There are many courses offered in Nigerian universities, and public health is now one of them. Though relatively new, public health is a core discipline in Nigeria, and only a few higher institutions offer undergraduate programs in public health.
Before now, you could only get basic training in public health, specifically community and environmental health in community health and nursing schools, as well as medical post graduate colleges.
There has always been a place for public health education and related courses in the curriculum of paramedical disciplines such as microbiology and Medical laboratory science.
However, as I earlier mentioned, only few universities and colleges offer it as a significant course of study. Thankfully, there is an increasing focus on public health education in Nigeria, and more institutions of learning are joining the train.
If you are interested in studying Public health at undergraduate or postgraduate levels in Nigeria, then you just might need a guide to help you select the best institutions to apply to.
In this article, we have crafted a list of the major schools that offer public health courses at undergraduate levels, as well as postgraduate levels, so that you can make an informed choice.
List of Nigerian universities Offering Bsc public health
Babcock University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSc Public Health)
For a private university in Nigeria, we must commend Babcock university for setting the pace for some public higher institutions in the country when it comes to the introduction of public health as a course.
Babcock University is one of the pioneering institutions to offer public health as an undergraduate course in Nigeria.
Per the information made available on the university website, public health as a program of study provides students the chance to examine health policies, environmental issues, various social/contextual determinants of access to health care services, and health in general.
What are the Admission Requirements For Babcock University Bachelor of Science in Public Health
(BSc Public Health)
- 5 or 6 Credit-level passes at the senior secondary school certificate examination (SSCE) or its equivalent ( the options are Waec, NECO, or NABTEB), at most on two sittings
- Credits in Mathematics, English Language, Chemistry, Biology/ Health Science, or A-Level Biology, Mathematics is mandatory
- Registered Nurses, Community Health Officers, Environmental Health Officers and other candidates who possess an NCE in Home Economics, Physical/Health Education, Nutrition, and Science Education, may get admission into 200 Level so far they have obtained a minimum of merit pass level
National Open University of Nigeria
Another university that offers undergraduate courses in public health is the first online University in Nigeria, the National Open University.
The program for public health is only available to direct entry candidates ( this set of people begin from 200 level)
Admission Requirements For a Public health degree at the National Open University of Nigeria
- At least five credits in O’ levels (Waec, NECO, or NABTEB) with the compulsory inclusion of Mathematics, English Language, Chemistry, Biology.
- A Diploma with Upper Credit in any of these courses is also necessary
- Food science and technology
- Community health (CHO)
- Home economics
- Science lab tech
- Registered nurse (RN)
Madonna University of Nigeria
Madonna is one of the oldest private universities in Nigeria. The private University belonging to the Roman Catholic Church was established in 1999.
Madonna University has a college of Health Sciences, under which they offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Public health.
According to the school, the department of public health aims to provide students with a sound scientific and professional basis for becoming Public Health personnel who are qualified to work in any of the primary health services levels.
The Admission Requirements For Madonna University Bachelor of Science degree in Public health
- Five O’ Level Credit Level Passes at a maximum of two sittings
- Subjects must include Mathematics, English Language, and three other relevant subjects.
The Federal University of Technology Owerri
The Federal University of Technology Owerri is a government-owned University that offers a unique program in public health called The Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) degree program in Public Health Technology.
While the name of the program may sound unfamiliar, this unique program that is native to the University is offered by the School of Health Technology.
The curriculum for the Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) degree program is built on the basic tenets of public health science like biomedical science, epidemiology, as well as engineering sciences.
The Bachelor of Technology degree (B. Tech) program also relies on a large body of knowledge drawn from immunology, Microbiology, demography, biochemistry, social sciences, parasitology, histology, and human anatomy
What are the Admission Requirements For Public Health Technology FUTO?
- At least five (5) O’ Level Credit Level Passes in at most two sittings
- Subjects must include mathematics, English Language, and three other relevant subjects.
List of Nigerian Universities that offer Master in Public health or Masters in Community Health Degree
A Master’s degree of Public health degrees, also called MPH in Nigeria is one discipline that is highly sought after due to the variety of job opportunities available to holders of this degree, most especially individuals with some level of experience in the public health sector.
