• Range: ₦600,000 – ₦6,000,000 per session

Full List of Private Universities in Nigeria That Offer Medicine and Surgery

Below is a well-researched and comprehensive list of private universities offering Medicine in Nigeria.

1. Babcock University (Ogun State)

One of the most popular private universities for Medicine in Nigeria.

Key Details:

• Location: Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State
• Program: Medicine and Surgery (MBBS)
• Duration: 6 years
• Admission quota: ~50 students

School Fees:

• ₦3,000,000 – ₦7,000,000 per session

Why Choose Babcock?

• Strong reputation in medical education
• Modern teaching hospital
• International exposure

2. Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Ekiti State

One of the best-equipped private universities in Nigeria.

School Fees:

• ₦5,500,000 – ₦6,000,000 per session

Key Advantages:

• Ultra-modern teaching hospital
• High academic standards
• Strong clinical training

3. Igbinedion University, Okada (Edo State)

The first private university in Nigeria to produce medical doctors.

School Fees:

• ₦1,275,000 – ₦4,500,000 per session

Why It Stands Out:

• Pioneer status in private medical education
• Fully accredited MBBS program

4. Madonna University (Elele Campus)

A well-known Catholic private university.

School Fees:

• Around ₦3,200,000 per session

Features:

• Strict academic discipline
• Strong medical training

5. Bingham University (Nasarawa State)

Owned by ECWA (church-based institution).

School Fees:

• ₦1,650,000 – ₦2,800,000 per session

Advantages:

• Affordable compared to others
• Good academic structure

6. Bowen University (Osun State)

A Baptist-owned private university.

School Fees:

• ₦1,500,000 – ₦2,200,000 per session

Why Choose Bowen?

• Strong academic discipline
• Well-structured academic calendar

7. Nile University (Abuja)

A fast-growing private university with strong facilities.

School Fees:

• ₦3,000,000 – ₦5,950,000 per session

Benefits:

• Modern infrastructure
• Located in Abuja (good clinical exposure)

8. Gregory University, Uturu (Abia State)

One of the more affordable private medical schools.

School Fees:

• ₦1,800,000 – ₦2,000,000 per session

9. PAMO University of Medical Sciences (Rivers State)

Nigeria’s first private medical university focused solely on health sciences.

School Fees:

• About ₦2,500,000 per session

Key Advantage:

• Specialized medical training environment

10. Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences (Lagos State)

A dedicated medical university.

School Fees:

• Around ₦2,000,000 per session

11. Novena University (Delta State)

Offers MBBS with growing reputation.

School Fees:

• ₦800,000 – ₦1,500,000 per session

12. Lead City University (Ibadan)

School Fees:

• ₦1,200,000 – ₦1,800,000 per session

13. Benson Idahosa University (Benin City)

Recently gained full accreditation for Medicine and Surgery.

14. EkoUNIMED (Lagos State)

Another specialized medical university.

Cheapest Private Universities in Nigeria That Offer Medicine

If budget is a major concern, consider:

University	Estimated Fees
Novena University	₦800k – ₦1.5m
Igbinedion University	₦610k – ₦1.2m (lower levels)
Gregory University	₦1.8m
Bowen University	₦1.5m – ₦2.2m
Bingham University	₦1.6m – ₦2.8m

These are considered relatively affordable compared to others.

Most Expensive Private Medical Universities

University	Estimated Fees
Afe Babalola University	₦5.5m – ₦6m
Nile University	Up to ₦5.95m
Babcock University	Up to ₦7m

Admission Requirements for Private Universities Offering Medicine

Admission requirements are similar across most universities.

UTME Requirements

You must:

• Score at least 200–250 in JAMB
• Choose the university as first choice
• Have correct subject combination:
  • English
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics

O’Level Requirements

• Minimum 5 credits including:
  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
• Maximum of two sittings

Direct Entry Requirements

Accepted qualifications include:

• A-Levels
• JUPEB
• ND/HND
• Bachelor’s degree (related field)

Why Choose Private Universities for Medicine?

1. Stable Academic Calendar

No strikes or interruptions.

2. Better Learning Environment

Smaller class sizes and better facilities.

3. Higher Admission Chances

Less competition compared to federal universities.

Challenges of Private Medical Schools

1. High Cost

Tuition can be very expensive.

2. Accreditation Issues (in some schools)

Always verify before applying.

How to Choose the Best Private University for Medicine

Consider the following:

Accreditation

Check NUC and MDCN status.

Facilities

Look for:

• Teaching hospital
• Laboratories
• Clinical exposure

Budget

Choose a school you can afford for all 6 years.

Location

Closer schools may reduce living expenses.

Career Opportunities After Studying Medicine

Graduates can work as:

• Medical doctors
• Surgeons
• Public health specialists
• Medical researchers

They can also specialize in:

• Pediatrics
• Surgery
• Cardiology
• Neurology

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which private university is best for Medicine in Nigeria?

Top options include:

• Babcock University
• Afe Babalola University
• Igbinedion University

2. What is the cheapest private university for Medicine in Nigeria?

Some of the cheapest include:

• Novena University
• Igbinedion University
• Gregory University

3. How many years is Medicine in private universities?

• 6 years (UTME)
• 5 years (Direct Entry)

4. Is Medicine accredited in private universities?

Yes, but not all are fully accredited, so always confirm before applying.

5. Can I study Medicine without JAMB in private universities?

Most require JAMB, but some accept Direct Entry or foundation programs.

Final Thoughts

Private universities in Nigeria have become a strong alternative for studying Medicine and Surgery, especially for students who cannot secure admission into federal universities.

They offer:

• Better infrastructure
• Stable academic calendars
• Improved learning environments

However, the cost is significantly higher, so careful planning is essential.

If you are serious about studying Medicine, choosing the right private university can shape your entire medical career.