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In Nigeria, the journey to becoming a medical doctor is highly competitive. For many students who do not meet the initial UTME cut-off marks for Medicine and Surgery (MBBS), transferring from a related science course remains a viable and popular pathway.

As of January 2026, the National Universities Commission (NUC) and individual universities have streamlined the requirements for inter-departmental transfers and Direct Entry (DE) to ensure only the most academically rigorous students make the switch.

A Brief Background of Medicine

Medicine is the branch of science which deals with health and healing. It consists of nurses, doctors, and other specialists.

It covers disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, as well as medical research and a variety of other areas.

Medicine is concerned with promoting and maintaining good health and well-being.

Different fields in Medicine

Surgery

Surgical operations are required to diagnose and treat certain diseases, malformations, and injuries. Instead of medication, they use instrumental and physical methods.

A surgeon can perform surgery to remove or replace sick tissue or organs or extract tissue for biopsy. In addition, they may remove undesirable tissue and send it to be diagnosed.

Clinical Practice

In a hospital or other healthcare setting, a clinician is a health practitioner who interacts directly with patients. Clinicians include nurses, doctors, psychotherapists, and other specialists.

Clinical Research

Researchers investigate whether diseases are present, why they occur, what can be done to treat or prevent them, what causes them to occur more frequently, and many other facets of health.

Biomedical Research

The goal of this branch of study is to find solutions to prevent and treat diseases that cause illness or death.

Biomedical researchers examine biological processes and disorders using biotechnology tools. They want to create effective treatments and cures.

Psychotherapy

Counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and other types of “talking cure” might be beneficial for persons suffering from mental health issues such as depression, stress, or chronic pain.

Branches of medicine include biochemistry, biophysics, anatomy, genetics, pathology, radiology, pharmacology, and a host of others.

Courses that allow you to transfer to Medicine in Nigeria 

Several candidates seeking to study medicine in universities have had their dreams dashed because of the cut off mark required to gain admission.

Students have resorted to studying a medical-related course and transferring afterwards to fulfil their dream of studying medicine.

Choosing less competitive courses such as physiology, dental surgery, and microbiology could be your gateway to studying Medicine and Surgery.

Apart from IJMB, JUPEB, and Cambridge A level, students can also transfer to medicine after completing bachelor’s degree in a medical-related discipline.

The following are medical courses that can be used to transfer to Medicine & Surgery:

After completing these courses at the University, you will need to obtain a Direct Entry (DE) in order to be admitted.

1. Biochemistry

The study of chemical processes within and related to living organisms is known as biochemistry or biological chemistry.

Biochemistry is a sub-discipline of both chemistry and biology that can be divided into three fields: structural biology, enzymology, and metabolism.

Biochemical methodology and research are being used to discover and develop almost all areas of life sciences.

Biochemistry focuses on understanding the chemical basis that allows biological molecules to give rise to the processes that occur within living cells and between cells, which has a significant impact on understanding tissues and organs, as well as organism structure and function.

2. Dentistry and Dental Surgery

This is a branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and abnormalities of the teeth, jaws, oral cavity, and surrounding structures.

A Dentist is someone who has studied dentistry. Dentists are surgeons, but not doctors.

3. Human Nutrition and Dietetics

Nutrition and Dietetics, a sub discipline of Medicine, is the science that studies food and its impact on our health and overall well-being.

Nutritionists and dietitians strive to improve people’s health and assist them in making healthier dietary choices.

4. Physiology

The study of how the human body works is known as physiology.

It explains the chemistry and physics behind basic body functions, such as how molecules behave in cells and how organ systems work together.

It enables us to comprehend what occurs in a healthy body in everyday life and what goes wrong when someone becomes ill.

5. Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a treatment that aims to restore, maintain, and maximize a patient’s mobility, function, and well-being.

Physical rehabilitation, injury prevention, and health and fitness are all benefits of physiotherapy. Physiotherapists involve you in your own recovery.

