The MBBS Programme
Overview
The Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree is the gateway qualification for the practice of medicine in Nigeria and is recognised internationally. The programme at Nnamdi Azikiwe University is structured as a progressive six-year course (five years for Direct Entry candidates) spanning three phases: the Pre-Medical year, the Pre-Clinical phase and the Clinical phase.
Programme Summary
| Programme | Degree Awarded | Entry Mode | Duration |
| Medicine and Surgery | Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) | UTME | 6 Years |
| Medicine and Surgery | Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) | Direct Entry | 5 Years |
Programme Structure
Phase 1: The Pre-Medical Year (Year 1 — Awka Main Campus)
The first year of the MBBS programme is hosted by the Faculties of Bioscience and Physical Sciences at the Awka main campus of the University. Students undertake a broad foundation in the natural sciences and general studies, covering Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science and English Communication. These courses establish the intellectual and scientific base required for medical study.
Phase 2: The Pre-Clinical Phase (Years 2 to 3 — Nnewi Campus)
The pre-clinical phase is delivered at the Nnewi Campus (Okofia premises) under the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences. The three core disciplines of Anatomy, Human Biochemistry and Human Physiology are taught over three semesters, culminating in the First Professional (2nd MBBS) Examination. Teaching combines lectures, laboratory practicals, cadaveric dissection, tutorials and seminars, providing the biomedical foundation for clinical practice.
Phase 3: The Clinical Phase (Years 4 to 6 — NAUTH Nnewi)
The clinical phase is conducted at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, where students rotate through 20 clinical departments under the guidance of consultant specialists. The Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences delivers instruction in Pathology and Pharmacology (leading to the Second Professional or the 3rd MBBS Examination), whilst the Faculty of Medicine supervises clinical postings in Surgery, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Community Medicine, Anaesthesiology, Mental Health, Ophthalmology, Radiology, Otorhinolaryngology and Family Medicine.
Professional Examinations
| Examination | Subjects | When Held |
| 1st Professional (2nd MBBS) | Anatomy, Human Biochemistry, Human Physiology | After 3 semesters of pre-clinical instruction |
| 2nd Professional (3rd MBBS) | Pathology & Pharmacology | August of the 4th academic year |
| 3rd Professional (4th MBBS) | Obstetrics & Gynaecology; Paediatrics | 5th academic year / start of 6th year |
| 4th Professional (5th MBBS — Final) | Medicine; Community Medicine; Surgery (with sub-specialties) | June of the 6th (final) academic year |
Assessment
Assessment combines formative and summative components. Continuous assessments which comprises of quizzes, mock examinations and in-course evaluations contributes 30% of the total score. The main professional examination accounts for the remaining 70%. The pass mark for each subject is 50%. Distinction is awarded to candidates who achieve 70% or above in any subject, provided all subjects of that professional examination are passed at the first attempt. An external examiner system is in operation for all professional examinations.
After Graduation comes Clinical Internship
Upon graduation, newly qualified doctors undertake a twelve-month, uninterrupted clinical internship (Housemanship) before full registration and licensure by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). The internship encompasses four clinical areas: Surgery, Internal Medicine, Paediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, ensuring a thorough grounding in core medical disciplines before independent practice.
Graduate Opportunities
Graduates of the Faculty of Medicine are prepared for careers across the full spectrum of healthcare and related fields, including:
- Clinical practice in hospitals and health facilities at all levels
- Laboratory medicine and diagnostic sciences
- Academic positions in basic medical sciences and clinical departments
- Health system management and policy
- Public health and international health agencies (WHO, UNICEF, UN, UNDP, USAID, CDC)
- Emerging fields: Assisted Reproductive Technology, Minimal Access Surgery, Interventional Radiology, Forensic Medicine, Medical Engineering.