2025’s Best Medical Schools in Nigeria – Times Higher Education Reveals Rankings

Looking to study medicine in Nigeria? The 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings have revealed the top universities for medicine and health sciences across the country. These rankings are based on key factors including academic performance, research output, employer reputation, graduate success, and global outlook.

With the ongoing shortage of healthcare professionals in Nigeria, a career in medicine is more relevant than ever. Recent data from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) revealed that only 58,000 of over 130,000 licensed doctors renewed their practice licenses in 2023—indicating a significant brain drain.

In Lagos alone, there’s a 30,000-doctor shortfall, with the doctor-to-patient ratio far below the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation. Nigerian-trained doctors continue to be in high demand abroad, especially in the UK, US, and Canada, making a medical degree a gateway to global opportunities.

🏥 Top 10 Medical Universities in Nigeria – 2025

1. University of Ibadan (UI)

• Global Rank: 401–500

• Students: 37,598 | Student-to-Staff Ratio: 17.9

• Gender Ratio: 51% Female – 49% Male

UI remains the best medical school in Nigeria for 2025. With a prestigious College of Medicine, strong research reputation, and international recognition, UI consistently produces highly skilled health professionals.

2. University of Lagos (UNILAG)

• Global Rank: 401–500

• Students: 40,197 | Student-to-Staff Ratio: 24.4

• Gender Ratio: 50:50

UNILAG offers cutting-edge medical training and fosters real-world experience through industry partnerships. It maintains a balanced academic environment and is one of Nigeria’s most sought-after institutions for health sciences.

3. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria

• Global Rank: 601–800

• Students: 49,531 | Student-to-Staff Ratio: 16.6

• Gender Ratio: 37% Female – 63% Male

Known for its robust curriculum and affordable education, ABU is a top-tier choice for aspiring doctors in Northern Nigeria.

4. University of Benin (UNIBEN)

• Global Rank: 601–800

• Students: 44,140 | Student-to-Staff Ratio: 24.1

• Gender Ratio: 50:50

UNIBEN boasts one of the most advanced Colleges of Medicine in the country. Its strong teaching framework and consistent academic output make it a leader in medical education.

5. Bayero University, Kano (BUK)

• Global Rank: 801–1000

• Students: 37,377 | Student-to-Staff Ratio: 22.3

BUK continues to rise in national medical rankings thanks to its commitment to quality health education and research in Northern Nigeria.

6. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife

• Global Rank: 801–1000

• Students: 36,929 | Student-to-Staff Ratio: 29.3

OAU’s College of Health Sciences remains a benchmark for excellence. It ranked 3rd in Nigeria in 2024 and continues to shine in 2025.

7. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)

• Global Rank: 801–1000

• Students: 48,837 | Student-to-Staff Ratio: 36.3

• Gender Ratio: 48% Female – 52% Male

UNILORIN’s impressive landmass and diverse medical offerings provide students with an enabling environment for research and clinical training.

8. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

• Global Rank: 801–1000

• Students: 43,168 | Student-to-Staff Ratio: 11.4

• Gender Ratio: 46% Female – 54% Male

UNN continues to lead in comprehensive health sciences education, with notable achievements in research and diagnostics.

9. Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS)

• Global Rank: 801–1000

• Students: 23,491 | Student-to-Staff Ratio: 19.0

• Gender Ratio: 27% Female – 73% Male

UDUS is renowned for its focus on tropical medicine and public health, addressing region-specific healthcare challenges in Northern Nigeria.

10. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)

• Global Rank: 1001+

• Students: 33,331 | Student-to-Staff Ratio: 48.5

Despite not ranking in the top 10 in 2024, LAUTECH remains notable for its technological approach to medical diagnostics.

🌍 Global Leaders in Medical Education – 2025 Rankings

If you’re considering international options, here are the Top 10 medical schools in the world:

1. University of Oxford – UK

2. Harvard University – USA

3. University of Cambridge – UK

4. Imperial College London – UK

5. Johns Hopkins University – USA

6. Stanford University – USA

7. Yale University – USA (tie)

8. University College London (UCL) – UK

9. University of Toronto – Canada

10. University of Pennsylvania – USA

📌 Conclusion

Choosing the right medical school is a critical step toward a successful career in healthcare. Whether you aim to practice in Nigeria or abroad, these top institutions provide the academic strength and global recognition needed for future-ready doctors.