Public Health course is one of the fastest-growing fields in health that is gaining a lot of attention due to the increasing need of society for better health facilities, improved health conditions, and access to good Health for the population.
Amid this high demand, they are often a low supply for these high demand for skilled workers trained in this field. Aspiring to venture into public health care work or as an expert, you need to have proof of a certificate from a reputable learning institution that is accredited by the NUC.
There are numerous reasons why you should study a Public Health course and aspire to be a healthcare worker. Our blog won’t contain all of that, but we are going to expose you to a few reasons why you should study public health aside from being in high demand in the labour market.
Let’s get started!
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Reasons to Study a Public Health Course in Nigeria
Studying a public health course comes with a lot of benefits, including
- Professional Variety: This means you can explore various specializations in public health. As a matter of fact, there are so many that you will find one tailored to your needs.
- Solving Problems: Another reason why you should study public health also includes solving problems, helping others, the ability to tackle emergency health issues, and a lot more; in fact, the benefits are numerous.
Having exposed you to what a public health course entails, why you should study, and the benefits that come from dedicating your years of study to this particular field.
So you must be pondering where I can study public health in Nigerian higher institutions across the federation. The truth is that numerous higher institutions are offering public health courses across the federation. Still, it is best to attend the best university which are proven and has the available facilities needed for the field.
We shall be exposing you to the 7 best universities to study a public health course in Nigeria, whether as an undergraduate, a postgraduate student, or someone who wants to advance more in their field of study.
The best part is that the 7 best universities are owned by the government, which means you don’t have to break the bank for getting that particular certificate in Public health, regardless of the level.
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7 Best Universities to Study Public Health Course in Nigeria
1. University of Ibadan (UI)
The University of Ibadan, situated in the old city of Ibadan, is one of the first universities, notable for academic excellence and a good learning environment. The Department of Public Health at the University of Ibadan is not just a department but rather a faculty with various departments under it.
The faculty is equipped with the latest accessories and tools needed for hands-on practicals during your studies. It is an ideal university to study public health.
The minimum ‘O’ level requirements for the Faculty of Public Health at the University of Ibadan are five (5) credits at one sitting in the relevant subjects and six(6) credits at two sittings. Possession of a credit pass in English Language is a compulsory requirement for all courses, while a credit pass is required in Mathematics for all science-based courses and Economics.
2. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
University of Lagos (UNILAG), located on the outskirts of Lagos, has three campuses scattered across the mainland of Lagos, with the main campus located in Yaba, and the other two are located at Akoka.
The Department of Community Health & Primary Care, which covers the public health course in Lagos University Teaching Hospital, is focused on the aspects of public health, which is the art and science of preventing disease, promoting health, and prolonging life through organised efforts of the society.
It is one of the best universities to study a public health course in Nigeria, equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and a conducive environment; it is the best place to be.
The requirements of UNILAG are quite high, requiring you to score 200 or more than 200, depending on how competitive the department is, and you must have at least 5 credits for subjects in Mathematics, English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, with not less than 2 credits per subject.UNILAG can be quite demanding.
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3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Obafemi Awolowo University, located in the ancient city of Ile-Ife, Osun State, is a prestigious university noted for its academic performance and excellence among universities across the federation.
The public health course is run by the Department of Community Health, which runs a highly respected department of Community Health with a Strong emphasis on rural health outreach and preventive medicine for a wider community. With adequate facilities and a good studying environment, it is a place to be for students aspiring to study public health.
The admission requirements of Obafemi Awolowo University generally require a 200 cut-off mark, but it depends on the department you choose, as some departments are more competitive than others, which will prompt.
You to have more than 200 and your O’Level Requirements: Candidates must have at least five (5) credit passes in their O’Level results, obtained in not more than two sittings. The English Language is compulsory. For the requirement for public health, you can check the university for proper details regarding this.
4. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
University of Nsukka (UNN) is located in Nsukka, Enugu, with three campuses spread throughout the state.
