The only 11 Courses that Allow Transfer to Medicine in Nigeria (2026 Update)

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.