6. Medical Laboratory Science

A medical laboratory scientist (MLS), also known as a medical technologist or clinical laboratory scientist, analyzes a wide range of biological samples.

They are in charge of conducting scientific testing on samples and reporting the results to physicians.

Medical laboratory scientists use sophisticated equipment such as microscopes to perform complex tests on patient samples. The information they discover is critical in detecting and treating cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other medical conditions. It is estimated that 60 to 70% of all decisions about a patient’s diagnosis, treatment, hospital admission, and discharge are based on the results of the tests performed by medical laboratory scientists.

7. Ophthalmology

The study of drugs, including their origins, nature, and properties.

The study of the body’s reaction to drugs is known as pharmacology.

8. Pharmacology

The study of drugs, including their origins, nature, and properties.

The study of the body’s reaction to drugs is known as pharmacology.

9. Zoology

Zoology is the branch of biology that studies animals and animal life, including animal structure, physiology, development, and classification.

A zoologist is a person who specializes in the field of zoology.

10. Anatomy

Anatomy is the identification and description of living things’ structures. It is a biological and medical speciality.

11. Microbiology

The study of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses, archaea, fungi, and protozoa is known as microbiology.

Fundamental research on the biochemistry, physiology, cell biology, ecology, evolution, and clinical aspects of microorganisms, as well as the host response to these agents, is included in this discipline.

2026 Requirements for Transfer

To successfully switch to Medicine, you must generally meet these “Golden Rules” set by the NUC:

• High CGPA: Most universities, such as the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), now require a minimum CGPA of 4.50 on a 5.0 scale for a transfer to MBBS.

• The “One Sitting” Rule: For Medicine, you must have 5 O’Level credits (English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology) obtained in one sitting.

• No Carryovers: You must have passed all registered courses in your current department.

• Transfer Fees: Some institutions now charge a non-refundable “Transfer Application Fee” ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦250,000.

Top Universities Accepting Transfers (2026 Update)

universities accept transfers to medicine based on these requirements

1. University of Ibadan

The University of Ibadan requires a B.Sc Second Class Honours (Upper) degree in Biochemistry, Dentistry and Dental Surgery, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Physiology, Physiotherapy, and Medical Laboratory Science.

2. University of Lagos

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) accepts B.Sc. Second Class Honours in programs such as physiology, biochemistry, physiotherapy, ophthalmology, pharmacology, and zoology.

3. University of Ilorin

The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) requires a B.Sc Second Class Honours (Upper) degree in Anatomy, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Physiology, Zoology, or another Basic Science program.

4. Obafemi Awolowo University

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) accepts B.Sc. with at least a second class upper division in a relevant program (Sciences).

In Nigeria, the journey to becoming a medical doctor is highly competitive. For many students who do not meet the initial UTME cut-off marks for Medicine and Surgery (MBBS), transferring from a related science course remains a viable and popular pathway.

As of January 2026, the National Universities Commission (NUC) and individual universities have streamlined the requirements for inter-departmental transfers and Direct Entry (DE) to ensure only the most academically rigorous students make the switch.

What is Medicine? A 2026 Perspective

Medicine is the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease. In 2026, the field has evolved to include a heavy emphasis on Telemedicine, Genomics, and Integrative Health.

Key Fields in Modern Medicine

• Surgery: Using physical and instrumental methods to treat injuries or diseases.

• Clinical Practice: Direct patient-practitioner interaction in hospitals.

• Biomedical Research: Using biotechnology tools to create new cures.

• Psychotherapy: Treating mental health through cognitive and behavioral therapies.

11 Courses that Allow Transfer to Medicine

If you are currently enrolled in any of the following B.Sc. programs, you may be eligible to apply for a transfer to Medicine (usually into the 200 Level) or apply via Direct Entry after graduation.

1. Anatomy

The foundational study of human body structures. Most universities see this as the “closest” relative to Medicine.

2. Physiology

The study of how organ systems function. Transferring from Physiology is common because you will have already covered much of the Pre-clinical curriculum.

