Every year, tens of thousands of Nigerian students specifically target health sciences programmes — and many are surprised to discover that Nigeria now has an entirely separate category of federal universities built exclusively for that purpose. This complete List of Federal University of Health Sciences in Nigeria gives you exactly what you need: the verified institutions, their locations, their key programmes, and the admission facts that matter most for the 2026/2027 session.
Nigeria’s federal university system has evolved significantly in the 2020s. Beyond the conventional universities, the federal government now operates specialist institutions dedicated entirely to health sciences education. These universities do not offer Law, Engineering, or Social Sciences — every faculty, every department, and every laboratory points toward one goal: producing world-class health professionals for Nigeria and beyond.
Whether you are targeting Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, or Medical Laboratory Science, knowing the List of Federal University of Health Sciences in Nigeria and understanding what each campus offers is the first strategic step in your admission journey.
Why Nigeria Created Dedicated Health Science Universities
Before going into the institutions on the List of Federal University of Health Sciences in Nigeria, it helps to understand why these universities exist as a separate category from Nigeria’s conventional federal universities.
Nigeria faces a significant deficit in health workers relative to its population. The World Health Organization recommends a minimum of 44.5 healthcare workers per 10,000 people — Nigeria falls far below that threshold. To bridge this gap at scale, the federal government made a deliberate policy decision in 2021 to create specialist universities of health sciences that focus entirely on clinical and allied health education, separate from the crowded admissions environment of general universities.
These institutions serve a dual purpose: increasing the number of trained health professionals and reducing medical tourism by building local expertise. They each operate in partnership with a teaching hospital, giving students clinical exposure from early in the programme — a structural advantage over many conventional universities where students may spend years in classroom settings before their first ward exposure.
This context explains why the List of Federal University of Health Sciences in Nigeria is growing — and why these universities are becoming increasingly attractive to health-focused UTME candidates who want a campus environment fully dedicated to their chosen field.
Full List of Federal University of Health Sciences in Nigeria 2026/2027
Below is the complete verified List of Federal University of Health Sciences in Nigeria based on NUC-approved records as of the 2025/2026 academic session, with the 2025 newly approved addition included:
| # | University & Acronym | State | Year Est. | Website |
| 1 | Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA) | Bauchi State | 2021 | fuhsa.edu.ng |
| 2 | Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (FUHSI) | Osun State | 2021 | fuhsi.edu.ng |
| 3 | Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO) | Benue State | 2021 | fuhso.edu.ng |
| 4 | Federal University of Health Sciences, Katsina (FUHSK) | Katsina State | 2021 | fuhsk.edu.ng |
| 5 | Federal University of Health Sciences, Kwale (FUHSKW) | Delta State | 2021 | fuhskw.edu.ng |
| 6 | David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS) | Ebonyi State | 2021 | dufuhs.edu.ng |
| 7 | Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu (FUAHSE) | Enugu State | 2021 | fuahse.edu.ng |
| 8 | Federal University of Health Science & Technology, Tsafe | Zamfara State | 2025 | Pending portal |
Note: The Federal University of Health Science and Technology, Tsafe, Zamfara State received approval in 2025 and is currently in the process of establishing its operational infrastructure and commencing full academic activities. All other seven institutions are fully operational and admit students through JAMB. Always verify current operational status at nuc.edu.ng before making admission decisions.
Individual Institution Profiles
Here is a closer look at each institution on the List of Federal University of Health Sciences in Nigeria — what it offers, who it serves, and what applicants should know before declaring it as their first choice on JAMB:
Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare — FUHSA (Bauchi State)
FUHSA is a pioneering institution in northeastern Nigeria, serving a region with historically limited access to health sciences education at university level. The university focuses on producing medical professionals equipped to handle the unique health challenges of the North-East — including malnutrition, infectious diseases, and limited primary healthcare infrastructure. FUHSA offers MBBS Medicine & Surgery, Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Radiography, and Nutrition & Dietetics. The institution maintains active remedial programmes and runs Post-UTME screening through its official portal. Candidates from Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, and surrounding states who meet the catchment criteria carry an advantage during admission consideration. Visit fuhsa.edu.ng for current admission updates.
Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun — FUHSI (Osun State)
FUHSI is one of the most actively growing institutions on this list. Located in Ila-Orangun, Osun State, the university sits in a region historically associated with strong health sciences traditions. FUHSI runs MBBS Medicine & Surgery, B.NSc. Nursing, B. Audiology, B.Sc. Biochemistry, B.Sc. Pharmacology, B.Sc. Microbiology, B.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics, and B.Sc. Health Informatics. The university conducts a formal Post-UTME screening exercise and publishes admission lists on its portal. FUHSI has already begun commissioning TETFund-funded infrastructure projects, signalling a serious commitment to campus development. O’Level requirements include five credits: English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. Visit fuhsi.edu.ng.
Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo — FUHSO (Benue State)
FUHSO serves the North-Central geopolitical zone and caters particularly to students from Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, and neighbouring states. The university offers courses across core health sciences — Medicine, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Anatomy, and Physiology. FUHSO is in active development mode, with academic activities running alongside ongoing construction of permanent facilities. Candidates who select FUHSO should monitor the official portal at fuhso.edu.ng closely for Post-UTME announcements and screening dates, as timelines can shift as the institution matures.
Federal University of Health Sciences, Katsina — FUHSK (Katsina State)
FUHSK addresses the health education gap in Katsina State and the broader North-West zone. The institution offers programmes including Medicine & Surgery, Nursing Science, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Medical Laboratory Science, Public Health, Anatomy, and Physiology. As a relatively young institution, FUHSK benefits from federal government funding, TETFund infrastructure support, and proximity to state health facilities that provide early clinical training grounds for students. Katsina’s central location within the North-West makes it a logical choice for students from Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Sokoto states. Visit fuhsk.edu.ng for updates.
Federal University of Health Sciences, Kwale — FUHSKW (Delta State)
FUHSKW brings dedicated health sciences education to the South-South geopolitical zone. Located in Kwale, Delta State, the institution offers Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Pharmacy, Nutrition & Dietetics, Community Health, and Public Health. Its South-South positioning makes it particularly valuable for students from Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states who prefer regional access to a specialist health university over seeking admission at larger, more competitive institutions. Visit fuhskw.edu.ng for current admission information.
David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences — DUFUHS (Ebonyi State)
DUFUHS, formerly known as David Nweze Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, is the South-East zone’s dedicated federal health sciences institution. Located in Uburu, Ebonyi State, the university offers one of the most comprehensive programme structures on this list — MBBS Medicine & Surgery, Nursing, Pharmacy, Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy, Dentistry, Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry. DUFUHS has a functioning IJMB programme for candidates who wish to gain Direct Entry without UTME. Admission status checks are available at kdums.edu.ng. The university operates with a clear mission toward international medical university standards.
Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu — FUAHSE (Enugu State)
FUAHSE distinguishes itself with a specific focus on allied and community health disciplines rather than the full clinical medical pathway. The university offers Dental Technology, Health Information Management, Community Health, Physiotherapy, Environmental Health, and Medical Laboratory Science — making it an excellent option for students whose O’Level or JAMB results position them well in the allied sciences rather than the fiercely competitive MBBS and Nursing routes. FUAHSE serves as a vital pipeline for the mid-level health workforce that Nigeria’s health system depends on daily.
Federal University of Health Science & Technology, Tsafe — FUHST (Zamfara State)
Tsafe, Zamfara State’s newest federal health institution, received NUC approval in 2025. It is designed to strengthen healthcare education in one of Nigeria’s most underserved states. The university will offer programmes in Health Sciences, Medical Technology, and Public Health. As of 2026, the institution is in the process of establishing its governance, physical infrastructure, and programme accreditation — candidates should monitor nuc.edu.ng for operational status and JAMB availability before applying.