About Master of Public health Degrees in Nigerian Universities
Public Health programmes At Obafemi Awolowo University
The Obafemi Awolowo University, in Ile-Ife has its Institute of Public Health (IPH) is located at the center of south-western Nigeria.
The institute is a center where ideas on health promotion, health development, and disease prevention programs are developed. The Obafemi Awolowo is one of the first schools to offer MPH in Nigeria.
The Obafemi Awolowo Institute of public health is a vital part of the College of Health Sciences and functions as a focal point for the planning, implementation, and coordination as well as evaluation of public health researches, services, and training.
Something else that the institute also does is to collaborate with institutions and development agencies to aid the actualization of the vision of health promotion and development in not only Nigeria but the rest of the world.
Postgraduate Public Health Programs of the Obafemi Awolowo University
Masters
- Master of Public Health (M.P.H)
- Public Health (M Phil)
- Master in Clinical Psychology
Doctor of Philosophy from OAU
Ph.D. in Public Health
The admission requirement for a Masters degree in Public Health at Obafemi Awolowo University
- An Applicant must possess a minimum of a Second Class Honors Degree (Lower Division) from the Obafemi Awolowo University or a recognized University.
- A Bachelor’s degree in the Sciences any of following disciplines Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Geography, Botany, Geology, Biochemistry, Physiology, Pharmacology, Medical lab Science, Medicine/Medical Sciences, Pharmacy and Technology particularly Civil and Chemical Engineering (with at least a 2nd class lower). Other related courses may also be given consideration depending on the level of competition and availability of space.
- Experience in social welfare, health, health promotion, education, or other appropriate Agency, Ministry, or Institution may serve as an advantage.
Public Health programs At the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria
The MPH program that is offered at the Ahmadu Bello University is in technical collaboration with the University of Aberdeen and mostly open to individuals who have an MBBS degree from the Ahmadu Bello University or a degree that is equivalent from any University that is recognized by the senate of the University.
Asides the, MPH program, the other public health program offered by the Ahmadu Bello University is the Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program for the award of a MPH degree in Laboratory Epidemiology and Management, MPH in Field Epidemiology, and MPH in Veterinary Epidemiology which is offered in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Federal Ministry of Health, with funding and technical support from the American Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As a high ranking academic public health center in Nigeria and on the international scene, the school work to promote a multi-disciplinary approach to public health scholarships, policy and practice.
Postgraduate Public Health Programs at the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria of Nigeria
Masters
- Master of Public Health (M.P.H)
- MPH in Laboratory Epidemiology and Management
- MPH in Veterinary Epidemiology
The Admission Requirement for A Masters in Public Health at the Ahmadu Bello University
Master of Public Health (MPH)
- This course is available to candidates who already have an MBBS degree from the Ahmadu Bello University or any other equivalent degree from a University recognized by the senate of the ABU Zaria.
- Registration with the Nigerian Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) is a presequisite requirement
- A minimum of three years post-degree cognate experience in Health and Safety, Medicine, a Medical Programs or related Industry, or a Federal, State, or Local Government
- All candidates must first undergo a pre-admission test for their eligibility to be determined before they are selected. Only candidates who will benefit most from the course will be selected.
Public Health programs At the Federal University of Ibadan
The University of Ibadan is one of the most respected institutions of learning in Nigeria. The Faculty of Public Health of the U.I is the very first Faculty of Public Health in the country.
The faculty, which was established in 2002, has since taken on leadership roles in the human resources, research, and development of public health. The Faculty of public health is made up of six different Departments and one Institute namely:
- Health Promotion & Education
- Institute of Child Health (ICH)
- Epidemiology & Medical Statistics
- Human Nutrition
- Environmental Health Sciences
- Health Policy & Management
- Preventive Medicine & Primary Care
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programs Public Health Programs at the University of Ibadan
The Federal University of Ibadan is living up to expectations as one of the first Universities to offer public health courses in Nigeria.
The U.I has the highest number of accredited public health programs in the country. The academic programs available in the different departments of the faculty are:
- Biostatistics
- Epidemiology
- Epidemiology and Medical Statistics
- Field Epidemiology
- Medical Demography
- Field Epidemiology Practice
- Human Nutrition
- Health Promotion and Education
- Environmental Health
- Population and Reproductive Health Education
- Health Policy and Management
- Health Services Administration
- Reproductive and Family Health
- The Institute of Child Health.