Public Health courses are available through the Faculty of Health Sciences & Technology, and the faculty offers specializations in epidemiology, health promotion, and environmental health, which are also under the branch of public health.
Though UNN has issued a disclaimer about the university cut-off mark but the requirement for UNN as of now is 160 with credit in five subjects, mathematics and English compulsory.
It should be noted that UNN is a competitive university, so any aspirant seeking admission into any department should aim for more than 160 in their UTME exam sitting, especially for very competitive departments. For departments like law and others, you should aim for about 200 UTME marks.
5. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
The University of Benin is a public university located in the ancient city of Benin City, Edo State, with two campuses, which are used for learning. The university also has a teaching hospital called the University of Benin Teaching Hospital(UBTH).
The public health course is run through the Department of Community Health. The department has established itself as one of the oldest departments in Nigeria University, established in 1972.
At the end of the course, the university’s objective is to equip
- It’s graduates with the use of epidemiological, demographic, and medical statistical methods in the assessment and reporting of health problems in a community;
- advise on environmental health, including water supply and waste disposal, acquire knowledge and skill in public health policy planning and administration;
- and play a leadership role in its performance, health educate the public on common health problems, describing the principles of dietetics and nutrition for all ages and communities.
The minimum requirement for UTME is 200 and above, depending on the department you decide to apply for, and it should be taken into notice that UNIBEN also runs a Post-UTME examination.
This means you have to fulfill the obligation of passing your O-level examination with the requirement of 5 credits in O-level subjects, with English and mathematics compulsory. For an appropriate guide on how to apply for the course, you can check the university website portal for a proper guide
6. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
University of Port Harcourt is a university that is located in Aluu and Choba in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Established in 1975, it is ranked as the best university in Nigeria and 6th in Africa in 2015, making it a desirable place of study.
The public health course is run in the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) through the School of Public Health, UNIPORT, but it is limited to Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s, and P.HD holders. Currently, there is insufficient information to know whether the institution is offering the course for postgraduate students.
An aspirant would be required to have a minimum of a first degree in medicine or a first degree in fields related to the programme, with at least a CGPA of 3.00 on a 5-point scale or its equivalent.
Holders of a post-graduate diploma (PGD) in public health with a CGPA of 3.50 are also eligible for those who intend to take a master’s in UNIPORT, and if you intend to pursue PHD in UNIPORT, you are required to have a 3.5 CGPA.
7. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
University of Ilorin is a federal University located in Ilorin, Kwara state. University of Ilorin is one of he most sought-after universities according to statistics, which are confirmed through the applications of applicants through the JAMB portal.
So aspiring or intending to study a public health course in this university have to achieve excellence, but you have to step higher to outpace other aspirants. Public health course is a well sought course in UNILORIN, and this course is managed by the department of Department of Epidemiology and Community Health.
The department at UNILORIN lives up to its name and expectations. It is one of the departments that is also an accredited training centre for both the National Postgraduate Medical College (Nigeria) and the West African College of Physicians in the Public Health specialty.
The department is among the training centers for the MD Programme of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria; it is truly a luxury to be in this prestigious university.
The requirement of UNILORIN is at 180 cut-off mark, but this depends on the department you wish to pursue your course of study.
For example, medicine and Surgery require you to have more than a 240 cut-off mark compared to other departments, which also do. It is required that you have at least a credit in five subjects in not more than two sittings from your O-level examination, with English and mathematics compulsory. It is advisable to check the requirements of the university regarding public health and the subject needed for admission.
Conclusion: Public Health Course
Various universities out there offer public health courses, but these seven are picked and tailored according to your taste due to their academic excellence and credibility.
The cut-off mark stipulated in the article does not guarantee admission into the department, as various universities require you to have more than the stated cut-off mark to be admitted.
Even tried this institution and they did not give you admission, of course, it is not a cause for alarm or panic. You can apply to another university or health institution that also meets these criteria.