Official List of Health Science Courses in Nigeria| Schools, Fees, and Requirements

2019 was a dark year in the health industry worldwide due to the pandemic, but in all that darkness, there remained a shimmer of light—health scientists.

These are men and women who have dedicated their careers to the well-being of others by studying health science courses.

This dedication kept them on the frontline while we all went into quarantines in our respective ways.

They wouldn’t have been able to surmount the challenge this disease posed at the time if they had not received rigorous training as students.

So, for others who want to pursue this profession, especially students in Nigeria, our article on health science courses in Nigeria will help you identify the best health science courses and the schools that offer them.

We will also discuss every detail you need to know about health sciences in Nigeria, its courses, requirements, schools, and fees.

What is Health Science as a course?

Health science as a course is the study of applied science that addresses people’s physical and behavioural well-being is known as health science.

The degree awarded to graduates of this science-focused school is a health science degree. In most cases, bachelor’s degree levels are offered.

Graduates with a degree in health sciences can begin working in research or healthcare administration.

Research positions, such as those in oncology or cancer research, are often lab-based, investigative jobs that demand someone to push the boundaries and create new media processes continuously.

On the other hand, application capacities are practical occupations that involve working directly with patients or performing tests that patients require to regain their health.

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Official List of Health Science Courses in Nigeria

Below is the list of health science courses in Nigeria. More can be grouped under this, but Nigeria’s core official health science courses are below.

1. Nursing Science—This course prepares students to meet health promotion and healthcare needs throughout the lifespan within a family framework, focusing on modern-day nursing practice and professional growth.
2. Public Health—This course is designed to train graduates to prevent disease and improve quality of life through organized efforts and informed choices.
3. Environmental Health Science – Aims to train professionals to address global environmental changes and promote sustainable development for a healthy environment.
4. Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) – Focuses on training in chemical, haematological, immunological, histopathological, cytopathological, microscopic, and bacteriological analyses.
5. Optometry Trains professionals to examine eyes and visual systems for defects, manage ocular diseases, and correct refractive errors.
6. Pharmacy – Involves the study and preparation of medicinal drugs, and the management of patient care and therapy.
7. Veterinary Medicine – Deals with preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases, disorders, and injuries in non-human animals.
8. Biochemistry – Studies the chemical processes within and related to living organisms, playing a crucial role in understanding molecular biology and genetics.
9. Microbiology – Involves studying microorganisms and their effects on other living things and the environment.
10. Radiography – Focuses on radiographic practice, incorporating skills in radiation science, anatomy, physiology, pathology, and the analysis of diagnostic images.
11. Nutrition and Dietetics—Nutrition and Dietetics, a subdiscipline of Medicine, is the science that focuses on everything related to food and its effect on our health and overall well-being. Nutritionists and dietitians aim to improve people’s health and help them make better dietary choices.
12. Medical Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy is a health care profession that utilizes physical agents such as heat, light, water, electricity, massage, manipulations, mechanical appliances, etc.; manual procedures; and therapeutic exercises to treat and manage injuries and diseases.
13. Dental Studies – Dental Studies focus on diagnosing, treating and preventing mouth diseases.
14. Biomedicine – is a branch of medical science that applies biological and physiological principles to clinical practice.
15. Health Administration – healthcare administration is to “plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers,” such as hospitals, to enable patients to receive better care.

These courses are offered in various universities across Nigeria, each providing unique approaches and specializations tailored to the evolving needs of the healthcare sector.

Health Science Course Requirements

Several requirements are needed to study health science courses in Nigeria. While these requirements might appear similar, different schools might have additional requirements about their mode of study.

1. Nursing Science

1. Educational Requirements:

1. Minimum of five credit passes in O’level examinations (WAEC/NECO), including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
2. Pass the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) focusing on English, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry.
3. University-Specific Requirements:

2. Some universities require direct entry candidates to have a Diploma in Nursing from a recognized institution or a Registered Nurse (RN) certification.
3. For UTME candidates, a high JAMB score is often essential due to the program’s competitive nature.
4. Duration and Degree:
5. A Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.NSc) degree typically takes about 5 years of study.

