Medicine and Surgery is the most sought-after course in Nigerian universities, and gaining admission into federal institutions is extremely competitive. With cut-off marks frequently exceeding 280 at top federal schools and limited admission slots, many qualified candidates miss out every year. This is why knowing the private universities in Nigeria that offer Medicine and Surgery and their fees is essential for every serious medical aspirant looking for alternative pathways to becoming a doctor.

Private universities offer several compelling advantages for medical students: uninterrupted academic calendars that allow you to complete your six-year MBBS programme on schedule, modern teaching hospitals and simulation laboratories, smaller class sizes that enable more personalised clinical training, and international affiliations that enhance your global career prospects. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of private universities in Nigeria that offer Medicine and Surgery and their fees for the 2026/2027 academic session.

Why Consider a Private University for Medicine and Surgery?

The decision to study Medicine at a private university goes beyond just finding an available slot. Private medical schools in Nigeria maintain strict academic calendars, meaning you graduate in exactly six years without the disruptions caused by industrial actions that plague public universities. Many students who enrol in federal universities for Medicine end up spending seven to nine years due to repeated strikes. This is a key reason why searching for private universities in Nigeria that offer Medicine and Surgery and their fees is becoming increasingly popular among Nigerian families.

Understanding the private universities in Nigeria that offer Medicine and Surgery and their fees also helps you make an informed financial decision. While tuition is significantly higher than federal institutions, the total cost may actually balance out when you factor in the extra years spent at public universities due to strikes, plus the additional accommodation, feeding, and living expenses during those extended years. Private universities also invest heavily in modern medical equipment, simulation labs, and teaching hospitals that provide superior hands-on training from your early clinical years.

Complete List of Private Universities Offering Medicine and Their Fees

The table below presents a comprehensive list of private universities in Nigeria that offer Medicine and Surgery and their fees for the 2026/2027 session. It includes estimated tuition, accreditation status, and JAMB cut-off marks.

 

S/N	University	Location	Est. Medicine Fees/Session	Accreditation	JAMB Cut-Off
1	Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)	Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti	~N4.67M (100L) – N5.88M	MDCN/NUC	230+
2	Babcock University	Ilishan-Remo, Ogun	~N5.5M – N7M	MDCN/NUC	220+
3	Bowen University	Iwo, Osun State	~N4.6M	MDCN/NUC	200+
4	Nile University of Nigeria	Abuja (FCT)	~N5.95M	MDCN/NUC	200+
5	Benson Idahosa University	Benin City, Edo	~N3.3M – N3.5M	MDCN/NUC	200+
6	Igbinedion University	Okada, Edo State	~N3M – N4M	MDCN/NUC	180+
7	Madonna University	Elele, Rivers State	~N2.8M – N3.8M	MDCN/NUC	180+
8	Bingham University	Karu, Nasarawa	~N2.2M – N3.2M	MDCN/NUC	200+
9	Lead City University	Ibadan, Oyo State	~N3.5M – N5.5M	MDCN/NUC	180+
10	Gregory University	Uturu, Abia State	~N1.2M – N2M	MDCN/NUC	180+
11	PAMO University of Medical Sciences	Port Harcourt, Rivers	~N4M – N5M	MDCN/NUC	200+
12	Eko University of Medicine (EkoUNIMED)	Lagos State	~N4M – N6M	MDCN/NUC	200+
13	Achievers University	Owo, Ondo State	~N1.5M – N2.5M	NUC	180+
14	Novena University	Ogume, Delta State	~N1.5M – N2.5M	NUC	180+
15	Obong University	Obong Ntak, Akwa Ibom	~N1.2M – N2M	NUC	180+

Disclaimer: Fees are estimated ranges based on available 2025/2026 data and may change for the 2026/2027 session. Fees typically exclude hostel, feeding, and sundry charges. Always verify directly on each university’s official website before applying.

Detailed Overview of Top Private Medical Schools

1. Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)

ABUAD is widely regarded as the best private university for Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria. The university operates a multi-system teaching hospital that is ranked among the best-equipped in sub-Saharan Africa, with advanced surgical units, simulation centres, and diagnostic laboratories. ABUAD maintains a near 100% pass rate for medical students in MDCN licensing examinations, which is a remarkable achievement. Fresh medical students pay approximately N4.67 million, while returning students pay between N5.5 million and N5.88 million depending on their level. The fees cover tuition, academic facilities, and reading materials but exclude accommodation (approximately N850,000 for a deluxe room).

2. Babcock University

Babcock University operates the Benjamin S. Carson Senior College of Health and Medical Sciences, named after the world-renowned neurosurgeon. The medical programme runs for six years and provides students with access to the Babcock University Teaching Hospital (BUTH), which offers clinical rotations across major medical specialties. Babcock combines rigorous medical training with Christian values and discipline. Medicine fees range from approximately N5.5 million to N7 million per session, making it one of the more premium options among private universities in Nigeria that offer Medicine and Surgery and their fees.

3. Bowen University

Bowen University’s College of Health Sciences (COHES) offers an MDCN-accredited MBBS programme in a serene campus environment in Iwo, Osun State. The university’s Baptist foundation emphasises discipline, character, and academic excellence. Medical students benefit from well-equipped laboratories, a functional teaching hospital, and experienced clinical faculty. Tuition for the Medicine programme is approximately N4.6 million per session, with additional charges for accommodation and feeding.