3. Biochemistry

Focuses on chemical processes in living organisms. It is a core requirement for medical students in their first professional year.

4. Medical Laboratory Science (B.MLS)

Training in diagnostic testing. B.MLS graduates often make excellent medical students due to their diagnostic background.

5. Physiotherapy (BPT/DPT)

Focuses on physical rehabilitation. Many universities accept “Credit” level graduates into 200L Medicine.

6. Pharmacology

The study of how drugs interact with the body.

7. Microbiology

The study of microscopic organisms. It is vital for understanding infectious diseases.

8. Zoology/Biological Sciences

A broader science degree. While less “clinical,” many top universities still accept high-performing Zoology graduates.

9. Nursing Science (B.NSc)

Professional nursing training. Registered Nurses (RN) with a degree are prime candidates for Direct Entry.

10. Human Nutrition and Dietetics

The science of food and health. As lifestyle diseases rise in 2026, this background is increasingly valued in MBBS programs.

11. Dentistry (BDS)

While a professional degree itself, some students move from BDS to MBBS (though this often requires starting from 200L).

2026 Requirements for Transfer

To successfully switch to Medicine, you must generally meet these “Golden Rules” set by the NUC:

• High CGPA: Most universities, such as the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), now require a minimum CGPA of 4.50 on a 5.0 scale for a transfer to MBBS.

• The “One Sitting” Rule: For Medicine, you must have 5 O’Level credits (English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology) obtained in one sitting.

• No Carryovers: You must have passed all registered courses in your current department.

• Transfer Fees: Some institutions now charge a non-refundable “Transfer Application Fee” ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦250,000.

Top Universities Accepting Transfers (2026 Update)

Relevant External Links

• JAMB IBASS: Check the official 2026 brochure for specific university requirements.

• Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN): View the list of fully accredited medical schools to ensure your target school is recognized.

History of the NUGA Games: When did it start?

The Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) was founded in July 1965, shortly after the first West African University Games, which were held earlier that year at the University of Ibadan.

In Nigeria, university-level sports events are organised by the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA).

It hosts the University Games, an inter-university sports competition.

The first Nigerian University Games was held in 1966 at the University of Ibadan.

At the time, Nigeria had five universities: the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the University of Lagos, Akoka, and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

NUGA currently has over eighty universities as members, including both private and public (Federal and State) universities.

Initially, only a few sports were involved. However, the number has increased.

Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Chess, Cricket, Football, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Scrabble, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, and Volleyball are among the sixteen sports.

Many university athletes have represented Nigeria in international competitions such as the Commonwealth and Olympic Games over the years.

Seyi Olofinjana (Football), Vincent Enyeama (Football), Bisi Afolabi (Athletics), Olumide Oyedeji (Basketball), Chika Chukwumerije (Taekwondo), and Olusoji Fasuba (Athletics) are among the notables.

It is worth noting that many more University athletes have become professionals after finishing their university education.

NUGA joined the World Federation of University Games (FISU) in 1970 and was a founding member of the All Africa University Games Association (FASU) in 1974.

How often is NUGA Held?

The Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) is held on an annual basis.

What the NUGA Games Aim to Achieve

The main objective of the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) is to foster unity amongst universities.

The program will aim to instil Olympic values in students in order to foster a more peaceful world.

NUGA aims to educate youths on how to participate in sports without discrimination, in the spirit of friendship, solidarity, and fair play, in keeping with the Olympic spirit.

The Top 3 Athletes that Excelled from the NUGA Games to the National Stage

The top 3 athletes that excelled from the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) to the national stage include Bisi Afololabi (Athletics), Seyi Olofinjana (Football), and Olumide Oyedeji (Basketball).

Other players making marks in the world include Vincent Enyeama (Football), Olusoji Fasuba (Athletics), and Chika Chukwumerije (Taekwondo).

Olusoji Fasuba (Athletics) holds the African record in the 100m (Men) with a time of 9.85 seconds.

