It Takes How Many Years to Study Medicine in Nigeria?

Medicine is one of the favourite courses of young school leavers in Nigeria despite the fact that it takes many years to earn a degree in medicine when compared to other courses.

In this post, we take a look at what it entails to study medicine in Nigeria and we also answer the question, how many years does it take to study Medicine?

First, here are some of the popular Universities in Nigeria with medical schools: University of Ibadan (UI), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Lagos (UNILAG), University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Lagos State University (LASU), University of Benin (UNIBEN), Ambrose Ali University Ekpoma (AAU Ekpoma), Niger Delta University (NDU), University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) and Ahmadu Bello University Zaria (ABU).

It Takes How Many Years to Study Medicine in Nigeria

Generally, the journey to becoming a medical doctor starts from secondary school when you have to select the subjects that make you the right fit for Medicine. For instance, you have to be in the science class. If you choose to enroll in the social science or art classes, you will be unable to study medicine. The core subjects in science class for Medicine are Biology, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and English. Also, you need to perform well in these subjects to qualify to study medicine and surgery in the University.

Your admission into Medicine and Surgery in the University entails scoring a minimum of 5 credits in core science subject areas. Additionally, you will have to write the UME (University Matriculation Examination) facilitated by JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) and score high enough to make the cut-off mark of most Universities offering Medicine.

Also, taking the post-UME test/exam is necessary. This is organized by the universities as a screening measure prior to admission.

Apart from the post-UME route, you can also gain admission to study medicine by direct entry. In this case, the university organizes a program that involves taking courses similar to students in undergraduate year one. The program involves sitting for exams at the end of each of the two semesters. Afterwards, you will progress into the University to study Medicine provide you meet the cut-off mark set by the program committee. Successful candidates will gain admission into medical school which is year 2 or 200 level.

The length of time taken to become qualified as a doctor is 6 years. During the course of the 6-year training, you will be faced with courses with heavy workloads. These courses and the practical sessions involved train you to become dependable and provide the necessary skill and experience needed to practice as a top-class medical doctor.

Generally, the ability to complete your medical education within the six-year duration may be hindered by a couple of internal and external factors. For instance, industrial action which takes place frequently in tertiary institutions may lead to delay. Also, the inability of the student to scale through to the next level if s/he fails his sessional exam can lead to repetition of the current class.

Once a student completes his/her medical education at the end of 6 years, s/he proceeds for her housemanship at a hospital accredited by the Nigerian Medical Council after which he can then practise as a medical doctor.