If you are interested in Nursing school, you should check out Ogun State School of Nursing Cut-off Mark, Fees and Requirements

2. Public Health

1. Educational Requirements:

1. Minimum of five credit passes in O’level examinations (WAEC/NECO), including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
2. Good scores in relevant UTME subjects typically include Biology and any two of Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics.
3. University-Specific Requirements:

2. Some universities offer Public Health as a direct entry course for candidates with relevant diplomas or degrees in related health sciences.
3. High academic performance in UTME and post-UTME where applicable.
4. Professional Insights:
5. Graduates may need to pursue further certifications or degrees in specialized areas of public health to enhance career opportunities.

3. Environmental Health Science

1. Educational Requirements:

1. Minimum of five credits in O’level examinations, including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
2. Required UTME subjects are Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or Mathematics.
3. University-Specific Requirements:

2. Some institutions may accept a relevant National Diploma (ND) for direct entry.
3. Admission might also depend on performance in post-UTME screenings where applicable.
4. Professional Pathways:
5. Graduates can become licensed environmental health practitioners after meeting additional certification requirements set by relevant professional bodies.

4. Medical Laboratory Science (MLS)

1. Educational Requirements:

1. Minimum of five credits in O’level examinations, including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
2. UTME subjects should include Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
3. University-Specific Requirements:

2. Direct entry candidates may need an Associate degree or equivalent in related fields such as Biochemistry or Microbiology.
3. Performance in post-UTME tests can also influence admission.
4. Certification:
5. Post-graduation, professionals must be certified by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria to practice.

5. Optometry

1. Educational Requirements:

1. Minimum of five credits in O’level examinations, including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
2. UTME subjects should include Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
3. University-Specific Requirements:

2. Direct entry candidates might require a relevant diploma or degree in a related field, such as Biology or Health Science.
3. High performance in UTME and possible post-UTME screening.
4. Licensing:
5. Graduates must pass the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria examination to practice professionally.

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6. Pharmacy

1. Educational Requirements:

1. Minimum of five credits in O’level examinations, including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
2. UTME subjects typically include Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
3. University-Specific Requirements:

2. Direct entry candidates may need a relevant diploma or A-level qualifications in Chemistry and Biology.
3. Admissions are competitive, often requiring high scores in both UTME and post-UTME.
4. Licensing and Practice:
5. Graduates must pass the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria examination to practice as licensed pharmacists.

7. Veterinary Medicine

1. Educational Requirements:

1. Minimum of five credits in O’level examinations, including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
2. UTME subjects required are Biology, Chemistry, and either Physics or Mathematics.
3. University-Specific Requirements:

2. Direct entry candidates might need a diploma in Animal Health or related fields.
3. Some universities also require passing a post-UTME screening.
4. Professional Certification:
5. The Veterinary Council of Nigeria must license graduates to practice.

8. Biochemistry

1. Educational Requirements:

1. Minimum of five credits in O’level examinations, including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
2. UTME subjects should include Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
3. University-Specific Requirements:

2. Some universities might offer direct entry to candidates with a relevant National Diploma or A-levels in Chemistry and Biology.
3. Admission may also depend on performance in post-UTME screenings.
4. Career Pathways:
5. Research, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare opportunities often require further studies or specific certifications depending on the career path.

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Top 10 Schools For Health Science Courses in Nigeria and Their Fees

There are pretty several schools of health in Nigeria. Below are the top schools that made our list and the tuition fees. Students spend an average of ₦120,000 to study health sciences courses in Nigeria.

#1. University of Ibadan College of Medicine, Ibadan

The University of Ibadan College of Medicine is well known for providing exceptional medical education.

The medical program’s tuition costs vary from ₦200,000 to ₦700,000 per academic session, depending on the level of study.

Tuition Fee: ₦200,000 to ₦700,000 per academic session.