Can a university decide not to participate in the NUGA game?

Yes, a university can decide not to participate in NUGA. It is not compulsory.

Here are the admission requirements for universities in Nigeria:

• All candidates must have a WAEC result and obtain five (5) O/Level credits or its equivalent from the JAMB and Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
• All candidates are required to apply for and sit for the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board Examination (JAMB).
• All candidates must pass the JAMB with a minimum score of 180 or 200.
• All candidates must obtain a minimum pass mark in any University’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) Cut off mark, and their information must have been forwarded to any university to which they applied by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
• The candidate must be sixteen (16) years old by the 31st of October of the year of admission because that is the required age.

All admissions candidates are expected to meet these requirements before a university considers them for any program, which is true for both highly competitive institutions and those considered second choices.

All Ways of Getting University Admission and their Requirements

SSCE

SSCE and O’level results are the same thing.  O’level is an abbreviation for Ordinary Level, whereas SSCE is an abbreviation for Senior Secondary Certificate Examination. They are frequently used interchangeably.

The term “SSCE result” refers to the results you have from WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or NBAIS, whether external (GCE) or internal (May/June or June/July).

These are the results that are accepted for admission to any school in Nigeria. WAEC and NECO are both accepted at foreign universities.

General Requirements for SSCE Results for Admission

1. You will need at least credit passes (i.e. C6, C5, C4, B3, B2 or A1) in Mathematics, English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics if you propose Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Botany, Medical Laboratory Science, Science Laboratory Technology (SLT), Medical rehab, and other medical science or pure science courses.
2. If you propose agricultural courses, you must have at least credit passes in Mathematics, English, Biology/Agric Science, Chemistry, and Physics.
3. If you propose an Engineering, Technology, or Computer-Related Course, you must have at least one credit pass in Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or any other science subject.
4. Suppose you propose Management and social science courses such as Economics, Accounting, Business Administration, Marketing, etc. In that case, you will need at least credit passes in Mathematics, English Language, Economics, and two other social science subjects such as Account, Commerce, Geography, and so on.
5. Suppose you propose Art courses such as philosophy, Linguistics, English and Literature in English, Political Science, and so on. In that case, you must have at least credit passes in Mathematics, English Language, Literature, Government, and one other art/social science subject such as Yoruba/Igbo/Hausa, Civic Education, Economics, and so on.
6. If you propose education courses, you will need at least three credit passes in Mathematics, English Language, and three other related science, art, or social science subjects.

Exceptions to the 5 Credit Pass Rule of in One or Two Sittings

1. Some Art courses, such as Law, Philosophy, and others, as well as some Education courses, may not require a credit pass in Mathematics. Some schools require at least a pass (D7 or E8). It would be best if you looked for such schools and courses in the JAMB brochure before making your UTME selection.
2. For all of its courses, the Nigerian Police Academy usually requires at least 6 credit passes in no more than two sittings. This could change at any time in the future. Such an update can be found in the school’s admissions advertisement.
3. Whereas some schools accept two sittings, others require at least six credit passes. One such university is the University of Ibadan. Remember that the JAMB brochure is your best guide in this situation.
4. If you are applying for a pre-degree, pre-ND, or pre-NCE programme, you may be offered admission even if your O’level results are not yet ready, in which case you can use awaiting results, or you may be admitted with one or two deficiencies. You must, however, complete your result before the end of your course.
5. You can also use an awaiting result (AR) from WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or GCE for your UTME application if you’re confident you’ll complete the five or six related subjects before the admission exercise as your preferred school begins.
6. If a school admits a student despite the fact that he does not have the required SSCE grades, the student may not be awarded his certificate until he can provide the necessary results/grades. This is one of the reasons why most students who are already in school will retake the SSCE. Despite the fact that this is a rare occurrence.
7. Some schools and courses require only one sitting for the SSCE. The University of Ibadan for Medicine and other similar institutions consider one sitting. For Law, the university requires five (5) O’level credit passes in one sitting or six (6) O’level credit passes in two (2) sittings, which must include English Language, Literature in English, and any other subjects from the Arts, Social Sciences, or Sciences.