Public Health Degrees Programs, and Specialization of University of Ibadan
1. Department of Epidemiology& Medical Statistics
- MPH Field Epidemiology
- MPH Medical Demography
- MSc. Epidemiology
- MSc. Biostatistics
- MSc Biostatistics and Epidemiology
- Ph.D. Epidemiology, Demography & Biostatistics
2. Department of Environmental Health Sciences
- MPH Environmental Health
- Ph.D. in Environmental Health
3. Department of Health Promotion &Education
- MPH Health Promotion and Education
- MPH Population and Reproductive Health Education
- Ph.D. Health Promotion and Education, Population and Reproductive Health Education
4. Department of Health Policy &Management
- MPH Health Policy & Management
- MHSA Health Services Administration
5. Department of Human Nutrition
- BSc. Human Nutrition and Dietetics
- MSc. Human Nutrition
- MPH Population and Reproductive Health Nutrition
- PH.D. Human Nutrition
6. Department of Preventive Medicine &Primary Care
- MPH Reproductive & Family Health and Occupational Health
7. Department of Institute of Child Health
- MPH Child and Adolescent Health
Admission Requirement for a Masters in Public Health degree in University of Ibadan
- Candidates who seek admission into the U.I for a master’s degree in any public health course should generally be a graduate of the University of Ibadan or any other University that is recognized by the school senate.
- A Bachelor’s degree in the Sciences in any of the following disciplines Physiology, Microbiology, Botany, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Medicine/Medical Sciences, Pharmacy (with at least a 2nd class). Nevertheless, other related disciplines will likely be considered depending on the level of competition and the availability of space
- Experience in health education, promotion, social welfare, or other appropriate Agency, Ministry, or Institution may be an extra advantage.
Public Health Programs at the Federal University of Lagos
For candidates who are interested in a master of public health program from the University of Lagos, you need to know that it runs under the department of community health, which is of the UniLag school of postgraduate studies.
Postgraduate Public Health Programs at the Federal University of Lagos are:
- Sc Public Health
- MPH Master in Public Health
Admission Requirement for Masters in Public Health at the Federal University of Lagos
- All applicants must have a Bachelors’ degree from the University of Lagos or any other higher institution or university recognized by the senate of the university
- Candidates who posses other qualification(s) that are relevant to health, and are recognized by the senate of the University of Lagos can also apply
- In addition to the first two requirements above, applicants may be required to take written and /or oral examinations as a condition for admission.
Public Health Programs at the University Of Nigeria, Nsukka
MPH degree program is also offered by the UNN Department of Community Medicine under the following areas of specialization: Social Medicine, Maternal and Child Health, Epidemiology of Community Disease, Health Education, Occupational and Environmental Health.
Health Services Management/Health Economics
Public Health Programs of the University Of Port Harcourt
If you want a public health Master’s degree program from the University of Port Harcourt, then you have selected one of the best places to obtain your Master of Public Health (MPH) if you are an MBBS graduate.
For other candidates, the Master of Science in Public Health (MSc Public Health MSPH) is available for graduates who have a Bachelor of Science degree in Anatomy, Microbiology, Botany, Geography, Pharmacy, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Medicine/Medical Sciences, etc. Both the MPH and the MSPH courses are run by the Department Of Preventive And Social Medicine
Admission Requirement for A Masters in Public Health in University of Port Harcourt
- Candidates must have a first Degree in Basic Medical Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, and other relevant courses relevant to Medicine.
- For candidates who have an Sc Honors in any health-related discipline the minimum benchmark of a Second Class(Lower Division) with a CGPA of 2.5 on a 4 point scale and a CGPA of not below 3.0 on a 5-point scale
- At least three years of postgraduate experience in the medical field and must have completed the compulsory one year National Youth Service (NYSC) program.
- Candidates will undergo a written and or oral selection process, and only those who are successful in the exam will be admitted into the program.
Public Health programs At the Babcock University
- Master of Public Health (M.P.H)
- Epidemiology in Public Health
- Public Health (M Phil)
- D. Public Health
Public Health programs at the University of Calabar
- Master of Public Health (M.P.H)
Admission Requirement for a Masters in Public Health in University of Calabar
- Candidates must get a first Degree in any of the following disciplines Medicine, Pharmacy, Basic Medical Sciences, Nursing, and other relevant courses related to Medicine from the University of Calabar or any other approved university.
