Top 10 Best Dental Universities in Nigeria (2024)
When students don’t hit their target of studying medicine and surgery, the best dental universities in Nigeria are their immediate resort, most of the time. Even though medical students and dental students go through almost similar training, the need for separate dental schools can’t be underrated.
Dentistry is a very old course in Nigeria, which by implication means that many universities in the country would offer the course. Unfortunately, the downside is that not all these universities have solid dental programs.
In this article, we will identify the best dental universities in Nigeria that you can bet on to give you the best training as a prospective dentist. In no order, below is the list of the best dental universities in Nigeria.
List of Best Dental Universities in Nigeria
College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba
You can’t simply write off the impact the University of Lagos has made in both the medical and dental side of health professionals’ training.
In fact, when it comes to dentistry, the southwestern university is considered the best, not just because the best students who work within and outside the shores of the country are produced, but also, because the best professors are found here.
In addition to their exploits in the healthcare field, the University of Lagos has also churned some national leaders like Professor Yemi Osibajo (current Vice President of Nigeria), Rilwan Akiolu (current Oba of Lagos), Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombo State Governor) and even Ousainou Darboe (the current Gambian minister of Foreign Affairs)
College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo, Ile-Ife
You can’t possibly call the top five dental universities in Nigeria, and not include the southwestern university, Obafemi Awolowo University, which was formerly known as the University of Ife. Apart from dentistry, the university offers top-rated courses like medicine, civil engineering, computer engineering, law, and mass communication.
OAU isn’t in any way lacking in great alumni. The current governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is one of the graduates of the school. The General Overseer of RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye is also one of their alumni. Oluremi Tinubu, the former first lady of Lagos State also is one of the students.
College of Medicine, University of Ibadan
You must be wondering already where Nigeria’s first university is. Well, it is safe to say that the list of best dental universities in Nigeria is incomplete without making mention of the University of Ibadan. For a university that was operational in the pre-independence era, they have set standards high when it comes to dentistry.
The celebrated writer, Chinua Achebe is one of the great products of the university. There is also the Chief of Air Staff, Sadique Abubakar who obtained his first degree from the university. Other names are Grace Alele-Williams, Kayode Are, and Emeka Anyaoku.
College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City
In the south-south region, the University of Benin stands out as the university having the best dental school. For this reason, the university has been awarded severally by reputable academic bodies for its great work not just in the area of dentistry, but also, in other health-allied courses.
College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus
Nigeria’s first indigenous university, the University of Nigeria makes an unsurprising mention in the list of best dental universities in Nigeria.
Apart from being the outright best dental university in the southeastern, they have proven their mettle on a global stage.
Bayero University Kano, Faculty of Dentistry
Hardly do northern universities get a stake in such mentions as the best dental universities in Nigeria. However, Bayero University has been that shining light for the North, not only in the field of dentistry but also, in other health-related courses.
Bayero University boasts of having the best dental schools in the country that has attracted students and professors alike from different parts of the world.
College of Medicine, Lagos State University
The only state university that makes it into the list of best dental universities in Nigeria certainly has to be the Lagos State University, the amount of work the Lagos State government has put in to develop dentistry in the university can’t be ignored.
So, if you are students who wish to study dentistry in an environment where the strike isn’t an issue, LASU makes a great option.
College of Health Sciences, University of PortHarcourt
UNIPORT is yet another great choice for students who are searching for the best dental universities in Nigeria. Their dental program not only is rich but also very stable so you don’t have to bother if the university is approved by the National Universities Council.
College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri
Northeastern University makes a good option for students who are on the lookout for the best dental universities in Nigeria. Notwithstanding its location in an area fraught with terrorism like Borno State, UNIMAID has kept its dental programs flying high.
Conclusion
Depending on the dental university, the students are expected to spend between five to six years before they can certify as dentists. And, of course, to be admitted to study dentistry, you will need a very good score in the JAMB’s UTME and excellent grades in WAEC’s WASSCE or its equivalent.
However, you must have at least five credits in Mathematics, English, Physics, Biology, and Chemistry if it is the O’level examination. While for the Level examination, three passes are non-negotiable.