JAMB

To be considered for admission, students must have a minimum Jamb score of 160, or the JAMB’s yearly official cut off score.

Five (5) credits, including English Language and Mathematics, on no more than two SSCE sittings, are also required for admissions consideration.

The minimum admission requirements for Engineering and Technology disciplines are credit levels in five subjects from the Senior Secondary School final year examination or GCE ‘O’ Level, including Mathematics, English Language, Physics, and Chemistry.

Candidates must also have a passing score in the UTME. It is also preferable for candidates to have credit in Further Mathematics and Technical Drawing. These candidates will have an advantage.

Medicine: A Brief Background

Medicine is the study and practice of health and healing.

It consists of nurses, doctors, and other specialists. It addresses disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, as well as medical research and many other aspects of health.

Medicine seeks to promote and preserve health and well-being.

Allopathic medicine is another term for conventional modern medicine. It entails the use of drugs or surgery, which is frequently accompanied by counselling and lifestyle changes.

Acupuncture, homoeopathy, herbal medicine, art therapy, traditional Chinese medicine, and many other forms of alternative and complementary medicine are examples.

Some areas of specialisation in medicine include the following

• Pathology
• Allergology
• Cardiology
• Surgery
• Dermatology
• Paediatrics
• Anesthesiology
• Gastroenterology
• Orthopaedics
• Radiology
• Emergency Medicine
• Internal Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Family and General Practice
• Public Health
• Research

The following organisations are employers of medical practitioners:

Clinics, rehabilitation centres, hospitals, government agencies, medical schools, health networks, private or group practice, armed services, nursing homes, colleges or universities, correctional facilities, large corporations, medical schools, and a host of others.

Requirements for Admission

Entry Requirements for the UTME

Candidates seeking admission to study bachelors programme in Medicine and Surgery should fulfil the following requirements:

• Such students must have obtained at least five (5) credit passes in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and English language in the West African School Certificate or its equivalent (GCE, SSCE, NECO) in no more than two sittings.
• However, the university reserves the right to further screen students for admission through an oral interview or an aptitude test.

Requirements for Direct Entry

Candidates with any of the following qualifications may be considered for admission in addition to the requirements listed above:

• At least three Advanced Level General Certificate of Education (GCE) Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Zoology should be included.
• Candidates who hold a first degree in the medical, para-medical, or biological sciences with at least a second class lower division from a recognised institution.

Requirements for Graduation

The program will last six (6) years, with the first three (3) sessions dedicated to the mandatory acquisition and passing of Basic Medical Sciences courses.

A student must pass all prescribed examinations in order to graduate from the MBBS degree program.

Job Opportunity

Graduates of the MBBS degree program are well prepared (after housemanship) for careers in hospitals, private practice, teaching, research activities in universities or research institutions, and even administration. Graduates of the MBBS degree program are also prepared for postgraduate training anywhere in the world.

Universities that Allow Transfer to Medicine

The following universities accept students who intend to transfer to medicine:

1. Abia State University, Uturu
2. Ambrose Alli University
3. Ahmadu Bello University
4. Bayero University, Kano
5. Babcock University
6. Bowen University
7. Usman Danfodio University
8. University of Osun
9. University of Ilorin
10. University of Benin
11. University of Ibadan
12. University of Jos
13. University of Nigeria
14. University of Lagos
15. Lagos State University
16. Madonna University
17. University of Maiduguri
18. Igbinedion University
19. Olabisi Onabanjo University
20. Obafemi Awolowo University
21. Nnamdi Azikiwe University
22. Ekiti State University
23. University of Uyo
24. University of Nigeria, Nsukka
25. University of Port Harcourt
26. University of Calabar
27. Ladoke Akintola University
28. Afe Babalola University
29. Kaduna State University
30. Bingham University
31. Imo State University

What is the Quota System in Nigeria?