- For candidates with a B.Sc Honors in any health-related discipline and meets the minimum benchmark is a Second Class (Lower Division) and at least a CGPA of 2.5 on a 4 point scale or CGPA of not less than 3.0 on a 5-point scale
- At least three years of postgraduate experience and must have completed the compulsory National Youth Service (NYSC) program.
Public Health programs at the University of Ilorin
The Master in Public Health (MPH) program offered by the University of Ilorin runs for at least a period of twenty-four (24) calendar months (two years) and a maximum period of thirty-six (36) calendar months (3 years) for full-time candidates.
For part-time candidates, the program runs for a minimum period of thirty-six (36) calendar months (three years) and a maximum period of forty-eight (48) calendar months (four years).
- Master of Public Health Education (M. PHE)
Specialization
- Drug Education
- Primary Health care
- Community Health Education
- Reproductive and Family Health
- Safety Health Education
- Master of Community Health (M.Comm.H.)
Specialization
- Tropical Public Health
- Epidemiology and Community Health
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Health
- Health Management and Health Education
Master in Public Health (MPH)
Specialization
- Tropical Public Health
- Epidemiology and Community Health
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Health
- Health Management
- Health Education.
Ph.D. Public Health
Specialization: Epidemiology
Admission Requirement for a Masters in Public Health in University of Ilorin
- Candidates must have a first Degree from any other recognized university or the University of Ilorin in Medicine, Pharmacy, Basic Medical Sciences, Nursing and other relevant courses linked to Medicine.
- For candidates who have a B.Sc Honors in a health-related discipline the at least the minimum Second Class (Lower Division) benchmark and a CGPA of not lower than 2.5 on a 4 point scale, or 3.00 on a 5-point range
- At least three years of postgraduate experience and must have completed the compulsory National Youth Service (NYSC) program.
- Candidates who are applying for the Ph.D. in a public health program must have bagged a Master’s degree in the relevant discipline from the University of Ilorin, or a recognized University, with an average score of not below 60%.
- Candidates who studied outside Nigeria in universities where the English language is not the medium of instruction must show proof of their English Language proficiency, e.g. IELTS or TOEFL scores.
List of Accredited institutions for Public Health Nursing in Nigeria
Public Health Nursing in Nigeria is a recognized post-basic Nursing training course that lasts for 18 months.
Completion of the public health nursing program would attract the award of Higher National Diploma in Public Health (HND -PH). There is a qualifying exam to get into this program, and it is conducted by the West Africa Health Examination Board.
With an HND in Public health Nursing, a candidate can quickly gain admission into a university to run a postgraduate diploma in the public health program, which is a prerequisite for Masters in Public Health for holders of HND.
The National Board has accredited schools that currently offer public health nursing in Nigeria for Technical Education while nurses get registered and licensed by the body known as Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
If you would like access to the list of accredited schools for Public Health Nursing as well as Nigerian schools of Nursing, we have put them together for you here:
- South East
Abia State College of Health Technology, ABA
- South-South
Cross Rivers State College of Health Technology, Calabar.
- Delta State School of Health Technology, Ugheli
- North Central
Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa
- South West
Ogun State College of Health Technology, Ilese Ijebu.
School of Health Technology, Akure
- North West
Shehu Idris College of Health Technology, Makarfi
General and Specialized Admission Requirements For a Public health Education In Nigeria
Physicians are offered a postgraduate specialization in public health. These physicians must have completed the requirements of both or either the post-graduate college after four years of residency training.
The general need for gaining admission into the master of public health MPH or the Master of Science in the Public health program is at least a Bachelor of Science degree in any bio-medical sciences or related course of study.
- While HND is believed to be an equivalent of the University degree, candidates who have an HND are most times required first to obtain a Post graduate diploma in Public health before they are allowed to commence the MPH or MSc program. If you want the list of postgraduate diploma programs in public health in any Nigerian university, you should find it on the website of most Universities that offer MPH degrees.
- D. programs in public health require that a candidate has obtained a Master of Science in Public health or a Master of public health MPH. However other schools may have additional requirements.
This article is specially designed to serve as an aid or guide for people looking to gain admission into public health programs. We hope it has been helpful to you, and we would love feedback. Please, leave a comment below.
