Medical Imaging Technology and Radiography in Nigeria: Schools, Requirements & 2026 Updates

In Nigeria, the career path for medical imaging is split into two distinct academic routes: Medical Imaging Technology (MIT), offered by polytechnics and colleges of health technology, and Radiography, offered by universities.

As of January 2026, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN) have updated the accreditation and curriculum for these programs to include advanced digital imaging and artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnostics.

1. Meaning of Medical Imaging Technology (Polytechnic Route)

While universities use the term “Radiography,” polytechnics offer the same field under the name Medical Imaging Technology (MIT). This program focuses on the technical operation of sophisticated machinery to create internal images of the body.

Modern Modalities Covered:

• X-Ray Radiography: Using ionizing radiation for bone and chest imaging.

• Computed Tomography (CT): Creating 3D cross-sectional images.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Using magnetic fields (non-ionizing) for soft tissue imaging.

• Ultrasonography: Using high-frequency sound waves.

• Digital Imaging Processing: Managing digital files (PACS) and using AI for initial image screening.

2. Polytechnics & Colleges Offering Medical Imaging Technology (2026 List)

The following institutions are currently accredited by the NBTE and RRBN to offer National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Medical Imaging Technology:

3. Admission Requirements (2026 Update)

The requirements for the Polytechnic (ND) route are strictly enforced to ensure students have a solid foundation in the physical sciences.

O’ Level Requirements:

Candidates must obtain a minimum of 5 Credit Passes in no more than two sittings in:

1. English Language

2. Mathematics

3. Physics (Compulsory)

4. Biology / Health Science

5. Chemistry

UTME (JAMB) Subject Combination:

To study Medical Imaging Technology in 2026, you must register for:

• English Language (Compulsory)

• Physics

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Note: While some institutions once allowed Mathematics in place of Physics, most accredited polytechnics now strictly require Physics for MIT.

4. Universities Offering B.Sc. Radiography

If you prefer the 5-year degree route (Bachelor of Medical Radiography), these are the top NUC-accredited universities:

• University of Lagos (UNILAG)

• University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

• University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)

• Bayero University, Kano (BUK)

• Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)

• University of Calabar (UNICAL)

• Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUSOK)

• Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)

5. Career Path: Technician vs. Scientist

• ND/HND (Medical Imaging): Graduates are typically registered as Medical Imaging Technologists or X-Ray Technicians (depending on the level of certification from the RRBN).

• B.Sc. (Radiography): Graduates are registered as Radiographers.

• Professional Body: All practitioners must be licensed by the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN) to practice legally in Nigeria.

Relevant External Links

• NBTE Directory of Accredited Programmes: To verify the current status of any polytechnic.

• JAMB iBASS Portal: For checking the specific 2026 cut-off marks for each institution.

• RRBN Official Portal: To check the list of approved training institutions for technicians and radiographers.

💰 2025/2026 Tuition Fee Comparison

When choosing between a polytechnic and a university for medical imaging in Nigeria, the primary differences lie in the cost, duration, and the professional title you earn upon graduation.

Below is the updated 2025/2026 tuition fee comparison and career guide.

💰 2025/2026 Tuition Fee Comparison:

Fees vary significantly between federal, state, and private institutions.

1. Polytechnic / College of Health Route (ND/HND)

The polytechnic route is generally more affordable and focuses on the technical operation of imaging equipment.

• Federal/State Institutions: ₦60,000 – ₦150,000 per session.

• Private Institutions: ₦350,000 – ₦600,000 per session.

• Key Fees: You should also budget for Clinical Posting Fees (approx. ₦30,000 – ₦50,000) and Professional Logbooks.

2. University Route (B.Sc. Radiography)

The university route is a 5-year professional degree that leads to a license as a “Radiographer.”

• Federal Universities: ₦100,000 – ₦250,000 per session (excluding acceptance fees).

• State Universities: ₦200,000 – ₦450,000 per session.

• Private Universities: ₦1,200,000 – ₦2,500,000 per session.

Accreditation & Career Titles

It is critical to ensure your chosen institution is accredited by the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN). Without this, you cannot practice legally.

Essential Skills You Will Learn

Regardless of the route, you will be trained to use several advanced imaging technologies:

• Computed Tomography (CT): High-speed 3D imaging of internal organs.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Using powerful magnets to see soft tissues like the brain and ligaments.

• Mammography: Specialized X-ray imaging for breast cancer screening.

• Fluoroscopy: “Live” X-rays used to see organs in motion (e.g., watching a patient swallow).

2026 Admission Requirements Recap

To be successful in your application for the 2025/2026 session, you must meet these criteria:

• O’Level: 5 Credits (English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in no more than 2 sittings.

• JAMB Score: Aim for 200+ for polytechnics and 250+ for federal universities.

• Direct Entry: HND holders in Medical Imaging can apply for Direct Entry into 300 Level in some universities to earn a B.Sc.

Important Links

• RRBN Accredited Institutions: Check here to see if your school is licensed.

• JAMB iBASS: Verify the specific 2026 cut-off mark for your chosen polytechnic.

2025/2026 JAMB Cut-Off Marks for Imaging Courses

To secure admission for the 2025/2026 academic session, you need to be aware of the specific “cut-off” marks, which are the minimum scores required to be considered for screening.

For Medical Imaging Technology (Polytechnic route) and Radiography (University route), the competitive nature of medical courses usually means the actual “departmental” cut-off is higher than the general school minimum.

Specific Examples for 2026:

• LASU (Stream 2): The general cut-off is 195. For competitive health-related courses, aim for 220+.

• Rivers State University (RSU): The 2025/2026 departmental aggregate cut-off for Radiography is 56 (calculated as $\frac{\text{JAMB}}{8} + \text{Post-UTME score}$).

• Anambra State College of Health Tech: While the general minimum is 100, medical imaging usually requires a JAMB score of 140 – 150 due to high application volume.

How to Calculate Your Admission Chances

Most schools for the 2025/2026 session have moved away from physical exams and now use a Composite/Aggregate Score.

The Common Formula:

• A1 = 10 Points

• B2 = 9 Points

• B3 = 8 Points

• C4/C5/C6 = 7/6/5 Points

Pro Tip: If you are applying to a College of Health Technology (like Shehu Idris or Offa Health Tech), they often prioritize your O’Level grades and an internal entrance interview over the JAMB score alone.

Important Deadlines (2025/2026)

• Kwara State Polytechnic: Applications for the 2025/2026 session typically close in late July.

• LASU Stream 2: Registration is currently ongoing but usually shuts down once the departmental quota is reached.

• JAMB Change of Course: If your score is below 140, you should consider a “Change of Institution” to a private college of health technology where the requirements are more flexible.

This video provides a practical breakdown of how various Nigerian institutions calculate their final admission scores, helping you determine if your current marks are enough for competitive medical courses.