Sample Courses Offered Across Federal Health Science Universities
The List of Federal University of Health Sciences in Nigeria covers institutions with varied programme strengths. Here is a course-by-institution snapshot to guide your choice:
| Institution | Notable Programmes Offered |
| FUHSA — Azare, Bauchi | MBBS Medicine & Surgery, B.Sc. Nursing Science, B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Science, B.Sc. Pharmacy, B.Sc. Physiotherapy, B.Sc. Radiography, B.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics |
| FUHSI — Ila-Orangun, Osun | MBBS Medicine & Surgery, B.NSc. Nursing, B. Audiology, B.Sc. Biochemistry, B.Sc. Pharmacology, B.Sc. Microbiology, B.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics, B.Sc. Health Informatics |
| FUHSO — Otukpo, Benue | Medicine & Surgery, Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacy |
| FUHSK — Katsina | Medicine & Surgery, Nursing Science, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Medical Laboratory Science, Public Health, Anatomy, Physiology |
| FUHSKW — Kwale, Delta | Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Pharmacy, Nutrition & Dietetics, Community Health, Public Health |
| DUFUHS — Uburu, Ebonyi | MBBS Medicine & Surgery, Nursing, Pharmacy, Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy, Dentistry, Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry |
| FUAHSE — Enugu | Allied Health Sciences, Dental Technology, Health Information Management, Community Health, Physiotherapy, Environmental Health, Medical Laboratory Science |
| FUHST — Tsafe, Zamfara | Programmes in development — Health Sciences, Medical Technology, Public Health (operational structure awaiting full NUC accreditation) |
General Admission Requirements Across All Institutions
While individual details vary, the List of Federal University of Health Sciences in Nigeria shares common admission requirements rooted in JAMB policy and NUC guidelines:
| Requirement | Details Applicable Across All FUHSs |
| JAMB UTME Score | General university floor is typically 150–180; competitive programmes like Medicine and Pharmacy require 200–250+. Always check the specific departmental cut-off for your chosen institution and course |
| JAMB Subject Combination | Use of English (auto-included) + Biology + Chemistry + Physics for most health programmes; substitute Physics with Mathematics for allied health and informatics courses — confirm in the JAMB brochure |
| O’Level Credits | Minimum five (5) credit passes (A1–C6) from WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB in relevant subjects — English Language and Mathematics are mandatory; Biology, Chemistry, and Physics required for clinical programmes |
| Number of O’Level Sittings | A maximum of two sittings is accepted across all FUHSs; single-sitting O’Level results are preferred for Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy applications where competition is highest |
| Age Requirement | Minimum 16 years old at the time of admission; the upper limit is typically 24–25 years for health sciences programmes — verify with each specific institution as policies may vary slightly |
| First-Choice Priority | All FUHSs are federal institutions and prioritise candidates who declare the university as first choice on JAMB; change of institution remains possible via the JAMB portal within the stipulated window |
| Post-UTME Screening | Most FUHSs conduct a screening process — either document-based credential verification or a written aptitude test. A non-refundable screening fee of ₦2,000–₦5,000 applies; check each institution’s portal for the current year’s method |
| Direct Entry | DE applicants must hold a Lower Credit in ND/HND or a Merit grade in NCE, or two A-Level passes in relevant sciences. DE candidates bypass UTME but must still meet O’Level and age requirements |
| Document Uploads | O’Level results, JAMB result slip, birth certificate, and passport photograph must be uploaded to JAMB CAPS before Post-UTME registration — failure to upload disqualifies the application instantly |
| NUC Accreditation | All programmes at accredited FUHSs are regulated by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for clinical programmes — verify programme-specific accreditation at nuc.edu.ng |
Side-by-Side: FUHSA vs FUHSI vs DUFUHS
Three of the most active institutions in the List of Federal University of Health Sciences in Nigeria are FUHSA, FUHSI, and DUFUHS. Here is how they compare on key admission factors:
| Factor | FUHSA (Azare) | FUHSI (Ila-Orangun) | DUFUHS (Uburu) |
| State | Bauchi | Osun | Ebonyi |
| Geopolitical Zone | North-East | South-West | South-East |
| Clinical training hospital | FUHSA Teaching Hosp. | FUHSI Teaching Hosp. | DUFUHS Teaching Hosp. |
| Medicine (MBBS) offered? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Nursing Science offered? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| General JAMB Floor | 150–180 | 150–180 | 150–180 |
| MBBS Cut-Off (Merit) | 200–220+ | 200–220+ | 200–220+ |
| Screening Type | Credential-based | Written + credential | Credential-based |
| Website | fuhsa.edu.ng | fuhsi.edu.ng | dufuhs.edu.ng |
How to Choose the Right Federal Health Sciences University for You
The List of Federal University of Health Sciences in Nigeria spans six geopolitical zones — meaning geography is one of your most powerful tools in this decision. Here are five practical filters to narrow your choice:
- Geopolitical zone and catchment advantage: Each FUHS serves a primary catchment zone. Applying to the institution in your state or geopolitical region significantly improves your admission chances in the catchment category — especially important if your JAMB score sits in the 180–219 range.
- Your target programme: Not every institution offers every course. FUAHSE, for instance, focuses on allied health and does not offer MBBS. Confirm your target course is available and NUC-accredited at your chosen institution before declaring it first choice on JAMB.
- Infrastructure and teaching hospital access: Institutions like FUHSI, FUHSA, and DUFUHS have more established teaching hospital linkages than newer campuses. For clinical programmes, early hands-on hospital access matters enormously to the quality of training.