4. Nile University of Nigeria

Nile University in Abuja employs an integrated system-based learning approach for its MBBS programme, combining theoretical instruction with community-oriented clinical training. The university’s modern campus, international faculty, and Abuja location make it attractive for students seeking a cosmopolitan learning environment. At approximately N5.95 million per session, Nile University is the most expensive option on this list, but its facilities and teaching approach justify the investment for many families.

5. Benson Idahosa University

Benson Idahosa University in Benin City offers a strong MBBS programme with Medicine fees ranging from N3.3 million to N3.5 million per session. The university’s Christian foundation and location in the South-South region make it a popular choice for students from Edo, Delta, and neighbouring states. The medical programme benefits from clinical partnerships and a growing teaching hospital that provides hands-on training across key specialties.

Admission Requirements for Medicine at Private Universities

To gain admission into any of the private universities in Nigeria that offer Medicine and Surgery and their fees, candidates must meet both JAMB and institutional requirements. The UTME subject combination is English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. At the O’Level (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB), you need a minimum of five credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, preferably in a single sitting.

JAMB cut-off marks for Medicine at private universities generally range from 180 to 230, significantly lower than the 280+ required at top federal institutions. However, most private universities conduct their own post-UTME screening tests and may require additional assessments. Some institutions like ABUAD and Babcock also conduct oral interviews as part of their admission process.

Understanding the Fee Structure

When researching private universities in Nigeria that offer Medicine and Surgery and their fees, it is important to understand that the advertised tuition figure often does not represent the total cost. Most private universities charge separately for accommodation (ranging from N300,000 to N850,000 per session), feeding (where applicable), medical screening, acceptance fees, and sundry charges like departmental levies, laboratory fees, and student association dues.

The total annual cost of studying Medicine at a private university in Nigeria typically falls between N3 million and N8 million when all expenses are included. Over the six-year MBBS programme, the total investment ranges from approximately N18 million to N48 million. While this is substantial, many families view it as a worthwhile investment given the stable academic calendar, quality of training, and strong career outcomes that private medical graduates enjoy.

Most Affordable Private Universities for Medicine

Not all private universities in Nigeria that offer Medicine and Surgery and their fees are prohibitively expensive. Gregory University in Uturu charges approximately N1.2 million to N2 million per session for Medicine, making it one of the most affordable options. Obong University and Novena University also fall in the budget-friendly category with fees between N1.2 million and N2.5 million. Bingham University offers a mid-range option at N2.2 million to N3.2 million, while Igbinedion University charges around N3 million to N4 million.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which private university is the cheapest for Medicine in Nigeria?

Gregory University in Uturu, Abia State, and Obong University in Akwa Ibom State are currently among the most affordable private universities in Nigeria that offer Medicine and Surgery and their fees, with tuition starting from approximately N1.2 million per session. However, always factor in accommodation, feeding, and other charges when calculating the true cost.

Which private university is the best for Medicine and Surgery?

Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) is widely considered the best private university for Medicine in Nigeria, based on its teaching hospital quality, MDCN accreditation, pass rates in licensing examinations, and graduate employability. Babcock University and Bowen University also rank highly.

Are private medical degrees recognised internationally?

Yes, MBBS degrees from MDCN-accredited private universities are fully recognised in Nigeria and internationally. Graduates from private universities in Nigeria that offer Medicine and Surgery and their fees can sit for the PLAB (United Kingdom), USMLE (United States), and other international licensing examinations. The key is ensuring your chosen institution holds full MDCN accreditation for its medical programme.

Can I get a scholarship to study Medicine at a private university?

Yes, several private universities in Nigeria that offer Medicine and Surgery and their fees offer merit-based scholarships, tuition discounts, and financial aid packages. ABUAD, Babcock, Bowen, and Benson Idahosa University all have scholarship programmes for outstanding students. Contact each university’s admissions office for specific eligibility criteria and application deadlines.

How long does it take to study Medicine at a private university?

The MBBS programme at private universities takes exactly six years, divided into pre-clinical and clinical phases. One of the biggest advantages of private universities is their consistent academic calendars. While federal university medical students often spend seven to nine years due to strikes, private university students almost always graduate on time.

What is the JAMB cut-off mark for Medicine at private universities?

JAMB cut-off marks for Medicine at private universities range from 180 to 230, depending on the institution. ABUAD requires 230 and above, Babcock requires 220 and above, while institutions like Igbinedion and Novena accept scores from 180. These are significantly lower than the 280+ typically required at top federal universities.

Conclusion

This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of private universities in Nigeria that offer Medicine and Surgery and their fees for the 2026/2027 academic session. With 15 institutions listed, ranging from premium options like ABUAD and Nile University to affordable choices like Gregory University and Obong University, there is a private medical school to fit virtually every budget.

Choosing from the list of private universities in Nigeria that offer Medicine and Surgery and their fees requires careful consideration of tuition affordability, MDCN accreditation status, teaching hospital quality, location, and your long-term career goals. Take time to visit campuses, speak with current students, and verify all fees directly on official university websites before making your final decision. Your dream of becoming a medical doctor is within reach.