Medical Course in UNIBEN (University of Benin)

The University of Benin (UNIBEN), located in Benin City, Edo State, is one of Nigeria’s foremost federal universities and runs one of the country’s most sought-after Medicine and Surgery programs through its Faculty (School) of Basic Medical Sciences and College of Medical Sciences. Every year, thousands of candidates apply for admission into the program, but only a small fraction are eventually admitted due to limited slots and the highly competitive nature of the course. This article breaks down everything prospective students need to know: the structure of the program, admission requirements, current fees, and answers to the most commonly asked questions.

About the Medicine and Surgery Programme at UNIBEN

UNIBEN’s Medicine and Surgery programme (MBBS) is a six-year course divided broadly into three stages:

Pre-clinical/Basic Medical Sciences stage – covering foundational subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry.

Para-clinical stage – covering subjects like Pathology, Pharmacology, and Microbiology.

Clinical stage – hands-on clinical rotations in Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and other specialties, typically carried out at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

After completing the six years, graduates proceed to a mandatory one-year housemanship (internship) before full registration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), followed by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.

Admission Requirements

O’Level Requirements

A minimum of five (5) credit passes in WAEC/NECO/GCE/NABTEB, including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Unlike most other courses at UNIBEN that allow two sittings, candidates applying for Medicine and Surgery must obtain all five credits in one sitting.

Candidates must be at least 16 years old by October 31 of the admission year.

UTME (JAMB) Requirements

Subject combination: English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

UNIBEN’s general minimum UTME score for eligibility to sit the Post-UTME screening is 200, but this is only a baseline. Medicine and Surgery is far more competitive, and candidates typically need scores well above this to stand a realistic chance.

Because admission is merit-based and depends on the pool of applicants each year, there is no single fixed cut-off mark published in advance. In recent admission cycles, successful candidates have generally needed aggregate scores (combining UTME and Post-UTME performance) in the region of the high 250s to 280s, so applicants are usually advised to aim as high as possible rather than target a “minimum.”

Post-UTME Screening

All candidates must participate in UNIBEN’s Post-UTME screening, administered by the Central Entrance Examination Committee (CEEC).

Final admission is based on a combination of UTME score, Post-UTME score, O’Level results, and the departmental cut-off mark for that admission cycle.

Direct Entry (DE)

Direct Entry candidates require a minimum of Upper Credit (60% and above) from a recognized Diploma, HND, IJMB, JUPEB, or A-Level programme in a related field.

DE applicants still need the requisite O’Level credits and must apply through JAMB and the UNIBEN admissions portal.

UNIBEN Medicine and Surgery Fees

As a federal university, UNIBEN does not charge conventional “tuition” for Nigerian undergraduates in the traditional sense; instead, students pay a consolidated package of charges covering registration, library, laboratory/practicals, ICT, medical services, sports, and other institutional levies. Because Medicine is a science-based, laboratory-intensive course, fees for it sit at the higher end of UNIBEN’s fee structure.

Approximate figures for the 2025/2026–2026/2027 sessions:

Item

Fresh (New) Students

Returning Students

Consolidated school fees (Science/Medical courses)

₦170,000 – ₦190,000

₦150,000 – ₦170,000

Acceptance fee (Science/Medical)

Approx. ₦115,000 (one-time, on admission)

Not applicable

Other notes on fees:

These figures exclude accommodation, which is charged separately depending on hostel type and number of occupants per room.

The acceptance/clearance fee is paid only once, immediately after a candidate is offered admission, and is tiered — Science and Medical students pay a higher rate than Non-Science students.

UNIBEN generally does not allow instalment payment of school fees, except for students on approved bursaries or scholarships, which may be disbursed in instalments.

Fees are reviewed periodically by the university management, so prospective and returning students should always confirm the exact current figures on the official UNIBEN portal (uniben.edu.ng) before making payment, as amounts can change from one session to another.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many years does it take to study Medicine and Surgery at UNIBEN?

It takes six (6) years to complete the MBBS programme, followed by a mandatory one-year housemanship before full medical registration.

2. What is the cut-off mark for Medicine and Surgery at UNIBEN?

There is no single fixed cut-off mark published ahead of each admission cycle; it is determined by merit based on the applicant pool that year. However, candidates typically need a strong UTME score alongside a good Post-UTME performance, with recent successful aggregates trending well above the general 200 baseline UNIBEN sets for other courses.

3. Can I gain admission into UNIBEN Medicine and Surgery through Direct Entry?

Yes, but Direct Entry candidates need at least an Upper Credit (60% and above) in a related Diploma, HND, IJMB, or A-Level programme, in addition to meeting the standard O’Level requirements.

4. Does UNIBEN accept two sittings of O’Level results for Medicine and Surgery?

No. While most other courses at UNIBEN accept O’Level credits obtained across two sittings, Medicine and Surgery specifically requires all five credit passes to be obtained in one sitting.

5. Is UNIBEN school fees for Medicine and Surgery paid in instalments?

Generally, no. UNIBEN does not permit instalment payment of school fees except for students benefiting from an approved bursary or scholarship scheme.

Fees and admission figures are subject to periodic review by UNIBEN management. Always verify current figures directly on the official UNIBEN website or admissions portal before making any payment.