A quota system is any selection process (for example, for employment or school admittance) in which a specified percentage of individuals chosen must be of a specific ethnic or racial background and/or gender.

According to the quota system policy, specified percentages of admission spaces into Nigerian institutions are allocated based on population, ethnic considerations, and states of origin.

The quota system and catchment regions are federal government measures designed to close the educational gap between educationally developed and educationally underdeveloped states.

What is the admission quota?

In this sense, quota refers to the number of people who should come from each state, regardless of whether or not they are qualified for the positions or honors.

This is the primary rationale for the ‘federal character‘ and ‘quota system’ in admissions to federal government-owned educational institutions.

Nigeria is reported to have adopted the quota system in its pursuit of human development.

In tertiary education, the quota system ensures that all of Nigeria’s federating units are represented in the admissions process.

As a means of exhibiting federal character in admission to federal universities, the following rules were approved:

1. The six first-generation universities– University of Ibadan, University of Nigeria, University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, Obafemi Awolowo University, and University of  Benin:
2. 40% on merit from all states of the Federation
3. 30% from catchment areas
4. 20% for students from educationally underdeveloped states
5. 10% for others at the discretion of the university.
6. Second generation universities– University of Ilorin, University of Port Harcourt, University of Calabar, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Bayero University, and University of Maiduguri:
7. 30% on merit from all states of the federation.
8. 30% from catchment regions.
9. 30% for students from educationally deprived regions.
10. Others may get 10% at the university’s discretion.
11. Third generation universities– the Federal Universities of Technology.
12. 20% from the catchment areas.
13. 80% at the discretion of the university.

When all other factors for admission to federal universities, merit is the least important.

In order to close the educational gap, the government implemented the quota system and catchment area policies.

While some refer to it as an equity formula, others believe it is inequitable because the admissions process for students appears to be devoid of equity and merit.

Is the Quota System a Justified Way to get Students into School?

The quota system, which has been in place since 1979, impacts all public institutions in the country, including public universities, and governs not only student admissions but also staff recruitment, appointments, and promotions.

Some argue that the Nigerian quota system promotes educational mediocrity and even stunts development.

For admission, recruiting, promotion, and appointment, the quota system uses three criteria. These factors include merit, catchment area, and the degree of educational disadvantage at the state level.

Catchment area is weighted at 35%, merit is weighted at 45%, and the remaining 20% belongs to educationally undeveloped states, which are largely in the north, including Adamawa, Jigawa, Nasarawa, Zamfara, Benue, Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, Kwara, Niger, Borno, and Plateau states, as well as Cross River, Bayelsa, Rivers State, and Ebonyi in the south.

The quota system breeds inequality and corruption.

Candidates who qualify for university admission on the basis of merit but are not from the state where the university they applied to is located or who are not from an educationally underdeveloped region may be denied admission.

To accommodate racial, religious, majority-minority, the admission quota sacrifices quality and competence.

The quota system also affects the ranking of Nigerian universities in the world. In the quota system, excellence isn’t a factor; it’s more about where you come from and who you know.

The quota system also results in ethnicity and tribalism.

In addition, it promotes marginalisation in admissions and appointments.

How Does being an Indigene of a Region aids Your Prospect of Gaining Admission into an Institution?

The catchment area is weighted at 35%, merit is weighted at 45%, and the remaining 20% belongs to educationally undeveloped states.

Being an indigene of a region aids your possibility of getting admitted into a university that falls within their catchment area.

Let’s say two candidates are seeking admission to study their preferred courses in the Federal University of Technology, Akure. The first candidate is from Oyo State and the second from Anambra State.

With good grades, the candidate from Oyo State has a higher chance of getting admitted into FUTA than the latter because his/her state of origin falls within FUTA’s catchment area, which is weighted at 35%.

Why Should You Think of Admission Quota Before Applying to Universities?

Candidates should consider the admission quota before applying to public universities because it largely determines if they would be accepted or not.