Public Health is one of the fastest-growing fields in Nigeria, offering students the opportunity to improve community well-being and tackle health challenges. As of 2025, several universities across the country run accredited Public Health programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- ✅ The top universities offering Public Health in Nigeria
- ✅ Their locations and program highlights
- ✅ Key admission tips for aspiring students
Contents
🎓 Why Study Public Health in Nigeria?
Studying Public Health prepares you to:
- Work in disease prevention and health promotion.
- Pursue careers in epidemiology, health policy, and environmental health.
- Contribute to national and global health projects.
- Continue into postgraduate research and practice.
With demand for health professionals rising, Public Health graduates are in high demand across hospitals, NGOs, and government agencies.
🏆 Top 5 Universities for Public Health in Nigeria (2025)
If you’re aiming for the best options, consider these institutions:
- University of Ibadan (UI) – Oldest university, strong research focus.
- University of Lagos (UNILAG) – Comprehensive program under College of Medicine.
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) – Emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention.
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – Community health and policy-driven curriculum.
- University of Medical Sciences, Ondo (UNIMED) – First stand-alone School of Public Health in Nigeria.
📋 Full List of Universities Offering Public Health in Nigeria (2025)
| University | Location | Program Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| University of Ibadan (UI) | Ibadan, Oyo State | Strong research and practical training |
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) | Lagos, Lagos State | Focus on health education & policy |
| Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) | Zaria, Kaduna State | Health promotion & disease prevention |
| University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) | Nsukka, Enugu State | Community & environmental health |
| Nile University of Nigeria | Abuja, FCT | Global health & research focus |
| University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) | Port Harcourt, Rivers State | Renowned School of Public Health |
| University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) | Ondo, Ondo State | First stand-alone School of Public Health |
| Thomas Adewumi University | Omu-Aran, Kwara State | Global health challenge readiness |
| Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) | Owerri, Imo State | Public Health Technology program |
| University of Calabar (UNICAL) | Calabar, Cross River State | Community health & epidemiology |
| Babcock University | Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State | Health promotion & disease prevention |
| Madonna University | Elele, Rivers State | Strong discipline & structure |
| Abia State University (ABSU) | Uturu, Abia State | Community health & epidemiology |
| Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) | Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State | Health policy & management focus |
| Al-Hikmah University | Ilorin, Kwara State | Health education & promotion |
| Adeleke University | Ede, Osun State | Research & health statistics |
| Bowen University | Iwo, Osun State | Preventive medicine emphasis |
| Lead City University | Ibadan, Oyo State | Health systems management |
📌 Admission Tips for Public Health Aspirants
To secure admission into a Public Health program in Nigeria:
- Aim for 180+ in JAMB UTME (higher for competitive universities like UI and UNILAG).
- Choose the university as first choice in JAMB.
- Prepare for Post-UTME exams (many schools combine JAMB + Post-UTME scores).
- Upload your O’Level results early on JAMB CAPS.
- Confirm program accreditation status before applying.
🔎 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the JAMB cut-off mark for Public Health in Nigeria?
Most universities require at least 180–200, but top schools like UI or UNILAG may set higher cut-offs.
Q2: Can I study Public Health without Biology?
No. Biology is a core requirement for Public Health and related health science programs.
Q3: Which private universities offer Public Health in Nigeria?
Examples include Babcock University, Madonna University, Bowen University, Lead City University, and Nile University.
Q4: What careers can I pursue with a Public Health degree?
Epidemiologist, health educator, policy analyst, environmental health officer, NGO project manager, or researcher.
Public Health is a rewarding field with immense opportunities in Nigeria and abroad. With universities like UI, UNILAG, ABU, UNN, UNIMED, and many others offering the program, aspiring students have plenty of options.
👉 Always confirm admission requirements directly from the university.
👉 Apply early and prepare for both JAMB and Post-UTME.
👉 Choose a school that aligns with your career goals.
Scoring well and making informed choices will put you on the right path to becoming a skilled Public Health professional.
