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Top 10 Private Universities to Study Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria

Medicine and Surgery is one of the most prestigious and demanding courses in Nigeria, and private universities are stepping up to meet the demand for world-class medical education. These institutions don’t just provide academic training; they weave rich histories, bold visions, and ground-breaking innovations into their programs. Here’s a deep dive into the top 10 private universities to study Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria, with captivating backstories, accreditation details, and unique features.


1. Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State

Backstory:
Babcock University was founded in 1999 by the Seventh-day Adventist Church with the mission of blending academic excellence with faith-based values. Medicine and Surgery became a core part of its offerings when the Benjamin S. Carson School of Medicine was launched, named after the renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson. The university’s medical program was born from a vision to produce not just doctors but healers with compassion and integrity.

Accreditation: Fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

Unique Features:

  • Holistic education that integrates spiritual development and professional ethics.
  • Strong partnerships with global organizations for research and clinical training.
  • A serene campus environment that fosters academic focus and character-building.

2. Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Ekiti State

Backstory:
When Afe Babalola, one of Nigeria’s most respected lawyers and philanthropists, founded ABUAD in 2009, he envisioned an institution that would address the gaps in Nigerian education and healthcare. The College of Medicine was established to produce doctors who could match global standards. The multi-system hospital, one of the best in Africa, was built to serve as a practical training hub for students and a world-class healthcare center.

Accreditation: Fully accredited by the NUC and MDCN.

Unique Features:

  • The Afe Babalola Multi-System Hospital, equipped with robotic surgery technology.
  • A research-focused curriculum that encourages innovation in healthcare.
  • A vibrant academic community supported by international affiliations.

3. Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State

Backstory:
Founded in 2001 by the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Bowen University was inspired by the missionary legacy of Reverend Thomas Jefferson Bowen, who was instrumental in bringing the Baptist mission to Nigeria. The College of Medicine reflects this heritage by emphasizing service to humanity, especially in underserved areas. It combines faith-based principles with cutting-edge medical training.

Accreditation: Accredited by the NUC and MDCN.

Unique Features:

  • Early clinical exposure through the Bowen University Teaching Hospital (BUTH).
  • Strong emphasis on community health and public service.
  • Integration of Christian ethics in medical practice.

4. Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State

Backstory:
Igbinedion University, Nigeria’s first private university, was established in 1999 by Sir Gabriel Igbinedion, a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist. The College of Medicine and Health Sciences was one of its pioneering programs, designed to address the shortage of skilled medical professionals in Nigeria. The institution has since become a trailblazer in private medical education, with a legacy of producing top-notch doctors.

Accreditation: Accredited by the NUC and MDCN.

Unique Features:

  • A reputation for excellence in medical training with seasoned faculty.
  • Access to the Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital, offering real-world clinical exposure.
  • Alumni network excelling in healthcare worldwide.

5. Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State

Backstory:
Redeemer’s University, founded in 2005 by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, was born out of a desire to combine academic excellence with spiritual discipline. The College of Medicine was later established to tackle the increasing demand for ethical and competent healthcare professionals. The university’s focus on innovation and research has positioned it as a rising star in medical education.

Accreditation: Accredited by the NUC and MDCN.

Unique Features:

  • A robust focus on medical research and innovation.
  • Access to cutting-edge facilities for anatomy and pathology studies.
  • A culture that encourages students to combine faith and science in solving medical challenges.

6. Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State

Backstory:
Bingham University was established in 2005 by the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) with a strong commitment to Christian values. The College of Medicine was conceived as a solution to the alarming healthcare deficits in Nigeria, especially in underserved communities. With a blend of academics, ethics, and spiritual guidance, Bingham trains doctors to serve with competence and compassion.

Accreditation: Accredited by the NUC and MDCN.

Unique Features:

  • Modern anatomy and physiology labs that rival global standards.
  • Early exposure to community health initiatives.
  • A serene and supportive learning environment.

7. Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State

Backstory:
Covenant University, founded in 2002 by Bishop David Oyedepo of the Living Faith Church, has a reputation for academic excellence and discipline. Although the medical program is relatively new, it reflects the university’s vision to lead Africa in healthcare innovation. Its focus on integrating medicine with technology is setting new benchmarks in medical education.

Accreditation: NUC-accredited; the medical program is undergoing final MDCN reviews.

Unique Features:

  • A forward-thinking approach to integrating medical education with AI and robotics.
  • Plans for a world-class teaching hospital to serve as a regional healthcare hub.
  • A strict culture of discipline and academic rigor.

8. Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State

Backstory:
Lead City University was established in 2005 with a focus on flexible and innovative learning. The Faculty of Medicine was later added to provide solutions to the country’s healthcare challenges. The school emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning, with a curriculum designed to produce highly skilled practitioners.

Accreditation: Accredited by the NUC and MDCN.

Unique Features:

  • A strong focus on healthcare technology and its practical applications.
  • Access to reputable hospitals in Ibadan for clinical rotations.
  • Encouragement of entrepreneurial skills for doctors interested in private practice.

9. Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State

Backstory:
Established in 1999 by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Edeh, Madonna University is one of Nigeria’s oldest private institutions. It was founded to combine academic excellence with moral discipline. The College of Medicine was among the university’s first programs and continues to uphold its commitment to producing ethical medical professionals.

Accreditation: Accredited by the NUC and MDCN.

Unique Features:

  • A teaching hospital that serves as a training ground and community health center.
  • A strong culture of discipline and ethical standards.
  • Graduates who consistently excel in local and international medical exams.

10. Eko University of Medicine and Health Sciences (EkoUNIMED), Lagos State

Backstory:
Founded in 2017, EkoUNIMED is Nigeria’s first specialized private university focusing exclusively on health sciences. Located in Lagos, it leverages its urban setting to provide students with exposure to diverse healthcare challenges and solutions. The university was founded to bridge the gap in specialized medical education and practice in Nigeria.

Accreditation: Accredited by the NUC and MDCN.

Unique Features:

  • Exclusive focus on Medicine and allied health sciences.
  • Strategic partnerships with Lagos-based hospitals for clinical experience.
  • A mission to develop leaders in healthcare innovation.