- JAMB score competitiveness: All FUHSs maintain competitive departmental cut-offs for clinical programmes. If your score is 180–200, an institution in your catchment zone is safer than attempting merit admission at a FUHS outside your zone.
- Campus readiness: Some institutions like FUHSO and FUHST are still building permanent campuses. If campus infrastructure is a priority, institutions like FUHSI and DUFUHS, which have already begun commissioning TETFund projects, may be a more comfortable choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many Federal Universities of Health Sciences are in Nigeria?
The current List of Federal University of Health Sciences in Nigeria includes seven fully operational institutions: FUHSA (Bauchi), FUHSI (Osun), FUHSO (Benue), FUHSK (Katsina), FUHSKW (Delta), DUFUHS (Ebonyi), and FUAHSE (Enugu). The Federal University of Health Science and Technology, Tsafe, Zamfara State, received NUC approval in 2025 and is working toward full operational status. Always verify the current list at nuc.edu.ng as new approvals occur regularly.
Are these health sciences universities different from conventional federal universities?
Yes — significantly. Conventional federal universities like UI, UNILAG, and ABU offer a broad range of programmes across arts, sciences, engineering, law, and social sciences. Federal Universities of Health Sciences are specialist institutions — every programme, laboratory, and faculty points exclusively toward health, medical, and allied sciences. This focused environment means smaller class sizes in health programmes, more targeted faculty recruitment, and a campus culture entirely oriented around clinical and health professional training.
Can I study MBBS at any Federal University of Health Sciences?
Not all of them currently offer MBBS. FUHSA, FUHSI, and DUFUHS are among the institutions with active MBBS Medicine & Surgery programmes. FUAHSE, for instance, focuses on allied health sciences rather than full clinical medicine. Before declaring a FUHS as your JAMB first choice for Medicine, confirm that MBBS is an active, NUC-accredited programme at that specific campus for the 2026/2027 session.
What JAMB subjects do I need for health programmes at these universities?
For clinical programmes — Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Medical Laboratory Science — your three JAMB subject choices are Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (with Use of English auto-included). For allied programmes like Health Informatics, substitute Physics with Mathematics. Confirm the exact subject combination in the current JAMB brochure before registration, as changes can occur between sessions.
Do Federal Universities of Health Sciences conduct written Post-UTME exams?
This varies by institution. FUHSI has conducted a combination of written screening and credential verification. FUHSA and DUFUHS rely primarily on credential and document review rather than a separate written aptitude test. Because policies can change each session, always check the official university portal for the current year’s screening method before paying any fees.
Is a single-sitting O’Level required at all FUHSs?
A single-sitting O’Level result is not universally mandatory across all FUHSs — most institutions accept results from a maximum of two sittings. However, for the most competitive programmes (MBBS and Pharmacy in particular), presenting all five required credits in a single sitting gives your application a noticeably stronger profile during the credential review stage, especially when competition is high.
Which Federal University of Health Sciences is easiest to gain admission into?
Admission difficulty depends heavily on your programme, your category (merit, catchment, or ELDS), and the number of applicants per session. FUAHSE, which focuses on allied health rather than clinical medicine, tends to be more accessible than institutions offering MBBS. Similarly, institutions in less populated catchment zones — such as FUHSO in Benue or FUHSK in Katsina — may have lower competition for certain programmes than institutions in high-demand zones. Aim well above the published cut-off in every case.
Conclusion
The List of Federal University of Health Sciences in Nigeria for 2026/2027 covers eight institutions — seven fully operational and one newly approved — each with a distinct geographic footprint, programme focus, and admission character. These are not ordinary universities with health departments; they are entirely dedicated to training the next generation of Nigerian health professionals at scale.
Choosing among them requires clarity on your target programme, your JAMB score, your state of origin, and your preference for campus infrastructure maturity. Whether you pursue MBBS at FUHSA, Nursing at FUHSI, allied health at FUAHSE, or any other programme on this list, the fundamental principle remains the same: score well above the cut-off, complete your O’Level combination cleanly, and upload every required document to JAMB CAPS before the screening window closes.
Keep this List of Federal University of Health Sciences in Nigeria bookmarked and check nuc.edu.ng and each institution’s official portal regularly — the total number of FUHSs continues to grow as the federal government expands health education infrastructure across all geopolitical zones. Your future in healthcare starts with the right choice of institution and the right score to back it up.