#2. College of Medicine, University of Lagos

A renowned university, the College of Medicine at the University of Lagos provides a range of health-related disciplines.

Depending on their degree of study, medical students’ tuition costs might range from ₦150,000 to ₦600,000 per academic session.

Tuition Fee: ₦150,000 to ₦600,000.

#3. Ahmadu Bello University College of Health Sciences, Zaria.

The College of Health Sciences of Ahmadu Bello University is a preeminent centre for healthcare education.

Depending on their degree of study, medical students’ tuition costs might range from ₦120,000 to ₦450,000 per academic session.

Tuition Fee: ₦120,000 to ₦450,000 per.

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#4. Obafemi Awolowo University College of Health Sciences, Ile-Ife.

The Obafemi Awolowo University College of Health Sciences is highly recognized for its extensive health offerings.

Depending on their degree of study, medical students’ tuition costs might range from ₦200,000 to ₦600,000 per academic session.

Tuition Fee:₦200,000 to ₦600,000

#5. University of Nigeria College of Medicine, Enugu

The University of Nigeria College of Medicine provides top-notch training and instruction in medicine.

Depending on their level of study, medical students may face tuition costs ranging from ₦100,000 to ₦400,000 per academic session.

Tuition Fee: ₦100,000 to ₦400,000

#6. Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja

The teachers and modern facilities of Lagos State University College of Medicine are well-known. Depending on the level of education, medical students’ tuition expenses can range from ₦150,000 to ₦500,000 per academic year.

Tuition Fee: ₦150,000 to ₦500,000

#7. University of Benin School of Medicine, Benin City

One of Nigeria’s top medical schools is the University of Benin School of Medicine. Medical students’ tuition costs may range from ₦200,000 to ₦600,000 per academic session, depending on their level of study.

Tuition Fee: ₦200,000 to ₦600,000

#8. University of Ilorin College of Health Sciences, Ilorin

Comprehensive health programs are a hallmark of the University of Ilorin College of Health Sciences. Depending on the degree of study, medical students’ tuition costs might range from ₦150,000 to ₦500,000 per academic session.

Tuition Fee: ₦150,000 to ₦500,000

#9. Health Sciences College, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt

Numerous programs about health are available at the University of Port Harcourt College of Health Sciences. Depending on the degree of study, medical students’ tuition costs might range from ₦150,000 to ₦400,000 per academic session.

Tuition Fee: ₦150,000 to ₦400,000

#10. The Kano Faculty of Medicine at Bayero University

The Kano Faculty of Medicine at Bayero University is dedicated to providing top-notch medical instruction. Depending on the degree of study, medical students’ tuition costs might range from ₦150,000 to ₦400,000 per academic session.

Tuition Fee: ₦150,000 to ₦400,000.

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What are the top 3 best medical health-related courses?

Nigeria’s top three health-related courses comprise dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, medicine, and surgery.

How much do health workers get paid in Nigeria?

The place of work, field, experience, and certifications, among many other things, play vital roles in salary. Junior certified health workers make an average of N80,000 every month. Below is the average salary health workers in a few sectors make.

Nursing Officer (RN/RM, BNSc/RN, Double qualified)	N160,000-N320,000 monthly
Medical Laboratory Scientist	N160,000-N320,000 monthly
Radiographer	N200,000-N350,000 monthly
Pharmacist	N200,000-N350,000 monthly

Does the National Open University of Nigeria offer health courses?

Yes, they do. The faculty was recently established to help bridge the gap its absence might have caused all these years. The departments in the faculty include nursing, Public health, and environmental science.

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Frequently Asked Question

Conclusion

Health Science Courses in Nigeria are among the most sought-after, as the country presents several opportunities for graduates in this field.

With our article on the best health science courses, we believe aspiring students will be presented with a closer look at what it takes to become a health science graduate in Nigeria.

References

• What is Health Science, Exactly? – bridgeport.edu
• Schools of Health in Nigeria and Their Fees – linkedin.com

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