Public Health is a vital field dedicated to disease prevention, health promotion, and improving healthcare systems. With an increasing demand for qualified public health professionals, many Nigerian universities now offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Public Health.
Let’s go over the top universities, admission requirements, program options, and career opportunities for those interested in studying Public Health in Nigeria.
Why Study Public Health in Nigeria
A degree in Public Health equips students with skills in epidemiology, health policy, environmental health, and disease prevention. Public health professionals play a critical role in controlling outbreaks, improving healthcare policies, and educating communities.
Benefits of Studying Public Health in Nigeria
- Diverse Career Opportunities – Graduates can work in hospitals, government agencies, NGOs, and international health organizations.
- Growing Demand – Public health professionals are needed to address challenges such as infectious diseases, maternal health, and environmental hazards.
- Affordable Education – Nigerian universities offer cost-effective public health programs compared to studying abroad.
- Practical Training – Many programs include fieldwork, research projects, and community health interventions to provide hands-on experience.
Top Universities Offering Public Health in Nigeria
Several universities in Nigeria offer Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Public Health. Below are some of the leading institutions.
University of Ibadan (UI)
- Programs: B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. in Public Health
- Faculty: Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine
- Overview:
- The first Faculty of Public Health in Nigeria.
- Specializations in Epidemiology, Environmental Health, Health Policy, and Health Promotion.
- Collaborates with WHO, UNICEF, and other health organizations for research and training.
- Website: com.ui.edu.ng
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- Programs: B.Sc. and Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Institute: Institute of Public Health
- Overview:
- Designed for health professionals and students from various fields.
- Special focus on bioethics, epidemiology, and disease control.
- Website: publichealth.unn.edu.ng
University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
- Programs: B.Sc., M.Sc., and MPH in Public Health
- Faculty: School of Public Health
- Overview:
- Nigeria’s first dedicated School of Public Health.
- Faculty members include professionals with international experience.
- Website: uphsph.edu.ng
University of Medical Sciences, Ondo (UNIMED)
- Programs: B.Sc. and M.Sc. Public Health
- Faculty: School of Public Health
- Overview:
- The first stand-alone School of Public Health in Nigeria.
- Strong emphasis on evidence-based health systems and disease prevention.
- Website: unimed.edu.ng
Madonna University
- Programs: B.Sc. and M.Sc. Public Health
- Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences
- Overview:
- One of the first private universities in Nigeria to offer Public Health.
- Curriculum designed to meet global public health needs.
- Website: madonnauniversity.edu.ng
Thomas Adewumi University (TAU)
- Programs: B.Sc. Public Health
- Faculty: Faculty of Basic Medical and Health Sciences
- Overview:
- The department aims to become a center of excellence in Public Health education.
- Prepares students for careers in hospitals, NGOs, and government agencies.
- Website: tau.edu.ng
National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
- Programs: B.Sc. Public Health
- Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences
- Overview:
- Provides flexible and affordable online Public Health education.
- Suitable for working professionals looking to advance their careers.
- Website: fohs.nou.edu.ng
Nile University of Nigeria
- Programs: Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Overview:
- Research-focused program preparing students for leadership roles in public health administration and disease control.
- Website: nileuniversity.edu.ng
Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology (RIVCOHSMAT)
- Programs: Diploma and B.Sc. in Public Health
- Overview:
- Offers Public Health-related programs in Environmental Health, Public Health Nursing, and Community Health.
Admission Requirements for Public Health Programs in Nigeria
Undergraduate (B.Sc. Public Health)
- Five (5) O’Level credit passes, including:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Minimum JAMB UTME score as required by the university.
- Some universities may require a post-UTME screening test.
Master’s (MPH, M.Sc. Public Health)
- A Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Medicine, Nursing, or a related field.
- Minimum Second Class Lower (2.2) CGPA.
- Work experience in health-related fields is an added advantage.
- Some universities require entrance exams or interviews.
Career Opportunities in Public Health
Graduates of Public Health programs have diverse career options in:
Government Health Agencies
- Ministry of Health
- National Primary Health Care Development Agency
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
International Organizations and NGOs
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- United Nations (UN) agencies
- UNICEF
- Red Cross
Hospitals and Healthcare Institutions
- Health administration
- Community health education
- Disease control units
Research and Academia
- University lecturers
- Public health researchers
- Epidemiologists
Related: Master’s in Public Health (MPH) in Nigeria: Requirements and Top Universities In 2025
Wrapping
Choosing the right university for a Public Health degree in Nigeria depends on:
- Your career goals (clinical, research, policy, or education).
- Preferred learning format (traditional or online programs like NOUN).
- Budget and tuition fees.
- University ranking and faculty expertise.
The universities listed above offer high-quality Public Health education and provide students with the skills needed to improve healthcare systems in Nigeria and beyond.
For the latest information, visit the official websites of these universities and start your application today.